the defectives

by vamer

ok

The Defectives (CotE x Male Reader)
Anonymous

Published: 2022
Source: https/

Character Background

Name : (Y/N) (L/N)

Age : 16

Appearance : Your choices of looks

Height : 176cm

Birthday : 20th July

Personality : Stoic, showing almost no expression in any situation, but he will eventually change to a different person. He's also an indolent person, he was not interested in anything and can sleep anywhere and anytime.

Background :

(Y/N) (L/N) was one of the children involved with an unknown organization called the White Room. He appeared to have maintained his stoic expression even as a child, as he showed no emotion during his stay in the white room. However, for some unknown reason he was first shown an expression as he saw another child fainted for reasons unknown. The organization was surprised at first, but decided to keep an eye on him as he was talented individual. (Y/N) underwent various training regiments, presumably including martial arts, while taking heavy and challenging written examinations giving him both extreme physical abilities and mental prowess. As time went on, (Y/N) began to express his concern as more children started suffering like the fainted child. As a result, he eventually expelled from the White Room, labelled as a 'failure' or 'defective'. He managed to retain his reasoning thought and judgement. He was later adopted by a normal family and lived in a normal life before enrolling to an elite high school called Advanced Nurturing High School.

The New Beginning

(Y/N)'s POV

I rode the bus to school, bobbing and shaking in my seat, my eyes were watery from the drowsiness. As the time passed, the bus picked up more and more passengers. Most of them were young people wearing high school uniforms, and there was a frustrated salary worker, as well as an unsteady elderly woman who stood in front of me.

As a good citizen, I probably should offer up my seat, but the sleepiness get the best of me. My eyes were growing heavy, and when I was about to doze off, a voice interrupted my sleep.

"Excuse me, but shouldn't you offer up your seat?"

I kept my eyes half-opened, and saw a woman scolding a blond guy that sat peacefully in his seat. As I looked closely, the man was seating in the priority seat, and the woman stood in front of him, stood beside her was the elderly woman.

"This is a priority seat, I think you should let this poor lady to sit down."

(Y/N): 'Owh, I thought she was talking to me.'

"I don't understand. Priority seats are just that: priority seats. I have no legal obligation to move. Since I'm currently occupying this seat, I should be the one who determines whether or not I move. Am I supposed to give up my seat just because I'm young? Ha! That reasoning is nonsense."

The man crossed his legs and stared back at the woman. I realized both of them were attending the same school as I do.

(Y/N): 'Well, he's not wrong.'

"But, you can contribute to this society, and the lady seems to have trouble standing." said the girl, pleading him.

"I have no interested in contributing to the society, and why should I be the one to contribute, why don't you ask the other people who are sitting in this crowded bus?" the man countered back.

"It's okay, young lady. Thank you." said the elder lady.

I decided not to intervene, one reason is that I partially agreed to the statement made by that blond guy, but mostly because I am very sleepy, the current situation couldn't intrigue me. So I decided that I better resume my nap.

I couldn't get a few seconds sleep, because of another voice came from my behind.

"Umm, you can have my seat."

A girl with black hair stood up and offered her seat to the elderly woman.

"Thank you my dear."

I took a second to process everything before felt asleep. Apparently, I felt asleep faster than I thought, and my head fell on the shoulder of an unknown girl seated beside me. Even though I closed my eyes, I can still feel that the person next to me is annoyed. Fortunately, the bus arrived at school sooner, and I leave before she could say anything else.

... ( That means timeskip!)

I stood in front of the school gate formed from natural gate. All the young boys and girls dressed in school uniforms were passing through this gate.

Advanced Nurturing High School, a school established by the Japanese government to nurture the young people who will support the country in the future. It boasts a 100% employment and college entry rate, and with thorough, state-directed teaching methods, it spares no effort in pursuing the nation's desired future.

Well, I personally couldn't care less... Seriously, I only hoped that I could spent a three year peacefully and uneventful in this school. (Well, we both know that that's not gonna happen)

I began to walk towards the entrance.

"Hey, wait a minute."

(Y/N): Huh?

I turned back and saw a girl with a black long hair. It seemed that she was the one that sat beside me on the bus.

"You're not gonna to apologize for falling asleep on a stranger's shoulder?"

(Y/N): Hmm, I don't think that's necessary, I accidentally fell on your shoulder, not purposely. So I think it's not a big deal after all.

"Why you..."

(Y/N): Besides, if you were that uncomfortable, you could just offer your seat to the elder lady though.

"I have no intention on giving up my seat, so what's up with that?"

(Y/N): Nope. You and me both. For me, that's because I prefer to stay out of trouble and have a nice sleep, that's all."

"Don't compare yourself with me, I didn't give up the seat because I didn't feel any sense that I should offer my seat to the old woman."

(Y/N): Wow, what a 'nice person' you are.

I spoke sarcastically.

"Unlike you, I am just acting on my own beliefs, it is different from the likes of you who avoid themselves from dealing with any problematic situations. Plus, my time is much more valuable than spending even a second with the people like you"

Ouch, that's pretty hurt.

(Y/N): Then why would you call me in the first place. You could save up your time and let me continue my business rather than wasting about five minutes in this nonsense argumentation.

"Tch."

She walked towards the school with an annoyed look on her face. I sighed before walked towards the school as well.

(Y/N): 'That's not what I'm expecting on my first day.'

...

Welp, I expected that the school opening ceremony was not that boring, but I was wrong. Very wrong.

I even could fell asleep while standing. *sigh*

"Now, we shall hear words from the president of school council."

Wew, a serious-looking man walked up to the stage, with an intense aura surrounding him. The one that can kill you if you are standing too close. He now stands in front of the microphone and begins to give his long, long speech.

"Good morning, I am the president of the school council. My name is Horikita Manabu, and I would like to welcome all of you young students to this very school established by..."

I didn't hear the rest. What? You honestly thought I would listen what he said? Pfft, please.

I ignored the speech given by the president of the school council and looked around. The one who stood besides the student in front of me, was the girl who I had an argument with in front of the school.

(Y/N) : 'So, we're in the same class, huh?'

Damn, my eyelids were heavy, I could fell asleep any minute now. Hopefully the speech would end sooner.

...

I entered my classroom, Class 1-D. I walked up to my table, which located in the right side of the back row near the window.

A classical protagonist's seat.

I put my bag on the desk and looked around, only found that some of them are getting to know each other while the other go through their study materials.

Sitting next to me was the girl who argued with me before. She was reading a book.

(Y/N): 'Sigh, here we go.'

"What an unpleasant coincidence." she said to me without looking me in the eyes.

(Y/N): I feel the same way.

"Everyone, may I have a moment? I was hoping we could all introduce ourselves to get a jump on getting better acquainted."

I followed the voice and landed my gaze on a man stood in front.

"The teacher doesn't seem to be here yet, anyway. How about it?"

He seemed like a decent guys with a friendly attitude and mature personality.

"I'm in!"

"Sound fun."

As I thought, all the girls practically agreed. Not to mention he's quite nice looking too.

Hirata: Thanks. Okay, I'll go first. I'm Hirata Yosuke. Just call me Yosuke. No need for formality. I play all kinds of sports, and I intend to join the football club at this school. Nice to meet you all!"

The girls literally had their eyes glistened when listened to his introduction.

(Y/N): 'I bet he'll end up being the class leader.'

Then, the girl who helped the old lady on the bus began to spoke.

Kushida: I'll go next! My name is Kushida Kikyou. My goal is to become friends with each and every one of you! I'd like to make lots of good memories, so don't hesitate to invite me anywhere!

"Looking forward to it!"

This time, the guys got hyped up. She seemed the one who able to get along with everyone.

(Y/N): 'She'll be popular with both guys and girls. But I guess this is no time to be critical. Each introduction will determined their places in this class.'

As the introduction continued on,

Ike: I'm Ike Kanji. I love girls, and I hate pretty boys. I'm currently in the market for a new girlfriend. It's nice to meet you! All the better if you're a cutie or a beauty!

It was difficult to tell if he was joking or not. At the very least, the girls looked at him with revulsion. Some of them even teasing him, but he continued to jovially go along with the teasing. He didn't seem like a bad guy, though.

Yamauchi: I'm Yamauchi Haruki. I competed in table tennis during elementary school, and in junior high I was the ace player on our baseball team. I was number four. I got hurt during the inter-high school championships, though,and I'm undergoing rehab now. Nice to meet you.

I didn't think that the number of his baseball uniform was essential information.

I was processing the informations of my new classmates inside my head, until Hirata called me.

Hirata: Next up... It's you.

He gestured his hand at me.

(Y/N): Huh, me?

My classmates all direct their attentions on me, and the pressure on me was multiplied as well. I sighed.

(Y/N): 'No getting around it. I'd better muster up the energy to introduce myself. For the sake of my school life.'

I stood up slowly.

(Y/N): Uh... Um... I'm (L/N) (Y/N). Uh... My hobby is watching movie. Um... I'm looking forward to study with everyone. Ah... Uh... I'm not good at anything particular. Uh... I'll work hard to get along with everyone.

...Crap, I screwed this up, didn't I?

After a moment of awkward silence, they somehow gave me an applause, but not that enthusiastic.

Hirata: Nice to meet you, (L/N)-kun! Let's be good friends.

What a nice guy you are.

I slowly sat back down and sighed quietly. I noticed that the girl sitting next to me smiled.

(Y/N): 'She laughed at me.'

And suddenly, the red-haired guy sitting exactly opposite end from my seat spoke.

"Introductions? Please. What are we, little kids? Do that if you want, but leave us out of it."

Some of the classmates were startled. Not cool bro.

And suddenly, a woman in suit entered my class. When I first saw her, my initial impression was that she firmly believed in discipline. If I had to guess, I would have placed her age at thirty. She wore a suit and had delicate features. Her hair seemed long, and she'd tied it into a ponytail

Chabashira: Ahem. Good morning to you, students. I'm the instructor for Class D. My name is Chabashira Sae. I usually teach Japanese history. However, at this school, we do not change classrooms for each grade. For the next three years, I will be acting as your homeroom teacher, so I hope to get to know all of you. It's a pleasure to meet you.

All the students stopped chatting among them and focus on the teacher.

Chabashira: Firstly, I will hand out the school rule book. Take one and pass it back.

From the front, the rule books were passed.

Chabashira: We have special rules at this school. First, you will live in dorms and, while at the school, your ability to leave the campus and contact the outside world will be limited. But don't worry. The school offers a variety of facilities. Everything you need can be found here, including entertainment.

After that, she took out a device.

Chabashira: I will now hand out your student ID cards. By using your card, you can access any of the facilities on campus, purchase goods from the store, and soon. It acts like a credit card. However, it is imperative that you pay attention to the points that you spend. At this school, you can use your points to buy anything. Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase. Points are automatically deposited into your account on the first of every month. You should all have received 100,000 points already. Keep in mind that one point is worth one yen. No further explanation should be necessary.

All the students erupted.

In other words, we had received a 100,000-yen monthly allowance from the school upon admission. I'd expect nothing less from a massive institution run by the Japanese government. 100,000 yen is a rather large sum of money for a high schooler.

Chabashira: Shocked by the amount of points you've been given? This school evaluates its students' talents. Everyone here has passed the entrance examination, which itself speaks to your value and potential. The amount you've received reflects the evaluation of your worth. You can use your points without restraint. After graduation, however, all of your points return to the school. Because it's impossible to exchange your points for cash,there's no advantage to saving them. Once points have been deposited into your account, it's up to you how to spend them. Do as you like. In the event that you don't want to spend your points, you may transfer them to someone else. However, extorting money from your peers is not allowed. This school monitors bullying very carefully.

As bewilderment spread among the students, Chabashira-sensei looked over the room.

Chabashira: Well, it appears no one has any questions. I hope that you enjoy your time here as students.

She then leaves the classroom.

Now, almost the entire students are now discussing what they should do with their allowance.

(Y/N): This is too much money... for a mere highschooler.

I muttered to myself. I could also heard the girl that was sitting next to me murmuring to herself. But I couldn't make out the words.

...

After school, I decided to swing by the convenience store, which is on the way to my dormitories.

Due to my personality, I didn't make any friends on my first day in school. That's suck. But who to blame?

I entered the store and picked up the basket. I headed to the food section.

(Y/N): 'Hmm, these bentos seem cheap enough. I might try not to overspend my point on my first month. I could also buy some ingredients and cook for myself, the menus would be more flexible and the food portion would be adjustable. But I'm lazy to cook... On the other hand, there are some cheap potstickers available, I could just boil the water and throw it all into the pot and the meal is served...'

After debating with myself, I decided to take some cheap bentos and cream rolls then put it into my basket. Then, I paid for the items using my student ID, and began heading to the exit before I stumbled upon someone.

"Another unpleasant coincidence."

(Y/N): C'mon, you don't have to be so hostile. Anyway, did you need to buy something?

"Yes, just a few things. I came to get some necessities."

(Y/N): Well, since we sit beside each other, we should at least get along. What's your name?

She gave me a silence treatment.

(Y/N): You can tell me that much, can't you?

"Is it a problem if I refuse to answer?"

(Y/N): No, but it's unsettling not to know the name of the person sitting beside me.

She then looked at me, stoically.

For the first time, I got a good look at her face. Wow. She was cute. Or rather, she was beautiful. Even though we were in the same grade, I'd have believed it if you told me she was a year or two older. Such a calm, cool beauty.

Horikita: It's Horikita Suzune.

(Y/N): Horikita? Like the president of the student council?

Then again, she ignored me. She then put the shampoos and other products in her basket. Hmm, I thought she would choose better quality rather than cheap one.

(Y/N): I thought that girls choose their product qualities well. You seem choose a lot of cheap products, you have a lot of point, though.

She glared at me coldly, the one that could kill you.

Horikita: You shouldn't look at other people's thing without permission.

(Y/N): My bad.

Horikita: You don't seem very good at interacting with people. You're a lousy conversationalist.

(Y/N): That's true, although you don't seem much better.

Horikita: True. But I, for one, feel no need to make friends.

As she said, her gaze fell on the free products on the corner of the store.

Horikita: Free?

(Y/N): I guess it's to help people who used up their points?

Horikita: On top of 100,000 yen a month? This school is quite indulgent.

(Y/N): You thought of that too, huh?

We were interrupted by a commotion outside the store.

It seemed that one of our classmates were in a confrontation with three other upperclassman.

(Y/N): Huh? He's from our class, isn't he?

Horikita: My integrity would take a dive if I involved myself in that.

(Y/N): ...I agree.

After a while, the confrontation scattered. Horikita and I went to separate ways without bidding each other farewell. Not close enough to do that, yet. I sighed again.

...

I arrived at my dorms. After I received the key to my room from the receptionist, I took the elevator up and walked to my room.

I put my bag and the items that I bought on the table and immediately jumped on my bed.

(Y/N): Well, this is my new home now. Better get used to it.

...

A/N: '...' means the thought of that person while "..." means the words from the person whom their names were not mention(yet).

The Students of Class D

(Y/N)'s POV

On the second day of school, well, technically, it was the first day of class. During the first day, we spent our time get familiar with the school's rules and get acquainted with one another.

It didn't take a long time before social groups were formed. Of course, I was left out alone, due to my lack of interests to interact with people, but mostly because I was lazy to socialize with others. I was leaning on my hand and prepared to take a nap, it was recess time after all. Until Horikita talked to me.

Horikita: I'm surprised that you could sleep anywhere any time. So pitiful.

(Y/N): And I'm surprised that a girl who claims she doesn't need any friends, paid her attention to me.

Horikita: Don't flatter yourself. I'm just curious how could a person like you can be so lazy.

(Y/N): Hmm, beats me.

Horikita took a nibble on her sandwich. I turned my head and looked at her. She's cute. She noticed me and gave me a cold stare.

Horikita: Cast your perverted gaze at somewhere else.

(Y/N): Only on the beautiful girl like you.

I teased her. And it's super effective. Horikita seems blushed a bit at my comment and turned away from me. Well, watching her eating kinda made me hungry.

(Y/N): Well, I guess I should pay cafeteria a visit.

I got up from my seat and exited the classroom.

Then, a girl approached me in the hallway outside the classroom, it was Kushida, one of my classmates.

Kushida: Um... (L/N)-kun, right?

(Y/N): Yeah. Um... Kushida?

Kushida: Thanks! I'm so glad you remembered my name.

Alright, I have to admit that she had a beautiful smile.

(Y/N): Yeah... I guess.

Kushida: Um... Can we talk?

Actually, I'm kinda hungry, but I guess I could spare a minute or few.

(Y/N): I think there's no problem.

Kushida: Thanks! Um... (L/N)-kun, you seem very close to Horikita-san.

(Y/N): No, I wouldn't say that...

Kushida: But you're the only one she ever talks to. I want to be friends with everyone in school. So I asked Horikita-san for her contact information, but she turned me down...

As I listened to her, my gaze inadvertently fell on her 'asset'. It's big. Girls these days, what do they eat?

Suddenly, Kushida snapped back my attention.

Kushida: She said she doesn't want to be friends with anyone.

(Y/N): Yeah, I think that's just how she is.

Kushida closed in the distance between us and grasped on my hand.

Kushida: But I want to be friends with Horikita-san, too! Won't you help me?

(Y/N): Help you? I don't...

Kushida looked at me with a puppy eyes.

Kushida: You... won't?

Sigh.

...

We just finished our last class for the day. Most students already prepared to leave and talk about where should they go after school. Horikita started to put away her stuffs and prepared to leave as well. When I was prepared to leave, Horikita talked to me.

Horikita: This school really is indulgent. Students play around and nap in class, but the teacher never calls them out. Is this really an advanced school run by the government?

(Y/N): Maybe they want to encourage student autonomy.

Horikita: Perhaps... But with an allowance worth of 100,000 yen every month for the ignorant students, doesn't make sense.

Suddenly, I came across an idea. This is an advance institute run by government after all. The points given to us worth of real money, you can't possibly get that for free without hard-working. Maybe our behavior really affect our monthly allowance? Those with misbehavior had their points subtracted. Eventually, our class will end up with 0 points, which probably is the reason why there are free stuffs in the store, to help the students with 0 points.

(Y/N): Huh... That's interesting.

Horikita: What is it?

(Y/N): I can't say for sure. But watch out how much you would spend your points. I advised that you should save as much as possible.

Horikita confused and looked at me.

Horikita: What are you trying to say?

(Y/N): I'm merely giving you an advice.

Horikita: It's fine actually, since I rarely use my points.

(Y/N): Alright then... Hey. If you're on your way out, would you come with me?

She glared at me coldly, again.

Horikita: What are you after?

(Y/N): Does an invitation from me suggest and ulterior motive?

Horikita: If you'll tell me specifically what you want, I'd be willing to hear you out.

(Y/N): You know that cafe in the mall, right? The one where a lot of girls hang out. Would you go there with me?

Horikita: Why me?

(Y/N): I'm not brave enough to go by myself. It feels sort of "no boys allowed."

Horikita: And there's no one else you can ask? No, I suppose not...

(Y/N): It pains me to say it, but you're right. *sigh*

...

We walked together and entered the cafe, as expected it was crowded with people.

Horikita: It's quite crowded.

(Y/N): Is this your first time coming here, too? Ah, right. You're a loner.

Horikita: Was that a dig? You child.

Two girls that were sat in the table placed in front of counter stood up and left.

(Y/N): Ah, that table's free.

We got ourselves coffee before sitting down.

(Y/N): You know, I wonder if we look like a couple to the oth-

She glanced at me before I could finish my sentence.

(Y/N): Yeah, probably not.

I looked at the table beside us, it was occupied by two female students, which were our classmates, Wang Mei-Yu and Inogashira Kokoro.

(Y/N): 'Thinking of what's about to happen is making my stomach hurt.'

Mei-Yu: Ready to go?

Inogashira: Yeah!

Then, the two girls stood up and left their table. I looked at Horikita then at my coffee. Until-

Kushida: Horikita-san, what a coincidence! You too, (L/N)-kun.

I looked at Kushida, who called out for us. She took a chair and sit beside our table.

Kushida: Do you two come here often?

(Y/N): Today's our first time.

I peek a little at Horikita, she gave me a "I'm disappointed with you" look.

But... Why?

Kushida: I see. I'm here alone-

Her reply was cut off by Horikita.

Horikita: I'm leaving.

(Y/N): Hey, we only just got here.

Horikita: If Kushida-san is here, you don't need me, do you?

(Y/N): Well... Kushida and I are just classmate.

Horikita: That's all you and I are, too. Besides... I don't like this. What are you after?

She was eyeing Kushida suspiciously.

Kushida: C-come on, it was just a coincidence...

*sigh*

Kushida, you should have said, "What's that suppose to mean?"

Horikita: The girls who were sitting here, and the two at the next table over, were all students from class D. Coincidence?"

(Y/N): I'm impressed you recognized them.

Horikita: We came here right after class ended, which means they could only have been in this cafe for a few minutes. Too soon for them to be leaving.

Impressive. Horikita, you're sharp.

I looked at Kushida, who was unable to fight back Horikita's claim.

Kushida: Um...

(Y/N): I'm sorry. We set you up.

Horikita: I thought as much.

Kushida then stood up.

Kushida: Horikita-san! Please be my friend!

Horikita: I want you to leave me alone. I won't trouble the class.

Kushida: But you'll be lonely all by yourself...

Horikita: I have never once felt lonely by myself. You're wasting your time. Every word that comes out of your mouth disgusts me.

She then started to walk towards the entrance of the cafe.

(Y/N): Hey, are you sure about this? If you won't be friends with anyone, you'll be alone for the next three years.

Horikita walked a few steps and stopped.

Horikita: I've been alone for the last nine years, so I don't mind. Longer, if you include kindergarten.

She then leaves the cafe.

Suddenly, I felt a tinge of sadness in my heart.

Until now, I have remained expressionless face. At that time I twitched a bit after listening to Horikita's.

(Y/N): 'This feeling... It happened again.'

Kushida looked sad as Horikita leaves. She then looked at me.

Kushida: Sorry. I might have made Horikita-san hate you...

(Y/N): Nah, don't worry about it.

Kushida: Maybe I can't never be her friend...

I looked at the coffee that left by Horikita on the table and sighed.

...

Kushida and I were walking together back to our dorms. It's already evening.

Kushida: If I can't even make friends with my own classmates, I guess my goal is still far away.

(Y/N): 'I think Horikita's an exception, personally...'

For some reasons, I was became suspicious of Kushida a bit, but I decided to overlook it, for now.

Then, I saw two girls walking in the opposite direction we were heading. One of them was average in height with short blonde hair and purplish blue eyes. Another one was taller, with a back-length strawberry-blonde hair and violet eyes. She seems well-endowed too.

Kushida: Oh, it's Ichinose-san!

"Your hair is always so silky!"

"You think so?"

As we passed each other, the taller girl waved at Kushida and the latter returned the wave.

Kushida : Ichinose Honami-san from Class B. We became friends yesterday.

(Y/N): You're even friends with students in other classes?

Kushida: Yeah! There are a lot of nice people in Class B.

We continued our walks.

Kushida: But this school is pretty amazing, huh? There are so many stores, and we get 100,000 yen each month...

(Y/N): That amounts seems a bit excessive to me, though.

Kushida: Yeah... You think so, too? And calling them points make me spend them without thinking. It really messed with my sense of money.

I recalled the free items section in the convenience store.

Kushida : I want to be really careful not to over-spend. I'll buy the things I have to, of course. Daily necessities like soap and detergent... underwear, and stuff...

She blushed a little at the last sentence. Honestly, why would tell me these, though.

(Y/N): Yeah, Horikita was doing the same thing.

Kushida suddenly went ahead and leaned in front of me.

Kushida: Oh? So you know how Horikita-san spends her money? You really are close, aren't you?

She pressed herself against me.

I remained my stoic face.

(Y/N): I just happened to see it.

She's really close. Now that I think about it, why she wants to befriend with Horikita so much, even though she was being rejected at the first place. I knew she was friendly, but her eagerness and enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming, even for a stranger.

Kushida then backed away and winked.

Kushida: Hmmm. Well, we'll just leave it at that.

(Y/N): 'It really is true, though...'

...

I arrived at my dorm and put my bag down. Then I sat on the bed and looked at my phone. I still have a balance of 95,750 points left.

(Y/N): '100,000 per month, huh?'

Most students decided to make the most of their school lives, without thinking too deeply about anything. So foolish. Day after day, they blew through their monthly allowance of 100,000 like it was nothing. The teacher was very lenient, so in-class conversations, napping, tardiness, and absences became a daily occurrence. Extravagance, debauchery, and indolence were rampant.

(Y/N): 'If my deduction was correct, then they would be so regret...'

...

And then, May 1st arrived.

Karuizawa: Huh? What's going on?

Ike: Really? You, too?

Karuizawa: How come?

I looked at my phone, noticed that my points still the same as yesterday.

Then, Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom.

Chabashira: Take your seats. Morning homeroom will now begin.

She stood behind the podium and looked at us.

Yamauchi: Hey, teacher, we didn't get our points! We're supposed to get them on the first day of the month, right?

Chabashira-sensei crossed her arms.

Chabashira: No, this month's points have already been allotted.

Yamauchi seems unsure.

Yamauchi: But...

Chabashira: The points have been allotted. I can say that for certain. There is no chance that this class has been overlooked, either.

Ike: But we didn't get any points!

Most of the students agreed with Ike, but then-

Chabashira-sensei smirked, and made a wild remark.

Chabashira: What a bunch of idiots you are.

Everyone was befuddled.

Chabashira: A combined total of 98 tardies and absences. 391 instances of talking and cell phone usages in class. Quite a month's work. At this school, your grades and performance evaluations are reflected in the monthly points you're given. My assessment of you has resulted in the loss of all 100,000 points you were to be given. The points you're receiving for this month... are zero.

Ike: You mean I have to live on no money this month?

Yamauchi gripped his game console tightly.

Yamauchi: Wh-What the heck? No one told us that...

Chabashira: Did you really think that mere high school students were going to be given 100,000 yen a month to spend without a single catch?

She asked us rhetorically.

(Y/N): As I thought... I was right.

I muttered to myself. And it seems not unnoticed by Horikita as she glanced at me for a second before continuing her work.

I peeked at Horikita, she seemed focus and jot down teacher's words.

Chabashira: That's absurd. Use your common sense. If you had doubts, why did you do nothing about them? I told you on the first day, didn't I? This school judges students based on merit. Which means you're all worth nothing. You're garbage.

Harsh, but true.

...

Salvation

(Y/N)'s POV

After the chaotic situation earlier, everyone in my class was either in shocked or worried about their onward school lives. But the tensions quickly dissipated as the long-awaited exciting swimming lesson came for the rescue.

At the boys' changing room.

Along the boys in my class, I was changing into my swimsuits, actually just a short swim pants. Before Ike started to blurt out something stupid.

Ike: Ah ha ha! I can't believe that it's almost time for swimming! And when I say swimming, I mean girls. And when I say girls, I mean girls in school swimsuits!

The other guys joined in, except me. Although, I didn't see Hirata anywhere, maybe he changed quickly and get out of here already. It was true that the swimming classes were co-ed. In other words, that meant that Horikita, Kushida, and all of the other girls would be...showing off a lot of skin. Still, can't bother me that much, though.

After I took off my shirt, the uproar was silenced. I turned to them and noticed they all staring at me. Seriously, wtf?

(Y/N): What? You all never see a guy changing clothes?

Ike: Wow, (Y/N). You're so buffed.

Yamauchi: Yeah, do you play any sports? How does you build such good physical shape?

Huh, I admitted that I played basketballs before. But that was long ago before I was... as long ago as I can remember. I don't think that my physique was came from me playing sport. I understand that why would they be surprised to see a person, a very lazy person, to have this kind of body muscle.

But I'm too lazy to explain to the bunch of them. "BAM!" I slammed the changing closet as hard as I can, all of them startled.

(Y/N): You all gonna stand here and watch me instead of the girls in their swimsuits?

The boys all quickly changed and leave the changing room. I followed them afterwards.

...

Almost everyone in our class started to play around in the swimming pool. But some of them decided to not join in the fun, the most notable person were Hasabe. She sat on the observation deck above, and many guys from our class were sad and disappointed. What a bunch of idiots.

I sat beside the swimming pool, not wanting to join in the pool.

(Y/N): 'During free time at swim class, people naturally break up into groups, I guess...'

I watched the boys group was competing in swimming, some of them were inspecting the girls. Kushida's group was splashing water and playing around. Hirata and Karuizawa seems closer, maybe they started their relationship already?

(Y/N): 'I see. It seems I've thoroughly failed at making friends.'

Seeing my classmates were all playing happily in the pool, especially when I saw Kushida's 'asset' bouncing, I let out a sigh. Shit, once the inevitable physiological reaction kicked in, it was quite a terrible shock. I closed my eyes to calm down, then Horikita suddenly spoke to me. Man, I cannot catch a break.

Horikita: What are you brooding about?

I glanced up and looked at her. Horikita was in a school swimsuit. How to put it? Yeah. She looked good. Not bad at all. Okay fine, she's damn fine! But if I stared, it was likely that something bad would result.

(Y/N): I'm currently in the midst of an internal battle.

Horikita sat down beside me.

Horikita: How can they be so carefree after what just happened?

(Y/N): You don't think they're trying to take their minds off it?

Horikita: Perhaps they are... They seem to be enjoying themselves.

(Y/N): Classes in the pool started early this spring. Besides, generally speaking, when there's a free period, don't most high school first-years go a little nuts?

Horikita: They're like little children. But I can't spite them for it, either.

She glanced forwards. I followed as well. Sudou was sitting on top of the poolside and staring outside. Karuizawa was pulling Hirata's arm in the pool.

Horikita: In the eyes of the S-system, they're the worst kind of defectives.

(Y/N): That includes you, doesn't it?

Horikita then glanced at me for a second before replying.

Horikita: Yes.

(Y/N): 'The S-system..."

...

(Y/N)'s Flashback

Chabashira-sensei pinned wrote down each classes' points on the white board before slamming her hand on it.

Class A — 940cp
Class B — 650cp
Class C — 490cp
Class D — 0cp

Chabashira: Yes, this is the S-system. It assesses the students in real-time and assigns them numerical values. Look. You lot in Class D have proven, wonderfully, that you deserve to be ranked last. That you're the worst kind of defectives.

All of my classmates wore a puzzled and concerned expression.

Kushida: Zero?

I glanced at Horikita, she seemed flinched by sensei's comments.

Chabashira: But I'm actually impressed, in a way, no class has ever before blown through all their points in a single month, not even Class D.

She spoke sarcastically.

Then Hirata stood up.

Hirata: Teacher, at least tell us the criteria for how points are gained and lost.

Chabashira: Just as in the real world, I cannot reveal the details of your performance evaluations. These are "class points" currently held by each class. For each class point, 100 private points are assigned to each student in the class. When you first arrived here, each class had 1,000 class points. In other words, you people lost them all.

She crossed her arm and looked at us.

Kushida asked softly.

Kushida: Um... Will we have a chance to get more points?

Chabashira-sensei smirked.

Chabashira: You will. And if, as a result, you earn more points than Class C, you'll be promoted to C, while Class C will be demoted to D. Your soonest opportunity will be the upcoming midterms. Depending on your scores, we may be granted as many as 100 class points.

Some of the students were still in doubt.

I glanced at Horikita. It-It's not that I'm checking on her or something. She seemed writing something on a paper.

Chabashira-sensei: However...

Chabashira-sensei took a roll of white poster and spread it out on the whiteboard. I looked closely on the title, its read "Quiz Results".

Chabashira: These are the results of the most recent quiz. And what garbage scores they are! Starting next time, anyone who receives a failing score on their midterms or finals, will be immediately expelled.

Everyone was bewildered.

Flashback end

...

(Y/N) and Horikita were sitting beside each other on the poolside.

(Y/N): Given the information we currently have, if we want to get even a few class points, each person in class will have to change their habits and try to get high marks on the midterms.

Horikita: True.

(Y/N): More to the point, in order to achieve the blessing of the outstanding college advancement and employment rate we all dreamed about when we came here...

Horikita: ...we need to overtake Class C.

She finished my sentence.

Horikita: As long as we're in Class D, our hopes of advancement are out of reach.

I turned my head and looked at her.

(Y/N): Was that an imitation of Chabashira-sensei?

She looked at me and returned my gaze.

Horikita: No.

(Y/N): Well. You sounded like her, a little.

For some reasons, I can feel that Horikita's gaze fell on my body. She gasped.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun, do you play sports?

(Y/N): Not recently. That was long time ago. Why?

Horikita cast her gaze on my forearm.

Horikita: Still... The development of your forearms, and...

Her gaze was tracing up and down of my body. She let out a sharp breathe, louder enough for me to hear it.

(Y/N): Cast your perverted gaze at somewhere else.

I teased her again.

Horikita blushed more than last time. She turned her gaze away.

Horikita: I-I'm not pervert. I'm just curious, th-that's all.

God damn, she's so cute. It almost made me, an emotionless person, wanna smile a little.

(Y/N): Huh, I didn't expected that I would get a chance to see such expression of your.

Horikita turned to me again, her blushed face still unfazed.

Horikita: Why you...

Suddenly, Kushida emerged from the pool and came near us.

Kushida: Hey, hey! Horikita-san! Wanna swim with us?

Horikita's expression returned to her usual.

Horikita: No, thank you.

She looked away.

Kushida: Horikita-san, are you not good at swimming?

Horikita: I neither excel nor fail at it.

Kushida leaned on the side of the pool using her hands, further highlighting her 'assets'.

Kushida: Back in the middle school, I was simply awful at swimming. But I practiced really hard, and now I can do it just fine.

Horikita: I see. How nice for you.

She gets up and walked away. I looked at her as she walks towards the door.

Kushida exited the pool and walked to me.

(Y/N): She's totally unapproachable, isn't she?

Kushida: I wish we could get along a bit better...

And then, Hirata swimmed to the center of the pool and attracted everyone's attention.

Hirata: Everyone. I want you to listen to me seriously for a minute.

After awhile, everyone gathered around Hirata at the poolside.

Hirata: We didn't get any points today. This is a problem that's going to haunt us through the rest of our times here at school. There's no way we can make it through to graduation with zero points.

Karuizawa: We can't let that happen!

Hirata: You said it. That's why we need to make sure we get some points next month.

Sudou appeared to be annoyed.

Sudou: You can do whatever you want. Just leave me out of it.

He pushed aside Hirata and walked away.

We all watched as Sudou leaves. I also noticed that Horikita was there near the opposite of the pool as well. It seems she heard what Hirata had said after all.

...

Back to the classroom, Yamauchi was seen to be so desperate that he wanted to sell his game console to other classmate. Kushida was also bothered by Karuizawa, regarding the issue of no allowance this month.

I ignored all of them and walked towards my seat.

Horikita was beside me. She seemed thinking about something and then spoke to me.

Horikita: Do you have plans for lunch? I was wondering if you might join me.

I didn't answer for a second. Then I walked up to her, placing my hand on her forehead. She's startled by my action.

(Y/N): Are you having a fever?

Horikita quickly pushed away my hand.

Horikita: That's rude. If you don't want to, I won't force you.

(Y/N): Hey, I was kidding. It indeed is rare for you to invite someone. I'll join you.

Horikita didn't reply me, she simply gave me a huff and crossed her arm.

...

The cafeteria was full of people. We're lucky that we managed to find a table to sit in. However, Horikita insisted that I can have a special lunch set on her tab. Hmm, that's odd. It looks like you're gonna made me be in your debt. Well, I can't say no to free food, can I? So I ordered the special lunch set, while Horikita only ordered plain meal.

(Y/N): Well, itadakimasu, I guess. You're sure I can have this expensive special lunch set on your tab?

I asked her for confirmation again. But I pretty sure she's up to something.

Horikita: Yes. I did tell you to get whatever you want, after all.

I used chopsticks to pick up a fried shrimp and before eating it, I looked at Horikita again.

Horikita: What's wrong, (L/N)-kun? Start eating already.

(Y/N): Right...

I tooked the first bite. So fricking delicious.

As soon as I took my first bite—

Horikita: Now, I want you to hear me out.

I coughed. I knew it.

Horikita: It seems Hirata-kun and the others worked out their plan of action earlier today. They're going to hold a study group to prepare for the next test.

(Y/N): Study group?

I said as I chewed.

Horikita: Yes. But three classmates with especially poor scores have refused his invitation to join.

(Y/N): Sudou, right?

Horikita: As well as Yamauchi-kun and Ike-kun.

(Y/N): Yeah, they didn't really look like the studious type, I guess.

Horikita: I personally can't imagine how someone could fail a test. But the fact remains that there are hopeless students out there for whom failure is nearly inevitable.

(Y/N): That's pretty cold.

I continue eating.

Horikita: I'm stating the truth, that's all. If nothing changes, they'll likely fail. And if we want our class to be promoted, it's vital that we not only avoid losing points but that we also gain them. Right?

(Y/N): You want to hold a study group, then? To help Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi?

Horikita: Yes.

(Y/N): Are you serious?

Horikita: Dead serious. If left to their own devices, they could damage Class D as a whole. If I really have been relegated to Class D, then I'll crawl my way up to Class A.

(Y/N): Wait a minute.

Horikita looked at me.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): Did you just say Class A?

Horikita: I did.

(Y/N): Not Class C?

Horikita: Class A. I find my assignment to Class D utterly unacceptable.

(Y/N): So, step one is to rehabilitate the failures... Huh?

Horikita: If you've grasped that, you can guess what I'm about to propose.

I sighed. So that's why she treated me such luxurious lunch set. Foul play...

(Y/N): I was about to ask you don't drag me into this... But it can't be helped .

Horikita: Oh? Looks like you knew what I'm about to say, don't you?

I closed my eyes and said.

(Y/N): Two reasons. For one, you purposely treated me such luxurious special lunch set, so that I'll be in your debt. Two, it was a payback for me conspiring with Kushida and taking you out on pretenses, right? You asked for my help under the pretext for me to square the debt between us.

Horikita: I'm impressed, (L/N)-kun. I'm glad that you understand me.

She smirked.

(Y/N): Well, looks like we're connected by heart, after all.

I commented with a stoical expression and continue eating. Horikita was surprised by my comments. And she gave away with a slight blush.

Horikita: C-Can you be serious for once?

(Y/N): Alright, I'll hear you out. What do you want me to do?

Horikita: Ahem. Your job will be to round up those three and bring them to my study group.

She stood up and gave a piece of note to me.

Horikita: That's my cell phone number and email address. Contact me if you need anything.

She walked away.

I picked up the paper that she gave me.

(Y/N): The first girl's phone number of my high school career... I'm not really happy about it, not about the person per se, but I'd better save it anyway.

...

The last class of the day had ended. Everyone was leaving the classroom. I looked at the contact information that Horikita gave me.

(Y/N): I guess I have to do it, since I said I would... But we both know what's gonna happen.

I sighed.

(Y/N): Okay, let's do it. Maybe they will—

...

Ike: Nah.

...

Yamauchi: Hmm, can't make it.

...

Sudou: The hell'd you say to me?!

...

(Y/N): I guess not. Knew it was hopeless.

I said as I laid down on my bed in my room.

(Y/N): I'd better get help from someone they get along with...

I took out my phone and looked at the time.

It was 8.02 p.m.

(Y/N): I wonder if she's in. The internal phone lines...

I get up and walks to the telephone on the desk and dials.

(Y/N): Yes. Could you put me through to Kushida-san, from Class 1-D? Yes, I need to talk to her about something for class. Yes.

The lines connected.

Kushida: Hello?

(Y/N): Hel— Uh, what's that sound?

Kushida: (L/N)-kun?

She turned off the source of the noise, I assumed that was a hair dryer.

Kushida: Sorry, could you hear it? I was in the bath. I just got out, though, so don't worry. You surprised me. I've never used the dorm's internal phone line before!

(Y/N): You surprised me, too.

Kushida: Hmmm?

(Y/N): Anyway... rejoice, Kushida. You've been selected as a goodwill ambassador. For the sake of our class, please give it all you've got.

Kushida: Um...

I explained to her that I needed her help for gathering Sudou and the others to join Horikita's study group.

Kushida: Yeah. Sure. A study group for Sudou-kun and the others? And Horikita-san's running it? Well, when a friend's in trouble, you have to be there for them... So of course I'll help.

(Y/N): You're under no obligation...

Kushida: It's okay. It's pretty cruel that anyone who fails gets expelled. The thought of having to say goodbye like that after only just becoming friends... Wouldn't that be awful? Oh, but can I ask you just one favor in exchange? I want to join that study group, too.

(Y/N): Are you sure that's all you want?

Kushida: Yeah. I want to study with everyone, too... Oh, I know! I'll give you my cell phone number.

(Y/N): Are you sure?

Kushida: Yeah! I mean, we're classmates. I'm sorry I never had a chance to give it to you before. Call me any time, okay?

After a while, we both hung up. And I received Kushida's contact info.

(Y/N): Kushida's contact information...

Then, my phone received notifications.

It seemed that Kushida managed to convince the three boys to join the study group.

(Y/N): Wow, she works fast. Way to go, Kushida.

I then write a message to Horikita, inform her that the three boys decided to join.

To: Horikita Suzune
Sub: Rejoice, Horikita

I got Kushida's help, and the three of them agreed. It's okay if Kushida joins the study group, right?

... And send. The moment the message was sent, Horikita called me by my phone.

(Y/N): He—

Horikita: No.

Ah. She hung up. I'd call her again.

...

(Y/N): At least hear me ou—

She hung up. Again. Geez, that's rude, even for her.

Then, I received a message from Horikita.

From: Horikita Suzune
To: (L/N) (Y/N)
Sub: Excuse me

I have no idea what you're talking about.

I tried to call her back. I hoped she don't hang up this time. And before the connection could be made, I received a message from her again.

From: Horikita Suzune
To: (L/N) (Y/N)
Sub: What?

This message has no content.

I sighed and replied her message.

To: Horikita Suzune
Sub: Re: What?

What do you mean, you have no idea what I'm talking about? I was being as clear as I could. Aren't you glad? The three of them will come to the meeting, including Sudou.
Thanks to Kushida, it's all going to work out.

And before I could send the message, I received a message from her, again... Geez, after I typed the message above.

From: Horikita Suzune
To: (L/N) (Y/N)
Sub: NO

This message has no content.

(Y/N): I hadn't even sent it yet...

I called Kushida again and explained.

Kushida: I see. Is that what she said?

(Y/N): I'm really sorry. After I asked you to help...

Kushida: ... Okay! You just let me handle it, then!

(Y/N): Huh?

...

Change of plan

The next day, the study group is held in library after classes. Horikita and I arrived first. Though, I think she might want to interrogate me about what happened yesterday.

Horikita: You're early.

(Y/N): I couldn't sleep, I think I should sleep less during classes.

I yawned while replying her.

Horikita: You should manage your sleeping time properly, I can't believe that you could sleep even during morning assembly.

(Y/N): I can't help it. The speech was boring and you knew it.

Horikita: Hmph, you're hopeless.

(Y/N): I know.

I yawned again.

Horikita: Why don't you go back and sleep? I can handle this myself.

(Y/N): It's fine. I can't let you deal with those three guys by yourself.

Horikita: Why not? You're underestimating me.

(Y/N): It's not your ability that I concerned. I worried that those three guys won't be that cooperative. I'll stay with you just in case.

Horikita: But I'm afraid you couldn't even make it through the halfway while we're doing revision.

(Y/N): How nice of you to worry about me. Are you sure you're not in fever?

I put my hand on her forehead again. But this time, she didn't push away my hand. Strange... Instead, her eyes were closed and one of her eyes was twitching. Then she reached for her pencil case and pulled out a... compass? Ah, I'll be damned.

STAB!

...

Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi came to the library after awhile. Of course, Kushida was behind them. At first, Horikita glanced at me, while I'm caressing my poor left arm, that being stabbed by her just now. Well, since they had arrived, we started our revisions. Although Horikita seemed reluctant, but I think the study group could went well—

Sudou: Did you call me incompetent?!

—or not.

Horikita: Yes. If you can't solve a single simultaneous equation, I shudder to think of where you'll end up in the future.

Then, Sudou got in close to Horikita and grabbed her by the collar. But she didn't flinched.

Kushida stood up and tried to stop him. At that instant, I grabbed on Sudou's wrist without any hesitant. Everyone was shocked, including Horikita.

(Y/N): Hey, hands off.

I gave him a intimidate glare and pulled away his hand from Horikita. Sudou seemed unable to react at the moment, as sweat started to form on his forehead. I let go of his hand slowly, and he spoke to Horikita.

Sudou: Who needs these stupid problems? Studying is pointless, anyway. If I want a good future, I'm better off playing basketball to prepare for my pro career than sticking my nose in some book!

He said as he continue to glare at Horikita.

Horikita regained her composure and spoke.

Horikita: Oh? How childish. Do you dream to be a professional basketball player? Do you really think the world will grant a dream like that so easily? Someone so lacking in commitment and dedication can never become a professional.

Sudou was vexed by Horikita's claims. He began to pack up his things.

Sudou: Tch, I skipped club for this crap. Damn waste of my time.

Ike and Yamauchi also followed suit.

Ike: I'm out, too. Horikita-san might be smart, but I can't hang with someone who talks down to me.

Yamuchi: Same!

The two of them pack up their stuffs as well.

Horikita: If you don't mind being expelled, do as you wish.

She fixed her collar.

(Y/N): 'I left it to you, and this is how it turned out? Kushida...'

I looked at Kushida.

Kushida: Horikita-san, no one's going to study with you if you act this way.

Horikita: Yes, I can see that I was mistaken. I realized now that I was wasting my time on a fruitless endeavor.

Kushida: You mean...

Horikita: I mean that if they're going to hold us back, they should drop out as soon as possible.

Kushida hesitated for a second.

Kushida: Ah. I see. I'll work something out myself. I promise I will. I really don't want to have to say goodbye to them so soon. I don't want to abandon them. I think you feel the same way. That's why you started this study group, right?

Then, Horikita glanced up at Kushida.

Horikita: If you're saying that in all sincerity, I don't mind. But... Rather, what did you really come here for? Did you come here to sabotage me?

Kushida: What do you mean? I don't understand... How can you be so comfortable saying such hostile things? It makes me feel so sad...

She said weakly. I watched as her left the library. Suddenly, it was just the two of us again. We sat in the complete silence of the library.

(Y/N): Well, that was painful. The study group's already over.

Horikita: Looks that way...

The quiet grew almost oppressive.

Horikita: I suppose you were the only one who understood me, (L/N)-kun. You're at least somewhat better than those worthless idiots. If there's some subject you're struggling with, I could teach you.

(Y/N): I'm fine, thank you. Regarding Sudou and the guys, do you really mean it?

Horikita: If you mean that they're a liability that are trying to slow us down, then yes...

She replied me as she read her textbook

(Y/N): I see...

I opened my textbook as well.

Horikita: Weren't you going to leave?

(Y/N): And go where?

Horikita: I don't know, anywhere you like.

(Y/N): Are you asking me to leave?

Horikita: Yes. I told you that I preferred to be alone.

(Y/N): Well, that's no place for me to go, though. So I refused to leave.

Horikita turned her attention to me from the book.

Horikita: You'll just interrupt my study.

(Y/N): Then pay no attention to me, I'll be minding my own business.

Horikita: Tch, you're so arrogant.

She returned to her textbook.

(Y/N): Well, I learned from the best.

Clearly, I was implying her.

She glanced at me before continue reading her textbook.

We spent almost an hour in total silence. She was solving some mathematics questions, while I'm reading History textbooks. Suddenly, my eyelids feel heavy.

(Y/N): 'Ugh, it must be because I didn't have any sleep at night though.'

As I didn't have the will to fight off the drowsiness within me, I fell asleep. My head then fell on Horikita's shoulder. Deja vu, right?

Horikita: Kyaaa!?

She let out a surprised screech. The other attendants in the library turned to our directions.

She was embarrassed and then looked at me.

Horikita: 'Why you (L/N)-kun...'

Wow, even I was asleep I could felt this intensive aura of her.

...

Horikita's POV

As I was solving the mathematics question, I wrote some formulas on my book.

Horikita: 'The area of the square whose side is the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of...'

Suddenly, I felt something heavy fell on my shoulder.

Horikita: Kyaaa!?

I let out a screech out of surprises. The other people looked at my direction. Ahh, I felt so embarrassed. I looked to my right shoulder, only to find that (L/N)'s head was on it.

Horikita: 'Why you (L/N)-kun...'

I was about to take out my compass and stab on him. But... I didn't. Then, I recalled a flashback.

Horikita's Flashback

Horikita: Yes. If you can't solve a single simultaneous equation, I shudder to think of where you'll end up in the future.

I criticized Sudou for being incompetent. Then, he got in close to me and grabbed me by the collar. I was unflinching.

Horikita: 'Hmm, I dare you to hit me instead.'

All of a sudden, (L/N) grabbed Sudou's wrist and pulled it away from me. I glanced at (L/N)'s direction, and I saw his menacing eyes was staring at Sudou.

Horikita: 'Is he... being protective of me?'

Flashback end

My hand was about to reach for my pencil case, but I hesitated and put down my hand instead. I looked at (L/N), who was sleeping soundly on my shoulder, and I sighed.

Horikita: I guess... I could lend you my shoulder as a gratitude for your act back then.

I looked at (L/N)'s sleepy face and smiled a bit.

Horikita: Actually... You're kind of cute. Even though you antagonize me every time, but you actually mean well, do you...?

Without realizing it, I can feel that my face was flushed.

Horikita: W-Wait! What am I talking about!?

I shook my head to clear up my mind.

Horikita: I-I need to focus.

I returned to my mathematics question. But I'm still thinking about him. Sigh, what is wrong with me?

...

(Y/N)'s POV

It was already night, and I was lying on my bed. I couldn't sleep at all... Maybe because I fell asleep in the library just now, so I'm energized now. For some reasons, Horikita didn't slapped me or stabbed me with compass to wake me up, though. I wonder why?

I was looking at my phone contact as I was lying on bed.

(Y/N): I guess they both are asleep already. Well, maybe I'll go buy something.

I get up and exited my dorm. I headed downstairs and went to the vending machine near my dorms. Wew, it was chilly at night.

I walked up to the vending machine and then, I heard someone's talking in the back alley besides the vending machine.

"Suzune, I didn't expect you to follow me here."

(Y/N): 'That's voice sounds familiar...'

I approached the corner of the building, and saw Horikita talking to a person.

Horikita: Brother... I'm not the failure I was back then. I came here to catch up with you.

(Y/N): 'Horikita and... who? "Brother"?'

"Catch up? You still haven't even realized your own shortcomings. You were a fool to choose this school."

Horikita: I'll reach Class A soon! When I do...

She was cut off by her brother.

"Impossible."

Horikita lowered her head.

Horikita: I will... make it here.

That person turned to her.

"What an unreasonable sister you are..."

I get to look at that person's face, it was the student council president, Horikita Manabu. That's explained that.

Suddenly, he grabbed her sister's wrist and pushed against the wall.

Manabu: My little sister, assigned to Class D... And I'm the one who bears the shame of it. Leave this school right now.

Horikita (A/N: It refers to Horikita Suzune.) offered a little to no resistance at all.

Horikita: Brother... I...

Manabu: You have neither the right nor the ability to aim for something higher. You must learn...

He raised his free hand and was about to hit his sister.

(Y/N): 'Tch... I better act fast.'

Before Manabu could hit Horikita, I grabbed his wrist and pulled it away.

He turned his head and stared at me.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun!?

(Y/N): You were really going to drive that in, weren't you? Let her go.

Horikita lowered her head.

Horikita: Stop it... (L/N)-kun...

I was hesitated for a moment.

(Y/N): 'Huh? I've never heard her speak that way...'

I then let go of the president's hand.

As expected, he was trying to hit me. And of course, I dodged it easily.

Then he tried to kick me instead. I dodged that instinctively.

(Y/N): 'Close call...'

After that, he opened his hand and tried to grab me, in attempt to throw me off. I deflected his hand away and he jump backwards defensively.

Manabu: You move well. Do you practice something?

(Y/N): Nothing particular however... Although I watched a lot of action movies.

Manabu then fixed his tie.

Manabu: Oh, that's right. I'd heard there was a new student who got 50s in every subject on his entrance exam. You got a 50 on the quiz on the other day, too. Fifty, exactly half of 100. Was that intentionally?

Wow, I wouldn't expected less of president of the student council, you checked everything, huh?

(Y/N): Coincidences can be freaky.

Horikita looked at me from behind her brother, she seemed surprised of me.

Manabu: You're a unique man, I see.

He then turned to Horikita.

Manabu: Suzune. I'm genuinely surprised to see you've made a friend.

Horikita: He's... not my friend. He's just my classmate.

Manabu: As usual, you've mistaken isolation for independence. Suzune. If you want to ascend to a higher class, struggle with every ounce of strength you have.

The president then walked away and disappeared in the dark.

...

I bought a drink for myself and Horikita. She sat on the bench while I was standing next to the vending machine. We both took a sip of our drinks.

Horikita: I guess you caught me at an awkward time.

(Y/N): Actually, I was glad to see what a normal girl you could b—

(Y/N): I didn't say anything.

Horikita: You're incredible.

(Y/N): Really, I'd just mimicking the moves from those dancing musical movies I watched.

Horikita: You said it was action movies.

(Y/N): Yeah, and that too.

Horikita lowered her head and looked at her drink.

Horikita: Do you really rig your scores on entrance exam?

(Y/N): It was a coincidence, like I said.

Horikita: I don't understand you at all.

(Y/N): You don't have to.

I took a sip of my drink.

(Y/N): Are you really finished with the study group?

Horikita: Yes. I've determined those persistent failures to be a waste of my time. It doesn't benefit in any way.

(Y/N): They'll be expelled.

Horikita: I don't care what happens to anyone else. To the contrary, those who remain will be the better students. Their loss will make it easier for our class to rise. I couldn't ask for more.

(Y/N): Are you sure that's not a flawed way of thinking? Your shortcoming is that you assume others will hold you back and put them at a distance from the start. Couldn't that philosophy, looking down on others, be what got you thrown into Class D in the first place?

Horikita: I...

There was a moment of silence. Suddenly, the cold wind was howling at us. I noticed that Horikita hugged herself and shivered.

I sighed and walked to her. I took off my blazer and covered Horikita. She's surprised by my act.

Horikita: W-What are you doing?

(Y/N): Wear it. You'll catch a cold.

Horikita looked at me then lowered her head.

Horikita: ...What about you?

(Y/N): I'm fine. This kind of cold won't bother me much.

She didn't reply. Based on the light source from the street lamp, I could tell that her cheeks were red. She was probably shy, and that's goddamn cute. I sat beside her and drink my beverage. After awhile, I broke the silence.

(Y/N): Hey, do you trust me?

Horikita: Why all of the sudden...

I didn't reply, instead I looked at her in the eyes.

Horikita: Yes... I guess so.

I can barely heard her as she spoke softly, plus the wind interrupted us.

(Y/N): Alright, thank you.

Horikita: Y-You don't need to thank me, I'm just stating the facts. You're the most reliable than the other after all.

(Y/N): Wow, this was the first time you ever compliment me.

She glanced at me.

Horikita: Well, this indeed was my first time. You should be happy.

Actually, I can tell that she was vulnerable right now. So I decided to accompany her for awhile. We sat at there and chat a little before we went back to our dorms separately.

As I was on my way, I was thinking.

(Y/N): 'I guess I could help her... to reach Class A. Even though I told myself I don't want to get involved in any problematic situation. *sigh*'

As I reached for the doorknob of my room , Oh! Damn, I forgot to ask for my blazer back!

...

Determination

And so, with everything looking hopeless, 'that' day arrived.

We...

We of Class D...

Every student in Class D...

In grammar, math, chemistry, civics, English, and every other subject... achieved high scores.

...

The day of our results get announced had arrived.

Ike: YEAH!!!!!

Everyone was cheering. All of us had achieved rather high scores in all subjects. That's incredible, even for us Class D.

"We all owed it to you, Kushida-chan!"

"Yeah, you really saved our butts this time."

Most of the male students gathered around Kushida's.

Kushida: Oh, gosh... I didn't do anything...

Ike: Angel... Kushida-chan, you're our angel!

I had to admit that Ike's gesture made me want to kill him ten times.

I was resting my head on my right hand, watching all my classmates celebrate their success. Until Horikita spoke to me.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun. Exactly what did you do?

Our eyes met.

(Y/N): Well, I said that I'll help you right?

Horikita: Yes, but you are not answering my question. What did you do?

(Y/N): Hmm...

...

(Y/N)'s Flashback

Three days before the test.

I was walking in the school compound. Then, I passed along the tennis court. There were some students training at there.

(Y/N): 'Tennis... Looks fun...'

Suddenly, I heard someone yelling.

"Sounds great to me! Bring it on!"

Judged from the voice, it belong to Sudou. I trailed along the voice and found that Sudou was confronting three other students around the corner of the building.

"What era did you step out of with that thug act? So lame."

"You are a pathetically ugly creature."

Sudou was clearly irritated by their comments.

Sudou: Say that again!

He want to act but he was held down by two other students.

(Y/N): 'Kushida asked me to invite him to her study group, but...

The leader of the three students walks towards immobile Sudou.

Sudou: Let me go!

"I can't wait to see how many from your class will be expelled after the upcoming test. I bet the first will be...

He pointed at Sudou with his finger. He slowly close in and almost poke the latter's eye. But instead he poked his forehead.

"I hope you've said your prayers."

Sudou broke free from restraints and almost assaulted the leader. Then, a feminine voice shouted at them.

"Both sides, stop right there!"

I turned my sights to the source of that voice. It turned out to be Ichinose Honami from Class 1-B.

Sudou yelled at her for interrupting.

Sudou: The hell do you want?! Stay out of this!

Ichinose didn't flinch.

Ichinose: As a student of this school, I cannot allow violence to pass under my watch. If you insist on fighting regardless, I'm going to call security.

The leader replied her, in a nonchalant manner.

"Ichinose, this isn't a fight. We're the victims here."

Ichinose: Are you sure? It looked to me like you goaded him into it, Ryuen-kun. If you keep this up, I'll have to report this to the school.

(Y/N): 'Ryuen, huh...'

Ryuen: Hmph.

He began to walk away.

Ryuen: Hey monkey.

He was clearly inferring to Sudou.

Sudou: You son of a...

Ryuen: I think you'll make a nice plaything.

He said as he leave with his two lackeys.

I walked towards Sudou and they walked passed me. I glanced at Ryuen a bit.

Sudou: Hey! You running away? Hey, you! I told you to—

(Y/N): Sudou.

I placed a hand on his shoulder to stop his advance.

Ichinose then walked up to us.

Ichinose: Listen up. Don't let Ryuen-kun bait you, okay?

Instead of thanking Ichinose, Sudou barked at her.

Sudou: You shut the hell up.

She ignored him and turned to face the tennis players, who were stop practicing as they heard the commotion.

Ichinose: Sorry for the scare! It's okay now!

"Ichinose-san, thanks!"

The players thanked Ichinose before resuming their activities. She then turned to us.

Ichinose: No more causing trouble for others, okay? That's all!

Ichinose chirped as she walked away.

Sudou: Damn!

Sudou shouted as he took his bag from the ground.

(Y/N): Sudou, do you have some time now? Kushida's studying in the—

Sudou rejected me immediately.

Sudou: Pass. I've got club.

(Y/N): Ike and Yamauchi are both in on it now. Hey... Will you be all right on your own?

Sudou: Scrambling at this point won't get me anywhere.

He replied without looking back.

...

Two days before the test.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun, I think this is the first time you have ever invited me somewhere! You must have a reason right?

I invited Kushida to come to cafeteria with me. We both sat on the front of high table. I was observing the passerby.

(Y/N): Yeah. Can you promise you won't breathe a word of this to anyone?

Kushida: Sure!

She smiled as she replied.

I looked at the queue of students paying at the counter. After observing about 10 students, I found my target.

(Y/N): Let's go.

Kushida: Sure!

We went to the table of the lone student that I observed just now.

I sat beside him while Kushida sat in front him.

(Y/N): Excuse me. You're an upperclassman, right? I'm (L/N) from Class 1-D.

"Huh?"

(Y/N): You're in D, too, right?

"Yeah..."

(Y/N): The free stuff must taste pretty bad, huh?

The senpai seemed a bit annoyed.

"What do you want?"

(Y/N): I want to consult with you about something. Of course, I'll make it worth your while.

"Consult?"

(Y/N): Do you have the questions from your first midterm two years ago? I want you to give them to me.

"Why are you coming to me about this?"

He started to sweat.

(Y/N): Why else? Those low in points would be more likely to make a trade. And I saw you eating that foul-looking wild vegetable lunch set... You know where I'm going with this, right?

He hung his head down, thinking. Before looked up at me.

"How much will you pay?"

(Y/N): Ten thousand points. That's my upper limit.

"There's risk in this for me, too. I'd need 30,000 points, at the very least."

(Y/N): I'm afraid that's not possible.

I replied with a neutral expression.

"No deal, then."

Kushida suddenly stood up.

Kushida: Wait a minute!

She gave the upperclassman with a puppy-dog eyes.

Kushida: A friend of ours might be expelled. Please!

He's shaken.

(Y/N): Ten thousand.

"Twenty-five thousand."

Kushida then began to flaunt her attractiveness.

(Y/N): Ten thousand.

"Twenty-thousand."

Kushida continued to look at the upperclassman with her puppy eyes.

(Y/N): The offer is 10,000.

"Grr, Fifteen thousand. I can't possibly go any lower."

(Y/N): Very well. It's a deal. In exchange, please include your quizzes from the first term.

"...Okay"

The senpai replied reluctantly.

Kushida smiled at him.

Kushida: Thank you very much!

...

After that, Kushida and I went to a park and sat on a bench. I was waiting for the upperclassman to fulfill his deal.

Kushida: But do you think it'll be okay?

I reassured her.

(Y/N): Don't worry. It's within school rules.

Kushida: I suppose so... But using old test questions feels like cheating to me.

(Y/N): I disagree. Seeing his reaction confirmed to me that trading old questions between students is nothing unusual.

Kushida: But they're still just old questions. They might not have anything to do with this year's test.

(Y/N): It may not contain the exact same questions, but I don't think they'll be entirely different.

Kushida looked unconvinced.

Kushida: Really?

(Y/N): No need to worry. Think of it as insurance against the expulsion of Sudou and the others.

My phone rang as I received notifications.

(Y/N): They're here. Starting with a quiz...

I looked at the test list on a piece of paper, confirming the test questions given to me.

(Y/N): It's the same. Right down to the letter.

Kushida: Wow! What about the midterm, then?

(Y/N): It's likely to have the same questions.

Kushida: Let's show it to everyone, not just Sudou and the others!

(Y/N): No, we won't show it to them yet.

Kushida tilted her head.

Kushida: Why not?

(Y/N): Say we reveal the questions the day before test. What will our classmates do then?

She thinks for awhile before answering.

Kushida: They'll work desperately to memorize the questions!

(Y/N): Precisely.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun, are you actually sharper than you let on?

(Y/N): I'm just lazy and sleepy as always, that's all.

Kushida: Hmm...

She grinned.

(Y/N): Hey, I'd like you to do me a favor. Could you tell them you're the one who got them the questions?

Kushida: Sure... but are you okay with that?

(Y/N): I don't want to stand out unnecessarily. And I think our classmates trust you more.

Kushida: Okay. If that's what you want.

(Y/N): Thanks a lot.

Kushida: I guess this will be our little secret, then!

Nope. Your secret isn't safe with me.

...

Day before the test.

After school, Kushida gathered everybody attention before leaving.

Kushida: Hang on, everyone. There's something I want to give to you before you go.

She passed the question papers to the other.

Karuizawa: Test questions? Did you make these?

Kushida: Actually, they're questions from an earlier test. A third year student gave them to me last night.

Everyone was confused.

Ike: Past questions?

Kushida: Yeah. He said pretty much the same questions have appeared on the test the last two years. So I bet they'll be useful on our test tomorrow, too!

As expected, the morale raised among us.

Ike stood up excitedly.

Ike: Woah! Are you kidding me?

Yamauchi: Heck, I didn't have to run myself ragged studying all this time.

Sudou: This is great!

Koenji stood up and leave the classroom, but he was stopped by Kushida.

Kushida: Koenji-kun, here.

She handed her the questions.

Koenji looked smug.

Koenji: I beg your pardon, but I need no such thing. And I have a date to get to. Now, if you'll excuse me.

And then, Horikita walked up to her and talked.

Horikita: Kushida-san.

Kushida handed her the questions too.

Kushida: I know you might not need it, but...

Horikita received it.

Horikita: May I ask you a question—

She was cut off by some students expressed their gratitude to Kushida.

Flashback end.

...

Some students gathered at Kushida's place and thank her.

(Y/N): Kushida-san is well suited to the role.

I closed my eyes.

Horikita: Not much a compliment.

I then looked at Horikita. She gave me "We'll talk about this later" kind of look.

Chabashira-sensei stood in back of the podium, crossing her arm.

Chabashira: To be honest, I'm impressed, really I am. I never thought you'd be able to get such high scores.

The ruckus was silenced.

Chabashira: I acknowledge your efforts. However...

She walked towards the whiteboard. And use a red marker to draw a line above Sudou's name.

I sighed. That idiot.

Chabashira: You got a failing score, Sudou.

Sudou's eyes widen, clearly in shocked. He slammed the table.

Sudou: What? You're kidding! How did I fail!?

Chabashira: The threshold for failure on this midterm test was 40. The average score on the midterm was 79.6. Divided by two...

Chabashira: Since we round that up, you needed a score of 40 or higher to pass.

In other words, anything below it will be considered fail. Duh.

Sudou stared at the whiteboard in disbelief.

Sudou: Forty...

The teacher then turned to him.

Chabashira: We only knew each other a short time, but I appreciate your efforts. I'll issue your notice of expulsion after class.

Sudou stared at the ground.

Sudou: I'm gonna be... expelled?

Hirata can't take it anymore and stood up.

Hirata: Wait a minute! Isn't there any way to save him?

He questioned the teacher.

Chabashira: A failing score means you're finished.

Kushida stood up and objected.

Kushida: Isn't there anything we can do? We can't let Sudou-kun be expelled...

Chabashira-sensei gave them a "I couldn't care less" look to them.

Chabashira: Rules are rules. Give it up.

Both Hirata and Kushida were silenced.

Chabashira: Homeroom is now over. Sudou, I'll be waiting in the staff office after classes.

Before she exits the classroom, the teacher glanced at me.

I returned her gaze. While Horikita was observing me from beside.

Kushida then turned to face us behind.

Kushida: Hey, are we just going to accept this? Sudou-kun is going to be expelled.

Nobody responds.

And then, I stands up from my sitting position.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Sorry. Gotta hit the restroom.

She and Horikita watched as I exited the classroom from the back door.

As I closed the door, I watched Chabashira-sensei walked towards the rooftop. I followed her.

...

She was smoking at the rooftop, I assumed that she's taking a short break. I stood behind her.

Chabashira: What is it? Class is going to start soon, you know.

(Y/N): Teacher, may I ask you a question?

Chabashira: A question?

(Y/N): In Japan, right now, do you think society is equal?

Chabashira: That's quite a question. Is there any point in me answering that?

(Y/N): It's important. Could you answer, please?

Chabashira: From where I stand, I'd say... society is not equal. Not a bit.

(Y/N): I agree. The word "equal" is a lie. But we humans are thinking creatures.

Chabashira: What's your point?

(Y/N): That rules require, at least, the appearance of an equal application.

Chabashira: Oh...?

She smirked.

I showed her my phone displaying my current points.

Chabashira: What's that for?

(Y/N): Sell me one point to add to Sudou's English test score.

Soon, she laughed.

Chabashira: You're an interesting one. You want me to sell you test points?

(Y/N): You told us this on first day.

Flashback

Chabashira: To buy things, you'll use points stored in the school's official computer system. At this school, you can buy anything using points.

Flashback end

(Y/N): Rules must be applied equally, even on this midterm test.

Chabashira: I see. Your idea is indeed plausible.

(Y/N): Then—

I was cut short by sensei.

Chabashira: However, that doesn't mean you can afford it.

(Y/N): How much, then?

Chabashira: Let me see... If you can give me 100,000 points right here and now, I'll sell it to you.

(Y/N): That's cruel, teacher.

Chabashira: That's part of the rules, too.

She smirked as she replied.

"I'll pay too."

I stepped back and looked at the the source of female voice. It was Horikita.

Horikita: We don't know what penalty might be enacted on a class that loses students to expulsion. I've determined there may be considerable merit in keeping him around.

(Y/N): 'Horikita...'

Chabashira: Hmm. I knew you people would be interesting. Very well. I'll sell you Sudou's test point. You can let him know his expulsion rescinded yourselves.

I then turned to the teacher.

(Y/N): You're sure about this?

Chabashira: I agreed to sell it for 100,000 points. I don't have a choice.

She lights up a cigarette and smokes before continue.

Chabashira: In the history of this school, no class D has ever advanced to a higher tier. Do you still intend to struggle for it?

(Y/N): ...

I didn't reply.

Horikita: I don't know how he feels, but I will ascend to a higher class.

I looked at Horikita.

Chabashira: And how do defective like you, abandoned by the school, expect to aim for the top?

Horikita: If I may be so bold, defective merchandise can often be fixed with the slightest of alterations. That is my feeling on the matter.

That's... quite a thinking, Horikita.

Sensei laughed a bit before walking towards the staircase.

Chabashira: I look forward to seeing it, then. As your teacher, I'll watch over you warmly.

...

The sun had set. Horikita and I were sitting on a bench in the park. She was reading a book while I was looking at my phone.

(Y/N): Class A has 1,004 points. By comparison, we have measly 87 points. Honestly, aiming for Class A feels like a pipe dream.

Horikita replied without looking at me.

Horikita: I won't give up. I will advance to Class A.

(Y/N): I see...

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): Well, I owe you one. Thanks for saving Sudou.

Horikita: Didn't I tell you? I did that for my own sake. Nothing more.

I questioned her.

(Y/N): Is that really the only reason?

Horikita: What are you implying?

(Y/N): You knew Sudou's English midterm score would be borderline, so you intentionally lowered your score, didn't you?

I showed my phone that displayed her scores in this midterm.

(Y/N): That's a very nice thing to do for someone you once pushed away.

Horikita: I told you, I did it to get into Class A.

(Y/N): Yeah, okay. Whatever you say.

Horikita: Besides, you did the same thing, too, didn't you?

(Y/N): Hmm?

She showed me her phone that displayed my results.

Horikita: You did this to help him, too. You scored every subjects at 65 marks, was it intentionally?

(Y/N): Uwah, what a scary coincidence.

Horikita: Don't play dumb with me!

(Y/N): Hey. Calm down now.

Horikita: Tch.

She let out a huff and looked away.

I then patted her head. God, what is wrong with me? Why am I doing this?

Horikita was startled by my sudden action.

(Y/N): It doesn't matter whether it was intentional or coincidence. Or whether I did to help Sudou or not. As matter of fact, I did it for you.

She turned to face me.

Horikita: What do you mean...

(Y/N): By getting a low score, the average score to pass for the midterm tests will be lowered as well, and you knew that. Do you think that even if the others busy memorizing the past questions can really help them to get past this midterm test?

Horikita didn't reply as she continue to look at me in the eyes.

(Y/N): Even though some of them really scored well in the exam, but the others maybe not. And if the scores disparity between the high marks and the low marks, then almost half of our class couldn't make it. The school wouldn't possibly let our class to ascend to higher level, right? And there goes your dream to achieve Class A, or even to reach your brother.

Horikita: ...You're right.

She said timidly and looked down.

I continued to pat her head.

Horikita: Thank you...

(Y/N): What's that? I can't hear. Can you speak louder?

Horikita glared at me.

Horikita: Don't... make me repeat twice.

I raised both of my hands, indicating surrender.

(Y/N): Alright, I'm sorry.

She took a deep breath.

(Y/N): Your brother's right.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): If you wished to ascend to higher level, you needed any help that you could get, and you couldn't do it alone.

Horikita: I know...

(Y/N): So. I'm here for you.

Her face's brightened as soon as I finished my sentence.

Horikita: You really mean it?

She grabbed my hand. This time, it's my turn to be startled. I nodded to her.

(Y/N): I promised myself not to involve in any trouble during this three school years. I wondered why I broke my ethics for you.

She let go of my hand and smirked.

Horikita: That's why I said I could never understand you.

(Y/N): You and me both. But you better promised me that you won't ever stab me with a compass.

Horikita: Nope. That was my insurance. if anything goes wrong, I can handle it with this compass.

(Y/N): Ehhh. That's unfair.

...

"Cheers!"

I sighed. Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi, Kushida and Horikita were in my room. The question is, why in my room? I sat on the chair, Horikita and Kushida were sitting on my bed, the three guys were sitting on the floor, eating the snacks and food that laid on the floor.

Sudou: Hey, why the long face?

(Y/N): I have no objection to the celebration party, and I am taking part... But why is it in my room?

Yamauchi: But man, that was close!

(Y/N): 'You guys are ignoring me?'

Yamauchi: If Kushida-chan hadn't gotten those old test question, Ike and Sudou would've been out of a mile!

Ike: Huh? You just barely passed too.

Yamauchi: I just haven't gotten serious yet. Sudou, you still failed, even with the old test!

Sudou: Shut up! I can't help that I dozed off!

I watched as three of them were arguing. Then Kushida called me.

Kushida: Hey, (L/N)-kun!

(Y/N): Yes?

Kushida: How did you get them to rescind Sudou-kun's expulsion.

The three boys stopped their conversations and waited for me to continue.

I then thought for awhile, then I looked at Horikita.

(Y/N): Horikita had a talk with the school.

I managed to get Horikita's attention, as she was busy reading her book.

The other four were also looked at her as well.

(Y/N): She said you can't expel someone without explanation just because they got a failing score.

Horikita: W-Wait a—

Kushida: You did that, Horikita-san?

Kushida asked with a surprised look.

(Y/N): I've never seen her so serious about anything.

I closed my eyes and then peeked a little at Horikita.

(Y/N): It sure was incredible. She threw out all these accusations, and not one teacher could fight her.

Ike: You're kidding! Horikita-chan, that's amazing!

Yamauchi: I guess we had the wrong idea about you!

(Y/N): Aren't you glad, Sudou?

Sudou looked sincerely moved by Horikita's act.

Sudou: Why would you do that for me?

Horikita regained her composure.

Horikita: I-I merely acted for my own benefit.

She then glared at me. Welp, I'm gonna get stabbed later.

Ike: Wow, beauty and dedication!

Yamauchi: Of course, I knew the whole time!

But then, I looked at Kushida, she looked... unhappy? I'm not even sure that's the right term to describe her mood.

...

Revelation

(Y/N): 'Well guys, thanks for the mess that you all left for me.'

I sighed again. The others went back to their own dorms after the celebration, without bringing the mess back with them. Geez. Thank god Kushida stayed back and helped me to clean up my room.

She was washing her hands after helping me to clean up the leftovers while I am tying the knot of the rubbish bags.

(Y/N): Thanks for helping me out.

Kushida: I should be thanking you for letting us use your room.

She replied me with a smile.

(Y/N): No big deal. I'd just hoped that the guys would clean up their own mess, though.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun...

(Y/N): Yes?

Kushida: Do you like girls like Horikita-san?

(Y/N): Where did that come from?

Kushida: I always see you two together. All the girls in the class are talking about it.

I thought for a moment before replying her question. Well, I'm still not sure what's my feelings for Horikita. This kind of problem always troubled me. And it hurts my head if I even thinking about it.

(Y/N): Well, I can say for sure that Horikita is my friend. She's my neighbor, too.

Kushida: I see...

Kushida seems displeased of my responds.

Kushida: I'm going back to my room.

(Y/N): Sure.

Kushida: Well, goodnight.

(Y/N): Night...

After she left, I turned around and picked up the rubbish bags.

(Y/N): Hmm?

I noticed that Kushida left her phone on my bed. I picked it up and went outside. I looked around and she's gone already. I went to the elevator and decided to return her phone at her dorm. But then, the display beside the elevator showed that the elevator was descending.

(Y/N): 'I thought the girls were on the upper floors...'

I pressed the button on the elevator and went to ground floor. I exited the dormitories and saw Kushida headed to somewhere else across the road.

(Y/N): 'Where's she going at this hour?'

I decided to tail her.

She went to the seaside and I followed her closely. I hid myself behind a tree.

(Y/N): 'I don't even need to be hiding, really... She's probably want to feel the sea breeze, I guess—'

Kushida: Ahhh, so annoying!

Her voice was so low that it didn't sound at all like Kushida.

Kushida: You think you're so great just because you're pretty...

She then kicked the rail, again and again.

Kushida: I hate you... I swear, I hate you, hate you, hate you! Just die, Horikita! I hate you, hate you!

I felt like I'd glimpsed another side of this gentle girl, the most popular person in our class. She probably didn't want anyone else to see this darker side. A voice in my head whispered that it was dangerous to stay here. However, an odd question arose. Why had she agreed to work with me if she felt such hatred toward Horikita? Kushida should have understood Horikita's personality and behavior perfectly well by now. She could have refused to help, or just left the study group to Horikita, or otherwise washed her hands of involvement. Why force herself into the study group? Did she want to get along with Horikita? Or did she want to become closer to another participant? None of it made sense. I couldn't explain her reasoning.

No. She may have shown signs of this from the very beginning. I overlooked it before, but considering the state she was in right now, I had a hunch. Perhaps, Kushida and Horikita were...

And suddenly, her phone rang on my hand.

Kushida: What? Is someone there?

Sigh, what a perfect timing.

(Y/N): It's me, (L/N).

I came out from the shadow and walked towards her and she did the same.

(Y/N): You forgot your cell pho-

She snatched her phone from my hand.

Kushida: Did you hear?

(Y/N): If I said I didn't, would you believe me?

She closed in the distance between us and stared at me.

I remained unfazed.

Kushida: If you tell anyone about this, you'll pay.

I looked at her with my expressionless face.

(Y/N): How, exactly?

Kushida: I'll tell everyone you tried to rape me.

(Y/N): That would be a false accusation.

Kushida: Oh, no. It's not a false accusation.

As she spoke, Kushida grabbed my right wrist and slowly opened my hand. She pushed my palm up against her soft breast. Alright, I admitted that I was surprised by her action.

Kushida: Your fingerprints are right there. See? There's proof.

Kushida; I'm serious.

Well played, Kushida.

(Y/N): I understand. Let me go, please.

I said with a stoic face.

Kushida then let go of my hand.

Kushida: You hear me? If you betray me, you'll pay.

I closed my eyes. The impression of the friendly, kind and cute Kushida shattered into pieces inside my head.

(Y/N): 'Alright, two of us can play this game.'

I opened my eyes and looked at Kushida, still in her darker side.

(Y/N): Can I ask you a question?

Kushida: What?

She replied in annoyed state.

(Y/N): If you hate Horikita, why would you involved yourself with her?

Kushida: Is it bad to want everyone to like you? Do you understand how difficult it is to accomplish that?

(Y/N): Well, I don't have that many friends, so I guess no.

I shook my head before I continue. Ever since the first day of school, Kushida had made an effort to exchange contact information with, invite out, and, of course, talk with the pessimistic Horikita. One could easily imagine how difficult and time-consuming that would be.

(Y/N): So, you wanted to appear to get along with Horikita, at least on the surface, don't you? But the stress of that just kept building, right?

Kushida: Yeah. That's what I want out of life, though. That way, my existence has meaning.

She answered without hesitation. Kushida had a singular way of thinking. Her own internal rules demanded she get close to Horikita.

Kushida: Let me tell you something, while I have the chance. I absolutely despise gloomy, ordinary guys like you.

(Y/N): Yeah, me too.

Clearly, you don't know me well enough.

(Y/N): Back to the point, did you and Horikita know each other before this year? Maybe you both attended the same school in the past?

The instant I said it, Kushida shuddered in response.

Kushida: What the... I don't know what you mean. Did Horikita-san say something about me?

(Y/N): No. I had the impression that this was the first time you'd met. But something seemed strange.

Kushida: Strange?

(Y/N): You learned my name only when I first introduced myself, right?

Kushida: So what?

She responded flatly.

(Y/N): Well, where did you learn Horikita's name? Back then, she hadn't introduced herself to anyone yet. She told me her name personally and I doubt she'd told anyone else, too.

Kushida seemed staggered. Bull's eye.

(Y/N): You got close to me so you could spy on her, right? What's your motive?

Unable to listen more, finally she snapped.

Kushida: Just shut up. Hearing you talk irritates me, (L/N)-kun. I only want to know one thing. Do you swear you'll never tell anyone what you learned here today?

I decided not to pressure her more. She might be useful later on.

(Y/N): ...Sure. It's not like anyone would believe me either.

The entire class trusted and loved Kushida. The difference between us was like night and day.

Kushida: Okay. I believed you, (L/N)-kun.

Kushida closed her eyes and slowly exhaled.

Kushida: You know, (L/N)-kun, you're the only one that Horikita-san opens up to.

(Y/N): Is that so?

I played dumb.

Kushida: She seems to trust you more than anyone else. Out of all the people I've ever met, Horikita seems the most wary of others and yet also the most self-confident. She certainly wouldn't trust anyone worthless, even if they were unbelievably kind.

Well, she's right about Horikita in that point.

Kushida: And that's why I said I believed you. (L/N)-kun, you're fundamentally indifferent to other people, aren't you?

(Y/N): Why is that?

I didn't remember doing anything that would make her think so, but Kushida seemed confident in her assessment.

Kushida: It's not an out-of-place judgment. Back on the bus, you didn't showany interest in giving up your seat to the elderly woman.

Ah, so that's what she was talking about. She'd picked up on what was happening that first day. She had understood that I'd no intention of giving up my seat.

(Y/N): I guess you're right.

Kushida turned her back to me, and breathe slowly before turned around to face me.

Kushida: So, I guess we've got another secret, huh?

Her attitude had drastically changed, like something out of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. It was so drastic that I wondered whether I'd had a bad dream. She was her usual sunny self once more. I couldn't tell which Kushida was the real one.

...

The next morning, I was yawning while waiting for the elevator.

(Y/N): 'Man, I really should manage my sleeping time during classes.'

Then, the elevator door opened, revealing Horikita and Kushida behind her, as well as other female students. Kushida smiled and waved at me while Horikita looked at me with her same dull expression everyday.

Horikita: Getting in or not?

(Y/N): I am. I will be getting in, if you don't mind.

I walked into the elevator and stood beside Kushida. Horikita pressed the buttons on the elevator panel to close the door and the elevator started to descend to ground floor.

Kushida: Morning, (L/N)-kun. You've got a little bedhead going on in the back.

(Y/N): Hmm, natural hair is in fashion these days.

Kushida: Ahahaha. You're so funny, (L/N)-kun.

She smiled while playing with her hair.

I recalled back the events from yesterday. Until now, I still can't get over the fact that Kushida has dark inner side.

Kushida: Maybe I'll try out natural hair, too!

(Y/N): 'We'll be in the same dorm until graduation...'

I leaned in front to whisper to Horikita

(Y/N): I'm surprised to see you and Kushida together.

Horikita: She was waiting for me outside my door. I don't have a choice.

(Y/N): Huh, that's true...

The elevator arrived at the ground floor and the door's opened.

Horikita exited the elevator along with other female students. Kushida and I exited last.

Kushida: Aww... I was really hoping we could walk to school together.

"Morning, Kushida-san!"

A familiar female voice called out to Kushida. It turned out to be Ichinose Honami, she was like the archetype of Kushida. Famous and beautiful.

Kushida: Ichinose-san.

Kushida greeted her back and Ichinose approached both of us.

Ichinose: Kushida-san, is this your boyfriend?

Kushida laughed it off.

Kushida: Of course not!

Ichinose: Really? I was sure...

Kushida: Nope!

The two of them were chatting.

(Y/N): 'That probably is how she really feels. I guess.'

Ichinose: That reminds me... Did you guys get your points today?

(Y/N) and Kushida: Hmm?

What she'd really means by that?

...

After the History class ended, Chabashira-sensei explained to us regarding the issue of points allocation.

Chabashira: There's been a bit of an issue. The provision of points to first-years has been delayed.

Ike: Are you kidding?

Yamauchi: Do we get some kind of compensation for the school for screwing up?

Chabashira: As the matter of fact, you did. But you all had to work for it.

Everyone in the class was rattled by teacher's respond.

"What kind of compensation is this?"

"Unbelievable."

"We have to work for it?"

Chabashira-sensei calmed them down.

Chabashira: Settle down, you lot. Think of this as a type of school project. Each of you form a group of two or three among yourselves. Then do a research about the facilities that school provided.

Hirata: What do you mean, a research?

Chabashira: Basically, you should write a report regarding the establishment of the school and hand it to me within two weeks period. Services, qualities, and your contentment about the facilities also can be written in your report. Any questions?

The students were discussing among themselves.

Ike then spoke from his seat.

Ike: How much of compensation points do we get?

Chabashira-sensei crossed her arm and answered.

Chabashira: That's depend on your reports, you may be allotted up to 30,000 additional private points per se. Or none at all.

Ike: Wow! Seriously!?

Yamauchi: Yeah!

The class erupted in fits of joy and excitement.

Chabashira: Any questions? If not, then the class is dismissed.

She then picked up her book and exited the classroom.

Yamauchi turned back to his friend.

Yamauchi: Hey. How about three of us form a group? We'll make a report about the game center or maybe the comic book store.

Ike: Yeah, sure!

Sudou: I prefer to visit the gym, though.

Yamauchi: You're boring.

The groups started to form in the class already.

I sighed and looked at Horikita. She looked at me as well.

Horikita: I think the school deliberately delayed the provision of the points to the students.

(Y/N): That's true. But the school gave us the opportunity to regain our points. So it kinds of benefit us, though.

Horikita: I suppose...

(Y/N): Want to do the report together?

Horikita: Don't you have anyone else to ask?

(Y/N): Do you?

Horikita: ...

She didn't reply me. I apparently struck her nerve.

Horikita: Fine. I guess...

She lowered her head didn't meet my gaze.

(Y/N): Hmm, then it's a date-

She glanced up and looked at me.

(Y/N): Uh... maybe not!

I scratched the back of my neck. Crap, I can't find the right word.

Horikita: I guess... You can call it a d-date.

She responded sheepishly and lowered her head to hide her face from me. But I could see that her face was reddened. Oh god, it make me started to nervous too.

(Y/N): Um... Really?

Horikita: Don't make me repeat myself...

(Y/N): Right! Sure, sorry.

Horikita: Ahem.

She took a deep breath and regained her composure.

Horikita: Should we go to the mall?

(Y/N): That should be alright.

Horikita: Hmm... Then how about we go to the mall the day after tomorrow?

(Y/N): Sure. It's weekend right? I afraid that there will be crowded with people.

Horikita: Since when the mall isn't crowded with people?

(Y/N): Huh, that's true.

I let out an awkward laugh. Damn, I can't think properly now. The 'date' thing made my brain stopped working properly.

...

In the evening after the school ended, I was about to leave. Then, I recalled that Ichinose sent me a message during recess time, she wanted to talk to me about something important. She requested me to meet her after school.

I walked towards the place where we supposed to meet. The school compound was very quiet though. I turned corner around a sport building and saw Ichinose standing at there already. She noticed me walking towards her.

Ichinose: Sorry to call you out like this.

(Y/N): What's going on?

Ichinose: I'm just going to say it and get it over with...

She looked around as she concerned that there might be other people besides us.

Ichinose: I think I...

She lowered her head and her voice getting weaker.

I remained expressionless.

Ichinose: ...am going to get asked out! Right here!

(Y/N): ...Huh?

There was an awkward silence.

(Y/N): Wait, um... Won't it be better if I'm not here, then?

Ichinose: But I don't know anything about dating.

She then showed me a love letter from her pocket.

Ichinose: I found this in my locker yesterday. 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...

(Y/N): 'That old cliché, huh?'

Ichinose: Please!

(Y/N): You'd be better off talking it out with them, one on one.

Ichinose: But...

She suddenly stopped speaking and looked behind me.

I turned around and saw a girl standing around the corner.

The girl had a short blonde hair with a flower-shaped hair clip on it. She looks a bit shorter than Ichinose. The girl looked at me with a doubtful eyes.

"Ichinose-san... who is this?"

Ichinose: U-Um, sorry, Chihiro-chan... I brought someone you don't know.

(Y/N): 'Shiranami Chihiro, I recalled that I saw her with Ichinose together before...'

Ichinose: This is (L/N)-kun from Class D.

Tears started to form in Chihiro's eyes.

Shiranami: Is he... your boyfriend ?

I closed my eyes and sighed. Actually, I could understand how she feels, it was a confession after all.

Ichinose: (L/N)-kun is... He's my-

I opened my eyes and talked.

(Y/N): We're just friends.

Ichinose was surprised and looked at me. I turned to her and looked her in the eyes.

(Y/N): 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?

Ichinose didn't respond back.

(Y/N): Of course, it might not be my place to talk...

I began to walk away as soon I finished my sentence.

...

The street lights were on, even though the sun haven't set yet. I sat on the bench nearby, checking my points.

Points remaining: 10,561 ppt

Points delivered: 0 ppt

(Y/N): 'So we had to comply to the 'compensation' to get our points after all.'

And then, Chihiro ran out crying from behind the building earlier. From what I saw, it may not ended well for her.

Ichinose came out afterwards. She looked depressed. She noticed me sitting on the bench beside.

(Y/N): I guess you talked it out, huh?

Ichinose: Yeah. I was so focused on not to hurt her feelings... I was just trying to run away. That was wrong, wasn't it?

And then, she looked up at the sky, seemed already made up her mind and smiled weakly.

Ichinose: We said we'd try to go back to normal tomorrow... I wonder if we'll manage it.

(Y/N): That's up to you two, I guess.

Ichinose: Yeah...

She took a deep breath and looked at me.

Ichinose: Sorry for getting you wrapped up in this weirdness today.

(Y/N): I don't mind having a day like this now and then.

Ichinose grinned.

Ichinose: Looks like I owe you one, huh?

(Y/N): You sure did.

...

The next morning, I was on my way to the classroom. Then, I heard Sudou yelling inside the classroom.

Sudou: I'm telling you, it wasn't like that!

(Y/N): 'Ugh, what kind of trouble that you'd been involved in, now?'

I entered the classroom by the back door and saw Sudou was confronted by Karuizawa and Shinohara.

Sudou: There were three of them!

Shinohara: Still...

Karuizawa: Yeah...

(Y/N): 'What's all this?'

Kushida walked towards me and talked.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun... I think something bad might have happened.

Before I could ask, Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom and demanded us to sit in our designated place.

Chabashira: Here's the thing. Basketball club members from Class C have filed a complaint with the school against Sudou. They claimed that after practice, Sudou attacked and injured them with no apparent provocation.

Sudou then slammed his desk and stated.

Sudou: It was self-defense! Self-defense! They were jealous because I became a regular, so they picked a fight!

Chabashira-sensei quickly shot down his claim.

Chabashira: There's no evidence of that. Though, it there was a witness, it might be a different story.

Sudou trying to avoid teacher's glare, and staring at his own desk.

Then, Kushida stood up and gathered everyone attention.

Kushida: Everyone! Did anyone happen to see Sudou-kun's fight? Does anyone know anything about it?

All of us were looking at Kushida, except one. I noticed a pink-haired bespectacled girl keeping her head down instead.

Nobody responds to Kushida. Until Koenji started to speak.

(A/N: Ah, I almost forget about him.)

Koenji: Perhaps you'd have been better off getting expelled, Red Hair-kun. Your presence is hardly beautiful.

Sudou was irritated by his remark.

Sudou: Huh!?

Hirata intercepted them.

Hirata: Sudou-kun! Don't!

Chabashira: In one week's time, 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 Sudou.

I sighed.

(Y/N): 'One trouble follows another...'

...

Resolution

...

Ike: And it's all Sudou's fault. That sucks.

Yamauchi: Another month of living with zero points... Sensei said the compensation points will be forfeited as well.

Shinohara: Maybe we'd have been better off if he had been expelled.

Satou: I hear you...

Meanwhile, I was lying on my desk, while Horikita stood beside my seat and looked outside.

(Y/N): Looks like our 'date' had to be postponed.

Horikita: Despite the circumstances, you're still worried about our 'date'?

(Y/N): Of course. It was my first time ever going out on date with a girl, though.

Horikita simply shook her head.

Horikita: You're hopeless.

(Y/N): Without you, I would be. You're my 'hope', after all.

I did it again, didn't I?

Horikita: Mou... Be serious, will you?

(Y/N): Alright, alright.

I looked at the window beside me, and I could see that the reflection of Horikita, clearly she was mad instead of flattered. I'd better stop teasing her now.

Horikita: Do you agree with them? That Sudou-kun should have been expelled.

She quickly changed the subject.

I raised my head up and looked in front.

(Y/N): I don't have an opinion. What do you think, as one of the people who helped him?

Horikita: At the moment, we have zero points. Even if we had penalized for losing someone to expulsion, we couldn't have lost any more.

(Y/N): Yeah, sure, I guess.

I leaned on my hand.

Horikita: What? I don't like the way you said that.

(Y/N): You never know when we might be experiencing losses or gains we can't see.

Horikita crossed her arm and looked at me.

Horikita: What does that mean?

(Y/N): 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 expulsion" might be a condition for ascending to Class A.

Horikita: You're splitting hairs.

(Y/N): 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 concieve of. Besides, Sudou's athletic, and he has good standing in his club. He might come in handy-

Then, Hirata stood in front of the class and gathered everyone attention.

Hirata: Everyone, listen to me.

We all landed our gazes on him.

Hirata: I want to trust my classmates. Why don't we work together to hunt for witnesses and clues?

Karuizawa raised her hand and agreed with Hirata.

Karuizawa: Cool, I'm in!

Shinohara: If you want to, Hirata-kun...

Kushida: I'm in too! If we don't believe in him, who will?

Yamauchi: If Kushida-chan says so...

Ike: ... I'm totally in!

(Y/N): 'You guys are pathetic.'

Kushida then approached to me and Horikita.

Kushida: Hey, Horikita-san, (L/N)-kun... You'll work with us, won't you?

(Y/N): Huh?

Horikita: Given all you've said, I'm sure you'll be helping, won't you?

(Y/N): Well, it's not like I'm aiming for Class A-

Horikita gave me a sharp glance.

(Y/N): Yeah, I guess so...

Kushida: You'll help us? Thanks! Horikita-san, will you...

Horikita exited the classroom before Kushida could even finishing her sentence.

We both looked at her as she leaves.

Kushida: Sigh. Let's do our best together. But if we're looking for witnesses... Sudou-kun himself should probably stay out of it, right?

(Y/N): Yeah, it wouldn't look good to get the interested party involved.

Kushida: Yeah... Okay. I'll tell Sudou-kun about that myself. See you after class, okay?

(Y/N): Alright.

...

After the class ended, Kushida, Ike, Yamauchi and I went to find any witnesses or clues regarding Sudou's case. We were busy for the whole afternoon. In the evening, we all gathered in front of a fountain at the park.

Kushida: We couldn't find any witnesses or clues.

Yamauchi: There's still the chance Sudou might be lying, too.

Ike: No kidding.

(Y/N): What about Hirata's group?

Kushida: I asked, but it looks like they didn't find anything.

"Hey! (L/N)-kun! Kushida-san!"

I recognized that voice, it belongs to Ichinose Honami. She ran up to us.

Kushida: Ichinose-san?

Ichinose: Some people in my class told me about it... Are you investigating something?

Kushida seemed hesitated to respond back and looked at me in the eyes. I gave her a nod and she began to explain to Ichinose.

Ichinose: I see... Class C...

Kushida: Yeah. So if anyone knows anything, we want to hear about it.

Ichinose: Sorry. I don't know anything myself... But, Class B will help you look for clues, though.

Kushida was energetic again and she grasped on Ichinose's hand.

Kushida: Really? Thank-

I grabbed on her back collar and pulled her away.

Kushida: Kyaaa! What are you doing?

(Y/N): 'It's probably a scheme.'

And did she just let out 'kyaaa'?

(Y/N): Well, I'm not sure we should rely on the other classes for-

Ichinose: Don't worry!

She reassured us.

Ichinose: I won't do anything weird. I owe you one, remember, (L/N)-kun?

She winked.

Kushida and the two other boys looked at me in confused.

...

The following day, I was walking around the school compound after classes. Then, I walked beside the school field. There were several female students were running a few laps, they probably prepared themselves for this year's sport events. I stopped my track in front of the notice board that situated outside the field as its content caught my attention.

I was thinking about something and then I was called by my name. It was Ichinose.

Ichinose: (L/N)-kun!

(Y/N): Hey.

She approached me along with another male student, they're probably classmate.

(Y/N): This notice...

Ichinose smiled and responded.

Ichinose: Yeah, it was Kanzaki-kun's idea.

She's referring to her classmate standing next to her.

Ichinose: We're soliciting information through the class's online message board...

And then, she took out her phone and checked on something.

Ichinose: We have an email already.

Kanzaki: What does it say?

(TL;DR, A/N: Read the following conversation below.)

Ichinose: Apparently one of the boys Sudou-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.

Kanzaki: If the other two are in the basketball club, they're probably pretty strong. It doesn't add up that Sudou would be able to beat all three without taking a hit.

Ichinose: That's true...

Kanzaki: It's possible that they wanted him to beat him up. If they did this to set Sudou up, things would make a lot of sense.

(Y/N): 'What a keen observation.'

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.

(Y/N): I know how.

Then, Ichinose came up to me and pressed herself against me.

Ichinose: Tell me, then.

(Y/N): 'Her guard's totally down...'

However, I managed to remain my stoical face.

(Y/N): I'll need to borrow your student ID.

Ichinose: Sure.

She gave me her phone. I took it and began to transfer points to the anonymous address.

When it's done, I was surprised by a moment.

(Y/N): 'Hmm?'

Ichinose quickly took back her phone.

Ichinose: There we go! Thanks! If I get any more info, I'll let you know!

(Y/N): Sure...

She jogged away and waved at me while Kanzaki gave me a slight bow before following her.

After I bid them farewell, I recalled back the moment just now as something's bothered me.

(Y/N): 'How did she get so many points?'

Everything, everyone in this school, all seemed to be hiding something, including myself. Looks like I'm not gonna to live past through these three school years peacefully.

I sighed before walking back to my dorm.

...

I opened my door to my dorm. I noticed that there were four pairs of shoes that definitely did not belonged to me in front of my door. I also heard a familiar laughter that echoed back from my room.

(Y/N): You guys.

As suspected, it was Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi and Kushida. Sudou was laying on my bed, Ike and Yamauchi were sitting on the floor while Kushida was leaning back on my desk.

Yamauchi: Hey, welcome back.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun! I rounded everyone up for you. It's a meeting to pool what we've learned!

(Y/N): 'I know, but why it has to be in my room...'

Ike: Y'know, I can't believe how empty this room is.

Kushida: That's right. You don't have any personal belongings.

She said as she snooped around my drawer.

Kushida: It's all just the stuff that's provided. (L/N)-kun, are you a minimalist?

(Y/N): Perhaps. Plus, I just don't have the points to buy anything. More to the point, how did you guys get in here, anyway?

Ike, Yamauchi and Kushida: We had duplicate keys made!

(Y/N): 'How is that even possible... Though, is it legal without asking the owner's permission?'

I facepalmed myself while I spoke internally.

(Y/N): When did you manage that?

Yamauchi shrugged.

Yamauchi: Well, this is our meeting place, right?

Kushida: Huh? Wait, should we not have done that? Um... I'll give it back.

Finally, someone has come to her senses. T_T

Ike and Yamauchi: We won't, though!

Apparently, these two don't. ლ(ಠ_ಠლ)

I sighed.

(Y/N): Well, whatever...

Suddenly, my doorbell rang. I walked towards the door and opened it. It was Horikita standing outside the door.

(Y/N): Horikita.

Horikita: Regarding the witnesses...

She said as she prepared to come in, but she stopped her track when she noticed I had guests.

Horikita: I'm leaving.

(Y/N): Eh?

She turned away and about to leave. Then, Kushida appeared behind me and called her.

Kushida: Horikita-san! You came!

I leaned forwards to Horikita and whispered.

(Y/N): I think you should share what you know. If you prefer, we can just listen.

Horikita closed her eyes and sighed.

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.

Her last remarks caught both me and Kushida in surprised.

Horikita: It's someone close by.

(Y/N): You know who it is?

Horikita: It's Sakura-san from our class.

(Y/N): Oh. If I recalled correctly, she's the one who sat beside Sudou in the class, right?

Horikita: That's right.

Kushida: She's always quiet in the class and doesn't open up to anybody. I think I might have her phone number from the teacher. I'll try to call her!

Kushida went into my room while taking out her phone and start dialing.

I gestured Horikita to come inside. She sighed before entering.

...

When Horikita entered my dorm, Sudou was quite surprised by her presence among the other boys and he jolted up straight from his laying position.

Sudou: H-Horikita, you came?

Horikita: Yes, someone pleaded me to.

(Y/N): Hmm, I'm sure that I didn't-

She elbowed my side before I could finished.

(Y/N): That's right, I requested her to share with us the information she had. Apparently, she found a crucial witness that might benefit your case, Sudou.

Ike: Wow! You see, Sudou. You're been saved twice by Horikita.

Yamauchi: You sure lucky.

Sudou: S-Shut up! How can I be lucky if I had been involved in trouble again?

The three of them started to chatter loudly while Kushida stood in front of my window, trying to get in contact with Sakura. Horikita looked at me and said.

Horikita: Why they are in your room at the first place?

(Y/N): They were uninvited guests. It seemed they've made a duplicate key for my room, though. How they managed to do it was a completely mystery to me.

Horikita: Sigh. I should have known.

(Y/N): Thankfully they didn't invade my privacy.

Horikita: It's not that you have any secrets to hide from them anyway. Or maybe there are...

She glanced at me like she's looking at something that are disgusting.

(Y/N): No! Of course, not!

I quickly clarified myself while waved both of my hands in denial at her.

Horikita huffed and sat on the chair in front of my desk.

Kushida was seemed to be unable to get in touch with Sakura.

I turned and asked Horikita

(Y/N): What makes you think Sakura saw it?

Horikita: In class, when Kushida-san made her plea for aid, most everyone turned their attention on her, while she alone kept her eyes pointed downward. She alone.

Kushida: No use. She's not answering...

Sudou laid down on my bed in disappointment.

Sudou: Damn. After we finally got some useful info...

Horikita: But even if she was willing to testify, it wouldn't mean much.

(Y/N): Why is that?

Horikita: The question of whether it was self-defense or not is a trivial detail. Haven't you realized that?

She's implying Sudou.

Sudou got up straight.

Sudou: What do you mean?

Horikita stood up from her sitting position.

Horikita: Nothing at all.

She turned around and looked at me for a moment before walking towards the door.

Horikita: Goodbye.

All of us stared at her as she leaves.

Sudou: What is wrong with her?

(Y/N): You can't blame her attitude, that's how she is, though..

Ike: Nah. Sudou can't be mad at her for real. He actually has a crush-

Sudou immediately headlocking Ike before he can continue.

Sudou: Another word from you and you will be a dead man.

Ike: Argh, Yamauchi, help!

Yamauchi: I'd better stay out of this.

(Y/N): 'Wise decision... Wait, did Ike said Sudou has a crush on Horikita? That's new.'

Kushida: Um... (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Yes.

Kushida: What should we do to get Sakura-san to testify for Sudou-kun's case?

Ah crap, I was distracted by those guys.

(Y/N): Hmm, I'll try to do something about it.

Kushida: Alright then. Well, it's late now. I think we should leave you alone. Sorry for disturbing you. Good night!

She bowed to me a little before she urging the three boys to leave my room.

...

I was laying on my bed while checking my phone.

(Y/N): 'Sakura, huh? I can't seem to recall anything about her...'

And then, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and saw Kushida was standing outside.

(Y/N): Kushida.

Kushida: There's something I've been wondering. Do you understand what Horikita-san was talking about?

(Y/N): I suppose...

...

Kushida and I decided to talk about Sudou's case while taking a walk in the park outside our dorms.

(Y/N): Even if what happened was self-defense, that's not the root of the problem.

Kushida: Eh?

(Y/N): Sudou 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.

Kushida: ...

(Y/N): 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?

Kushida: The law-abiding citizen, I guess.

(Y/N): They might not actually be so. But with so little evidence to go on, people have to make decisions based on what they have.

Kushida: You're saying Sudou-kun brought this on himself with his history and behavior?

(Y/N): And Sudou doesn't feel he's done anything wrong. That may be why Horikita is being so uncooperative.

Kushida: But I still think we need to say something. That's what it means to be friends.

(Y/N): 'You really think so?'

I'd side glanced at her for a second.

(Y/N): You should follow through on what you feel is right. I don't think it's wrong to do that.

Kushida: Right. But I guess you really do know everything about Horikita-san, huh?

(Y/N): Is that so ...

Kushida stopped her track.

(Y/N): Hmm?

Kushida: Hey, (L/N)-kun. Do you... Do you think... If I... If I... No, never mind. 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!

She then walked away in the opposite direction of me.

(Y/N): Kushida...

...

It was recess time, the students were scattered around the school compound. Kushida was standing near the bathroom entrance while Horikita and I were leaning back on the wall in the hallway outside our class. We were waiting for Sakura. As soon Sakura exited to the hallway, Kushida walked up to her.

Kushida: Sakura-san.

Sakura seemed surprised by Kushida.

Sakura: Wh-What?

Kushida: There's something I'd like to ask you. Do you mind? It's about Sudou-kun.

Sakura: S-Sorry, I... I have plans.

She turned around and began to walk away but Kushida held her hand.

Kushida: It won't take long. It's important!

Sakura: I-I don't know! I don't know anything!

Sakura gripped tightly on her camera with her right hand. She struggled to break free from Kushida's grip and stumbled. Her camera fell from the former's hand as well and impacted on the ground.

Kushida: S-Sorry! Are you okay?

Kushida tried to help Sakura up. Instead worrying about herself, Sakura picked up her camera and kept pressing the power button. It seemed the camera met its end.

Sakura: No way... It won't turn on...

Kushida: Sorry! I...

Sakura: No, it was my own fault.

She got up and ran away.

Kushida: Wait!

Kushida stared at Sakura's back as the latter left our sights. She decided to chase after her, leaving Horikita and I behind. I let out a sigh.

(Y/N): 'Anthropologist Edward Hall divided personal space into four zones. One of those is the "intimate space" zone, with the "close phase" therein. This distance is close enough to embrace someone else, and many resist intrusion into it. However, there are exceptions. For instance, Kushida. Even is she gets very close, she manages not to trigger their personal space reaction. Yet Sakura resisted her. She's afraid of the connection. That's why... she keeps her eyes down.'

Horikita: ...What are you rambling inside your head?

(Y/N): 'Wait? What? How did she know?'

Horikita: Your looks deceived you.

She crossed her arms and closed her eyes.

(Y/N): 'Wow, you actually know how to mind reading a person?'

Horikita: And no, I do not know how to mind reading a person.

(Y/N): Hey, but you actually did.

Horikita: You're too easy to guess, after all.

(Y/N): Well, is that so...?

Horikita: What's that?

She opened her eyes and glanced at me.

(Y/N): No, nothing.

...

It was Sunday afternoon, Kushida invited me to go to the mall with her. Apparently, Kushida apologized to Sakura and asked if she could accompany the latter to the mall to repair her camera. And Sakura asked Kushida if she could invite me. I don't know the reason why I was invited, but I'd tagged along as well.

The three of us decided to meet in front of the mall entrance before walking in together.

We're wearing our casual clothes as that day was not a school day.

Sakura: I'm sorry to make you come with me for this.

She bowed to Kushida and I.

Kushida: Um... I'm the one who should apologize. I'm the one who broke your digital camera.

Sakura: N-No, I should have been more careful...

I looked around the mall. The students seemed enjoying themselves.

(Y/N): You're going to the electronics store in the mall to fix your digital camera. I understand that much... But did you really need me?

Sakura: Actually...

She seemed trying to tell me something.

Sakura: I-It's fine. Let's go then.

Sakura paced herself and Kushida followed her, leaving me behind in confused state.

Soon, we arrived at the electronic store. Sakura was hesitated as we stepped inside the store, but quickly hid away her concerns and followed us. We went to the service support counter. Sakura offered her broken digital camera to the employee. He simply checked the camera.

"Ah, look at that. That's no good. I see. it's a power issue. Yeah, that's no good..."

For some reasons, I kinda dislike this guy. He seems wretched.

He then asked Sakura.

"Do you have your warranty? Your warranty..."

Sakura was astonished.

Kushida: Did you bring the warranty with you?

Sakura nodded and gave the employee the warranty.

"Oh, it's within the warranty period. You could have the faulty part... replaced... free of charge."

His gazes were very disturbing.

(Y/N): 'I can see why this guy would be hard for Sakura, who's afraid of strangers, to deal with. I guess she wanted strength in numbers... Hmm?'

I noticed that the camera showcased on the counter looked strange. Is it recording something?

Kushida: Can you tell us how long it will take?

"Two or three days. Yeah, two or three. Could you fill out this form?"

The employee handed out a receipt of item for repair

" We need your address, name, and... cell phone number."

He gave Sakura a lecherous gaze before handing her the pen. Sakura was shaken as she trying to fill up the form.

Kushida: Sakura-san?

Sakura: R-Right...

She was still trembled and hesitated to write her information.

(Y/N): 'Alright, that's enough.'

I stood beside Sakura. I purposely placed myself between the odd-looking camera on the counter and Sakura herself.

(Y/N): May I?

I took over the pen she was holding and wrote my information on the form.

(Y/N): When the repairs are finished, please contact me instead.

"H-Hey, you..."

Sakura looked at me with her glistening azure eyes.

"The camera belongs to her, doesn't it? I'm not sure we can..."

I handed him the form.

(Y/N): The manufacturer's warranty confirms the location and date of purchase. You confirmed that warranty a few seconds ago. I can't imagine how there could be a legal issue.

"A-Are you sure?"

I stared at him.

(Y/N): Is there a problem?

"N-No."

He took the form from me.

"Well, I guess we'll do that, then."

...

We went to a coffee shop and sat at the table in the shade of the parasol outside.

Sakura: Um... Thank you for your help today.

She bowed to us again.

Kushida: No problem. It was my own fault, anyway. But, Sakura-san, you can talk normally with us, okay? We are in the same grade.

(Y/N): Yeah, you've been using all formal language.

Sakura: U-Um... I... S-Sure. I'll try.

Kushida: No need to force it, either.

She gave Sakura an reassuring smile

Sakura: I-I'm okay.

Kushida: Sure!

Then, Kushida stood up from her seat.

Kushida: One sec, okay? I'm gonna go freshen up.

She then left me and Sakura behind.

There's an awkward silence between us.

(Y/N): 'It's awkward being alone with her.'

Sakura was looking at the table, but occassionally she'll glance at me.

(Y/N): What's wrong, Sakura? Is there something you wanted to-

Sakura: Um...

She cut me off.

Sakura: What do you think would be the best thing to do?

(Y/N): Regarding Sudou? You should do whatever you want to do.

Sakura: Whatever I...?

(Y/N): Yeah.

Sakura: If I don't say anything, I think I'll regret it.

(Y/N): Why are you telling me this?

Sakura: Your eyes weren't scary.

I blinked once.

(Y/N): Eyes?

Sakura: Sorry. It's hard to explain...

(Y/N): If you need advice, Kushida would be more amicable. She was today, too.

Sakura was hesitated when I mentioned Kushida.

(Y/N): 'Is it intuition?'

I started to remember back the darker side of Kushida.

(Y/N): 'She's grateful, but for some reason, she can't fully trust Kushida. That's what it seems like.'

I crossed my arm and closed my eyes.

(Y/N): You said you would regret it if you didn't say anything.

Sakura: Yes.

I opened my eyes and looked at her.

(Y/N): I think that's the only answer you need, then.

Sakura: Eh?

(Y/N): "For Sudou." "For Kushida." "For my classmates." Throw away all of those thoughts.

Sakura: Throw them all... away?

(Y/N): You don't have to burden yourself with all of that. You should testify for your own sake.

Sakura: For my... sake?

(Y/N): That's enough on its own.

Sakura let out a deep breath as she looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Kushida: Sorry for the wait.

Kushida approached us.

Sakura: W-Welcome back.

Kushida: Well, think we should call it a day?

(Y/N): It is pretty late.

I stood up from my seat.

Kushida: Yeah.

Kushida leaned closer to me and whispered.

Kushida: Can I come by your room later, (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Huh?

...

Trial and Tribulation

After bidding goodbye to Sakura, Kushida and I went back to my room. She told me that she wanted to talk to me about something.

Kushida: I'm coming in!

She entered my room and sat on my bed, I entered after her and closed the door.

(Y/N): What did you need to come all the way to my room for?

Kushida: I was actually looking some things up on the internet earlier.

She scrabbled inside her bag to find her phone. She then searched for somethings with her phone and showed me its contents.

Kushida: Does this girl look familiar to you?

I took over the phone and looked. It was a series of modeling pictures of a girl, with a hint of sensuality. I swiped through a few pictures. The model is the same person, and it's kind of familiar.

(Y/N): Is this Sakura? It's hard to say just from the face and the build, but...

I then selected a picture of Sakura before returning the phone to Kushida.

(Y/N): This picture was taken in one of our dorms.

Kushida: So it is her!

(Y/N): And I thought it was strange that Sakura wore fake eyeglasses, too.

Kushida: They're fake?

I recollected the moment when I was left alone with Sakura at the coffee shop.

(Y/N): There was no distortion behind the lenses.

Kushida: So she's trying to hide her face? Is that why she wouldn't testify?

And then, Kushida's phone received a notification.

Kushida: It's from Sakura-san. Let's see...

She opened the message and read through it.

Kushida: She says she might be able to help with Sudou-kun!

(Y/N): I guess going with her today was worth it.

Kushida: I'm glad she decided to trust us, but I wonder why...

(Y/N): Who knows?

Kushida was quiet for a moment.

Kushida: Hey.

(Y/N): Yes?

Kushida: (L/N)-kun, isn't there anything you're trying to hide?

She stood up and looked at me in the eyes.

(Y/N): ...

I didn't reply. In that moment, I was overwhelmed by the memories of mine in the White Room when I was young. While the White Room is the most "efficient" place to raise a human, it does not teach the necessary social skills for everyday life. Thanks to them, I was stripped away basic human emotions and was indoctrinated with the ideology of that victory means everything. Luckily, I could resisted the indoctrination and some parts of me was able to be retained. They labelled me as the "defective" and expelled me from the White Room. Thanks to my foster parents, I was taught again about the basic human nature, including the way of thinking, feeling, and acting, however imperfect. That's the secret to why I didn't socialize more. I was... incapable of doing it correctly.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun?

Kushida snapped me back to reality.

(Y/N): If I told you, that wouldn't be a secret anymore.

Kushida: You know what? You're right...

She lowered her head and looked a bit sad.

Kushida: I'm sorry, (L/N)-kun. I didn't mean to pry for your secret. I think I'll better leave you alone, see you tomorrow in school.

She waved at me before exited my room.

I didn't move from the exact spot I was standing. I was still traumatized by the current thinking inside my head.

Rough day...

...

As usual, I attended the school like anybody else, not that I have any choice. I entered the class and its atmosphere is the same as every day. People chatting, gossiping or sleeping for even a few minutes before the class starts. I walked past groups of students and to my seat. I put my bag on the table and noticed that Horikita was staring at me. Her gaze was full of hostility for today.

(Y/N): What is it?

Horikita: Did you spend your day off with Kushida-san?

(Y/N): You're jealous?

Horikita: Don't be ridiculous.

(Y/N): Sigh. That's because of the thing with Sakura. Though we couldn't get her word that she would share what she knows.

Horikita: I see.

Even though I explained to Horikita, her gaze was still deadly.

(Y/N): What's the matter?

Horikita: What do you mean, what's the matter?

(Y/N): Well, you have quite the expression on you face. It's cute by the way.

Horikita: Really? I don't agree. This is how I always look.

(Y/N): 'Eh? The flattery didn't work?'

Horikita: Although I am impressed by how self-serving you've been lately. You hesitate when I ask you for a favor, but when Kushida-san asks, you comply immediately.

(Y/N): 'Hey. I didn't hesitate when you asked me for a favor... Wait, did I?'

Horikita: I'm attempting to analyze, rationally and carefully, the factors that account for the difference.

(Y/N): That's the another way of saying that you're jealous.

Horikita: I told you, I'm not.

(Y/N): Alright, I'll make you my first priority from now on.

Horikita: Ara~ How nice of you.

She said that clearly in sarcastic tone. But it somewhat feels nice.

Horikita: Then I'll make you my second priority.

(Y/N): Huh? Not the first? Who's that guy?

Horikita: You're jealous?

Ack, she threw it back to me.

(Y/N): Actually. Yeah, kind of.

Although, I might know who's her first priority.

Horikita: Then keep it to yourself.

(Y/N): That's cruel.

Horikita closed her eyes and sighed before continuing.

Horikita: What's more important is that the student council's picked the day for Sudou-kun's hearing.

(Y/N): When is it?

She then opened her eyes and looked at me.

Horikita: Today after class.

(Y/N): That soon?

Horikita: Yes.

(Y/N): And I'm presumed that I'll be going with you to the hearing?

Horikita: You're two for two.

(Y/N): Well, I promised that you're my first priority now, didn't I?

She smirked.

Horikita: You sure did.

...

In the student council room, the hearing was attended by students from two classes, Class C and Class D that associated with the case and their respective homeroom teachers. However, the presence of the student council president caught me in surprise. His attendance rendered Horikita in her vulnerable state. I sighed.

(Y/N): 'I'm glad that I came with her.'

The secretary of the school council, Tachibana Akane gave an opening statement, signaling the hearing has started.

Tachibana: We will now hold deliberations regarding the violent incident that occurred last Tuesday. As Student Council Secretary, I, Tachibana, will preside.

Our teacher was the first one to speak.

Chabashira: The student council president, coming in over a little brawl like this? Wonders never cease, I suppose...

Manabu: Due to my busy schedule, there are some agendas I'm forced to miss participating in. As a rule, though, I do attend.

Chabashira: So it's just a coincidence, is it?

Manabu: Correct.

I was sitting next to Horikita, who are keeping her head low since we entered the student council room.

(Y/N): 'She wasn't expecting the president to be here. Horikita can't bring out her full potential.'

Tachibana: To both sides: I wish to ascertain which version of the events is the truth. Is that acceptable, president?

Manabu: Begin.

Tachibana opened the notebook that she was holding.

Tachibana: Komiya and the other two, you insist you were called to the special annex by Sudou and then attacked by him. Sudou denies this. He insists that Komiya was the one who called him there. Your versions of the events are contradictory. There is only one fact we can be certain of: that the aggressor, Sudou, injured Komiya, Kondo, and Ishizaki. They are the victims.

Unable to listen to this, Sudou slammed the table with his hand and stood up.

Sudou: I'll admit that I hit them! But they're the ones who started it!

He pointed at the three guys sitting opposite of us.

The four of them started to argue.

I crossed my arm and looked at them.

(Y/N): 'Having the main discussion be about the injuries and giving Sudou free rein are both bad for us.'

I then avert my gaze to Horikita.

(Y/N): Horikita.

She didn't respond nor look at me. As expected, the presence of her brother really affect her deeply.

Tachibana: Silence, please. Without new testimony or evidence, we will proceed under these assumptions. Is this acceptable?

The whole room was silence.

Manabu: It seems there was no need for discussion.

Tachibana: It's clear from the state of their injuries that the violence was one-sided. I believe I should base my decision on that.

I closed my eyes and sighed.

(Y/N): 'She's probably gonna kill me, but what the hell.'

Tachibana: Class D's insistence that it was self-defense is contradicted by Sudou-kun's lack of injuries, and the condition of Ishizaki-kun and the others—

I pinched her side and caused her to flinch.

Horikita: Eh!? (L/N)— What? S-Stop it! What are you—

(Y/N): 'When someone's spacing out, a strong physical stimulus will snap them back to reality.'

Chabashira-sensei smirked.

I let go of my hand after a while. Horikita fixed her clothes and stared at me.

(Y/N): I'm sorry, you can kill me afterwards. But right now, if you don't fight, we're going to lose.

I told her while remained my neutral expression.

Looks like she came back to her senses. She regained her composure before speaking.

Horikita: I beg your pardon. I would like to question the witnesses. May I?

Tachibana: President?

Manabu: I'll allow it.

Horikita took a deep breath and looked at the three guys from Class C.

Horikita: What were the circumstances under which Sudou-kun called you out? Answer me.

Komiya: After practice ended, he said he wanted to talk to me.

Horikita: And what was Ishizaki-kun doing in the special annex with you? He is not in the basketball club. There was no reason for him to be there.

Komiya: I... wanted insurance.

Horikita: Insurance?

Komiya: Everyone knows what a violent guy Sudou-kun is. He's a big guy, too!

Horikita: You thought he might attack you, then?

Komiya: That's right!

(Y/N): 'That's a prepared response.'

Horikita: And so you brought Ishizaki-kun, who had a reputation as being a strong fighter in middle school, as a bodyguard?

Komiya: I did it to protect myself!

Horikita: I have some knowledge of martial arts myself. Fighting multiple enemies increases the difficulty exponentially. For you to be beaten so one-sidedly, especially with Ishizaki-kun present, makes no sense.

Komiya: Well... that's just because we didn't want a fight!

Horikita: If you had no desire to fight back, and you weren't fighting back, it's extremely unlikely that all three of you would be hurt.

Chabashira-sensei suddenly spoke.

Chabashira: That does sound like common sense.

Komiya: Common sense doesn't apply when Sudou-kun's involved! He's an incredibly violent man!

Horikita: There was a student who witnessed the entire fight.

Her statement managed to catch the member of Class C in surprise, and Sudou too.

Horikita: Would the witness step forward, please?

Then, the door opened. Sakura entered the room, she's still frightened.

Tachibana: Would the witness please state her name?

Sakura: C-Class 1-D, Sakura Airi.

Tachibana: Please take your seat.

Sakura: Okay...

Sakura sat down on the chair in the middle of the room. She kept her eyes close as she was terrified by the president's eye.

Horikita: Sakura-san.

Sakura seemed able to hang in there when she was called by Horikita.

Sakura: I did see it. The Class C students attacked Sudou-kun first. I'm... sure of it.

Then, the teacher of Class C, Sakagami Kazuma started to question the witness, just like a typical prosecutor.

Sakagami: Sakura-kun, was it? If you really did see it, why didn't you step forward sooner?

Sakura: Well... because...

Sakagami sighed in disbelief.

Sakagami: Honestly, you Class Ds...

Sakura: I'm just... telling the truth...

She replied meekly.

Sakagami: Sakura-kun. Sakura Airi-kun. Are you sure you're not being forced to lie for the sake of your class? To save Sudou-kun?

Sakura: Eh?

(Y/N): 'That's not good.'

Horikita: The fact that Sakura-san is here proves that she really did witness the incident. If she hadn't, she wouldn't be sitting here, even if we'd asked her to.

Sakagami: Oh?

Horikita: If we just needed someone to make a statement, don't you think I would have chosen someone else?

Sakagami: Perhaps you chose to use someone like her to lend further credibility.

Horikita: Credibility? Stop twisting everything.

Wew, looks like that teacher's gonna going down swinging, huh?

Horikita: Sakura-san came here in good faith—

Sakagami: Stop taking advantage of your well-meaning but weak-willed classmates.

Horikita: That is not what I'm doing!

Sakagami: But look at her trembling! Don't put any more burden on—

Sakura: I have proof!

Sakura's words managed to silence the room.

Sakura: I do have... proof!

Sakagami: Please don't dig this hole any deeper.

Sakura: This is proof that I was in the special annex that day!

She showed the memory card of her digital camera.

The CLass C teacher was speechless at the moment.

Manabu: Display it.

Tachibana: Okay.

The windows of the room was shut close and the lights were dimmed. The projector started to display the contents of the memory card.

Sakura: That day... I was looking for somewhere deserted to take pictures of myself. It's dated, too.

Sakagami: Dates on a digital camera can easily be altered. It's rather insubstantial, as proof goes.

Manabu: But, Sakagami-sensei, this picture is different.

Sakura: With this... I hope you will believe that I was there that day.

Horikita: Thank you, Sakura-san.

She gave her a smile and Sakura returned it back.

(Y/N): 'Hey, you never smile that way to me, Horikita.'

The projector was turned off and the lights went back on.

Sakagami: It seems you were telling the truth about being present. But we still don't know who instigated it. It doesn't prove that you saw everything that went down, either.

Sakura: But...

Sakagami ignored her and looked at our teacher.

Sakagami: Might I propose a compromise?

Chabashira: A compromise?

Sakagami: Despite your pictures, you have no definitive proof. However, it does appear that the Class C students may bear some responsibility...

Sakagami grinned before continuing.

Sakagami: A two-week suspension for Sudou-kun, and a one-week suspension for the Class C students. How about it? The difference in punishment is based on the difference in harm done to them.

That three guys seem pleased.

(Y/N): 'Without Sakura's testimony and evidence, Sudou's suspension would have been a month or more. It's quite a compromise.'

Sakagami: Chabashira-sensei, what do you think?

Chabashira: It seems the conclusion has already been reached.

I looked at Sakura.

(Y/N): 'Sakura, you did very well.'

I then looked at Horikita. Her eyes told me that she's not going to give up now.

(Y/N): 'That's my girl.'

Sakagami: That's that, then. Class D representative Horikita-san, please tell us your opinion.

Horikita stood up and responded.

Horikita: Very well. I believe that Sudou-kun, the instigator of this incident, has a serious problem. He never thinks about the trouble that his daily actions will cause those around him. Incidents like this are inevitable.

Sudou: Wh-Why you...

Horikita: I want you to realize that it's your attitude that's at the root of all of this.

Horikita glanced at him.

Horikita: He should reflect, but not about this incident. I mean that he should re-evaluate the person he has been in the past.

Sudou: Horikita?

Horikita: In regards to the incident we're discussing right now, I believe that Sudou-kun is free of guilt.

Everyone was flabbergasted by her responds, except me, obviously.

Horikita: Because this was not an unfortunate incident that just happened to take place, but an intentional set-up instigated by Class C. I assert Sudou-kun's completely innocence in the matter.

Sakagami let out a laugh.

Sakagami: An intentional set-up? How funny. I think the president's little sister is—

Horikita: As the witness testified, Sudou-kun is a victim. Please make the correct judgement.

Komiya: We're the victims. Mr. President!

Sudou: Shut the hell up! Listen up—

There they go, fighting again.

Manabu: As I thought, this was a waste of time. Everything you say is completely at odds. Which means that one side is offering false testimony.

Tachibana: I agree.

Manabu: Let me ask Class C... Can you say with absolute certainty that your testimony here today is the truth?

Komiya: Y-Yes, of course!

Manabu: What about you, Class D?

Horikita: Certainly.

Manabu: Then I'll give my judgement tomorrow at 4:00. If I receive no proof of your opponents' lies, or admissions of your own guilt by then, I'll be putting expulsion on the table, as well. That is all.

...

Horikita, Sakura and I were standing at the hall outside of the student council room.

(Y/N): Do we have a chance?

Horikita: I don't intend to lose. I don't give up.

She then walked away, leaving me and Sakura alone.

(Y/N): I know you won't.

I muttered.

Sakura: I'm sorry... I should have just spoken up from the start, but I didn't have... the courage...

(Y/N): Hold your head high, Sakura.

Sakura: But...

Tears began to form in her eyes already.

Then, the student council president and secretary walked out from the room.

Manabu: You're still here? When you showed up with Suzune, I assumed you had some strategy in mind.

(Y/N): I'm neither Zhuge Liang nor Kuroda Kanbei. I have no strategy.

Manabu: So Suzune went rogue in proclaiming his innocence, then?

(Y/N): I guess it's a wild idea, huh?

Manabu: It is.

He then looked at Sakura.

Manabu: Sakura, was it?

Sakura: Yes.

Manabu: If you can't prove it, it's just a lie. Your mask is nothing but a shackle.

Sakura: I... I only told the truth...

(Y/N): I believe her.

I said while leaning back on the wall.

Manabu: I see... In that case...

He slammed his hand on the wall beside in a lightning speed. I was unfazed. However. both the girls were shocked.

Manabu: Can you prove it?

(Y/N): That's a good question.

...

Sakura's POV

I was getting my mail at the the girls floor of the dorm.

As always, my mailbox was full of letters, most of them are from my fans. They became my followers when I started to upload the modeling pictures of me to the internet.

I looked around and make sure nobody is here, before I took out the mails. I then took a pink letter that imprinted with a love shape. I opened it and noticed that the mail was full of the photo of me that was taken in secrecy. At the moment, I was frightened to my bones and trembling in fear.

Sakura: Wh-What should I do...

...

(Y/N)'s POV

In the evening, Horikita decided to investigate the place where the fighting incident took place. She brought me together with her. It was in the special annex near the basketball court.

(Y/N): It's hot here...

I took off my blazer and fanning myself with my shirt.

Horikita: Heat like this makes it hard to think rationally.

(Y/N): Which makes it the perfect location to set a trap for Sudou, I guess. Well? Think you can come up with a good plan?

Horikita: I'm thinking about it. Sakura-san's testimony allowed us to delay the hearing. If we could only find something more decisive...

(Y/N): Speaking of which, I notice there aren't any here...

Horikita: Hmm?

(Y/N): Security cameras.

I looked around and observed the ceiling.

Horikita: That's true. If there had been a camera, that would provide definitive proof.

(Y/N): Yeah...

Horikita: Of course, if there had been cameras here, things never would have come to this in the first place...

Horikita's face suddenly brightened, she seemed had thought of something.

(Y/N): What's wrong? You've thought of something?

Horikita: Yes. There's something I want to try.

(Y/N): As expected, you'll always think of solution to our problem.

Horikita: Well, I'm—

She stopped talking as she was staring at me.

(Y/N): Horikita?

She didn't respond, and her face was flushed. Probably because of the heat. I walked towards her.

(Y/N): Are you okay?

Horikita snapped back to reality and turned her back to me.

Horikita: Y-your shirt... I can see through it...

I looked at my shirt, which was already soaked with my sweat. Geez.

(Y/N): Oh, that's why. Why do you act embarrassed, then?

Horikita: Should I not?!

She replied without looking at me.

(Y/N): It's not that you didn't saw me naked before.

I shrugged.

Horikita: That's different! We were at swimming class that day. P-Put on your blazer and let's leave, now!

(Y/N): Sigh. Right, right .

...

The next day, I was yawning while making my way to the class. I literally couldn't sleep, probably because of the heat. To think about it, maybe because it's summer already. I arrived particularly early that day. When I entered the class, there is only one student sitting inside the class. It was Sakura. She was looking outside the window.

I walked up to her and greeted her.

(Y/N): Sakura?

My greeting had startled her.

Sakura: Y-Yes?

(Y/N): Morning.

Sakura: Oh. Um... Morning.

We looked at each other for a moment before she sighed.

(Y/N): What's wrong?

Sakura: Eh?

(Y/N): You won't have to testify today. There's no need to be so tense, is there?

Sakura: R-Right...

(Y/N): We might be able to save Sudou and everyone in the class. You're the one who made that possible.

Sakura: Eh?

(Y/N): I trust you. So if you ever need help, I'll be there for you.

Sakura seemed to ease a bit.

Sakura: Thank you...

She genuinely smiled and replied. The one that can melt your heart.

(Y/N): It's not just me. I'm sure Horikita, Kushida, Sudou, and everyone in class trusts you, too.

Sakura: Yeah...

I walked towards my seat and put my bag on the table.

Sakura: Um, there's been something on my mind. It might not be something I should talk to you about, but...

Then, my phone received a notification.

(Y/N): Sorry.

I took out my phone and read the message.

(Y/N): Sorry, Sakura. I'd be happy to hear you out later, if that's okay.

Sakura: Sure.

She gave me a smile again.

(Y/N): 'Right, it's time to end this stupid farce.'

...

3rd person POV

The three guys from Class C, Ishizaki, Komiya and Kondo went to the special annex. Seemingly, three of them received email from Kushida to meet up at there.

Ishizaki: So damn hot...

Komiya: Why the special annex?

Kondo: I wonder what Kushida-chan wants to talk to us about.

They were walking up the staircase to the second floor.

Komiya: Think she wants to ask me out?

Kondo: Yeah, right! You punk!

Komiya and Kondo then exchanged words with each other, Ishizaki sighed as he looked at his two friends. He then looked at the top of the staircase, and found that someone was waiting for them. It was not Kushida but—

Ishizaki: What are you doing here?

—It was (L/N).

...

(Y/N)'s POV

I was standing at the top of the staircase while looking down at three of them.

(Y/N): Kushida won't be coming.

Ishizaki: Huh?

(Y/N): That email she sent you was fake. I asked her to sent it.

Ishizaki: Why would you do that?

(Y/N): It was the only way I could get your attention, right? I wanted to have a talk with you.

Ishizaki: Listen up. Sudou called us out here and beat us up. That's the truth. He should accept his punishment like a man. So long.

He turned back and walked away. Before he could, Horikita appeared from the corner around the hallway.

Horikita: Is that what you want? If you leave here now, you'll regret it for the rest of your lives.

Komiya: What the hell is your deal?

Ishizaki: Let's go.

Horikita: What's that over there?

She looked up at the wall beside me. The three guys followed her gaze.

Kondo: What are you talking about?

There was a security camera. Ishizaki, Kondo, and Komiya was shocked when they saw it.

Horikita: What's the matter? You seem a bit shaken.

Ishizaki: A security camera?

Horikita: The special annex contains a science lab. There are many hazardous chemicals there. Why wouldn't there be cameras?

Ishizaki: How... Wait a minute. If there's footage of us on those security cameras, they'd know you were innocent, either way. You'd have no reason to tell us about it.

(Y/N): The moment the incident occured, both parties were doomed to suffer for it. Regardless of why he did it, Sudou did hit you. That's an immutable fact.

Ishizaki: So you'd be hurt by the camera footage, too.

(Y/N): Of course, Sudou will be punished, as well. But you three might be expelled.

Komiya: Huh?

(Y/N): You told a malicious lie and got the whole school involved. What would you expect?

Kondo: Well, then... why hasn't the school said anything to us?

(Y/N): The school is testing us. They want to see if we can resolve the problem ourselves. So they're testing us to see what conclusion we reach after being granted extra time.

They were speechless.

(Y/N): When you think back on the hearing from yesterday, don't you think it felt like they already knew everything?

Kondo kneel down in defeat.

Kondo: No way... I can't be expelled.

Komiya: Ishizaki, let's go tell them it was a lie. If we admit it, the scholl might let us off the hook!

Kondo: What're we gonna do, Ishizaki?

Ishizaki: Shut up!

(Y/N): Your conclusion seems a little too hasty. There's still a way to save both Class C and Class D.

Ishizaki: Like hell there is—

Horikita: Just take the incident off the table.

She spoke without let Ishizaki finished his sentence.

Horikita: It's simple. If you just withdraw your complaint, it'll be like it never happened.

I continued.

(Y/N): No one can be punished for an incident that never took place. If we both tell the same story, the school can't pursue it any further.

Ishizaki: Hold on a minute. L-Let me just make one call...

Horikita took away his phone before he could even make a call.

Ishizaki: Hey!

Horikita: Can't you decide anything by yourself?

Ishizaki: Give it back!

Horikita: How pathetic.

Ishizaki: Why, you—

He then grabbed Horikita's collar.

Horikita: Resorting to violence?

She not only unfazed, but she further taunting the aggressor.

Horikita: Go ahead and try it.

Ishizaki stopped himself when he looked at the security cameras situated around the annex.

He then let Horikita go.

Ishizaki: Damn...

Komiya: Ishizaki, we've lost.

Kondo: Let's accept Horikita's offer. We can't afford to be expelled.

After an internal struggle with himself, Ishizaki finally surrendered.

Ishizaki: Fine. We'll take it back.

...

After the confrontation with the troublemakers in Class C, we were left alone. I removed the security cameras from the wall.

(Y/N): You think they'll really retract back the accusation?

Horikita: They don't have a choice. If they didn't wish to get expelled, that's it.

She was fixing her collar.

(Y/N): During then, I was terrified for a moment that he would hit you.

Horikita: I highly doubt it. Even he do, I can defense myself.

(Y/N): But still, I'm worried, though.

Horikita: Why is that?

She glanced at me.

(Y/N): Um... Isn't that normal for a guy to worry about his friend?

Horikita: I don't recall that I being your friend.

I sighed.

(Y/N): 'Seriously? After we went through a lot of-'

Horikita: But ... You were there for me everytime I was placed in trouble situations. I-I guess...

Her voice getting softer.

Horikita: I could make an exception and consider you as, m-my fri-friend.

She looked away while stole a glance at me.

It must really hard for her to speak out her feeling. Her action really softened me up.

(Y/N): Thank you.

I smiled at her.

Horikita was surprised for a moment before smiling back at me. Ahh, that smile. My heart was melting already.

(Y/N): What is it?

Horikita: Nothing. It just kinda first time that I saw you smile.

She's right. I'd never display any human basic expression to anyone else in my whole life. For the first time, I showed a hint of happiness that I finally found in my life to Horikita.

(Y/N): I guess you're right... That's make you the first one ever to see me smile.

Horikita: Hmm? You really don't smile to others before, not even girls?

(Y/N): They can't steal my heart away like you did.

Horikita: Ahem. I think you're over exaggerate it.

(Y/N): Right, sorry.

I then packed the camera into the box and walked beside Horikita.

(Y/N): Hey, is the 'date' still on after this incident?

Horikita: You're still care about it? I'm not sure if the whole compensation project still on after the trial.

(Y/N): Can't we still go out as friends?

She sighed before replying.

Horikita: Alright, I'll think about it.

...

Friends

Sakura's POV

I was walking in the mall alone. And then, I realized that I'm being followed. I turned at a corner of a building and fast paced myself. But the footsteps were more closer and closer. I was terrified.

Sakura: 'Someone... help me...'

...

(Y/N)'s POV

After I was separated with Horikita, I brought the box of security camera and went to the park to meet with Ichinose.

(Y/N): I promise I'll pay back the points I borrowed yesterday. Let's discuss the terms.

Ichinose: An eye for an eye, a lie for a lie, huh? Oh, boy... I totally wasn't expecting a kid like you to be in Class D.

She responded while sitting on a bench.

(Y/N): It was Horikita who thought up the plan. I just did what I was ordered to.

Ichinose: Oh? Well, okay.

Then, my phone rang.

I took out the phone from my pocket.

It was Sakura who called me.

(Y/N): Sakura?

I answered the phone.

(Y/N): Hello-

Sakura: (L/N)-kun...

Her voice was shaken. Before I could ask what happened, the call ended.

Ichinose: What's wrong?

(Y/N): Something bad happened...

...

Sakura's POV

Before I was able to ask for (L/N)-kun's help, I was pinned on the wall with my hand grabbed by the stalker and my mouth was covered by his free hand.

"Shh! Keep it down..."

I was petrified and I nodded. I realized that the person that stalked me was the employee of the electronic store where I had my digital camera fixed.

"D-Did you... Did you read my letters? Y-You see how I feel now, right? Right?"

I looked at him in horror.

"Wh-Why'd you keep avoiding me? Y-You're so precious to me... You know that, don't you?"

I fell on the floor when he released me.

Sakura: Help me...

And then, I looked over at my phone that been knocked away from me. I recalled back the word that (L/N)-kun said to me.

(Y/N): If you ever need help, I'll be there for you.

I pushed him away and reached for my phone. He took over my hand and prevented me for calling for (L/N)-kun.

"C-Cut it out!"

Sakura: Let me go!

He managed to snatch away my phone and pushed me to ground.

"Damn it!"

He then pinned on top of me.

"If you don't do what I say, I'll put the real you on the net for all to see."

I'm struggling to get him off of me, but he was too strong.

"What's wrong? Why're you looking at me like that?"

I stared at him in fear.

"D-Don't look at me like that!"

Sakura: No! Let me go!

He held both of my hands on top with one hand while unbuttoning my shirt.

"I'm gonna show you how much I love you. Th-Then you'll u-u-understand me, Shizuku-chan..."

And then-

SNAP!

It's sounded like someone taking a photo.

"Huh?"

I looked up and looked at that person, it was (L/N)-kun!

...

(Y/N)'s POV

Looks like I arrived in the nick of time, the employee was about to assault Sakura before I took a photo of him and stopped his act.

(Y/N): An electronics store employee assaulting a female student. You'll be a celebrity on TV tomorrow.

"Th-That's not it! I-I'm..."

(Y/N): What is it, then? The security cameras caught everything.

I pointed at the security camera outside the back alley.

(Y/N): Even if it's only "attempted," you still assaulted an underage girl. With a criminal complaint lodged against you, you'll lose your job. The press might even go after your family.

He looked at the security camera in dazed. I placed my hand on his shoulder.

(Y/N): Your fate is sealed.

He started to run away and I tripped him. He fell on the ground and tried to climb back up before Ichinose stopped him. She brought along security guards with her.

Ichinose: You think you can just run away after assaulting a girl? You really must be dreaming!

Two guards went up and apprehended the employee.

"Come along quietly!"

"L-Let me go! Y-You have no right to interfere! We're connected by destiny! I-I'm Shizuku-chan's fan! Shizuku-chan knows that, too! She updates her blog just to show me her pictures! Don't you see that?! She even came to this school because I work here-"

Then, Shizu- I mean Sakura snapped and yelled back at him.

Sakura: Stop this now!

"Sh-Shizuku-chan?"

Sakura: I do not consider you a fan of mine. Never come near me again!

"No way... You liar... Ugly... This ugly bitch tricked me... Come on! Say something, ugly! I could never love someone as ugly as you! You hear me?! You-"

(Y/N): Silence.

The employee stopped talking as I gave him a deadly stare. He gulped and was shaken in fear.

The guards then took him away, Ichinose waved at me before went with the guards to give testimonies.

(Y/N): I'm sure Ichinose will see to the rest. I'm glad we exchanged contact information, Sakura.

I showed Sakura my phone that displayed a map.

The GPS helped me to locate Sakura and prevented the terrible things to happen.

(Y/N): That's how I knew you were here.

Sakura: I'm sorry. I'm such a failure. I really couldn't do anything by myself.

(Y/N): It's alright to rely on other peoples. Beside, being an idol brings its share of hardships, I guess.

Sakura simply shook her head.

Sakura: But maybe this is for the best...

She then took off her spectacles.

Sakura: Keeping up the lies was really hard. I'm sorry for not telling you.

She gave me warm smile.

(Y/N): There's nothing to apologize for. But if anything's ever weighing on your mind in the future, feel free to ask for advice.

I offered her my hand. She took it and said.

Sakura: Thanks.

I helped her get up to her feet. She looked at me in the eyes for a moment.

Sakura: (L/N)-kun... You never look at me that way.

(Y/N): "That way"?

Sakura: Oh, nothing.

She gave me a smile again.

...

Horikita's POV

I was called by Chabashira-sensei. I went up to the rooftop where (L/N)-kun and I exchanged points with teacher to buy a point for Sudou-kun's test. When I arrived, I saw Chabashira-sensei was smoking. The wind was a bit strong today.

Horikita: What is it? Why did you call me out here?

Chabashira: I'll get straight to the point. How did you do it?

Horikita: How did I do what?

Chabashira: Don't play dumb. Those boys wouldn't just withdraw their complaint for no reason.

As expected, she was talking about how we managed to call off the accusation to Sudou-kun by those boys from Class C. I also promised (L/N)-kun not to reveal anything to others.

Horikita: I'll leave that to your imagination.

Chabashira: I'll change the question, then. Who thought up the plan to get Class C to back off?

She's not gonna let this go, won't she?

Horikita: Why does that matter to you?

Chabashira: If you're interested in reaching Class A, let me give you one piece of advice.

Horikita: Hmm?

Chabashira: Try to understand as much about (L/N) as you can now, while you can. If you don't, you might be too late.

What does she means by that?

...

(Y/N)'s POV

After I accompanied Sakura back to her dorm, I went out for a walk near the school compound. It was windy, though. Then, I saw Sudou came running to me from far away.

Sudou: Hey, (L/N).

(Y/N): Hey. How'd the hearing go?

Sudou: I don't know what happened, but the Class C guys withdrew the complaint out of nowhere!

(Y/N): I see. That's good.

Sudou: You think Horikita made something happen?

(Y/N): Probably.

Sudou: She's pretty amazing... Well, I'm off to practice.

He ran to the basketball court after waved at me.

...

Horikita's POV

Horikita: What is that supposed to mean?

Chabashira: Why do you think (L/N) is helping you people? Why, despite his excellence, does he refuse to reveal what he can do?

She's right...

Horikita: I don't know.

Suddenly, the sky started to rain.

Chabashira: Class D is, in this school's words, a place for people with defective aspects. This is just my own opinion, but the most defective one, out of everyone in Class D, is (L/N).

Horikita: ...

...

(Y/N)'s POV

The rain was heavy. I was walking alone in the passageway inside the school. I met the student council president and the secretary of the student council.

We stared at each other for a while before the president began to speak.

Manabu: Class C asked to withdraw their complaint, and I accepted.

(Y/N): Did they? It's a weird world we live in, I guess.

Manabu: Was this your way of proving that Sakura was not a liar? Well done.

(Y/N): Your little sister made it happen. I didn't do anything.

Manabu then asked his secretary.

Manabu: Tachibana. There's an open secretary position, isn't there?

Tachibana: Yes.

The president looked back at me.

Manabu: (L/N). You can have that position, if you like.

Tachibana: President! Are you serious?

Manabu: You object?

Tachibana: No... If that's what you want, I won't object.

Manabu: (L/N), join the student council.

(Y/N): I refuse. I don't like expending more effort than I have to. The student council is out of the question. I intend to live a normal student life.

Manabu: Acceptable, for now. (L/N), do not disappoint me.

After that, the president and the secretary walked past me.

I intend to continue my path but then I saw Horikita standing in my way.

...

3rd person POV

A group of four students were walking in somewhere around the school. It was lead by a white-haired girl, who seemed crippled. The group met another group of students that lead by the boss of Class C, Ryuen.

Ryuen: Sakayanagi?

He's referring to the crippled girl.

Sakayanagi: You're from Class C, aren't you?

Ryuen: Playing queen of the school already? Aren't you something?

Sakayanagi: That was hardly my intent.

Ryuen: I'm gonna crush Class D. Then B. And in the end, Class A... I'll crush you, too.

Sakayanagi: But can you make it happen?

Ryuen: There need be only one ruler.

Sakayanagi: That's true!

There was clearly an intense aura surrounded the two groups.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

The rain became more and more heavy. Horikita and I was on our ways back to the dormitories. We stopped at the traffic light. For some reasons, she never spoke to me the whole way.

(Y/N): It's nice that the plan worked, huh?

She didn't respond.

(Y/N): Something's matter?

She finally speak.

Horikita: You manipulated me, didn't you?

I was a bit surprised by her remarks.

(Y/N): What do you mean?

Horikita: You pointed out the lack of cameras in the special annex to lead me to forge that false evidence.

(Y/N): ... You're overthinking it.

Horikita: You made a promise that you'd help me reach Class A.

(Y/N): I do.

I began to walk away, trying to avoid her question. But then, she grabbed my wrist.

Horikita: Wait. I'm not finished yet. I want to know what you're thinking.

(Y/N): To be honest? I want to live my days in peace. That's all.

Horikita: You wouldn't help me if you really didn't want to.

(Y/N): I suppose I just wanted to help a friend.

Horikita: That's a lie. You've never cared about your friends. Just, who are you?

I turned around and looked at her.

At that moment, I was recalled back the memories when I was in the White Room. The child stood next to me collapsed suddenly. For the first time, I was expressing concern to him. And after that, I was scrutinized closely and the training and alteration process became more and more exhausting. Whenever I think back, it always give me a sharp pain to the head.

Then, Horikita snapped me back to reality.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun?

I looked at her in the eyes, I knew that she wouldn't let go of me without a plausible explanation. I took a deep breath before answering her question.

(Y/N): I cared about you, didn't I? From time to time, I'd keep checking up on you and worried about you. If that's not means caring, then I don't know what else could it means.

Horikita: Then, why do you manipulated me in the first place? I trusted you!

(Y/N): I... I'm sorry.

I leveled my eyes with hers.

(Y/N): I promised I'll explain to you everything when the time is right, but definitely not right now. I knew that I had disappointed you. I really do trust you, too. But... Can I be selfish to ask you to trust me again?

Horikita didn't reply me. Due to the rain, I can't see clearly whether is that a tear or raindrop on her face.

(Y/N): Please.

I pleaded her.

Horikita exhaled deeply.

Horikita: Alright. I will.

I gave her a weak smile in relief.

(Y/N): Thank you .

Horikita: If you broke our promises, I'll make sure you regret it!

She pointed at me.

(Y/N): Right, right. I don't wanna get stabbed again by the compass.

Horikita: This time, not only by the compass...

(Y/N): Eh?

We then walked back together to the dorms and chatted along the way, like we always do. But in my mind, I was curious about something else.

(Y/N): 'Why did Horikita suddenly become suspicious of me? Did she heard from someone about me? Anyway, I have to be more careful from now on... '

...

After the fighting incident end with the Class C withdrew their complaint against Sudou, thing went back to normal. As expected, the whole 'compensation' thing was called off. Many students were upset about it. However, we should be grateful that our points won't went south than now. And then, it's finally weekend. I woke up early in the morning. I make sure I had enough sleep so that I'll be energized for the whole day.

(Y/N): It's finally weekend, huh?

I got up from bed and stretched myself. Then, I went to wash myself up and change into a set of casual clothes. Nothing fancy, just an outer coat with a t-shirt inside it, and a jeans pants. I put my phone into my pocket and exited my dorms.

(Y/N): 'We're supposed to meet in front of the dormitory. I hoped that I'm not too early.'

I waited for elevator while checking my phone. The boys in our class created a group chat not long ago and they invited me in too. For some reasons, Sudou and Ike were chatting right now about going to swimming pool.

(Y/N): 'It's a miracle that both of them waked up so early.'

The elevator arrived and I walked into it and pressed the button on the panel and descended to ground level.

I went out of the dorm and breathed in the fresh air from the morning breeze. I waited at the entrance for a few minutes. Then, the door behind me opened. Horikita walked out from the dorm.

I think it was the first time I saw her wearing casual clothes. She was wearing a long sleeve shirt with a skirt. Plain, yet captivating.

I was dumbfounded by her attractiveness for a few seconds.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Huh, what?

Horikita: You're thinking about something pervert, aren't you?

She looked at me while crossing her arm.

(Y/N): N-No, of course not!

I waved off in denial. God, I was so nervous that I can't even think properly now.

(Y/N): I-I just think that you're... pretty.

Horikita: Hmm, alright then. Shall we go?

(Y/N): Yeah, sure!

I wiped off the sweat on my forehead when she's not looking.

...

Welp, the mall was crowded as usual, plus it was weekend too. Many students spent their time shopping in the mall.

Horikita: As expected, it was crowded with students.

(Y/N): Should we go somewhere else?

Horikita: No, it's okay, since I'd rarely visit the mall, though.

(Y/N): You and me both.

We then walked together side by side while talking about the things that happened recently, from Sudou's incident to the S System. We talked about almost any topics.

Then, we walked past a movie theater. I stopped in front of the poster of a movie.

Horikita: What's the matter?

She then walked up to me.

(Y/N): Wanna catch a movie?

Horikita: I think I'll pass.

(Y/N): Come on, it's on me.

Horikita: Do you have a lot of points to spend?

(Y/N): As matter of fact, yes.

I showed her my phone. She sighed.

Horikita: Okay. It's a 'date', after all.

I walked into the cinema and Horikita followed from behind reluctantly.

I went to the ticket booth and purchased two tickets. The movie mainly involved school drama, pretty much like ours.

Then, I went to buy some popcorns and beverages at the concession stand while Horikita waited for me near the staircase to the auditorium hall. The employee bowed to me when I walked up to him.

(Y/N): Excuse me, may I have two popcorn and two lemonades?

"Welcome, sir. If I may, you could purchase this valuable combo pack, it includes a large popcorn and two drinks of choices, as well as discounts for the next visit to this movie theater. For only 2,000 points. It's popular among the couples."

I let out a cough.

(Y/N): W-We're just friends. But, is it still okay that I want to purchase that combo pack?

"Sure! No problem."

I paid for the popcorn and beverages. I then walked towards Horikita and gave her the popcorn and lemonade.

Horikita: Did you assumed that I can finished this popcorn by myself.

(Y/N): Actually... it is for both of us. I bought a valuable combo pack for only 2,000 points. They gave me a discount in case we visit the movie theater again, too.

I scratched the back my head while explaining.

Horikita: I should have thought of that...

(Y/N): 'Eh? She's not gonna retort me or something?'

Horikita: What's the number of our auditorium?

(Y/N): Uh... Auditorium 5. Let's go, then.

We then walked up the staircase leading to the theater hall. There was eight doors, each labelled with number one to eight. We found the designated door and went inside. It was dimmed with light. We moved carefully and found our seats. It was situated in middle of the hall, providing the best acoustic experience.

The auditorium was packed with people, too. I lead Horikita to our seat while walking past the seated people. After we settled down, we each put our beverage in our outer side and the popcorn in the middle.

Horikita: Actually, it was my first time coming to the movie theater.

(Y/N): No kidding?

I took a few bites of popcorn.

Horikita: Nope. I'd found that entertainment is often a waste of time.

(Y/N): Sometimes, it's nice to have a break from all the study. As they said "Things Will Develop In The Opposite Direction When They Become Extreme".

Horikita: Where did you heard from?

(Y/N): From a kung fu movie I watched before. A teacher said to his student about that. That's an old saying in Chinese philosophy.

Horikita: I'd never imagine that you're such a wise person.

(Y/N): I'll take that as compliment.

And then the light went out, and the movie started to play. During the movies, I reached for the popcorn and touched Horikita's hand. Both of us retracted our hands. I whispered to her.

(Y/N): You can have it first.

Horikita: O-Okay...

She said sheepishly.

...

The movie was two hours long. The story was nice, too. (A/N: Yup, I was lazy to write the detail.)

When we walked out from the movie theater. It was evening already. We decided to have a dinner before going back to our dorms.

(Y/N): How was the movie? Do you enjoy it?

Horikita: For one, I don't think that it make sense for the female protagonist to cry over her friends. And, the male protagonist that seated next to her should not be helping her to steal the past questions paper for...

(Y/N): 'Wow, she could criticize the whole movie. Better take notes about this.'

Horikita noticed that I didn't respond. She sighed.

Horikita: To answer your question, yes. I think the movie's not bad, actually.

(Y/N): That's mean we can come again next time?

Horikita: I-I guess so...

She quickly turned her face from me. Probably didn't want me to know that she was blushing.

We walked for a while. Even though the sun almost set, the crowd was still not dispersed. Suddenly, something caught my eyes. It was the silver bracelets displayed on the jewellery shop. I took Horikita's hand and went inside. She was surprised at my act but followed behind.

"How may I help you, sir?"

An employee greeted me.

(Y/N): Can I have a look at the silver bracelets that displayed on the front?

"Certainly."

The employee walked to the display cabinet and took out the bracelets sitting inside its boxes. She gestured us to sit on the chair by the counter. Horikita leaned in and whispered.

Horikita: Why would waste your points on this expensive jewellery?

(Y/N): I don't know. For some reasons, it kinda appealing.

Horikita sighed and crossed her arms. The employee also stood across the counter.

"These two bracelets are matching bracelets, it were well designed by a master silversmith. The silver decoration on the side are..."

The employee was promoting the bracelets. Horikita seemed disinterested though.

"It was limited products, too. We only sold 1,000 of these bracelets. And these two were the last one."

(Y/N): Hmm... Alright, I'll take both of them.

"Thank you for your patronage. I personally think that it was perfect gift for both you and your girlfriend."

The employee smiled at us. Horikita and I choked.

(Y/N): W-Well, we aren't...

Horikita: H-He's not m-my...

Two of us tried to explain to the employee. The employee tilted her head and looked at us.

"Too bad. You two makes a cute couple together."

She smiled again to us. This time, I took a sharp breath while Horikita was blushing madly.

The employee packed the silver bracelets for me. We left the shop hurriedly after I paid for the the bracelets. We make our ways to the nearby restaurant.

After we ordered our food, there was an awkward silence between us. We didn't talk to each other, not because we're fighting, it's because we're embarrassed. Finally, I decided to break the silence by take out the jewelry box that I bought from the bag and set it on the table. I opened the box and took out one of the matching bracelets and offered it to Horikita.

(Y/N): Take this.

Horikita: It's okay. You can have it to yourself.

She rejected my gesture due to her shyness.

(Y/N): It's a 'date', after all. Think of it as a token of appreciation for accompanying me today.

Horikita was reluctant for a moment. Her face was still flushed. Then, she nodded slightly before offering her hands.

(Y/N): Let me.

I helped to put the bracelet around her left wrist and clasped the bracelet. I then wore the other one on my right wrist.

Horikita: T-Thank you ...

Omg, it makes me wanna hug her right now!

(Y/N): You're welcome.

I gave her a smile and she returned it back. Then, our dinners are served.

...

3rd person POV

After the dinner, Horikita and (Y/N) walked back together to the dorms. They chatted a little and before they knew, they had arrived at their dorms. They entered the elevator and pressed the buttons on the panel to their respective floors.

(Y/N): So today was fun, right?

Horikita: I supposed... Its kinda nice to not worry about the academic stuffs for a day.

(Y/N): I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself-

(Y/N) turned around and faced her and she did the same too. However, when they looked at each other, their faces were near. (Y/N) and Horikita looked at each other in the eyes. The time became slowed and the atmosphere surrounded them started to fade away, leaving them in their own worlds. The time was tickling, a second by second, and the distance between them was shorten as well. When their lips almost met, the elevator door was opened, the sound snapped both of them back to the reality.

(Y/N): A-Ah. Well, this is me.

(Y/N)'s POV

I stepped out from the elevator.

Horikita: R-Right. I guess I see you in the class tomorrow.

(Y/N): Yeah. Good night, Horikita.

Horikita: Good night, (L/N)-kun.

She smiled to me as the elevator door closed.

I walked towards my dorm and took out my key card. While I was unlocking the door, my gaze fell on the silver bracelet on my right wrist. I smiled unconsciously.

(Y/N): ''Good' night indeed...'

...

Then, Horikita and I went back to the usual self tomorrow. We argued to each other as usual, but I noticed that she'd wore the bracelet that I gave her during the 'date'. Well, at least that was assuring.

Summer Vacation

Horikita's POV

The alarm clock woke me up at 6.30 a.m. every day. I stood up and stretched myself while yawning tiredly. I opened the curtain to let sun shone through the window.

Horikita: 'We finished our term finals and began our summer vacation.'

Then, I took a shower and cleared myself up from the morning drowsiness. After I finished showering, I wrapped myself in towel and dried my hair. Then, my phone rang. I picked up my phone and it was from (L/N)-kun.

Horikita: 'He'd probably wants to ask for something stupid...'

I then declined the call. As soon as I clicked the decline button, he called me again. I clicked it once more. He'd still call me. I sighed before answering the call.

Horikita: Can't you tell when you're being rejected?

(Y/N): Horikita.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): Want to go to the pool toge-

I hung up the phone before he could even finished his sentence.

...

3rd person POV.

It was a rainy day.

There were four shady figures standing in the alley next to the vending machine.

"We're steaming out here."

"Where is he?"

Then, a similar figure ran up to them while holding a bag.

"Sorry I'm late."

"I told you to be on time!"

One of the four figures scold the latecomer.

"You got all the stuff we need, though, right?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Don't get the set-up point wrong."

The leader of the group said.

"Operation: Peep on the Girls' Dressing Room."

(A/N: *Mentally facepalmed*)

"This will help alleviate our loneliness."

...

Horikita's POV

The next morning, I packed up my swimming clothes and towels and other necessities in my bag. I wore a fedora and the bracelet that (L/N)-kun gave me before exiting my room. I sighed as I walked out from the dorm.

Horikita: I have a bad feeling about this.

Then, a voice called me. I looked and saw Hirata-kun and his girlfriend, Karuizawa-san clinging on his arm.

Hirata: Huh? Horikita-san?

They approached me.

Hirata: It's been a while, hasn't it?

Karuizawa: Wow, Horikita-san! You're not dead? I haven't seen you at all since summer break started.

Horikita: I merely had no need to see you people.

Karuizawa: Oh?

She seemed annoyed, not that I care.

Horikita: 'Karuizawa Kei. With Kushida-san, she's one of the leaders of the two Class D girl cliques. Dating Hirata-kun has recently increased her influence in the class.'

I then looked at Hirata-kun, who was calming down his girlfriend.

Horikita: 'And Hirata Yosuke... A central figure among the Class D boys, and above average both in grades and in sports. He's also gregarious. I'm unable to grasp why he was placed into the "loser" Class D.

Hirata-kun then looked at me.

Hirata: Horikita-san, why don't you come hang out with you Class D friends from time to time?

Horikita: I have no need for that. It would be significantly more effective to use the time studying or reading.

Karuizawa: Oh, is that so?

She was mocking me.

Karuizawa: Let's go, Hirata-kun. I guess Horikita-san doesn't want to talk to us.

Then, Karuizawa pushed her boyfriend to walk away.

Hirata: See you around, Horikita-san.

I looked at them as they go.

Horikita: 'I don't need close companions. I've lived by myself all this time. (L/N)-kun was the only friend I need, and that's enough..."

...

Horikita: 'What, then, am I doing here?

I was waiting at the bus station in front of the building complex, along with (L/N)-kun, Kushida-san and Sakura-san.

Kushida: I'm so glad you're coming with us, too, Horikita-san.

She smiled at me.

I looked at Kushida-san.

Horikita: 'Kushida Kikyo. The image of benevolence, liked by both men and women. But... I think she hates me.'

Kushida: I was hoping we could use this trip to get closer. Okay?

Horikita: 'But why is it that when she hates someone, she tries to get closer to them? I don't get it.'

Kushida: Hmm? What is it?

I ignored her and looked at (L/N)-kun.

Horikita: Where are Ike-kun, Yamauchi-kun, and Sudou-kun? They're not here yet?

(Y/N): Yeah. I guess they were help up-

"Sorry for the wait!"

We looked at the source of the voice, it was belonged to Ike-kun. The three of them showed up late, as expected.

Ike: We overslept, sorry.

Sakura: You overslept... but you're coming from the direction of the pool?

Sakura-san's remark had caught them by surprise. I knew that they were up to something...

Ike: W-Well...

Yamauchi: D-Don't sweat the details!

Sudou: A-A-Anyway, let's hurry!

Kushida: Yeah, let's go! Let's go!

The three of the guys walked in the front, while Kushida-san and Sakura-san walked behind them, (L/N)-kun and I were at the last.

I whispered to (L/N)-kun.

Horikita: Hey, do you really think they'll gonna do it?

(L/N): Well, they sounded pretty serious in the group chat. So, I'm gonna say probably.

I sighed.

Horikita: Why did guys always do stupid things?

(Y/N): Beats me.

I elbowed him on his side.

(Y/N): Ow! I mean, not literally!

Horikita: You should have stated clearly.

...

3rd Person POV

(Y/N) and Horikita were arguing behind the group. Kushida noticed that and leaned forwards to whisper to the three guys in front of her.

Kushida: Hey, don't you guys think (L/N)-kun and Horikita-san are close recently?

Sakura joined in the conversion.

Sakura: Y-You mean they're in relationship already?

Sudou: W-What did you say?!

Ike: No way!

Kushida: Shh... Lower your voice.

Yamauchi: Now that I think about it, I noticed that (L/N) was wearing a bracelet on his right hand recently. I'd never saw the bracelet before.

Kushida glanced behind to the two person arguing at the back. Horikita was carrying her bag while (L/N) puts his hand in the pocket. Kushida narrowed her eyes and noticed that Horikita and (L/N) were wearing an identical silver bracelet in their respective hands.

Kushida then turned to the group in front.

Kushida: Yeah, you're right! Horikita-san was wearing one on her left hand as well.

Ike: Ehhhh!? Seriously?

Yamauchi: I-It can't be... matching bracelets?

Sudou: M-Maybe it just a coincidence.

Sakura: B-But...

Kushida: Well, I think it's true-

(Y/N): What's you guys talking about?

The five of them were startled as (L/N) and Horikita approached them.

Kushida: Uh. N-Nothing. Ahaha.

Horikita: Are you sure?

Ike: Y-Yes! We're talking about what are we gonna do at the swimming pool.

Yamauchi: Yeah, that's it!

Sudou and Sakura nodded.

(Y/N) seemed didn't care and Horikita was a bit unconvinced.

Then, a voice called for all of them. It was Ichinose Honami and a few students from Class B as well.

Ichinose: Oh... Hey!

She waved at them.

Ichinose: You guys going to the pool, too?

Thankfully, Ichinose saved all of them from being questioned by Horikita.

...

Horikita's POV

I followed the rest of the girls to the women changing room.

Each of us were changing into our swimming suit.

Ichinose: Today's the last day it's open, after all.

Kushida: Yeah. Some others might come, too.

I noticed that Ichinose-san's... chest was a littlke too big for her age. I can't help myself and ask her. Not that I'm jealous of something!.

Horikita: How long has your chest been that way?

Ichinose: What? How long?

She turned around and faced me. She then hugged her chest.

Ichinose: Since the third year of middle school, I think. It just kept getting bigger... What about it?

She replied while poking her cheek with her finger.

I was a little bit annoyed by her responds.

Horikita: No reason. I now understand... why you always seem to have more going on than you can handle.

Ichinose: Eh? Is that so?

Kushida: Speaking of which, this might be the first time we've hung out with you, Sakura-san. Do you like swimming pools?

I then look at the direction of Sakura-san, she was just finished zipping her tight swimsuit. Sakura-san turned to face Kushida-san.

Sakura: N-No, not especially... (L/N)-kun invited me, so...

Horikita: 'Since when did (L/N)-kun became actively social recently...'

Ichinose: I see, I see! So it's because (L/N)-kun invited you!

Sakura: Wh-What do you mean?

Sakura-san replied while playing with her fingers.

Kushida: There's been a lot more people hanging out with (L/N)-kun lately. He seems to have gotten closer with Ichinose-san, too.

She said as she slipped on her pantsu.

Horikita: That's true.

I then looked at Ichinose-san.

Horikita: 'Ichinose Honami. The central figure of class B. An incident during the first term resulted in her helping out Class D, but I can't tell what she's really thinking.'

Kushida: I bet you're feeling nervous, Horikita-san.

Kushida-san clearly implying me.

Horikita: It doesn't matter to me who (L/N)-kun gets close to.

Kushida: Oh, really? Then, are you and (L/N)-kun dating right now?

I let out a cough.

Horikita: Excuse me?

Ichinose: Eh?! Really?

Ichinose-san leaned to me. Sakura-san walked up to me as well.

Sakura: I-Is it true, Horikita-san?

Kushida: I noticed you two were wearing the matching bracelets, so you guys must be together already, right? Right?

She pointed at the silver bracelet on my left wrist.

Horikita: W-Well...

I tried to cover my bracelet with my right hand to hide it from them.

Horikita: I-It just (L/N)-kun's token of appreciation for me accompanied him to the mall the other day, that's all.

Kushida: So you guys went on a date, already!

She caught me speechless. Sakura-san took a sharp breath.

Ichinose: Aw, that's too bad. I kinda like (L/N)-kun.

I don't know whether she did it intentionally or not. After I noticed she glanced at me, then I knew that she mentioned (L/N)-kun on purpose.

And it really caused me nervous. I can felt that the temperature kept on rising. Maybe because I was surrounded by three people.

Kushida: Ara~ Horikita-san. Are. You. Blushing?

Horikita: I'm not!

I denied immediately.

Horikita: Ahem. B-Because it was too crowded here, I need some spaces to breathe.

I walked away from them after I finished wearing my swimsuit.

Horikita: 'That was close... (L/N)-kun, I'll surely repay you later...'

...

3rd person POV

After watching Horikita left the changing room, Ichinose, Kushida and Sakura continued to change into their swimsuit.

Sakura: U-Um. Ichinose-san, do you really mean it?

Ichinose: What's that?

Ichinose turned to Sakura after clasping her swimsuit.

Sakura: T-That you said you like (L/N)-kun...

Her voice was soft.

Kushida: Don't tell me ... You like (L/N)-kun as well, Sakura-san?

She looked at Sakura excitedly.

Ichinose: Eh... (L/N)-kun's so popular right now, huh?

Sakura: I mean... (L/N)-kun is very nice to me... S-So...

She replied timidly.

Ichinose: Hmm... To think about it, (L/N)-kun is kinda handsome, don't you think?

Kushida: Well, he's ranked 5 in the hot guys ranking, too. I saw his body during the swimming class, it's muscular!

Ichinose: Stop it, Kushida-san. You make me almost fall for him! And Sakura-san was blushing deeply already.

Sakura: A-Ah... I-I'm fine...

Kushida: Hehe. Sorry, sorry!

She winked at them before they exited the changing room together.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

I was waiting for the girls at the outside of the changing room along with the boys. However, Yamuchi was not here. After they came out, we went to the pool.

(Y/N): 'As expected, it was crowded with people, huh?'

Ichinose walked in front of the group while holding a swimming ring.

Ichinose: Now, let's have lots of fun!

All of us cheered excitedly, except Horikita, Sakura and I.

Kushida: Sakura-san, you bought a rash guard, huh?

I noticed that Sakura was still uncomfortable, but she had taken off her spectacles already.

Sakura: I don't like showing my bare skin in front of people...

Kushida: I got a brand new swimsuit, too.

She said as she flaunting her new swimsuit. It was nice, actually.

Ike: Thanks!

He was so hyped. Then I noticed that Sudou was looking at Horikita nervously.

(Y/N): 'Now that I think about it, Sudou was really quiet until now...'

Suddenly, Horikita karate chop to the back of my head. She could've kill me instantly if she aimed more lower.

(Y/N): Ow! What's that for...

I said as I caressing the back of my head.

Horikita: That's for placing me in uncomfortable situation, (L/N)-kun.

She stared at me coldly.

(Y/N): Since when did I do that?

Horikita: Just now in the changing room.

(Y/N): Wha-

She then walked away. Then, Sudou approached me.

Sudou: That's what you deserved! Hahaha.

He walked away too, leaving me in a confused state.

Kushida looked around, seeming to find someone.

Kushida: Huh? Yamauchi-kun isn't here.

Ike and Sudou's reaction were very suspicious.

Ike: N-Now that you mention it... Where is he?

Sudou: Oh? Wonder where he could've gotten off to!

Both of them pretended to look around.

Kushida: Did we lose him, maybe? We should try to find-

Ike: It's okay, it's okay! He probably just went to the bathroom! Anyway, let's go have fun!

Sudou: There's a volleyball court over there! Let's do it! Let's do that right now!

The girls from Class B was surprised by their reactions.

Ichinose: Wh-Why are you freaking about it?

I sighed while Horikita shook her head in disbelief.

[(A/N): I'm gonna skip the whole peeping operation things. Lazy to write :P]

We went to the volleyball court that Sudou suggested to us. We were divided into two groups. It was a match between Class B and Class D.

Sakura was a little bit hesitated.

Sakura: Um... I'm not very good at sports.

Kushida reassured her.

Kushida: Hey, it's okay. We have more boys on our side, anyway.

Ichinose took the volleyball in her hand.

Ichinose: Okay, here we go! Take... that!

The ball was launched high up to the sky, signalling the match started.

...

Although we have more boys in our side, we still couldn't gained any upper hands.

Ichinose: Take that!

Ichinose spiked the ball directly to Sakura.

Sakura: E-Eh!?

Sakura wasn't managed to defend the spike, letting the Class B to earn a point.

Ichinose: I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit it so hard.

(Y/N): Are you okay, Sakura?

I offered my hand to Sakura, who lost her footing, to stand up.

Sakura: I'm fine... T-Thank you, (L/N)-kun.

Then, there was a commotion near the restroom.

Ichinose: What's that?

Amikura: it's the bathroom.
(A/N: Look her up by yourself.)

Shiranami: You think something happened? I'll go have a look.

Ike: Wait a minute!

Ike jumped out from nowhere.

Ike: Who cares about some line right now? Focus! Focus!

His stupid action scared the both of the poor girls.

Kushida: What's going on with Ike-kun?

(Y/N): I don't know. Maybe he ate something that didn't agree with him.

...

The match continued.

Sudou: There!

Sudou perfect spike gained us a point. Shiranami couldn't react faster and stumbled.

Shiranami: Can't get it!

Amikura: Are you okay?

She helped Shiranami up.

Kushida then looked at the direction of the restroom again.

Kushida: Hey, Yamauchi-kun's been gone a while, huh?

Ike: N-Nah! No need to worry, Kushida-chan.

Kushida: But he might have run into some kind of trouble.

Ike: No, no not at all!

He kept denying.

Kushida: Ike-kun, aren't you worried about your friend?

She gave Ike a look of disappointment.

Ike turned around and muttered to himself.

Ike: Wait. Is she going to think I'm shallow? Manga taught me that women love male friendships... If this keeps up, she might... hate me. No, no, no, no, no!

I then noticed that Ike made a sign language with his hand on his back.

(Y/N): 'Of course it would failed... I can't understand them at all.'

I sighed.

Horikita: What's wrong?

I pointed at Sudou strangling Ike. They were muttering about something. I knew what they are muttering about even though I couldn't hear them.

Horikita: I can't believe they'd actually do it...

She then stared at me up and down.

(Y/N): What?

Horikita: Luckily, you're unlike them. Or else I'll hate you more.

She responded coldly.

(Y/N): Of course. They're a bunch of idiots.

Then, Yamauchi finally appeared and ran towards us.

Yamauchi: I'm back!

Kushida: Yamauchi-kun!

Kushida seemed relieved.

Yamauchi: The line for the bathroom was so long!

Kushida: Really? Still, I'm relieved. We were worried!

Sakura: Um, now that Yamauchi-kun is back, maybe I can-

Then, Ike interrupted them.

Ike: My stomach hurts! I gotta go to the bathroom!

Sakura: ... rotate out.

She sighed in disappointment.

(Y/N): 'They still won't give up, huh?'

...

While playing, Sudou suddenly screamed like a madman. Sakura was startled by him.

Sudou: Got a leg cramp!

He then sprinted out from here.

Amikura: That's an unusual sort of cramp...

Kanzaki: What are you going to do? You're down to five now.

He was prepared to serve the ball, but stopped when Sudou ran away.

Kushida: Oh...

Sakura raised her and hand and offered a suggestion.

Sakura: Um, couldn't we just stop for now? We could go fetch Sudou-kun and Ike-kun-

Yamauchi: Don't give up now!

Yamauchi suddenly yelled from the side.

Yamauchi: I'll work hard enough for both of them! So don't even think about stopping! Or is that all our beach volleyball memories meant to you?! Come on, show some excitement!

Sakura: Ehhhh?

Sakura looked at Yamauchi in disbelief. Kushida held her left arm with her right hand. Horikita was crossing her arm.

Kushida: Has Yamauchi-kun always been like this?

Horikita: I never really knew what his personality was like. There are times when I can't even tell him and Ike-kun apart.

I leaned in and whispered.

(Y/N): Hey. Seriously?

Horikita: It is.

She closed her eyes and replied in nonchalant tone.

(Y/N): As how I expected from you ...

...

The match continued, again. This time, we were down to five people. The outcome of the match had already been decided. Kushida was unable to save the ball and stumbled.

Kushida: Ouch... Sorry, I couldn't stop it.

Yamauchi: Don't worry, don't worry! It's cool.

(Y/N) and Horikita: You're pathetic.

We said in neutral expression.

Then, we continued the match, even though we're pretty much lost the match already, but for Yamauchi's sake. After a short rallies, we are now on defensive side. Then, Horikita talked to me.

Horikita: You're holding back.

(Y/N): Huh? I'm not good at sports.

Horikita: You're athletic. I've seen you. Why do you hide what you're capable of?

(Y/N): Are you annoyed? You really hate to lose, don't you?

Horikita: Not really...

She then turned away from me.

(Y/N): I think that's a good thing. Games are boring if you can't get invested in them.

She gave me an annoyed stare.

(Y/N): Getting a little emotional would help you with making friends, too.

Horikita: I do not need friends. One is enough.

She huffed and looked away. I sighed and patted her head. She was surprised by my sudden interaction but she didn't shove away my hand.

(Y/N): It can't be help, huh ...

I smiled at her while she returned me with a pout. Her cheek was slightly red and she looks like a hamster. So damn cute!

Then, there was a commotion again.

Kushida: Did something happen?

Sakura: It seemed the changing room was crowded with people.

Then, I was flashed by a bright light. I looked at the source, it was by Sotomura. He was the head of this entire peeping operation.

He was giving me sign language using the flag.

(Y/N): "Draw attention away from the changing room? Student council president, Ryuen, and others?"

I sighed.

(Y/N): 'This is ridiculous...'

That's right, I was part of the peeping operation, but it was against my will. I was given a callsign "Argos-4". Yeah, it was as stupid as it sounds.

Horikita noticed that I'm acting strange and asked me.

Horikita: What's wrong?

(Y/N): Horikita. I need your help with something.

Horikita: Hmm?

...

Horikita's POV

Horikita: Why do I have to do this?

Right now, I was standing at the top of the diving board. It was windy up here. There was a crowd beneath me, the students from Class A to D, and even my brother. Looks like I managed to have everyone attention. I took a deep breath before giving the speech.

Horikita: Let me start by saying... We are year one, Class D. We're known as collection of defective students. We're made up of problem children. We're foolish, and we fall for the plots of other classes very easily. Students of Class C, it was bold of you to try to sabotage us before. But right now, I feel grateful to you. Thanks to you, I now understand the difficulty of aiming any higher in a class full of problem children. But the classes from A to D aren't necessarily separated just on superficial academic and athletic ability. Which means that even the failures of Class D can ascend to Class A. We can make it to Class A.

I placed my hand on my chest.

Horikita: We will make it to Class A!

The crowd was hyped and cheered for me. I looked and found (L/N)-kun, he smiled at me. I sighed.

Horikita: 'That was so embarassing...'

...

(Y/N)'s POV

It was 4.03 p.m.. The crowd started to disperse. There are still some people left in the pool. I was standing at the poolside while my classmates were having fun in the pool.

Horikita: Utterly ridiculous.

Horikita walked up and stood beside me.

(Y/N): Hmm?

Horikita: There really were cameras set up in there.

I sighed.

Flashback

Horikita's POV

After I rejected the call from (L/N)-kun in the early of the morning after I took a shower, he called me again.

(Y/N): Want to go to the pool together?

Of course, I would answer—

Horikita: No.

(Y/N): I need a favor from you. Class D's future is on the line.

I thought for a moment.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): It's Ike who suggested the pool. He's planning to set up a cameras in the women's changing room and peep on them.

Horikita: Huh?!

Flashback end

(Y/N)'s POV

That's me, I'm the whistleblower of the operation.

(Y/N): If I had tried to stop them, they might have tried to do it behind my back. It was better to let them try and fail.

Horikita: You may be right.

(Y/N): Their plan was to set up the cameras, then retrieve them after the pool closed and everyone was gone, but...

Horikita: We could stop the peeping if I just removed the SD cards in advance.

(Y/N): That was the plan, at least. The interference of the other classes made things more difficult.

Horikita: Is that why you had me give that attention-drawing speech?

(Y/N): Everyone applauded. Sudou and the others were moved to tears.

Horikita huffed.

(Y/N): More importantly, did you enjoy the pool? You've been all alone during summer break.

Horikita: I didn't come here to have fun. Besides, I like being by myself.

(Y/N): I see. What if I'd come visit you?

Horikita: And interrupt my study?

(Y/N): You don't actually study for the whole summer break, do you?

Horikita: I thought you really understand me, but I guess I was wrong.

She crossed her arm and closed her eyes.

(Y/N): Hmm. There's still time until the pool closes.

Horikita: What are you—Kyaaa!

I pushed her down to the pool. She emerged from the water after a few seconds and yelled at me.

Horikita: What are you doing?!

(Y/N): Sorry, sorry.

I offered her my hand. She swam to the poolside and took my hand. At the instant, she pulled me down into the pool as well while climbing back to the poolside.

Horikita: That was payback.

Kushida: Hey, let me join in!

Kushida then splashed water at Horikita.

Horikita turned and faced Kushida.

Horikita: Kushida-san! We are not playing—

Kushida didn't listened and kept splashing water at Horikita.

Kushida: Take that!

(Y/N): 'Well done, Kushida.'

I stood at in the pool.

Sudou: I'm gonna play with Horikita, too!

And then, Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi, three of them jumped on Horikita, who was still in the water.

Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi: Yahoo!

Splash!

I was looking at the four of them from the side. Suddenly, someone splashed water at me. It was Sakura.

Sakura: S-Sorry.

She apologized and hid herself in the water. I pulled her back to the surface of the water.

(Y/N): It's okay. I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself, too.

Sakura: Yes!

She nodded and smiled at me.

...

Horikita's POV

After the pool closed, we all went back to our respective dorms.

I took a shower before I turned in for the night. I changed into my pajamas and dried my hair with towel. I then checked my phone and there was a message from (L/N)-kun.

Horikita: An email?

From: (L/N) (Y/N)
To: Horikita Suzune
Sub: No subject

1 Attachment

I opened it and it revealed as a group photo that was taken before we went back to our dorms. From the left were (L/N)-kun and I glanced at each other, Yamauchi-kun mounted on Ike-kun, Kushida-san's hugging Sakura-san, and lastly Sudou-kun at the right. I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes.

Horikita: It's easier to be by myself. But I could make an exception for you, (L/N)-kun.

I then drifted off to sleep with the phone still on my hand.

...

Dilemmas

3rd Person POV

"Earth and water might impede our escape... but the sky is free! Even here in the darkest depths, there remains a spark of hope."

"These are... my wings? With these wings... can I fly freely in the sky?"

"Icarus, listen to me. Freedom can addle the mind. Arrogance can lead to death."

The rehearsal of "The Wings of Icarus" took place in the theater of a luxury ship. There was a few audiences in the dark theater, watching the whole rehearsal, and only an audience that sat at the back row of the theater, she was Chabashira Sae, the homeroom teacher of the Class D. Her student, (L/N) (Y/N), joined her in the dark theater. Apparently, the teacher called him to meet her in here.

(Y/N) then sat next to Chabashira.

(Y/N): This feels like a waste of taxpayer money.

Chabashira: A few days ago, a certain man contacted the school. "Expel (L/N) (Y/N)," he said.

(Y/N): I wonder what that could mean. I don't know who that person was, but you know you can't expel someone without a reason.

He replied calmly.

Chabashira: Naturally. So long as you're a student here, the rules will protect you. Of course, if you cause any trouble, that's another matter altogether.

He stared at the teacher for a while before replying.

(Y/N): Sorry to inform you, but unlike the arrogant Icarus, I don't pick fights with the sun.

Chabashira: Your intentions aren't a factor. If I decide you're a problem, that's what you are.

(Y/N): Are you threatening me?

Chabashira: I'm offering a trade. If you will attempt to reach Class A, I'll cover for you, unilaterally. A good deal, don't you think?

(Y/N): It's out of the question.

(Y/N) stood up and prepared to leave.

Chabashira: Then I'm afraid, (L/N)...

He stopped his track.

Chabashira: You're going to be expelled and lose your freedom.

(Y/N) then grabbed the collar of Chabashira's suit. Somehow, he was shown with anger expression to the teacher for the first time. The teacher, however, was not flinched by his outburst.

(Y/N): You call yourself a teacher?

Chabashira: Make your decision now. Will you try for Class A, or be expelled?

The light on the stage was dimmed, indicating the end of the rehearsal. (Y/N) released his grip and regained his composure.

(Y/N): You may come to regret trying to manipulate me.

Chabashira: Don't worry about that. My life is already full of regret.

(Y/N) then exited the theater and walked to the deck of the ship and leaned on the railing.

(Y/N): 'Throw away my freedom to protect my freedom...'

The sea breeze of the night was calming, but not enough to quell (Y/N)'s unease.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

The endless summer sea. The infinite blue skies. The perfectly clear air. Here, in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, we didn't feel the intense midsummer heat, and the gentle sea breeze kissed our bodies. Yes, this really was an oceanic paradise.

Ike: This is truly... a sea paradise!

His voice echoed across the deck of the luxury liner.

Karuizawa: Look at that view! Kinda gets your heart racing, huh?

A group of girls led by Karuizawa came out from the ship's cabin. Karuizawa pointed out to the expansive ocean, wearing a radiant smile.

Kushida: It really is an amazing sight!

Kushida was also present among the group of girls. It looked like the extraordinary view had stolen her breath away.

After overcoming numerous hardships, midterms, and the final exam, we had welcomed summer vacation with open arms. The Advanced Nurturing High School had arranged for an extravagant two-week trip-a cruise on a luxury liner.

Yamauchi: Aren't you glad you didn't get expelled, Sudou?

Sudou: Yeah. It feels like a dream...

I was standing next to the boys as they marveled at the scenery.

Karuizawa: Isn't the school so generous? Taking us out on this big cruise...

Kushida: Yeah!

(Y/N): 'The luxury cruise ship, Speranza. It contains first-class restaurants, a theater for live performances, pools and various amusement facilities. There's even a luxury spa.'

(Y/N): 'If I bought a ticket as an individual, it would likely cost a few hundred thousand.'

Then Ike called me from behind.

Ike: Hey, (L/N)! Come on, the girls were playing in the pool right now. You don't wanna miss this!

Ike then grabbed my arm and pulled me away.

(Y/N): 'Seriously, don't categorize me to the likes of you guys...'

...

Kushida was playing ball in the pool with other girls. The guys were there as well and staring at them while drooling like a bunch of perverts.

I then sat beside Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi under the shade to watch the girl as well. Believe me, I was forced by them!

Then Ike suddenly spoke.

Ike: I'm gonna do it! I'm gonna tell Kushida-chan how I feel!

Yamauchi and Sudou was shocked by his determination.

Yamauchi: Are... Are you serious?

Ike stood up.

Ike: To do nothing and live a life of regret... would be pretty lame, huh?

He took off his sunglasses and smiled smugly.

(Y/N): 'Seriously... You're gonna do it?'

Somehow, Sudou who sat beside me began to cry.

Sudou: Ike...

(Y/N): Go on.

Ike: Okay! Here I go!

Ike walked away while smiling confidently. The three of us decided to follow him.

Ike approached Kushida, who just came out from the pool.

Ike: Hey, hey, Kushida-chan. Can I speak with you in private?

Kushida: Sure!

She put on her shirt before going with Ike to the deck. We followed them in private.

Kushida: What is it, Ike-kun?

When there was no one around, Ike took a deep breath before confessing to Kushida. Still, his hand was shaking.

Ike: Kushida-chan...

Kushida: Hmm?

Kushida was smiling brightly as usual while Ike was a nerve-wracking idiot.

Ike: C... C... Could I call you by your given name?

(Y/N): 'Wait, what?'

Kushida gasped at his outburst.

Ike: C-Can I? Can I call you Kikyou-chan?

Kushida simply smiled.

Kushida: Sure! Can I call you Kanji-kun, then?

Ike's expression was classic.

Kushida: Kanji-kun?

Then, Ike kneel down and screamed like a rampaging gorilla.

Ike: Whooooaaaaa! Kikyou-chaaaaaaan!

Ike cried out and posed like he was reaching out to heaven. Kushida however, was unable to understand why he's screaming.

Kushida: Kanji-kun?

The three of us hid behind the staircase had witnessed the whole 'confession'. For some reasons, two of them were moved by Ike.

Yamauchi: That bastard. He pulled it off!

I sighed.

(Y/N): 'All he did was use her name... Now that I think about it, should I be considered calling Horikita by her given name as well?'

Then, Sudou grabbed both of my shoulders.

Sudou: (L/N)! What's Horikita's given name?

(Y/N): Huh?

His face's close. Back off, dude.

Sudou: You two aren't together right? Right?

(Y/N): W-Well, I guess—

Sudou: Then, that's means I still had a chance with her! So tell me! Tell me Horikita's given name right now!

(Y/N): 'You're that obsessed with her, huh?'

Somehow, I was feeling irritated, and I was trying my best to remain neutral expression but nevertheless I told him Horikita's given name.

(Y/N): I think it's Suzune.

Sudou: Suzune... It's cute. I like it.

(Y/N): 'Yeah, me too.'

On the other hands, Yamauchi was kept calling Sakura's given name, Airi.

Yamauchi: Airi-chan. Airi-chan. Airi-chan...

(Y/N): What's gotten into them?

Sudou: Okay! I'm gonna call her by her name, too! Let me practice with you, (L/N). Practice saying Suzune's name, I mean.

Eh?

(Y/N): Practice? What do you mean, practice? That's not a normal thing to do.

It was pointless to practice saying someone's name unless you were saying it to the person in question. Sudou glared at me intently. He wasn't planning to make me his imaginary Horikita, was he? It was probably because he was imagining me as someone of the opposite sex, but the look in his eyes really crept me out.

Sudou: Ahem. Hey, Horikita, do you have a minute? There's something I want to talk to you about...

I mentally facepalmed myself.

(Y/N): I'm not Horikita.

I averted my eyes.

Sudou: You freakin' moron! It's practice! I don't wanna do it, either, but I got to practice, you know?

I sighed. I really didn't want to listen to this, but I didn't have much of a choice.

Sudou: Horikita. Isn't it weird that we talk to each other like we're strangers? We've known each other for a while now. Other people are calling each other by their first names. Isn't it time we did, too?

(Y/N): ...

I wanted to hit Sudou on the head, but I tried to endure it like an adult.

Sudou: Say something! Why aren't you practicing?!

(Y/N): What am I supposed to say?

Sudou: Answer like how Horikita would. You've known her for a long time, so you'd know how she'd answer, right?

(Y/N): 'But I don't want to...'

Yamauchi: Clearly, (L/N) was annoyed because you wanted to call his Horikita's given name. Let me practice with you, instead.

Yamauchi jumped in to substitute for me. Thanks dude.

Sudou: Horikita...is it okay for me to call you by your first name now?

Yamauchi: Huh? Well, only (Y/N)-kun can called me by my given name. I'm sorry, Sudou-kun. But no.

Yamauchi deliberately said my first name while pretending to answer in Horikita's tone. Sudou put him in a chokehold until he writhed in agony on the deck. Those guys always seemed so energetic. I felt exhausted just looking at them. Still, they did look pretty funny.

A little while later, the crowd started getting riled up and making noise.The students' enthusiasm increased by leaps and bounds as we sailed closer and the island became clearer.

I'd thought that the ship would have gone directly to the island, but for some reason we passed the pier and started circling around.

Eventually, the boat made a complete pass around the island. The ship continued to circle without changing speed, barely making a splash as it moved almost unnaturally fast through the water.

(Y/N): 'Why did the ship circling around the island...'

I lost in thought while looking at the deserted island for a few minutes.

...

After that, we went to enjoy lunch at a luxurious restaurant to celebrate the success of Ike's 'confession'. It was crowded with students.

Sudou: Hey... Is this all free, too?

Ike: You don't think they're gonna send us a bill later?

Yamauchi: Well, all the other classes are eating, so I guess it's okay...

(Y/N): 'We're going to stick out like sore thumbs.'

Then, a waiter approached us.

"Welcome. Would the gentlemen like a table for four?"

Ike, Sudou, and Yamauchi: Y-Yes.

We were seated in the middle of the restaurant. And as expected, we had attracted some unwanted attentions on us. We were looking at the unfamiliar menu.

Sudou: Hey, what kinda food is this?

Ike: Fromage de tête? With a fragrant herb sauce...

(Y/N): It means head cheese. It's a meat jelly, made with flesh from the head of a calf or pig. Despite it's name, it is not a dairy cheese, though.

Yamauchi: H-Hey, no big deal! Let's just order whatever.

He then raised his hands and called for the waiter with a loud voice.

Yamauchi: E-Excuse me! Can we order already?

The other patrons looked at us with a disgusted look.

(Y/N): 'Honestly, you really an idiot...'

I sighed.

(Y/N): Let's just go—

Then, a voice spoke out of nowhere.

"You're Class D, aren't you?"

Sudou: Yeah? So what if we are?

"Listen to me. This restaurant is no place for garbage like you."

Sudou: Huh!?

Sudou stood up and confronted that guy.

"Garbage should be eating junk food. Go get yourselves some hamburgers."

(Y/N): 'Although I'm not a fan of being labelled as garbage, but a hamburger sounds nice by the way.'

Sudou then grabbed the collar of the male student and pulled in him up from his seat.

Sudou: You got something against hamburgers?!

"Yahiko."

Another male students spoke.

"Cease these ridiculous provocations."

Yahiko: Katsuragi-san...

(Y/N): 'Katsuragi? If I recalled correctly, he was one of the most influential student in Class A...'

Katsuragi: Although we are currently on vacation, we may still lose points for bad behavior. You should conduct yourself in a manner befitting a Class A student.

Yahiko: Y-Yes sir.

Katsuragi then glanced at our table.

Katsuragi: You lot would do well to study manners, as well, to stop being a nuisance to those around you.

Sudou released his grip on Yahiko.

Sudou: Huh? we haven't done—

Suddenly, the patrons of the restaurant were murmuring to each other.

"Hey, it's that Sudou?"

"You know, the one behind that assault."

"His eyes are so scary..."

"I hear he's actually killed people."

Sudou: Give me a break, you guys!

Katsuragi: Do you intend to repeat the same mistake now?

Sudou was quiet immediately. Then, Ike patted on his shoulder.

Ike: Let's go somewhere else.

Sudou let out an annoyed "Tch" before following Ike walked out from the restaurant.

I looked at the man who managed to hush Sudou instantly with one sentence.

(Y/N): 'Class A. Katsuragi...'

Then, I glanced at him for a second before I exited the restaurant as well.

...

To think about it, I haven't see Horikita for a while now. Kinda miss her snarky comments.

I messaged Kushida and asked about Horikita's room number. Then, I went to the upper floor to visit her. I knocked on the door of her room.

(Y/N): Horikita.

She didn't responds. I knocked again.

(Y/N): It's me, (L/N).

After a while, she still haven't respond.

(Y/N): 'She was asleep, I guess...'

When I was about to leave, the door opened. Horikita appeared behind the door, still in her school uniform only without her blazer.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): I'm checking up on you. Since I didn't saw you anywhere after breakfast.

Horikita: I'm fine. I was just reading a book in my room. For your information, the book's called For Whom the Bell Tolls. Not that you would know it.

(Y/N): Hey, come on now. That book was arguably one of Ernest Hemingway's definitive works, an unquestioned masterpiece.

Horikita: Good for you, is there anything else?

(Y/N): No... Not at the moment.

Horikita: Then, goodbye.

She shut the door immediately. Leave me in dumbfounded state.

(Y/N): 'What's up with her...?'

I decided to leave her alone for now and walked back to my room.

Then, Hirata called me as I was opening the door to my room.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Hirata?

Hirata: Were you busying right now?

(Y/N): No...

Hirata: That's good. I'm about to hang out with Karuizawa-san and the gang. Want to come along?

(Y/N): Karuizawa?

I thought for a moment.

(Y/N): I'll pass. I'm not especially close to her or her friends.

Hirata: It might be a good chance to get to know them, then!

(Y/N): 'Is it just that he wants to encourage me to socialize? Or...'

We stared at each other without talking.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun...

(Y/N): Hmm?

Hirata: The truth is, there's something I wanted your help with.

(Y/N): Help?

Hirata: Yeah. Could you help serve as an intermediary between Horikita-san and me? I think that if we want to unite Class D going forward, she'll be an integral player.

(Y/N): 'So that's what it's about...'

Hirata: They say she's the one who proved Sudou-kun's innocence. If we could work together...

Suddenly, Hirata's phone rang. It was from his girlfriend, Karuizawa.

(Y/N): Don't you have to answer that?

Hirata: Sorry. I guess I'd better get going. If you change your mind, just call me, okay?

(Y/N): Sure.

Hirata: Okay, see you!

He walked away while answering the phone.

(Y/N): ...

...

In the evening, I was wandering around the ship and admiring the scenery as well. Then, I received a message from Horikita. She requested to meet with her. Then, I walked around the deck and found Horikita was sitting alone in the open bar while still reading her book. However, she was rubbing her right arm constantly. I'd kept that in mind while approaching her and took a seat next to her.

Horikita: That was fast.

(Y/N): What did you call me out for?

Horikita: Do you think this trip is going to remain a mere vacation?

(Y/N): There's probably more to it.

Horikita: Yes.

(Y/N): The ship is headed for a boarding house on a South Seas island owned by the school, isn't it? When we get there...

Horikita: We can't let our guard down.

"There you are."

I looked at the source of the voice, it turned out to be Ryuen Kakeru, and his bodyguard, Yamada Albert. Ryuen took a seat next to Horikita. She didn't even spared a gaze on him.

Ryuen: Setting up cameras in the special annex... That was a funny little prank you pulled.

Horikita: Who are you?

Ryuen: I like women like you, Suzune.

(Y/N): 'Hey, I don't like the way you speaks to my girl.'

Horikita: I don't know how you found that out, but I haven't given you permission to use my given name.

He then touched her chin and made her facing him directly.

Ryuen: There's something really sexy about that look on your face.

I was unable to put up with him. So, I stood up and shoved away his hand. His bodyguard prepared to act but was stopped by him.

(Y/N): Keep your hands off.

Ryuen: Oh, who are you? Her knight in shining armor?

(Y/N): Well, for one thing, yes. For another, I don't like the way you harassed my classmate.

Ryuen laughed in amusement.

Horikita: I don't know who you are, but your presence absolutely disgusts me.

Ryuen: I'm a fan of yours.

His bodyguard handed him a phone. He then snapped a photo of Horikita. Alright, you're way crossed the line.

Horikita: I beg your pardon!

(Y/N): What are you doing?

I tried my best to hide my anger and remained expressionless.

He ignored me and looked at Horikita.

Ryuen: Next time, I'll deal with you personally. Look forward to it.

He got up and leave us. But, he was called by a female student.

"Ryuen!"

Ryuen: What? Oh, Ibuki...

Ibuki: I need to talk to you.

Ryuen placed his hand on her shoulder and pulled her closer.

Ryuen: Missing me, are you?

The girl shoved his hand.

Ibuki: Don't be ridiculous. I've become fed up with the way you do things.

Horikita and I looked at each other.

Ryuen: I see. That's fine. We can talk about it in my room later. Just you and me...

The girl, who was unable to put up with him anymore, raising her hands and began to strike him. Only to be stopped by Ryuen's bodyguard, Yamada.

Ibuki: Albert!? Are you all right with this?

The bodyguard didn't respond.

Ibuki: So Ryuen's completely tamed you, has he?

Ryuen simply smirked at her and walked away.

Ibuki: Come back here, Ryuen! We're not done talking, yet!

She walked towards Ryuen. Then, she was subdued by Yamada and threw her to the rail. Horikita seemed trying to help her, but I grabbed her hand. She looked at me and I shook my head, indicating her not to interfere.

Yamada: That's enough.

He left the girl on the ground and followed his boss.

I walked up to Ibuki and offered her my hand.

(Y/N): Hey. Are you okay?

Of course, she pushed away my hand.

Ibuki: This is none of your business.

She got up and walked away as well. Horikita walked up to me and sighed.

Horikita: Class C may be on the verge of collapse.

(Y/N): I know right ...?

I looked at Horikita.

(Y/N): Are you alright?

Horikita: Rest assured. I won't be threatened by the likes of him. However, I'm appreciated for your helps just now.

(Y/N): Hey. I won't let the scum like him to hurt you.

Horikita looked away with her face reddened. She gripped tightly on the bracelet on her left wrist.

Horikita: I know you won't...

I smiled at her. Then, we chatted for a while before called it a day and went back to our respective rooms.

...

At night, I decided to take a walk before sleeping. I went to the upper deck and saw Sakura standing alone looking at the sea. When I was approaching from behind, I heard her muttering to herself.

Sakura: And that's what I was thinking... so? W-Would you... um... d-d-da...

(Y/N): Sakura?

Sakura: Whaaaaaaa!?

She was surprised.

(Y/N): What's wrong?

She turned around and faced me.

Sakura: H-How long have you been there?

(Y/N): I just got here.

Sakura: Did you hear? Did you hear what I was saying?

(Y/N): No.

She sighed in relief.

Sakura: Thank goodness...

(Y/N): What is it?

Sakura: Oh, um, well...

(Y/N): Is something wrong?

Sakura: N-No! Nothing's wrong, exactly... But I'm still having a hard time talking to our classmates...

(Y/N): Oh?

Sakura: S-Sorry to ask for you help like this.

(Y/N): It's okay. If you just need someone to listen, that's something even I can do.

She then tooked my hand and grinned happily at me.

Sakura: Thank you!

(Y/N): It's really nothing special...

Kushida: Oh? (L/N)-kun and Sakura-san?

Sakura let go of my hand when Kushida approached us.

Sakura: I'm... going back to my room.

Sakura then ran away.

Kushida: Wait!

Sakura had already leave our sights.

Kushida: Sorry. Maybe I should have stayed away...

(Y/N): It's okay.

I looked at the direction where Sakura ran to.

(Y/N): 'Sakura still has her fear of strangers, I guess...'

Kushida: Hey. (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): What?

Kushida: I'm gonna tell Horikita-san on you.

She winked playfully. I sighed.

(Y/N): If you told her, she would have stabbed me with compass again.

Kushida: Ara? So you two are really together, huh?

(Y/N): I didn't admit anything.

Kushida: Ahaha, right, right! Look!

She pointed at the sky.

Kushida: What a beautiful starry sky! Isn't it, (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): 'When Kushida acts like this, I almost forget how she was that day.

The flashback of Kushida's dark side began to play again in my head.

(Y/N): Well, it's late. I'd better go.

Kushida: Going back already?

(Y/N): I'm getting sleepy.

Kushida: Okay. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Goodnight!

(Y/N): Night.

I then walked away from her. Before I could going any further, she called me, in a icy tone.

Kushida: Wait.

I closed my eyes.

(Y/N): 'Here she come...'

She then grabbed the shirt of my back and leaned at me.

(Y/N): Kushida?

Kushida: You're wary around me, aren't you?

I simply nodded.

Kushida: I can sense that sort of thing.

I didn't said anything. We were standing at there for a minute.

Kushida then backed away from me, returning to her usual self.

Kushida: Sorry. I just feel lonely when I'm suddenly left all alone. I thought maybe you...

She then looked at me in the eyes. She seemed wanted to say something but hesitated.

Kushida: Never mind... It's nothing. Forget it.

She walked away from me.

(Y/N): Kushida...

...

I stayed up late and couldn't get a good sleep. It was morning already, I was staring at the ceiling of my room, still thinking about the incidents happened yesterday. Then, an announcement came over the PA speakers.

"Good morning, students. We will disembark in thirty minutes. Please assemble on the deck. All students should have changed into their jerseys. Make sure to check your designated bag and your luggage, and do not forget your cell phone. Please keep all other personal items in your room. There is a possibility that you will not be able to visit the bathroom for some time, so please do so now."

Apparently, the private beach was near. I kept my bracelet in my luggage and put on the jersey that I used for gym class, then I went to the ship's deck, and waited until we reached the island. As the island drew closer and closer, the first-years' enthusiasm reached its peak.

All the first-years were gathered at the ship deck. Chabashira-sensei walked up to the small stage in front of us.

Chabashira: As we prepared to arrive at the island, we will give an explanation of what to expect. Until then, wait here.

Ike: It's so hot. Wish they'd hurry it up...

Yamauchi: Yeah.

There was no place to hide from the sun on the ship's deck. Not surprise that people were complaining.

Horikita was standing next to me while we're standing by on the deck. At first glance, it didn't appear as though anything had changed, but there was a slight difference—something felt out of place. Even Horikita, normally so meticulous, was concerned about her appearance. Right now, though, her hair was disheveled. She seemed a bit cold, unconsciously rubbing her arms as we waited to disembark and set foot on the island.

(Y/N): Were you in your room?

Horikita: Yes, I was reading.

(Y/N): 'You're lying...'

Horikita: It was extremely engaging, but as we weren't allowed to bring personal belongings, I won't get to finish it. Still...

Chabashira: Your school IDs will be confiscated. In exchange, you'll wear these wristwatches.

Chabashira: Those who take them off without permission will be penalized.

Horikita: They're being especially careful. As if they're on high alert.

(Y/N): Yeah. They wouldn't be going this far for a little fun on the beach.

Our teacher stepped down from the stage and another teacher walked up to it with a loudspeaker in his hand.

Mashima: I'm Mashima, Class A's teacher. First off, I'm glad that we made it here safety today. But at the same time, it's a shame that one of you was unable to join us due to illness. Anyway, I'd like to start the year's first special test!

Ike: Huh?

Kushida: Special test?

Horikita frowned while I was still remained my best, stoical look.

Mashima: The testing period will be one week. You'll be living as a group on this deserted island. It'll be up to you to make your own decisions from here on out. Now, the survival test begins!

(Y/N): 'Vacation's over, huh? Interesting ...'

...

Survival Test

(A/N: This chapter was a bit long. I'm sorry about that )

(Y/N)'s POV

Disembarking took longer than I thought it would, probably because the teachers guarded the students on both sides as they got off the ship and checked their luggage. Our phones were taken away from us, so we're basically being cut off from the outside world, while living in this deserted island for one-week period.

After a short briefing with Chabashira-sensei, we formed a group in front of the items, with Hirata started to analyze the current situation.

Hirata: First, let's review what we know.

He was reading a guidebook that was provided by the teacher along the survival kits.

Hirata: The school gave us two tents for eight, two flashlights, one box of matches, backpacks of amenities for everyone here, sunblock for the women...

Kushida: A whole week with only this?

Ike: A survival test on a deserted island? For real?

Still, there were some of our classmates still seemed dissatisfied with the current situation.

I glanced at Horikita while listening to the briefing. Yet, Horikita still not her usual self, she wrapped her arms and embracing herself.

(Y/N): ...

Hirata: We're on our own for food. We have to survive outdoors until noon seven days from now.

While everyone was in tensed, Yamauchi tried to calm them down.

Yamauchi: But remember what the teachers said? We're still free to swim in the ocean and hold barbecues and stuff.

Hirata: Only if we spend some of the 300 special test S-points we were given.

He flipped through the guidebook.

Hirata: There's a wide range of things we can buy with points. Food, drinking water, tools for a barbecue...

Yamauchi: But you're not gonna use them?

Hirata: Well, any S-points we have left when the test is over will be added to our class points...

Ike: If we can tough it out for a week, we'll get 30,000 a month! That's 30,000 a month!

Some of the students' grim expressions grew calmer.

Then, Hirata flipped to another page of the guidebook. Karuizawa, who stood near him leaned closer and looked.

Karuizawa: What's that?

Hirata: A list of things we lose points for. Illness and serious injuries. Pollution of the surrounding environment. Absence at morning and evening roll calls. Violence against or stealing from the other classes.

Karuizawa: There was a way to get more points, wasn't there?

Hirata: Each time we secure certain "spots" around the island, we get bonus points.

(Y/N): So the theme of the special exam is "freedom to choose."

I spoke to Horikita that stood behind the group.

Horikita: It seems so. If we do this right, we could close the distance to the upper classes.

She then checked on the wristwatch on her left wrist.

Horikita: This thing is so restrictive...

(Y/N): Really? What about the bracelet that I bought for you?

Horikita: That's different. It's was a gift from you. And I can take that off whenever I felt inconvenience.

(Y/N): I'm glad. But there's a penalty for removing the watches without permission.

I touched the display of the wristwatch.

(Y/N): There are hidden sensors and a GPS build into them. So they can send aid immediately in an emergency, I guess.

I glanced up from my wristwatch and noticed that Horikita was looking at Hirata and Karuizawa.

Karuizawa: Hey, Hirata-kun. Don't you think we should be allowed to spend our points, within reason?

Hirata: Hmm...

Then, one of the smart kid in our class, Yukimura opposed to her idea.

Yukimura: No way! We should refrain for as long as we can.

Karuizawa: That's gonna be tough, though...

She looked at the portable toilet that was provided along the other survival kits.

"Y-Yeah..."

"I don't wanna."

"I'll, like, die!"

The other female students rejected the idea of using this... bathroom.

Hirata: A basic toilet?

Karuizawa: I'd prefer to tough it out, personally...

She then looked at her girls' group.

Karuizawa: But I don't think all of the girls will be able to.

They all nodded in agreement.

(Y/N): 'A basic toilet. You use a superabsorbent polymer sheet to solidify waste. Each can be used numerous times. But...'

(Y/N):It might be hard on the women.

Horikita: Likely.

Ike: Come on, we can tough it out with the toilet, at least!

Karuizawa crossed her arms and looked at Ike sternly.

Karuizawa: Excuse me! I'm telling you that some girls might not be able to!

Hirata: A regular toilet is one thing we can buy with points.

As soon as he spoke, the girls gathered around Hirata and looked at the book.

"This is great!"

"Yeah!"

"We totally need it!"

"Let's buy that toilet!"

Yukimura: We shouldn't be able to spend points without a majority vote.

He said while pushing up his spectacles.

Ike: A majority vote? Great idea, Yukimura! This is our big chance to score class points! We don't need a toilet!

Karuizawa: Huh!?

Yukimura: Women are too emotional. We can't just indulge their every whim, HIrata.

Karuizawa: What did you say?

Hirata: Calm down. Let's not fight.

The groups started to argue among themselves.

Horikita sighed.

Horikita: This test is sounding much more complicated and difficult than I thought it would be.

(Y/N): I agree.

After the argumentation eased a little, we decided to explore around to find a good camping spot. We all took our respective belongings before heading to the direction of the forest.

...

We entered the forest, led by Hirata and the class followed behind him. Horikita and I was at the behind of the group.

(Y/N): 'Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudou went off on their own to look for a campground and spots.'

I looked at Horikita. She would occasionally act as though she were going to stop, but then immediately started walking again. I slowed down a little bit until I was walking side by side with her.

(Y/N): You're not enjoying this?

Horikita: This isn't exactly my forte. Both living in this primitive way, and having to be around other people.

(Y/N): I suppose that's true.

Horikita: I guess the things you said to me have come true.

(Y/N): Hmm?

Horikita: That they would test us on things besides academics. That's what you said to me.

(Y/N): Yeah.

Horikita: Ike-kun and Sudou-kun volunteered to go searching. That's something I couldn't do.

I looked at her for a while.

(Y/N): Will you be all right, though?

Horikita: Why do you ask?

(Y/N): It just that you're not your usual self since we boarded the cruise ship.

Horikita: That's... none of your concerns. In fact, if Classes A and B intend to obtain as many points as possible, then we'll need to prepare as well. We can't let the difference between us widen.

(Y/N): Aiming for a higher class sure is tough.

Horikita: Don't you want it?

(Y/N): Want what?

Horikita: A guarantee of the job or university you want. I'd assumed anyone who came to this school did so to guarantee that privilege.

(Y/N): ...

Horikita: And you still haven't tell me.

(Y/N): Tell you what?

Horikita: Your real reason. If you enrolled to this school not because of it's privileges, then what is it?

She looked sharply at me. Wow, I'd totally unexpected of this question. She'd knew how to pick the right moment to pop out the question, huh?

(Y/N): W-What do you mean by that?

I tried to play dumb, but we both knew that's not gonna work with her.

Horikita didn't respond to me, but continued to stare into my eyes. I sighed before giving in.

(Y/N): The true is... I want to know what a person with true merit looks like. What is equality?

Horikita: Merit, equality...

(Y/N): I came to this school to find answers to those questions. And also to spend my time here as a normal high schooler, that's all.

The words freely spilled out of me before I could collect my thoughts. Hopefully she'll be satisfied with my answer.

Horikita: Is that all?

(Y/N): Yes, and I'm sorry that I manipulated you before.

Horikita still looking at me before sighing, indicating that "I'd believe you, for now...". Phew.

Shortly after, Hirata and the others stopped.

Hirata: If we stop here, there's foliage blocking the sunlight, and it doesn't seem like we'll have to worry about anyone hearing us.

Some of the boys began teaming up, and it wasn't long before they had their own opinions that clashed with Hirata's.

Hirata: Installing a toilet might be a necessary expense. To begin with, we have one simple toilet that our class, which has thirty or more students, isn't used to. I have to wonder if we can really take turns effectively without any trouble?

He asked Yukimura, who was standing beside him while wiping off his sweat.

Yukimura: Well... if we can make the best of it...

Hirata: Sharing a single basic toilet is guaranteed to cause issues. I think spending points in moderation is the most efficient way to do this. Reckless self-deprivation will build up stress and uncertainty. It may cause hygiene issues, too. It'll give the girls peace of mind as they engage with this test, too.

Not even Yukimura could deny Hirata's impeccable reasoning. Hirata understood wanting to preserve our points, but he'd also deduced the downsides of a single toilet. Truth be told, our classmates had been given so much information in one go that they'd overlooked obvious things. Yukimura, who couldn't bear being stared at in silence, broke.

Yukimura: You're right...

In the end, Yukimura had been beaten. Shinohara, Karuizawa's group, and even Horikita all looked relieved.

(Y/N): 'He won't argue against logic like that. Well, that's one problem resolved.'

Hirata then walked to the middle of the group circle.

Hirata: I think we should start searching for a base camp area, too.

Karuizawa: You think so?

Karuizawa stood up and walked up to him.

Hirata: Where we decide to set up may influence how we have to spend our points.

Hirata replied her before turning around to face the group.

Hirata: Is there anyone who'll go searching with me?

Then, there was a movement on the top of a tree. It was Koenji. Surprisingly, he raised his hand. Wait, how did he get up there in the first place.

Then Sotomura raised up his hand as well, while the other boys were reluctant to participate.

Kushida: Well, if you'll have me...

Kushida volunteered herself. Suddenly the boys' eyes lit up, even though they'd refused to participate before. The formerly reluctant fellows stepped forward and volunteered, saying, "Me too, me too!" Some were probably motivated by goodwill for Kushida, while others might've been embarrassed that a girl had taken the initiative before them. I raised my hand as Hirata started counting people.

(Y/N): You're coming?

I asked Horikita.

Horikita: I'll pass. But you, volunteering? That's a surprise.

(Y/N): Not taking a role makes you stand out from the group.

Just then, someone raised a rather shy hand. When Hirata saw her, he smiled in relief.

Hirata: Thanks, Sakura-san. That makes twelve. Let's go in four teams of three people. It's 1:30 right now. Regardless of results, I want everyone to meet back here by 3:00.

With that, the twelve volunteers began to form up into teams according to their preferences. In the blink of an eye, I became one of the leftovers. I sighed before Sakura approached me.

Sakura: N-Nice to see you again, (L/N)-kun.

Apparently, she'd also been overlooked. And then...

Koenji: The sun certainly is refreshing. My body needs energy.

Koenji Rokusuke. That guy was actually going to join our search party. Fortunately, I'd been paired with a free spirit and a quiet girl. With these two, I'd be able to move without any difficulty.

...

The forest's verdant, overgrown foliage surrounded us. The further in we went, the thicker it became. It was preferable to the scorching beach, but the damp heat was agonizing. I grabbed the neckline of my shirt and fanned myself to cool down. It was as steamy as water over hot stones.

As I thought about it, all I could think was how hot it was. It was way too hot. I then looked at Koenji, who was able to swing freely from tree to tree, without being hindered by scorching sun. Is he a descendant of Tarzan or what? He stood high up at the branch of the tree, overlooking the sea.

Koenji: Ah, so beautiful. As I stand here amongst such vast nature, with an air of composure, I really am too beautiful. The pinnacle of beauty!

(Y/N): 'Excellent athletic ability. No signs of reticence in dealing with the outdoors, either. What's his deal?'

Sakura: (L/N)-kun...

I turned around and noticed that Sakura was walking a bit behind me.

Sakura: It's hard to walk in the forest, huh?

(Y/N): And it's hot, on top of that. Will you be okay, Sakura?

Sakura: Yeah. I'm just fine.

I could see that she was panting, she'd really hang in there.

I looked at Koenji who began to swing from tree to tree again. I sighed.

(Y/N): Sakura, let's pick up the pace.

Sakura: O-Okay...

We followed behind Koenji, who'd been pushing forward relentlessly.

Sakura: K-Koenji-kun is amazing, huh?

(Y/N): It's not just his athletic prowess. He does everything with absolute confidence, too.

I then called for him.

(Y/N): Koenji. Don't go too fast, or...

He hung on a tree branch with one hand before turning around to face me.

Koenji: No need to worry. A forest like this is no problem!

(Y/N): What's that supposed to mean?

Koenji: As long as it's during the day, there's a very low chance of getting lost while wandering in a forest like this one. That's why it intrigues me so.

(Y/N): 'I don't understand what that means...'

Koenji then continued to rush forward.

(Y/N): He keeps moving faster. Koenji...

I called out to him.

Sakura: D-Don't worry, I'm fine...

Even though she was all sweaty, Sakura tried to give a small fist pump. She still looked uncertain, like she was going to trip and fall, but I supposed that she'd hardened her resolve to do her best. Koenji, clearly taking no notice of Sakura's efforts, got further and further ahead.

...

No matter how much I tried or how far we walked, I couldn't seem to find even one man-made object. Well, while I say we walked far, we'd only really covered a fraction of one percent of the island. The school probably wouldn't be kind enough to go easy on us.

I stopped for awhile to catch my breath.

(Y/N): Lost sight of him... At how many kilometers per hour was he flying through the air?

Then, Sakura appeared from my behind.

Sakura: This is a path, isn't it?

She pointed at a pathway appeared before us.

(Y/N): Looks like it.

In the middle of a forest on an uninhabited island, someone had created a path. It wasn't paved or anything, of course, but trees had been chopped down and the path was well-trod. If the school had prepared this, then perhaps a spot lay further ahead. Sakura and I pressed onward.

Sakura: Wow...

Soon we arrived at what appeared to be a large hole in the mountainside: an entrance into a cave. At first glance it appeared to be a natural cave, but upon closer inspection the inside appeared properly reinforced. Perhaps the hole itself had been created by human hands.

Sakura: Could this possibly be...a spot?

(Y/N): Most likely.

I then recalled what Chabashira-sensei had told us before the survival test began.

...

Flashback

Chabashira-sensei gave us Class D a briefing at the beach of the deserted island after we first set foot on it.

Chabashira: There are multiple spots on the island. Each time you declare possession of a spot, you earn one bonus S-point. However, you can't spend bonus points during the test period. They'll be added to your class points after the test is over. Each declaration of possession of a spot lasts eight hours. Only the class leader has the authority to declare possession.

Hirata: The class leader?

Chabashira: That's right. The key card needed to take possession of a spot will be given to your leader. Also, you can't change leaders without a legitimate reason.

She smirked before continued.

Chabashira: In addition... On the last day, when we take roll, for each class leader you correctly identify, your class will gain 50 bonus points.

"50 points?"

"So if we can guess A, B, and C's leaders, we'll get 150 bonus points?"

The students cheered.

Chabashira: However, for each one you guess wrong, you lose 50 S-points. High risk, high return.

She looked at me and Horikita.

Chabashira: You can search for other class leaders, and make efforts to hide your own class leader.

Flashback end

...

(Y/N): 'Spots are important, I guess... But moving too hastily to secure them will reveal your leader to others.

Sakura wanted to take a better look of the cave and moved forward. Then, I noticed saw some guy coming out of it. I immediately grabbed Sakura's arm and pulled her to hide in the shade and covered her mouth. I felt bad, but I didn't understand the situation. Hopefully she'd forgive me.

I peeked out from our hiding and saw the person stopped at the entrance, and quietly looked to the southwest. He stood there for a minute or two. He'd wasted absolutely no time in securing this spot. It seemed like he'd gone straight to this cave without any hesitation. That aside, the man was tightly holding onto what looked to be some kind of card. Then, we heard a voice coming from inside the cave. It belongs to Yahiko from Class A.

Yahiko: We got lucky, huh, Katsuragi-san? Securing a spot this early...

Katsuragi: Lucky? I had my eye on this since before we made landfall. It was inevitable that we'd find it. Also, be careful what you say and do.

Yahiko: R-Right...

Katsuragi: We don't know when or where others might be listening. Take care to avoid even the slightest mistakes. As leader, I have a responsibility to manage you.

Yahiko: S-Sorry...

Katsuragi: Before we docked, the boat did one lap around the island from a distance. That was a hint.

Yahiko: A hint?

Katsuragi: From the deck of the boat, I could see the paths cut through the forest. From there, it was just a matter of finding the shortest routes.

Yahiko: You could see what the school was trying to do? Brilliant, as usual... Sakayanagi won't have much to say to that, will she?

Katsuragi placed his hand on Yahiko's shoulder.

Katsuragi: Quiet down, Yahiko.

Yahiko: Katsuragi-san?

Katsuragi walked towards our hiding's direction. We stayed quietly.

Then, he pushed away the bushes and didn't find anyone.

Yahiko followed from behind.

Yahiko: Um...

Katsuragi: Nothing. Let's move on. We shouldn't stay here long.

Looks like he gave up on us. We were that close from being exposed.

(Y/N): 'That was a close call, I guess.'

I let go of Sakura.

(Y/N): Sorry, Sakura.

For some reasons, she was blushing madly.

(Y/N): Sakura? Are you okay?

Sakura: I'm f-f-fine!

Her face turned so red I was afraid steam was going to start rising from her body. She sat weakly right down. Perhaps I'd held onto her more forcefully than I thought.

I'm worried about abandoning this place. With no one here keeping watch, this spot could be intercepted. After waiting for Sakura's strength to return, we approached the cave entrance once again. Those two had left without any hesitation...

(Y/N): Those two were from Class A, weren't they?

Sakura: Y-Yeah...

Inside the cave, some kind of terminal device with a monitor was embedded into the wall. The words "Class A" were displayed on the screen, along with a countdown timer that showed seven hours and 55 minutes remaining. Was this the proof that they owned this spot? We couldn't do anything to interfere until the countdown reached zero, and we couldn't force our way in.

Sakura: H-Hey, (L/N)-kun... Does this mean that guy was their leader?

She was inferring to Katsuragi.

Sakura: W-We just learned an incredible secret, huh?

(Y/N): I'll report it to Hirata later.

Sakura appeared relieved. She had poor communication skills, and by taking that responsibility, I'd helped her. We then exited the cave and went back to our meeting spot.

...

Horikita: Koenji-kun got ahead of you?

I went to talk to Horikita after I reported our findings to Hirata.

(Y/N): Yeah. That guy is beyond my power to keep under control. I'm sure you're aware of that.

Then, Hirata called and gathered our attentions.

Hirata: Everyone! Ike-kun and the others found a spot at the head of a river. Let's meet up with them!

We gathered our things and started moving.

I approached Hirata and asked if Koenji had returned here or not.

Hirata: Actually, Koenji-kun had came back a little while ago. He left to go swimming.

I sighed. So he hadn't gotten lost, but had instead slipped away. I should have expected it.

Horikita: Split up? Didn't you take the lead?

Horikita asked with a sigh, as everyone began moving toward the river.

(Y/N): I told you that I can't control that guy.

Horikita: I see. You can't really complain about his abilities, though the same can't be said of his personality.

(Y/N): Just like you...

Horikita: Did you say something?

She growled at me.

(Y/N): N-Nope! I didn't say anything.

Our class was rife with personality issues, myself included. Poor Hirata.

Horikita suddenly turned and looked behind her, staring sharply at Sakura.

Horikita: What?

Sakura: Eh?!

Horikita: Were you looking at me just now?

Sakura: I-I-I-I wasn't looking at anything!

Sakura, flustered, ran off to put some distance between us.

(Y/N): Don't scare her like that. You can be a monster, Horikita.

Horikita: So I should freely let her poke around and misconstrue things?

(Y/N): C-Calm down now...

I soothed her as she huffed. Probably because of being jealous when I was left alone with Sakura just now. And also, it might be my imagination.

We finally arrived at Ike's chosen land.They were all marveled at the nature's beauty. Hirata and his team started setting up the tents and other necessities for camp near the river.

"The water's so clear!"

"That's a great spot!"

The girls seemed pleased of the camping spot. The river was about ten meters wide, and the water flowed gently. It was amazing. Deep forests and sandy roads surrounded the river, but this place looked as if it had been maintained. I doubted this location was so naturally perfect. Our school had likely set it up for this purpose.

Hirata: This might be the ideal place for our base camp here. You're amazing, Ike-kun.

He complimented Ike.

Ike: I know, right?

I looked around and found the mechanism. Inside the cave, the mechanism had been embedded into the wall, but here at the river's edge, the equipment was installed on an unnaturally placed boulder beside a large tree.

(Y/N): 'So that's it... Only the leader of each class can take possession of a spot.'

Hirata: Assuming we want to use this as our base camp, the question is whether or not to take possession of it.

Ike: We should, shouldn't we? If we do, we can use the river, and we'll get points every eight hours!

Hirata: Yeah. But that means the leader needs to renew possession every eight hours.

Karuizawa: That's right. And if another class sees that...

Yamauchi: Can't we just, like, surround them while they do it?

Hirata: Good idea!

Hirata turned around and asked for the class's opinions.

Hirata: What did you guys think?

"Yeah, that sounds good!"

"That should work."

"We have plenty of people. Just form a ring around them!"

"No one'll see it!"

Seemed satisfied of the response, Hirata then asked a question.

Hirata: Then the last question to answer is, who'll be the leader?

More than whether we'd take possession, the leader was key. A mistake here could prove fatal. While everyone wanted to avoid a role with such important responsibilities,

"Let's see..."

"I think it should be Hirata-kun!"

"No, I think I should—"

The entire class had their own opinions. Then, Kushida spoke.

Kushida: Hey, guys, can I say something?

We gathered in a circle and listened to what Kushida wanted to say.

Kushida: I've been thinking about it... People like Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san stand out, whether they mean to or not. But the person entrusted with the role of leader needs to be someone responsible, right?

Hirata nodded in agreement.

Kushida: I think the only person who meets both requirements...

She looked at Horikita's direction.

Kushida: ...is Horikita-san. What about you guys?

Horikita looked like she hadn't expected such a recommendation, but her expression didn't change. I'd wondered if she were perhaps the least risky choice, since she was so desperate to reach Class A. That was crucial. I calmly observed everyone's reactions. Hirata was the first one to speak out.

Hirata: I'm in favor. If you'll accept the role, Horikita-san, I'd like you to take it. What do you think?

Everyone averted their attentions at Horikita. She looked at me in the eyes. I slightly nodded. She then closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

However, Sudou stepped forward, seemingly to protect Horikita's wishes.

Sudou: If she doesn't want to, I'll do it.

Um... I think that's not gonna work, dude.

Horikita: Fine.

She reopened her eyes.

Horikita: I'll do it.

She said with a determined look on her face.

Personally, I was relieved that someone like Sudou or Ike wasn't the leader. Hirata immediately went over to Chabashira-sensei to pass on Horikita's name. Before long, he returned with a card and entrusted it to Horikita. Taking into consideration the possibility that we were being watched, we had everyone touch the device without it activating. This was to camouflage the leader, so a spy wouldn't know who he or she was.

Ike: Okay! That solves the bathing and drinking water problem, huh?

Hirata: I guess so. I mean, it does look drinkable...

Karuizawa: Are you sure it's okay?

Shinohara: Drinking water from a river...

The group looked over the flowing river.

Ike: What's wrong with you guys? We found an actual river! There's no way we're not gonna use it, right?

Hirata: We have time. There's no need to decide so hastily.

Karuizawa: Yeah.

Shinohara: He's right.

"It's kinda scary, huh?"

The group walked away. Ike sighed in frustration. I approached him from behind.

(Y/N): Ike, do you have experience outdoors?

Ike: I used to go camping with my family when I was little. I have no problem with drinking river water.

Ike scooped up some water with his hands and drank.

Ike: You can tell a spring's purity just by looking at it.

Ike sounded honest rather than boastful.

(Y/N): You're right...

...

Further away, two tents were set up next to each other. Shinohara and the girls had decided that they would occupy both tents. In other words, that meant that the boys would have to completely rough it by sleeping out in theopen. The majority of our classmates had likely never slept outdoors before in their lives. Fortunately, because it was summer, I didn't think we'd catch a cold, but we were definitely going to have a hard time.

Several boys tried using pulled grass as a substitute for bedsheets, and talked about whether or not they could cut down some trees. It was nice that they were trying to figure things out; I just prayed that they wouldn't do anything unreasonable. Hirata came over to us after setting up the girls' tents, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun, could I have a moment? I'd like you to find some branches we can use for a campfire before it gets dark.

(Y/N): Okay. I'll find some.

I then walked away while carrying some leaves

Hirata: Wait! It's dangerous to go alone!

(Y/N): I'll find someone.

Hirata: Alright then.

I put the leaves on the ground and started to find a partner. I noticed that Horikita was sitting on a boulder, gazing at our busy classmates. She noticed me as I walked over to her.

Horikita: Despite being the class's central figure, he has to rely on you. It's pathetic, isn't it?

(Y/N): Why don't you help out a bit, "leader"?

I spoke in sarcastic tone.

Horikita: There's nothing I can help with.

She stood up and began to walk towards one of the tents.

Horikita: Though if an enemy or an objective shows itself, I can offer my thoughts.

(Y/N): Hey, I'm gathering branches...

She stopped her track.

Horikita: Be careful...

She muttered without looking at me. She entered the tent as soon as she finished.

I smiled to myself.

(Y/N): I will...

Then, I set out to look for a partner. I had my sights on Sakura, who was also looking at me just now before lowering her head. Yamauchi, however, who was beside Sakura thought that I was looking at him.

(Y/N): 'Well, the more the merrier.'

...

We decided to collect branches from nearby so we didn't stray too far from base camp. After a short walk, the three of us spread out to pick up branches. Then, Yamauchi put his arm on my shoulder and whispered.

Yamauchi: Hey, (L/N). I think I'm gonna go after Sakura.

(Y/N): Huh?

Yamauchi: Since Kushida-chan's out of my league.

(Y/N): Come on...

Yamauchi: With a girl like Sakura, If I can play the kind, caring guy, I think she'll fall for me!

(Y/N): Is that why you came along for this?

Apparently this explained his sudden interest in helping. Sakura was being treated as a backup plan after he gave up on his favorite, Kushida. I couldn't imagine Sakura would be pleased to hear that. It would've been a different story if he'd wanted to become her friend, but I couldn't leave her alone with some guy who only wanted to get into her pants.

(Y/N): Give it up for now. I'll help you when you get to know Sakura better. Besides, I'd like to go back and start the bonfire while it's still early. All right?

Yamauchi slumped his shoulders in disappointment, but his spirits recovered immediately.

Yamauchi: Jeez, you're stiff. Well, fine. You have Horikita anyway, (L/N). You don't have to worry, right?

I sighed.

(Y/N): I guess so... Wait a minute, since when did I have Horikita?

Yamauchi: Come on, just start picking up branches. I'll head over here.

With that, he shoved his branches at me. I dropped a few, and they rolled across the ground. Honestly, I still felt a little bad for Sakura. Between our hike today and this foraging expedition, she was probably sick of spending so much time with me, but she wasn't the type to voice such a thing. In the end, Sakura seemed wary of both Yamauchi and me, working in almost total silence.

After decided we had enough for a full day, we finished up and headed back to the camp site.

Yamauchi: Hey, Sakura-chan. Can I help you carry those? It must be hard work for a girl. You could get hurt!

Sakura: I-I'm okay...

(Y/N): 'Why don't you help me instead and take away the branches that you gave me?'

As we walked, something appeared on the path ahead.

A lone girl sat with her back up against a large tree. She wasn't a Class D student. When she noticed us, she looked up and then quickly averted her eyes. Since she was from another class, it'd be fine for us to leave her alone, but the state she was in suggested that this was no trivial matter.

There was a red, swollen mark on her cheek. Someone had hit her pretty hard.

Yamauchi: Hey, what's wrong?

When Yamauchi started to approach the girl, I grabbed him by the shoulder.

Yamauchi: Wh-What the heck?

I didn't reply for a moment.

(Y/N): Oh... nothing.

We then approached the girl.

"Leave me alone. I'm fine."

Sakura: That must hurt, though...

(Y/N): You're Ibuki of Class C, aren't you? Did your classmates do something to you?

She kept silenced.

Yamauchi: We're Class D students. You can come to our base camp with us, if you want.

Sakura: Yeah.

Ibuki: Didn't you hear me? I'm in Class C. That means I'm your enemy.

Yamauchi: We can't leave you all alone! Right?

Yamauchi turned to Sakura and me for approval. We nodded in agreement.

Yamauchi: We'll stay with you until you can walk again.

Ibuki stood up while holding her bag.

Ibuki: How stupid can you be? You're way too trusting. That would be unthinkable in my class.

She then walked away.

Yamauchi then gave us a thumbs-up.

...

We gathered up the branches and returned to camp. Being from adifferent class, Ibuki didn't want to cause any trouble, so she sat further away. It would've been impossible for her to blend in, so we appreciated her honesty. If she stayed within our sight, she probably wouldn't cause trouble. Hirata was gone, unfortunately. That meant Yamauchi, Sakura, and I had to get the bonfire going. We wouldn't be able to get a fire going in the dark, so we had to hurry.

After the three of us desperately tried and failed, I approached Ike and asked for his help.

Ike: A bonfire? Wait, these thick branches aren't going to catch on fire. You need to start with smaller branches, you know? The branches you got here are way too big. Also, a bunch of 'em are damp, too. This is no good at all!

(Y/N): I see. If you don't mind, could you tell us what to do?

Ike set down his bag and went into the forest. He returned soon after. He'd picked up a bunch of branches of different sizes, from thin to medium thickness. Also, he'd collected a bundle of dead leaves. With that, he picked up the matchbook, and quickly set fire to the dead leaves. As the leaves kindled, he started adding some small twigs. Then, watching the fire carefully, he gradually added in thicker branches. In the blink of an eye, the flame turned into a typical bonfire.

Ike: There we go!

The class gathered around the bonfire and amazed by Ike's skill.

Sudou: You experienced campers know your stuff.

Ike: That'sthe most basic of basics. Just learn that, and anyone can do it.

Yamauchi: That's so cool!

And then, Kushida's group returned from the foraging for edible fruits. It seemed Hirata followed them as well.

Kushida picked up one of the fruits.

Kushida: You think this one's edible?

Shinohara: Who knows?

Kushida: Maybe they're blueberries!

Ike approached and looked at the berries held by Kushida.

Ike: Those are bog bilberries! Did you find those, Kikyou-chan? That's amazing!

Kushida then pointed to other fruits.

Kushida: So, Kanji-kun, do you know what these are?

Ike: Those are figs, I think!

He picked up the fruit.

Ike: They're sweet and delicious, too! Boy, this takes me back!

Karuizawa: Really?

Hirata: Ike-kun, you know all about this, huh? That's really reassuring.

(Y/N): Ike started the fire, too.

Kushida: Kanji-kun, you're amazing!

"Yeah!"

"He did a splendid job starting the fire, as well!"

"He found the water, too."

"I'm so glad we have someone experienced with us!"

Actually, I'm kinda glad that they started to appreciate Ike's efforts.

Ike then stood up.

Ike: Karuizawa... I'm sorry about before.

Karuizawa: Wh-Where did that come from?

To be honest, I was also as surprised as Karuizawa.

Ike: I just remembered. The first time I went camping, going to the bathroom was hard, and I complained to my parents a lot. It must be even harder for girls, huh?

(Y/N): 'He can grasp the situation himself and remain calm? He's a better man than I. Good for you, Ike.'

Karuizawa: I'm sorry, too... We've gotta put in the work now and then, or we won't have any points left, huh?

It seemed they managed to reconcile.

Then, Hirata raised his hand.

Hirata: Can I say something, everyone? I'd like us all to rely on each other as much as we can until the special test ends. I think we should aim to have at least 120 of our 300 S-points left over by the time the test ends.

Yukimura: You mean you want to spend 180 S-points?

Hirata: Let's assume we had to buy food and water for everyone for each meal. The most efficient way would be the rations and mineral water set.

He listed out his idea of points allocation for the week.

Food 10 S-points x 12 times = 120 S-points
Test Day 1 Night
Test Day 2 Morning/Night
Test Day 3 Morning/Night
Test Day 4 Morning/Night
Test Day 5 Morning/Night
Test Day 6 Morning/Night
Test Day 7 Morning
Portable Toilet : 20 S-points
Boys'tent : 10 S-points
Total S-points spent:
120 20 10 = 150 S-points

(Y/N): What do you think?

I asked Horikita, who sat beside me.

Horikita: it's realistic. I was turning over similar numbers in my mind.

(Y/N): Did you tell Hirata that?

Horikita: Certainly not. Don't be ridiculous.

Hirata: 120 S-points is a lot. Remember the results of the midterms and finals.

Karuizawa: The change in Class A's points was... um...

Yukimura: It was 94.

Budget for unforeseen circumstances: 30 S-points
Predicted points deducted from initial 300 S-points:
300 - 150 - 30 = 120 S-points
S-points remaining at end of test = 120 S-points

Hirata: And this is our lower limit. For each day we can find our own food and water...

Kushida: ... we can save 20 S-points!

Hirata nodded.

Hirata: If we can spend a week without needing drinking water, we can save over 50 points.

Karuizawa: I see...

The others agreed as well.

Ike: Hirata, let's try it!

Hirata: Right. Let's all do our best!

...

At nightfall, I approached Ibuki. She sat alone on the boulder not far away from our camp site.

(Y/N): Sorry about this. Just wait a bit longer. Hirata and the others are discussing you now.

Ibuki: No need to go out of your way. I'll be driven out soon enough.

(Y/N): I wouldn't be so sure. We have a lot of trusting types.

I stepped aside and allowed Kushida to walk past. Apparently, she brought some fruits for Ibuki.

Kushida: You're Ibuki-san, right? Here, eat this.

Ibuki looked at her before turning away.

Ibuki: You're all idiots. Every one of you...

Kushida: Come on, just eat it!

She shoved the fruits to Ibuki's hand.

Kushida: We can have a talk later, too.

"God damn it!! Koenji!"

Suddenly, someone yelled out Koenji's name. It was Sudou.

"How could he do this?"

"He's so selfish..."

"What will happen to our points, then?"

Kushida and I rushed to the group.

Kushida: What happened?

Yukimura: Koenji said he wasn't feeling well, and went back to the boat!

Kushida: Eh?

Hirata: According to the rules, Class D will lose 30 S-points. Koenji-kun will be out of the game and required to stay on the ship to recover.

I walked towards Horikita and sat beside her.

(Y/N): Unbelievable.

She simply shook her head.

I sighed and gazed upon the moon.

(Y/N): 'Can we even survive for a week...?'

...

False Teamwork

(A/N: SURPRISE! Guess what? Another long chapter! :D)

(Y/N)'s POV

In the White Room, there were about 30 children were tested with a series of exceptionally difficult questions. We were monitored by an invigilator. There were some people monitored us from above, too.

We're required to answer the questions that beyond the ability of mere children. I'm not sure whether the adults could even solve the questions or not.

However, most of the children couldn't handled the stress and pressure. They were collapsed during the test. I'd continued solving the question, until the invigilator approached me. He called me by my first name.

"(Y/N)."

I looked up from the paper and stared at him. I could barely see his face as the light behind him was dazzling.

"Remember this. To have power and fail to use it is the behavior of a fool."

...

Test Day 2

Then, I woke up much earlier that morning than I'd anticipated. The heat and humidity had made me toss and turn in my sleep. The dream I had roused me, and I wasn't very well rested.

(Y/N): Tch.

I sighed in annoyed. It's been a long time since I had that similar dream. I looked around and noticed that the boys were still sleeping soundly. Fortunately, the girls agreed to compromise to buy a tent for the boys. We'd kept the luggage outside in order to make the tents as spacious as possible. I carefully slipped out of the tent so as to not wake anyone else, and approached our mountain of piled luggage.

After looking around to make sure I was alone, I found a singularly colored piece of luggage. It was Ibuki's bag. Since her bag was different, it was easy to spot. I grabbed it without hesitation and checked inside. If someone saw me doing this, I'd be instantly labeled a pervert. Inside, I found the same kinds of things that everyone else had, like towels, a change of clothes, underwear, etc. However...

(Y/N): A digital camera?

Why would she have it? This item wasn't appropriate for a deserted island. On the bottom of the camera, I found a rental sticker.

(Y/N): Why did Ibuki have this?

I considered the possible reasons, trying to think from her perspective. After conjuring up an image of her in my head, several possibilities suggested themselves. I checked the camera's power source. It had no data, and no sign that it'd been used. After I finished my inspection, I returned the item to the bag.

Horikita: What are you doing?

I almost jumped out of my skin when Horikita spoke to me. I sighed before turning around and faced her.

(Y/N): God, I'd almost had an heart attack.

Horikita: That's probably because you had a guilty conscience.

I let out an embarrassed laugh and scratched the back of my head.

Horikita: You woke up earlier than usual.

(Y/N): I couldn't slept well. The heat was brutal.

I decided not to tell her about the dream I had.

Horikita: I see...

I noticed she's still rubbing her arm and looked a bit tense. Finally, I was unable to bear it and walked towards her.

Horikita: What are you—

I ignored her question and put my hand on her forehead. She turned quickly and pushed away my hand. I sighed again.

(Y/N): I knew it. You are having a fever, don't you? When we first went for this vacation, you're already under the weather, right?

Horikita: ...

She refused to look me in the eye.

(Y/N): Why did you hide it from everyone? Even from me?

Horikita: I don't want to be a burden to everyone. At first, I was about to tell you that I'm not feeling well these days, but... you mentioned that this vacation somehow gonna be a test for us first-years student. So I decided to keep quiet about it...

I lowered myself so that my eyes were level with hers.

(Y/N): You're being selfish... You should tell me regardless. At least, I could take care of you.

Horikita: I'm sorry...

She lowered her head. I could see that she was very weak right now. I tried to choose my words carefully.

(Y/N): It's okay.

I patted her head gently. She kept quiet for a while. After almost a minute, she finally spoke.

Horikita: Can you do me a favor and don't tell the others about my condition? Now that Koenji-kun had left and we couldn't afford to lose any points now.

(Y/N): Are you sure? You know that you might—

Horikita: I'm the leader. You're obligated to listen to me.

She regained her composure and put both her hands on her hips. I sighed and conceded to her request.

(Y/N): Alright, I understand.

Horikita: Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself.

She smiled at me and I returned the same.

(Y/N): Whatever you say...

...

The sun had rose and everyone woke up from their slumbers. They all went to wash themselves up and do their respective tasks.

I was looking at the fish swimming freely in the river before someone's yelling caught my attention.

Ike: Hey!

Sudou: We caught some fish!

Wow, they did actually caught a lot of fish, enough to feed the whole class for a day or two.

Kushida and the other girl came from the other direction, holding the fruits that they foraged in the jungle.

Kushida: Look at all the fruit we found!

Hirata: Great work, everyone.

He was holding some bottles, presumably to fill in some drinkable water. The two groups approached him.

Sudou: Hirata, what should we do next?

Hirata: Could you two get the fire ready?

Sudou and Ike: Sure!

Hirata then looked at Kushida and her group.

Hirata: Kushida-san's group, you oversee the rationing.

Kushida: Right!

Hirata: Anyone who's not busy with other tasks, help us collect drinking water.

He then distributed the water bottle to other classmates.

I glanced up at Hirata from my sitting position.

(Y/N): 'Hirata Yosuke... Class D's leader...'

Then, I decided to do some reconnaissance and walked towards the girls' tent. I thought that it was better for her to follow me and sweated out her cold.

(Y/N): Hey, Horikita, you around?

After breakfast, Horikita had immediately returned to the tent, and I saw no sign of her. I called for her in front of the girls' tent. Although she didn't reply, the tent shook slightly, and I heard the sounds of cloth rubbing together. Horikita slowly stepped outside.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): I want to check out the situation of other classes. Care to come?

I didn't waited for her to reply and walked away. She followed me closely.

We were trekking through the jungle, with a poorly drawn map on my hand.

Horikita: It's rare to see you taking initiative like this.

(Y/N): It's not like I have anything better to do. This passes the time.

Horikita: I don't mind doing recon, but I'd personally rather avoid unnecessary movement. I don't want to waste stamina by wandering around without a clear goal in mind.

(Y/N): I understand how you feel, but staying shut up inside won't change the situation. Besides...

I then recalled the moment where Ryuen threatened Horikita on the cruise ship.

(Y/N): It's clear they've placed a target on your back.

She sighed and rubbed her left arm.

Horikita: That's true.

(Y/N): Don't worry, I'll be at your side.

She smirked.

Horikita: I know.

...

We approached Class B's camp site. It was by the waterfall near a tree.

Ichinose welcomed us without any hint of protest. She then brought us further into the camp site.

Ichinose: There's plenty of fruit in the forest, and we can probably catch fish in the ocean. We've got the waterfalls for fresh water, too.

Horikita positioned her hands into a thinking gesture.

Horikita: Class B never fails to impress. It's far more disciplined than I imagined.

I looked around. Every member of the class has their clearly defined task and worked in close cooperation.

Ichinose chuckled before replying.

Ichinose: It was really hard at first! But we rigged a few things up, and now we're making it work.

Horikita: Ichinose-san, is it safe to assume that our relationship is one of cooperation?

Ichinose nodded in agreement.

Ichinose: Sure! That's how I think of it.

"Sorry to interrupt..."

A male voice did interrupted us. A male student approached us, he was wearing a spectacle and sported a bowl haircut.

Ichinose: Hmm? What is it?

"I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help."

Ichinose: Well... why don't you help Chihiro-chan and the others over there?

"Understood. Thank you very much."

I looked at him as he walked away.

Horikita: He seems rather distant, for a classmate.

Ichinose: His name's Kaneda-kun. Apparently he had a falling-out with Class C and got driven out of the camp. Oh, sorry... I'd better get back to work. Come back to visit soon, okay?

She waved at us before went back to her group.

Horikita: It's an upgrade from Class D in every way. I have to admit that.

Her words sounded like a declaration of defeat. My impression was the same as hers. There was a big difference between D and B, and not just in points.

(Y/N): Well, I guess there's nothing we can do about it. Class B just has those special qualities that Class D lacks.

Horikita: That's their teamwork, right? Class B is the superior class because they're being led well, so when the time comes to make decisions, they don't fight or break apart.

Class D had selfish students like Koenji, who ran off on his own, and no one in our class had the power to step in. Meanwhile, Ichinose had brought Class B together, and there wasn't a hint of disorder. They had a real sense of unity, probably the biggest difference between Classes D and B right now. The longer this conflict continued, the starker that difference would become.

...

We saw a cave opening that looked like it cut deep into the mountainside, like a demon's mouth. There were two temporary toilets and one shower room near the entrance.

Horikita: I can't really see the inside from here...

Trying to confirm what was in the cave while keeping our distance was probably next to impossible. Neither Horikita nor I knew anyone in Class A. Even though we intended to sneak around, stay hidden, and gather information, we wouldn't get anywhere. I stepped over Horikita and headed up the road to the cave.

(Y/N): Let's go have a look.

Horikita: W-Wait!

Horikita and I both headed toward the base camp.

(Y/N): We can't afford to be intimidated just because they're Class A.

Horikita: What are you trying to do? There's nothing to be gained from revealing ourselves.

(Y/N): Skulking around here won't get us anywhere, either.

Horikita: You're awfully calm, aren't you? Did you have something in mind?

(Y/N): I haven't thought of anything. Come on, don't worry.

Horikita: Ugh, what an unintelligible, half-assed answer.

She glared at me with cold and frightening eyes, but I pretended not to notice. Naturally, a Class A student hanging around the cave's entrance discovered us. I thought I could salvage the situation so long as I could see the cave's interior. However, inside the cave were several vinyl sheets joined together into one giant tarp, which blocked my view. I couldn't see inside at all.

"What do you want?"

This guy was definitely one of the two guys who'd found the cave quickly on the first day. Yahiko. The other guy, the sharp-witted Katsuragi, appeared to be absent.

Horikita: We came here to scout you out. Do you have a problem with that?

Wow, straight to the point. Noice!

She responded in an imposing manner. She looked at the vinyl covering the cave's entrance, and let out a rather forced sigh.

Horikita: How very underhanded.

Even though it was plain to see she wanted to provoke him, Yahiko sounded irritated, as if she got on his nerves.

Horikita: We're going in.

Yahiko: Hey!

Yahiko moved in front of Horikita to block her.

Horikita: What?

Yahiko: This place is occupied by Class A. You're not allowed in.

Horikita: Oh? You've taken occupancy of this spot?

Yahiko: That's right. Now leave.

Horikita: But there's no rule saying I can't enter the cave. I can't use a spot that's currently occupied, but I have the right to see what's inside. What you're doing is monopolization. I think maybe you're the ones breaking the rules.

Yahiko: Huh?!

Her sharp argument skewered Yahiko without any trouble. Horikita's hair fluttered as she tried to peel off the veil that hid the cave entrance. However...

"What are you doing?"

A particularly tall boy walked out from the cave. This was definitely...

Yahiko: Katsuragi-san!

Katsuragi stared down at the boy beside him.

Katsuragi: I don't recall giving you permission to invite visitors.

Horikita: I just want to see what's inside. I can't imagine how that's against the rules.

Katsuragi then turned his attention to Horikita.

Katsuragi: Go ahead and look, then. But be prepared for consequences. One class occupies one spot, and they protect it until the test ends.

Horikita and I looked at our surroundings. There were some Class A students appeared from nearby and surrounded us. Some of them were holding some kind of... tree branch as weapon, I guess?

Katsuragi: if you try to break this unspoken rule, there will be war. it's best to avoid that sort of trouble.

I leaned close and whispered to Horikita.

(Y/N): It seems like we have to leave Class A alone. We definitely can't investigate them.

Then, Horikita turned on her heel and walked away from the cave.

Horikita: Well, fine. I look forward to seeing the results, and Class A's abilities.

Katsuragi: We are quite capable. We also expect things from you, Class D. By which I mean, your futile struggling.

After that short exchange, Horikita had the wind knocked out of her sails. If Katsuragi hadn't appeared, Horikita probably would have stepped through to the other side of the vinyl sheet.

Finally, Horikita and I set out for the beach, where Class C awaited. Her heavy footsteps seemed to belie her casual indifference.

...

As we neared the edge of the forest, we saw the beach, and the large group of Class C students on that beach. Horikita and I could never have imagined the situation we beheld.

Horikita: You've got to be kidding me... What is Class C thinking?

Even beholding the very real spectacle, Horikita kept repeating the word "impossible." I felt the same. They had installed temporary toilets and shower rooms. But they also had a tarp to protect against sunlight, a barbecue, chairs, and a parasol. They had snacks and drinks. Everything required for a good, relaxing time was here. We smelled the smoke of cooking meat, and heard laughter. Jet skis whizzed past the shoreline. Students were enjoying themselves in the ocean, screaming with joy. Based on a rough calculation, they'd likely spent 150 points or more.

(Y/N): Let's check things out. I wonder what Class C is thinking?

We came out from the bushes and walked to the beach. One of the male students noticed us, and called out to another male student nearby. We couldn't see his face too well, since he was leaning over in his chair. One of the boys rushed over to us.

"Um. Ryuen-san wants to see you."

Judging from the timidity of his voice, he was either frightened or naturally listless.

Horikita: He rules his classmates like a king. It's like a royal welcome. What should we do?

She looked up at me.

(Y/N): It's up to you, Horikita.

Horikita: Fine. I'm interested in learning his intentions. Let's go.

We accompanied the boy. As we approached the ocean, the delicious smell of cooked meat wafted by our noses.

Our class didn't seem to know how to have a vacation. We approached the man in command of this hedonistic paradise.

Ryuen: Hey.

Horikita crossed her arms and replied.

Horikita: You seem to be living the high life.

Ryuuen, tanned and clad in his swimwear, laid back in his chair. He flashed his white teeth at us.

Ryuen: Oh, we are. It's our summer vacation, and we're going to enjoy it. Right?

The three boys, who kneel in front of his chair, were agreed with Ryuen.

Horikita: When a leader is incompetent, it ends up hurting those beneath him.

Ryuen simply smiled, grabbing the bottle of water placed next to the radio.

(Y/N): 'Hmm?'

Ryuen: Tch. Already getting warm. Hey, Ishizaki. Bring me some cold water, right away.

Ryuen: For just 100 or 200 class points, you people will endure starvation, heat, and exhaustion... Just the thought of it makes me want to laugh.

Ryuen poured out his remaining water on the sand, almost in provocation. Ishizaki, who'd been playing volleyball nearly, panicked and rushed to get Ryuen another water. A mountain of cardboard boxes were piled up inside the tent, likely filled with food and water. Ishizaki peered into a cooler beside the boxes

Horikita: I was a fool to come here on my guard.

Ryuen sat up and faced Horikita.

Ryuen: Who's the fool here? Is it me? Or you?

Ishizaki ran over, dripping with sweat as he brought the water. He handed a cold bottle of water to Ryuen. Ryuen opened the cap and chugged.

Ryuen: This is the way I do things. There can be nothing more or less.

Horikita: I see. Do as you wish, then. This is best for us, anyway.

She turned on her heel prepared to walk away.

Horikita: Oh, and there's one other thing I wanted to ask. You know Ibuki-san, don't you? She's in our class.

Ryuen: What about her?

Horikita: Her face was swollen. What happened to her?

Ryuen: A ruler has no need for disobedient servants. I just issued an appropriate punishment. Another boy defied me as well, so I had him driven out. I heard he didn't die, so he's probably off somewhere eating grass and insects to survive.

I couldn't imagine that was something you could say about a friend. But now I fully understood. Even if Ibuki were absent during roll call, Class C wouldn't care. That's why Ryuen didn't care about his classmates or trying to find them.

Horikita: You used all of your points on the first day, didn't you?

Ryuen: That's right. I used all of our points. So no matter what happens to Ibuki, I don't have to worry about losing any points.

(Y/N): 'The rules say that, even if you lose all 300 S-points, you can't get into negative numbers. He's negated that effect.'

Horikita: A simplistic way of thinking. You're wasting all the class points we've been offered.

Ryuen: Forget all that and come play with me. I'll prepare a special tent for us.

(Y/N): 'You're disgusting... you know that?'

I tightened my fists and breathed heavily, even though I still remained expressionless. Before I could do anything, Horikita grabbed my hand, and pulled me away.

Horikita: Let's go, (L/N)-kun. Being here is only making me sick.

Horikita and I then walked away.

Ryuen: Suzune, come back any time you want to have a little fun. I'll give you a real taste of heaven.

Horikita glanced back at him with total contempt. I slipped my hand into hers and lead her away from Class C's camp site.

...

We were on our ways back to our camp site.

Horikita: Absurd, isn't it? Their self-destruction actually benefits us.

(Y/N): Yeah.

Horikita: You need to conserve wherever you can, or you won't last the full week.

(Y/N): He's not planning to last the week.

Horikita: What do you mean?

We stopped our tracks.

(Y/N): It's simple. He'll do what Koenji did. They just have to claim they're sick, or they can't handle the stress, or some other reason, then drop out. Then they can all return to the ship and enjoy their summer vacation.

Horikita: You mean he'd given up on the test itself from the start?

(Y/N): The test is about the freedom to choose, in every sense of the term. Ryuen's approach may be one correct answer.

Horikita: It's beyond my comprehension.

We continued walking.

(Y/N): 'A zero-point strategy, huh? I see. That's really interesting.'

If we could simply shut down dissenting views from our classmates, it'd be a rather interesting method. After all, this test wasn't just about saving points within our own group. We had to strategize if we wanted to win.

We eventually made it back to our base camp. It was already evening, and the class was about to prepare dinner. When we set foot into the camp, Kushida was the first one to notice us. She greeted and ran towards us.

Kushida: Ah! Horikita-san, (L/N)-kun, welcome back—

She suddenly stopped her tracks.

(Y/N): What's wrong?

Kushida suddenly shifted into her playful expression.

Kushida: Ara~ Did you two went out for a date in the forest together?

Horikita: What!?

Sakura appeared behind Kushida.

Sakura: What's the matter— Whaaaaa?!

She screamed when she noticed us.

I'd had a question mark on my face.

(Y/N): What's going on here?

Sudou: Oi, (L/N)! Let's go of Horikita's hand!

I then looked at my right hand. Without even realizing it, I was holding Horikita's hand the whole time since we walked back from the beach. Our hands intertwined together no less.

(Y/N) and Horikita: Ahhhh!

We quickly let go of each other's hand.

Kushida: You two are blushing, that's so cute!

Kushida chuckled. She's right. I'm blushing right now. I glanced at Horikita, and she blushed more than me.

(Y/N): I-I-I'm... I'm sorry!

Horikita: I-It's okay...

Sudou: It's not!!

We both lowered our head and occasionally looked at each other. Then, she gave me a "I'll leave it to you." look and quickly flee the scene. Wait, what?

Sakura: So it's true then!? (L/N)-kun and Horikita-san are really together?

Sakura was the first one to break the silence.

(Y/N): Eh?

Kushida: How long have you two had been together?

Kushida leaned closer.

(Y/N): Eh?

Sudou then restrained me in a headlock.

Sudou: Dammit, (L/N)! Why you did this to me!?

(Y/N): Eh!?

Yamauchi: I knew it! I knew you two had a thing!

Ike: You lose, Sudou! Ahahahah!

Hirata: Congratulation, (L/N)-kun.

Karuizawa: Wow! (L/N)-kun and Horikita-san?

More and more classmates approached me.

(Y/N): 'HORIKITAAAAAAA!'

I screamed internally.

Finally, I managed to convince the others and told them that I'd unintentionally held her hand. It was very exhausting, as once in a while some people came and asked about it. Actually, t-that's kinda nice. Maybe I should play along...?

...

Test Day 3

I couldn't get enough sleep, mostly because of the heat. I woke up and found that Hirata was already awakened. I sat up and greeted him.

(Y/N): Morning, Hirata.

Hirata: Morning, (L/N)-kun. Did I wake you?

(Y/N): No, it's just hard to sleep soundly in an environment like this. My back hurts.

Hirata: Ahaha, right.

We then exited the tent and went wash up at the river.

Hirata: That feels nice.

(Y/N): It must be hard being the one keeping the class together.

I said as I dried my face with towel.

Hirata: I do it because I like it, that's all. If it keeps everyone in the class happy, that's enough for me.

(Y/N): 'It's that really your reason, Hirata?'

As the time passed, the rest of the class woke up and carried out their daily chores. Today passed uneventfully. Although, it was still a bit awkward when I met with Horikita. But we managed to converse normally like we usually do.

...

Test Day 4

As usual, everyone carried out their daily tasks, such as foraging and fishing.

Meanwhile, I left the base camp before noon and made my way toward the forest entrance

Sakura: Ahh, ahh, ahh... Wh-where are you planning to go now, (L/N)-kun?

Sakura was out of breath, her breasts heaving as she breathed. She must've been looking for me and given chase

(Y/N): I thought I'd just go and check something out. Are you sure you want to be paired up with me.

Sakura: Yeah. Sorry. I know I'm kind of a drag during searches...

(Y/N): Aren't you afraid people will start to talk? Especially Horikita?

I decided to play along the rumor that Horikita and I were together.

Sakura: No, I don't mind that at all. Just like Sudou-kun said, as long as you two aren't married, t-that's mean I still— Ah! I'm sorry. Forget about what I said just now.

She shook her hands nervously.

(Y/N): 'What did you actually told her, Sudou...'

Sakura: Besides...

(Y/N): Hmm?

Sakura: When we set out on this trip, I was really down at first. I have no friends, so going on a trip wouldn't be fun anyway. But... Now, I'm a little glad I came.

(Y/N): I see...

Sakura: It's too bad... If I had my camera, I could take a great picture right now.

Sakura used her thumb and forefingers to make a frame, and placed both herself and me in the frame several times. Then she made an embarrassed face, like she regretted doing so. It was certainly true that a camera was essential for preserving memories. Since Sakura was always carrying her digital camera around at school, I imagined that this moment was probably the perfect photo opportunity.

Preserving memories, huh? So that was why Ibuki had a digital camera.

(Y/N): But if I'm in the picture, wouldn't that spoil the scenery?

Sakura: No, if you're in the picture, (L/N)-kun, it will be the best photo... Ah! No! I mean, that is, I've never taken a picture with a friend before!

Sakura was absolutely genuine. While we sat side by side, I suddenly stared at her. Sakura didn't notice my gaze at first, but after a long period of silence, she finally did. Our eyes met. She quickly hid away her face in her hands.I couldn't help but let out a smile.

(Y/N): Come on, let's go.

Sakura: O-Okay!

...

Sakura and I went to the beach where the Class C set up their camp site. As expected, it was empty. I noticed Ichinose and Kanzaki were there as well. They were probably planned to scout out Class C. We approached them.

Ichinose: Huh? Everyone's gone...

Kanzaki: (L/N), were you out on recon, too?

(Y/N): No, we were just exploring the forest and ended up here on the beach.

Ichinose sighed and squatted down.

Ichinose: Huh... I was hoping to take a guess at Class C's leader, at least...

Kanzaki: The goal of the test is to increase your point total as much as possible. The minute he abandoned that, Ryuen lost.

He picked the bottle that been left by the Class C students and set it down on the table.

Ichinose: The straightforward strategy is best for us, yeah.

(Y/N): Ichinose, there's something I wanted to ask you.

Ichinose: What's that?

(Y/N): Do you know anything about Katsuragi from Class A?

Ichinose stood up and crossed her arms.

Ichinose: Katsuragi-kun, huh? Sakayanagi-san is sitting the test out, so Katsuragi-kun seems to have taken leadership of Class A, but...

Kanzaki: Katsuragi's a sharp guy. Even with Sakayanagi's absence, I doubt they'll suffer any internal discord.

Ichinose: But it's probably not any fun for the people on Sakayanagi-san's side. Those two are opposite extremes, after all.

(Y/N): Opposite extremes?

Ichinose: A reformist and a conservative, basically. They're polar opposites in how they approach things. They're always butting heads over that, I hear.

(Y/N): 'Sakayanagi, huh?'

...

At nightfall, Class D's students gathered around the bonfire after dinner.

Ike: Looks like we made it through another day! By the way, I saw the Class C guys heading back to the ship. Hirata, do you know anything about that?

Hirata: No, I don't...

Karuizawa: They probably just got sick of island life and gave up.

Yamauchi: The whole class? Can you even do that?

Karuizawa: How should I know?

I noticed Kushida stood up and walked towards Ibuki who sat alone by the river.

Kushida: Hey. What will you do, Ibuki-san?

Ibuki: I don't even want to look at those people. I'll stay here.

Sudou: Seems kinda suspicious to me...

Sudou appeared behind Kushida.

Kushida: Sudou-kun.

Sudou ignored Kushida and talked to Ibuki.

Sudou: Hey. Do you know anything about this?

Ibuki: Huh? I don't know what you're talking about.

Ibuki turned and walked away. Sudou held on her shoulder.

Sudou: Hold it!

Ibuki shoved away his hand.

Ibuki: Keep you hands off me!

Sudou: What's with that attitude? We helped you. You ought to help us out a little!

Ibuki: I didn't ask you to help me. Your people just decided to do it.

Sudou: Huh?!

Ibuki: Wasting your valuable points... How stupid can you get?

Sudou: What was that?

Hirata rushed forwards and stopped Sudou.

Hirata: Sudou-kun!

Ibuki: Hit me if you want to.

Hirata: Both of you, calm down. This is no time to be fighting among friends.

Ibuki: Friends? How trusting can you get?

She then walked away from the group.

Kushida: Ibuki-san, are you okay?

She glanced at Kushida and continued her pace.

Sudou: Damn it! What's her problem?!

I sighed.

And that, marked the end of Day 4.

...

Test Day 5

For the first time here, I was able to sleep soundly. But of course, good times don't last long.

"Hey, boys! Boys! Wake up!"

"Wake up already!"

The girls from our class woke us up. Damn, I was having a good sleep by then.

Hirata opened zip of the tent and asked.

There were about five girls standing outside our tent, led by Shinohara.

Shinohara: Hirata-kun. Awful news!

Within two minutes, the boys came out of the tent rubbing their sleepy eyes. When the half-asleep boys looked around, they inferred that this situation was especially alarming. The girls all looked unusually scared.

Hirata: What could it be this early in the morning?

Shinohara: It probably has nothing to do with you, Hirata-kun... But there;s something we need to find out. This morning... Karuizawa-san's underwear went missing.

Even Hirata, usually calm and collected, appeared visibly shaken. Speaking of Karuizawa, she was missing, along with some of her friends.

Shinohara: Karuizawa-san's in our tent, crying. Kushida-san and the others are comforting her, but...

Ike: W-Wait a minute! Why are you suspecting u—

Shinohara: Why do you think? It's obvious that one of you stole them overnight!

Sudou protested.

Sudou: It was probably that Ibuki girl, not us!

The boys, still in a state of drowsiness, all exchanged looks.

Shinohara: A girl would never steal something like that!

Ike: How can you be so sure?

Shinohara: The point is, we can't camp in the same place as an underwear thief.

"Yeah!"

A group of girls behind Shinohara agreed with her.

Hirata: Hey, everyone, calm down... Do you have any proof that it was a boy who stole them?

Shinohara: That's why we came to you, Hirata-kun. We want you to find the culprit.

Apparently, the girls weren't changing their minds on this. They had decided that the culprit was on the boys' side. Well, I supposed that it was only natural to think that.

Hirata: The culprit?

Shinohara: First, we request a search of all the boys' bags!

Hirata: Okay. But to protect their privacy, could you allow the boys to handle the search?

...

In order to get us all to move, Hirata had no choice but to take action. Still, there probably wasn't even one person here who thought Hirata was the culprit. Besides, you could say that stealing his own girlfriend's underwear made no sense. However, if one person opened his luggage, then the rest of us couldn't help but follow. Inevitably, the students who wouldn't open their bags would be suspected. Hirata's bag naturally didn't have the underwear.

All the other boys began pulling bags out, one after another. Ike and Yamauchi hated it, but couldn't resist being pulled in. The three of us were the last to go. I reluctantly headed into the tent, following after Ike and Yamauchi.

We then lined up outside the tent, to get our bag checked by Hirata.

Sudou: This is starting to piss me off...

Yamauchi: They don't have any evidence that a boy did it! It's nuts!

Ike, who stood in front of me, grabbed his bag, but suddenly froze.

(Y/N): What's wrong?

Ike: Uh, nothing.

Yamauchi: Hang on... Are you the one who stole them?

Ike: Dumbass! N-No way!

Looks like Yamauchi hit a jackpot here. Ike frantically denied it, shaking his head while clutching his bag. What a blatant overreaction. We weren't dumb enough to believe nothing was wrong.

Yamauchi: Hey. Don't tell me...

Ike: What? Are you suspecting me?

Yamauchi: Show me your bag!

Ike: Hey, cut it out!

Yamauchi snatched Ike's bag to check inside. When he did, he saw... white underwear, definitely not a man's, balled up and hidden.

Yamauchi: Caught red-handed!

Ike: I-It wasn't me, I'm telling you! Th-They were just in there somehow!

Yamauchi: No need to make excuses, man.

Yamauchi looked at Ike with pity.

Ike: I'm telling you, I don't know how they got there!

I sighed. The thief likely wouldn't have hidden the stolen goods in his own bag. It was obvious that in the case of an uproar, a search for the criminal would begin. If Ike was really guilty, he should've been panicking when he was told to open his luggage. But I hadn't seen the slightest hint of that.

I concluded that someone other than Ike was the culprit, and that person had planted evidence to frame Ike. Unless Ike really was that stupid and simple... but he couldn't be, right?

Ike: Hey, (L/N)! You believe me, right?

(Y/N): I can't be certain you're not the culprit, under the current circumstances.

Ike: (L/N)!

(Y/N): But if you were the culprit, I don't think you'd be this careless.

Ike: Right!?

Yamauchi: So, you think someone stuck the panties in Ike's bag?

Ike: Yeah! That's what it's gotta be!

Sudou: Hey! Hurry it up!

Ike: Wh-What do I do? I'm in serious trouble here!

It was certainly true that we currently lacked storage options. If the girls saw us hurry to the toilet or into the tents, they'd become suspicious and demand to search that area. Most importantly, we were spending too much time in here. It wouldn't be surprising if we were already under suspicion.

Yamauchi then thrusted the underwear into Ike's hand.

Yamauchi: Good luck!

(Y/N): You'll just have to hide them.

Ike: Hide them?! Where? I'm totally panicking here! If you think I should hide them, you should handle it! Okay? Okay?

(Y/N): Wait, I...

Ike removed quickly thrust the balled-up underwear into my hands.

Ike: I'm on my way!

He then ran off to Yamauchi.

(Y/N): Huh? You've got to be kidding...

Impulsively, I stuffed the underwear into my back pocket, took my bag, and headed back to the others.

...

After everyone's luggage had been inspected, Hirata called over Shinohara, who was waiting with her arms crossed.

Hirata: We searched them all.

Shinohara: For real?

Hirata nodded.

Hirata: Yeah, it's clear now. None of the boys were behind it. We can let everyone put their stuff away now, right? After that, we can talk.

Shinohara: I demand a pat-down.

Hirata: Huh?

Shinohara: An underwear thief is a pervert. You don't know where he might be keeping them.

Ike: G-Give us a break!

"Ike-kun's been acting pretty fishy this whole time."

"You think he's the one who did it?"

"Gross!"

The girls began to attack him.

Ike: Fine, I get it. Search me if you want!

(Y/N): 'Hey, Ike. If you lead the conversation down that path...'

Shinohara: We will, then. Hirata-kun, if you please.

(Y/N): 'The worst possible situation. There's no talking my way out of this. Maybe I'd be at least a little better off if I told the truth...'

It was my turn. I then spreaded my arm widely and let Hirata searched my body.

Hirata: Sorry. I'll make this fast.

Hirata, who didn't doubt me whatsoever, slowly started to search me, starting with my upper body. Then, Hirata put his hand into my back pocket, where I'd stuffed the underwear.

(Y/N): 'It's over.'

I resigned myself. I felt Hirata's hand touching the underwear. Well, I couldn't be completely sure Hirata was touching was the underwear, but I suspected he was touching that rolled-up piece of cloth in my pocket. Hirata's body stiffened, and he looked me in the eyes. After a brief glance, Hirata examined my jersey without taking the underwear out of my pocket. Finished, he turned back toward the girls.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun doesn't have them, either. It really wasn't a boy.

He walked toward Shinohara. Ike and Yamauchi exchanged shocked looks

Shinohara: Really? Well, we'll trust you...

Hirata: Thanks...

After the inspection had come to an end, we all went to pack up our things.

...

It was already evening. I approached Hirata who was just finished talking with the girls.

(Y/N): Hirata. Can we talk for a minute?

We then went to the large tree beside the camp. I leaned back on the tree and asked straight away.

(Y/N): Why didn't you tell them?

Hirata: I thought so... That was the underwear, wasn't it?

(Y/N): Yeah.

Hirata: Did you steal it, (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): No, I didn't.

Hirata: I believe you. You're not the kind of person who'd do that. Do you mind if I hold on to the underwear?

(Y/N): Are you sure?

Holding the underwear was exactly like holding the Joker in a deck of cards. They were both trouble to deal with.

Hirata: I'm the one who would be least damaged by being named the culprit. I'm her boyfriend, after all.

After saying that, he took one of the vinyl toilet bags and put the underwear inside. I wondered if it would be painful for Karuizawa to know people were touching her underwear with their bare hands.

Hirata: I know you could do the same thing if the victim was Horikita.

I let out a cough.

(Y/N): Really, Hirata? Under these circumstances, you'd still make a joke?

Hirata: Right, I was kidding.

He chuckled.

Hirata: But still, I believe you're not the culprit, (L/N)-kun. That's why I saved you.

(Y/N): Thanks , Hirata. And yes, I would do the same thing to you if the roles reversed.

Hirata smiled.

Hirata: And, this isn't a conditional thing... but would you try to find the real culprit?

(Y/N): Me, find the culprit?

Hirata nodded.

(Y/N): Well, I'll try, at least.

Hirata: Thanks. And if you do find the culprit, I'd like you to tell me first. I don't want you to tell anyone else.

(Y/N): Are you asking me to cover up the truth?

Hirata: Cover up the truth? I guess that is what this is... Because no matter who it turns out to be, I believe I should probably bury the truth.

He focused on me. It was almost as if he meant to protect the culprit.

Hirata: I don't want to ruin everything over this. That's why I want you to help me.

I sighed.

(Y/N): I understand. I'll report to you first. Is that good?

Hirata: Thank you. Well then, I'll be getting back to work.

He then walked back to the camp site. I stared at his back until he was out of my sight.

(Y/N): 'Hirata Yosuke. Are you Class D's hero?'

There was one contradiction in Hirata's story. Right after he said he believed in me, he immediately said the truth ought to be concealed even if the culprit was one of the guys. In other words, even if someone had the underwear, we'd hide it from the girls.

Hirata didn't have complete trust in me. He probably assumed there was a high chance I was the culprit. That was only natural, of course. From an outsider's perspective, I was the one holding the underwear, and I'd offered up Ike's name as the culprit. Hirata assigned me, a potential suspect, the role of detective to offer me a lifeline. At the same time, he'd issued a warning not to commit the offense a second time.

Thinking this way, I was able to get a grasp on the story. I was certain that he just wanted to cover up the truth. I had also tentatively considered that Hirata might be the culprit, but... well, I supposed we would know soon enough.

...

(A/N: Well, Imma gonna take a break for now. :P)

Broken Bonds

(Y/N)'s POV

Hirata: Could everyone please gather around?

When I returned to the camp site, Hirata's meeting had begun. I saw Karuizawa trembling with anger, her eyes puffy and red.

Karuizawa: We can't trust the guys. It's absolutely impossible for us to stay in the same place as them!

Hirata: But there would be problems if the guys and girls lived apart, don't you think? The test is almost over. Because we're all friends, we need to believe in and cooperate with one another.

Karuizawa: You might be right. But we can't stand being in the same place as underwear thieves!

Karuizawa shook her head, dismissing the notion as impossible. If the victim said so, Hirata couldn't really force her. Shinohara took a tree branch and drew a line.

Shinohara: We should segregate the boys' and girls' areas! You should move the boys' tent and make the girls' side off-limits.

Hirata: I don't know...

Ike: What the heck?

Yamauchi: If that's what you want, you guys move the tent! I'm sure as hell not gonna!

Karuizawa: We weren't asking for your help!

She shot back at them. Shinohara, feeling like the situation was taking a turn, looked to Hirata to save them.

Shinohara: You'll help us, right, Hirata-kun?

Hirata: Okay. I'll do it. It might take a little time, though...

Shinohara: Thank you, Hirata-kun. Aren't you glad, Karuizawa-san?

Karuizawa: Yeah, Hirata-kun is the only one we can trust.

Karuizawa, looking happy and a bit bashful, blushed.

Ike: Heh. Hirata might even be the culprit.

Karuizawa: Huh? Hirata-kun is not the culprit. What a stupid thing to say. Why don't you go jump off a cliff?

Ike: What?! Don't give me that crap, Karuizawa. Just because he's your boyfriend doesn't mean he's not the culprit!

Naturally, more and more complaints came from the guys, but their words fell on deaf ears. Everyone except for Hirata was a suspect, so there wasn't anything to be done about it. We quickly reached an impasse, with Karuizawa and Shinohara in complete control.

Horikita: Wait a minute. I'd like to raise an objection—especially against you, Karuizawa-san.

Horikita spoke up, calmly and firmly opposing Karuizawa.

Karuizawa: What is it, Horikita-san? Are you not satisfied with what we're saying?

Horikita: I don't particularly mind dividing up the living areas for men and women. As long as the culprit hasn't been found, it is certainly a good idea to keep our distance from the men, considering the likelihood that the culprit is among them. However, I don't trust Hirata-kun. I cannot dismiss the possibility that he might be the underwear thief. Also, I'm unconvinced that he should be excluded from the ban on men.

Karuizawa: Hirata-kun would never do such a thing. Can't you at least understand that?

Horikita: That's just your personal belief, isn't it? Don't force your way of thinking on me.

Karuizawa stepped closer to Horikita, looking like she didn't approve of Horikita's attitude.

Karuizawa: Hirata-kun is definitely not the culprit. I know you don't even have friends, let alone a boyfriend before. But now, you do have (L/N)-kun! You should probably understand my feeling!

Um... Since when did Horikita have me?

Horikita: Don't make me repeat myself. Nothing you can say will convince me.

Despite provocation, Horikita was unperturbed, responding in a detached manner.

Karuizawa: Well, let me ask you something. Would you say there are no other guys as trustworthy as Hirata-kun? Or are there?

Horikita: I won't speak impulsively. Simply put, I would be fine if you increased the number by one more guy. If you did, they'd be effective in watching each other's backs.

Hirata: Karuizawa-san, it would be great if we could have another guy here help me out. Is that okay?

He'd adopted the role of mediator once again.

Karuizawa: B-but... there's no boy we can trust besides Hirata-kun...

Horikita: There is.

She sighed before averting her gaze on me.

Horikita: It's you, (L/N)-kun.

Wait, what?

I stood there, flabbergasted. Everyone turned and looked at me.

Karuizawa: Is there any particular reasons to choose him, other than he's your boyfriend? Isn't he awful in every other way?

Horikita: First, he isn't my boyfriend . And secondly, It's certainly true that (L/N)-kun has many unlikable qualities.

(Y/N): 'Hey...I thought you would've backed me up.'

Horikita: But we need to ask if Hirata-kun can trust (L/N)-kun. It would only be awkward and uncomfortable if you endorsed someone meaningless to Hirata-kun. The truth is, there is not one thing that I trust about him, but I have no intention of inserting my own personal feelings into the matter. By process of elimination, I've concluded that he is the most trustworthy boy in the class. Or is another boy in our class preferable? If there is, I'd like for you to tell me.

After Horikita finished, Karuizawa glanced over at the boys as if to evaluate them, and sighed.

Karuizawa: Well, I suppose that out of all the guys here, he seems the most harmless. He has no presence.

I couldn't help but agree with that point. The girl's perception was too harsh.

Karuizawa: Well, isn't that good? I have my doubts, but if Hirata-kun is comfortable with this, it'll do.

It seemed as though Karuizawa and the other girls had chosen me, but I wasn't really convinced. Of course, I didn't dare breathe a word of that. There'd only be another fight. Immediately after the discussion had ended, everyone started to disperse. Our class unity had broken down.

...

I've said it again and again, but Hirata Yosuke is a really cool guy. I don't even mean his appearance, but rather, his principled actions. He took the initiative to do troublesome things that ordinary people didn't want to do, and he conducted himself respectfully even when responding to opponents. Hirata, in cooperation with the girls, was setting up their two tents further away from the guys. Meanwhile, I was tasked with carrying the stakes for the tent, driving them into the ground, and fixing them in place.

Although I had a hard time at first, what with the stakes slipping loose, I'd soon managed to secure the first tent. It was surprisingly easy. Currently, I was sweaty and pounding in the stakes for the second tent with a hammer. Hirata came around and helped by stretching the rope out and giving me a hand driving in the stakes.

(Y/N): I got named by process of elimination, huh?

Hirata: I think it's Horikita-san's way of complimenting you. Karuizawa-san agreed with her.

(Y/N): I seem to recall your girlfriend saying that I seemed invisible and inoffensive enough.

Hirata: Ahaha, I apologize to you on her behalf.

His sincere smile only enhanced his coolness.

"Hirata-kun!"

A girl from Karuizawa's group called Hirata's name from the other side of the river.

"Sorry, could you come here a minute?"

Hirata: Um, I don't...

(Y/N): I'll handle the rest. You go on.

Hirata: Sorry. Thanks.

Seeing Hirata's troubled face, I let him go, even though I thought it'd be a bother.

I watched Hirata walk off, then took the hammer in hand and hoped I'd get another chance to plumb his many mysteries. I continued my work, and managed to finish it all myself before Hirata returned.

(Y/N)): 'The boys' tent is officially moved.'

There were a lot of things that concerned me, like the tent's orientation, the stake placement, and the tension of the rope. It was nearly ten o'clock. What should I do now? I couldn't afford to make a mistake now that the situation was getting dicey. But first, I needed to refresh my physical strength. Working under the blazing sun was way too harsh.

Suddenly, Ibuki walked up to me.

Ibuki: Could I have a minute?

I'd thought I'd rest for a while, but I guess that wasn't to be.

Ibuki: Class D seems to be having trouble, too.

(Y/N): I guess we've both had our share of problems.

Ibuki: Whatever the reason, as a girl, I find the theft of a girl's underwear unforgivable.

Right, but why was she talking to me about this? Yamauchi had taken Ibuki in, not me, and Kushida's group was looking after her. We'd only spoken a little before, so there shouldn't have been any particular reason for her to talk to me.

Ibuki: Who do you think was responsible?

She'd asked that question as if she were testing me. Ibuki glanced at me out of the corner of her eye when she said that. When I didn't respond, Ibuki continued talking

Ibuki: You thought it was me, right? I'm an outsider. Sudou's not the only one who suspects me.

I then looked at the direction of Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi.

(Y/N): That's true. Sudou's glaring at you right now.

I pointed at Sudou's group while looking at Ibuki.

Ibuki: Of course he is. If I were in your position, I wouldn't trust someone from another class, either.

Ibuki laughed self-deprecatingly, perhaps because she was fully aware she was already a suspect. In response to that, I spoke impulsively.

(Y/N): I trust you.

I'd answered Ibuki without hesitation. She looked a bit surprised, like she wanted to verify what I said was true. When our eyes met, she looked away.

Ibuki: Th-Thanks... I wasn't expecting you to say that.

(Y/N): I was just responding honestly.

I was able to understand Ibuki just by looking into her eyes.

I concluded that Ibuki had stolen the underwear from Karuizawa's bag and hidden it in Ike's luggage.

...

It was the end of the special test's fifth day, and Class D was depressed. It was like we were holding an all-night vigil over a dead body. A whole day had passed with everyone jumping at shadows. Everyone was suspicious, and no one knew who the culprit was. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, it was my turn to get the fire going. As I watched the fire's condition, I occasionally tossed in some branches. It was monotonous, easy work. We had other problems, though.

(Y/N): I'm all alone until dinner, huh?

Horikita: It must be hard, being forced to do such menial labor.

She walked up to me and stood beside me.

(Y/N): You're one to talk. It wouldn't have happened if you hadn't butted in.

Horikita: What was I supposed to do? I can't trust Hirata-kun. I needed insurance.

(Y/N): You should stop assuming everyone has a hidden devious side.

Horikita: That's true. I have no hidden side, after all.

That was an understatement. Horikita lived her life completely true to herself. She threw my criticism back at me rather skillfully.

Horikita: But most people keep their inner thoughts and their outward behavior separate. As you do.

I doubted her words were solely aimed at Hirata. She seemed to refer to Kushida as well.

Horikita: And as virtuousness and hypocrisy often walk in hand-in-hand, I chose not to trust him.

I sighed.

(Y/N): Are you feeling better right now?

Horikita: I'm fine.

I extended my hand to touch her. She didn't resisted. Feeling her forehead, it was pretty clear that she still had a fever, close to 38C. Yet , she was hiding it for a pretty simple reason. If you reported illness, the class would be hit with a bigger penalty. The test's timing was rotten luck on her part

(Y/N): You really shouldn't force yourself, you know that?

Horikita: I just need to hang in there for another few days. If I give up now, it'll all be for nothing. Goodnight.

She left my side and went back to the tent.

So she intended to soldier through to the bitter end. She had an iron will. Or simply being stubborn.

...

Test Day 6

I felt something strange on my cheek, warm and stiff. The warmth instantly grossed me out. I tried to get stretch my neck and move my face away, but I couldn't move. Someone's arm was holding me tightly in place.

(Y/N): Wh-What?

I woke up uncomfortable. Instantly, I found myself in a terrifying situation. Sudou was asleep, with both of his legs laid across my face.

Sudou: Suzune... I can't hold back anymore...

Oh crap...

(Y/N): Wake up, Sudou!

I shrieked, and escaped from Sudou's iron grip.

Sudou: Gah, shut up... The hell? (L/N), don't wake me up like that.

This guy had just tried to force a scarring experience upon me. He had definitely mistaken me for someone else. Still, this wasn't the type of thing to scream about in a crowd of guys in the middle of the night...

Trouble seemed to be at hand as the curtain rose on the sixth day of our special test. It was overcast outside, the skies cloudy and gray. It must have rained last night, because puddles and patches of mud were here and there on the ground. It looked like it was going to start raining hard, probably in the early afternoon.

Of course the weather got stormy right at the end of the test. Just a light rain would have been fine, but there might be heavy rain and strong winds. In the worst-case scenario, we'd have to move. Many things would need to be done, like re-checking the tent stakes and handling our luggage.

I went to the river to freshen up myself before confirming today's agenda with Hirata.

...

After settling on a course of action, Hirata set up groups by having volunteers raise their hands. Of course, I didn't raise my hand, but he decided that I would participate as a backup. The members of the group were Horikita, Sakura, Yamauchi, and surprisingly, Kushida. Horikita's physical health still seemed to be as poor as ever, but she held up well. The people around her weren't aware that she was feeling ill.

Just as we were about to depart, I called out to Ibuki, who was resting under a tree.

(Y/N): Hey, Ibuki. Why don't you come with us, too?

Ibuki: Me?

(Y/N): Today's the last day. If you don't want to, I won't pressure you.

Ibuki: Okay. I owe Class D a debt of gratitude... Sure, I'll help.

Ibuki slung her bag over her shoulder. Yamauchi looked happy about this.

Yamauchi: Hey, that's great, that's great! You know, this kinda feels like a harem or something!

The greater the girl to boy ratio, the happier Yamauchi was. Horikita didn't have any reason to refuse, so she stepped into the forest without a response. We followed her as well.

As we entered the forest, I noticed that the sky was cloudy, and the forest was completely different from yesterday.

Horikita: Rain clouds are approaching from the southwest. The storm will be here even sooner than we imagined.

Depending on how things went, it would be better to get out of the rain if at all possible. Rain would make our foraging mission more dangerous. If we did happen to get caught in the rain out in the middle of the forest, we could be stuck or injured. If that happened, we'd lose a great deal of points.

(Y/N): Oh...

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): No, it's nothing...

Horikita: You'd better do your best to be useful.

(Y/N): Same to you. Don't forget that everyone here wants to secure a day's rations.

Horikita: I know. You don't have to tell me.

I sighed. Then, we looked for food while walking quietly. Kushida alternated between looking at Horikita and me, while appearing lost in thought. Of course, Horikita ignored everything.

Yamauchi noticed Kushida's odd behavior and walked up to her.

Yamauchi: What's wrong, Kushida-chan?

Kushida: (L/N)-kun and Horikita-san have always been close, haven't they? I was wondering why that was.

Yamauchi: That's true, now that you mention it. Why are you two close, anyway?

Kushida had opened a troublesome subject.

Horikita gave me a look. I sighed again before replying Yamauchi.

(Y/N): We don't really get along well, though.

Of course, nobody would believe that...

Yamauchi: You always deny it, but you do get along. You're walking side by side right now.

They could say it, but it wasn't like I was particularly aware of it or anything.

Kushida: Ah. I think I might have found something that (L/N)-kun and Horikita-san have in common.

Yamauchi: Something in common? What's that?

Kushida: Well, don't you know? I hardly see the two of them laugh! That's it. It's like, I don't think I've ever seen (L/N)-kun or Horikita-san smile.

Kushida had pointed out something rather unexpected, thinking that we'd merely accept her word. Regarding Horikita, though, I'd seen her smile actually, and she seen mine too.

Horikita: For the time being, let's begin with the area.

Kushida: Huh? Of smiling?

Horikita: How long do you want to travel? We need to search for food, right?

Her tone was forceful. She'd instructed us all to spread out immediately.

Horikita: Don't make any moves alone. Search in pairs. Be especially careful. Let's go, (L/N)-kun.

Horikita called me, and I started walking with her.

Sakura: Ah... Ah...

Sakura seemed to be trailing behind us with her shoulders slumped.

Yamauchi: Come search with us, Sakura-chan!

He flashed me a thumbs-up gesture. Of course, Yamauchi wouldn't certainly passed up this opportunity to be alone with Sakura.

Kushida: I'm looking forward to working with you, Ibuki-san!

Kushida, the last one remaining, paired up with Ibuki. Ibuki was a rather blunt, antisocial girl herself, but if she were with Kushida, there likely wouldn't be problems.

As we walked in front of the others, I asked Horikita.

(Y/N): Horikita.

Horikita: What?

(Y/N): It's important. How are you looking after the key card?

Horikita: I have it on me at all times. When it's time to renew the spot, I do it while mixed in with students Hirata-kun has arranged. Ibuki-san and the other students shouldn't have been able to identify me.

Well, I wasn't really worried about her handling that part. Since it required being conscientious, she'd probably handle it well.

(Y/N): Could I see it?

Horikita: What? Here?

(Y/N): It's actually easier to do it here. If we did it at base camp, we'd be too conspicuous.

Horikita: I suppose, but... Why do you want to see the card?

I explained the situation to Horikita while she looked suspiciously at me.

(Y/N): The truth is, on the first day, I saw a student holding what looked like a key card. He was in Class A.

(Y/N): But I don't know if it really was a key card or not, because I've never seen a real one up close.

Horikita: Good point. It wouldn't be worth anything without positive proof.

Horikita, satisfied with my reasoning, turned her back on Ibuki and stealthily took out the card. I accepted it, and checked the front and back. The reverse side sported a typical magnetic strip. Just as Chabashira-sensei had said, on the front side was the name "Horikita Suzune", proof that she was the leader.

Horikita: Well?

(Y/N): Well... I don't know. I thought I'd be sure after I saw it, but the color might be different from what I remember.

Horikita: It's possible that each class could have a different color card, too.

(Y/N): Yeah.

When I tried to return the card to her, I accidentally dropped it. The card hit the ground.

(Y/N): Ah.

I intentionally let out a shout, but Horikita quickly snatched it up. She slid the card back in her jacket, but we'd attracted attention.

Kushida: What's wrong?

She and Ibuki approached us.

(Y/N): Oh, it's nothing. There was a bug that surprised me. Sorry, sorry.

While I apologized, Horikita shot me a terrifying glare.

(Y/N): S-Sorry...

Horikita furiously kept her distance from me.

Yamauchi: Hahaha. Did she dump you?

He asked with a grin.

(Y/N): Look, Yamauchi. I need to ask you something. Could you come here for a second?

Yamauchi: What is it? You know my love consultation fee is high, right?

(Y/N): The ground in this area is all muddy because of the rain, right? I want you to take this mud and smear it on Horikita's hair. Can you do that for me?

Yamauchi: Huh? B-but if I do something like that, I'll be killed! No way!

Of course, I knew he wouldn't immediately agree. But this was far too unnatural for me to do myself. I'd thought that a prankster like Yamauchi would try pulling this stunt.

Yamauchi: Listen here, dude. No matter how angry you say you are at Horikita, trying to get revenge on her is uncool.

(Y/N): If you do this, I'm prepared to offer you Sakura's e-mail address.

Yamauchi: Whaa?!

(Y/N): Well?

Yamauchi: S-Sakura-chan's e-mail address? Man! I-I guess I have to do this now, huh?

The boy who lived for love had decided to die for love. That decisiveness was amazing.

Yamauchi: You're absolutely going to do it? If you're lying, I won't agree.

After I nodded, Yamauchi gathered up a lot of mud and approached Horikita from behind. Had she not been feeling ill, she probably would've noticed him, but right now she couldn't pay attention to her surroundings. Kushida and Ibuki noticed Yamauchi's strange behavior and watched him with quizzical expressions.

Yamauchi did it. He covered Horikita's beautiful black hair with mud. Then he patted and smeared it on her with both hands. Well, he didn't really need to go that far...

Yamauchi: Ha ha ha ha! You're all covered in mud, Horikita! Hilarious! C'mon, this is where the boyfriend's supposed to step in! Right, (L/N)?

Yamauchi laughed and pointed at Horikita, like a little kid. Horikita, almost as if she weren't able to grasp the situation, didn't move for a little while. Then she stood up, grabbed Yamauchi's pointing arm, and acted without saying a word.

Yamauchi let slip a quick, confused "Huh?" as Horikita threw him. I managed to catch him before he hurt his neck.

Poor guy, I almost felt sorry for him...

Kushida: Horikita-san, you're covered in mud... You should wash that off right away.

Horikita: It's true that I can't stay like this.

(Y/N): Horikita.

I walked up to her. She glanced at me.

(Y/N): Were you trying to kill him?

If I hadn't saved him, Yamauchi's head could have split open.

She didn't reply and simply walked past me.

Yamauchi, who'd been viciously beaten, cowered behind my back as he trembled in fear.

Yamauchi: I-I-I d-did it! S-so, you have to keep your promise!

(Y/N): Don't worry. When the test is over, I will tell you.

I felt bad for Sakura, but I needed to reward Yamauchi for his act of bravery.

...

We returned to the base camp before noon with nothing to show for our efforts. Although the sun hadn't come out, it was even hotter here than inside the midsummer forest. It was impossible not to see a thin layer of sweat even on Horikita, who insisted that she wasn't sweaty.

The girls who'd returned from exploring were gathered in front of the shower, waiting in line. Unfortunately, the three people in line were Karuizawa and her group. If Horikita got in line now, she would have a pretty long time to wait. Due to being covered in mud, she didn't want to yield. But getting in line behind a hostile Karuizawa make it difficult to cut in.

Kushida: Oh no, looks like it's impossible to use the shower room...

(Y/N): What about the river?

Horikita: Right. Looks like I don't have any choice.

Kushida: I think I'm going to go for a swim. Ibuki-san, do you want to go for a swim with me? I got pretty sweaty. If we get permission, is it okay for someone from Class C to use the river?

Using the spot without permission wasn't allowed, but there shouldn't be any problems.

Ibuki: I'll pass. I don't really like swimming, so I'll just wait to use the shower room.

Sakura: W-well, I will, too...

Sakura, following Ibuki's lead, refused to go swimming. Probably she didn't want the boys to see her in her swimsuit. Undoubtedly, taking a shower with warm water was best, but since it was quite cloudy outside, it was also fairly hot and humid. Horikita probably wasn't confident that she could continue waiting in her poor health. Yamauchi, who'd been beaten black and blue, headed with me toward the tent.

Quite a few students were swimming in the river, and it looked as though they were having fun. A few minutes later, Horikita and Kushida appeared in their swimsuits. I went to the boys' luggage pile, then wandered around looking for privacy. When I returned about five minutes later, I saw Horikita washing herself while standing in the river. The cold river water must have felt horrible on Horikita's sick body, but she must have been happy the mud was gone.

(Y/N): 'I'm sorry, Horikita...'

Then I looked at the queue of the girls waiting to use the shower.

(Y/N): 'Okay... Looks like it's moving now.'

I nodded at Ibuki, who was waiting at the tail end of the shower line.

...

I'd been waiting for about fifteen minutes in front of the boys' tent before Horikita appeared. She kept her eyes downcast, as if something was wrong. Then she slowly looked up and scanned the area. When her eyes met mine, her pupils trembled, like she was frightened. She approached me with heavy, plodding steps. Despite her seeming frailty, I couldn't think of her as simply weak.

(Y/N): Horikita?

Horikita: (L/N)-kun... Could you accompany me for a moment? We can't talk here.

With that, Horikita walked toward the forest.

First, I turned around and checked to see if Ibuki was still lined up for the shower before following Horikita.

(Y/N): What is it? You want to go into the forest and search for more food?

Horikita walked without answering me. She stopped once we'd gotten far enough away that we couldn't see the camp anymore. Horikita turned around and looked ready to speak, but then hesitated as though having second thoughts.

(Y/N): Horikita?

She looked at me and took a deep breath.

Horikita: I got careless. I'm telling you this with full awareness of my mistake. You understand?

(Y/N): Mistake?

Horikita: It was stolen.

(Y/N): W-Wait. You're not talking about your underwear being stolen, are you?

Horikita: Something much worse. What was stolen... was the key card.

Horikita looked completely disgusted with herself, a look I had never seen her make before.

Horikita: I wanted to talk to you because I trust you. I absolutely couldn't consult with someone who might be the culprit. This is so humiliating. I want to die...

I felt honored that she trusted me, but I couldn't exactly rejoice in front of someone so depressed.

Horikita: Such a huge failure. I wasn't supposed to let go of the card for a single second. But I..

(Y/N): Calm down. Don't blame yourself. I doubt this'll be any consolation, but I think you did your absolute best, trying to keep the key card safe.

I didn't know if she heard me. She merely bit her lower lip, as if overwhelmed with regret.

(Y/N): I think we should keep this under wraps for now. We should learn the extent of the situation first.

Horikita: Yes.

(Y/N): If the others learn the truth, it will lead to a panic. That's one thing we want to avoid.

Horikita: I have two suspects. It was either Karuizawa-san or Ibuki-san.

(Y/N): Are things that bad between you and Karuizawa?

Horikita: In ways you don't see. Though it was inevitable...

Hmm... I'll keep that in mind.

(Y/N): I see. But it seems unlikely. Karuizawa has been in front of the shower stall the whole time.

Horikita: You're sure?

(Y/N): Yeah. I can attest to it.

Horikita: Then the culprit is Ibuki-san.

She looked at me, her eyes full of anxiety, as if searching for an answer from me. I placed my hand on Horikita's shoulder.

(Y/N): We should find the right time, then ask her directly. The worst scenario would be if she ran off with it.

Horikita: That's true. I'm sorry. Maybe you should go back first. I'll catch up soon.

(Y/N): Sure. I understand.

I felt like Horikita probably wanted to be alone to throw up. I left her and returned to the base camp.

(Y/N): 'It's all according to the plan...'

...

Horikita returned about ten minutes later, rejoining the campsite's unsettling atmosphere. The cause was dark smoke coming from behind the temporary toilet. It was far too early for the bonfire to be lit, and the location was rather strange.

Ike: What's that smoke? What in the world happened?

As I joined up with Horikita, I also caught up with Ike, who was clearly in a panic. I asked what was up.

Ike: This is serious. There's a fire! Fire! Something is burning behind the toilet!

I rushed toward the area behind the temporary toilet and saw Hirata and some of the others. Ibuki was also there. Horikita looked ready to call out to Ibuki, but hesitated when she saw her. Ibuki's expression was just so genuine. She couldn't hide her confusion about the fire.

Horikita: Does this mean she didn't do it?

Horikita was overwhelmed by doubt. If the keycard had indeed been stolen, Ibuki must've done it. If a fire had started, then Ibuki must've caused it. Even so, Ibuki remained at the scene, and appeared surprised by the fire. Horikita rushed to Hirata and the other's side. She examined the fire closely, the source looked like a bundle of paper.

Horikita: Someone burned the manual?

Hirata: Who would do something like this?

Ike: I brought an extinguisher! Everyone, step back!

He then put out the fire.

Horikita: If it's not one thing, it's another...

Horikita muttered in a low voice, lowering her eyes.

Karuizawa: Who would do something like this? Does this mean there's a traitor in our class?

She started to lead the confrontation between the guys and girls, who glared at one another.

Ike: Why are you suspecting us? This isn't like the panty theft thing.

Shinohara: We don't know that! Maybe you burned it to distract us!

Sudou: That's ridiculous. We'd never do that!

Yamauchi: We wouldn't burn anything in the forest!

Hirata: Wait a minute, everyone... Let's calm down and talk things out!

Hirata immediately went to the center of the circle and tried to play mediator. This might have been residual stress from yesterday's underwear theft incident, but both sides were heated up and showed no signs of settling down. It seemed like quite a few people in Class D wanted to start hunting the culprit right here.

I looked up at the sky.

(Y/N): It's just about ready to pour...

Raindrops dripped onto my cheeks. The clouds were even darker than they'd been before, proof that heavy rain was about to start. Once, we'd have all come together as one to make it through this last pinch. Now, the guys and girls were locked in a tense confrontation. They stood, glaring at each other.

Shinohara: I can't take it! You people are the worst! I can't believe I have a panty thief and an arsonist in my class!

Sudou: I'm telling you, it wasn't us! When are you gonna finally believe us?

The fight would never be resolved. It would just keep going on forever. Hirata should've stepped in and stopped this, but for some reason he just stood there in a daze. Was he wondering who the culprit could have been?

Kushida: Hey, is Ibuki-san here?

Kushida ran up to the group.

Kushida: Oh? She's not here, either?

Shinohara: Huh? She was here just a minute ago...

Yamauchi: Hey, wait, you mean...

Ike: It is pretty suspicious.

Karuizawa: Because she started the fire? Does that mean...

Sudou: I knew she was a spy! She ran away! Damn it!

The guys directed their suspicions at Ibuki, and even the girls began to voice their doubts. However, before we could reach a resolution, the rain started to fall, and fall hard.

Ike: Anyway, let's talk about it later. Hirata, give us instructions!

Ike called for Hirata, but he just stood in the same place. Hirata continued staring off into nothingness and didn't budge an inch.

Ike: Hirata?

Meanwhile, the sound of rain kept growing louder and louder. I was a little worried about the situation. I approached Hirata, but there wasn't any sign that he noticed me.

Hirata: How... could this... I haven't done anything wrong... Why... would... Who would... do this...

He muttered something in a low voice. I couldn't understand what it meant, but it certainly wasn't trivial. This wasn't like the calm and composed Hirata at all.

I gently placed my hand on his shoulder. He looked surprised, but slowly turned around.

(Y/N): Hirata, Ike's talking to you.

Hirata: Huh?

Hirata's face was drained of life. He was pale. The second time Ike called, Hirata slowly started to regain his sanity. He finally noticed that it had begun raining.

Hirata: It's raining...

(Y/N): You should help them out. The clothes are still out to dry.

Hirata: Y-You're right. We need to put them away. Anyway, let's get out of the rain. Girls, bring in the clothes we were drying. Boys, cover the firewood with a tarp so it doesn't get wet. Come on. Hurry!

Ike: Right!

The students joined up and put things away. Thankfully, everything got secured pretty fast.

(Y/N): Now, then...

It didn't surprise me that Ibuki disappeared, but Horikita had vanished as well. By my calculations, the possibility had been fifty-fifty, but it seemed things were progressing favorably. I fixed my eyes on the road that led straight to the beach, and stepped onto the path.

...

Horikita's POV

I forced my heavy, sluggish body to chase after Ibuki-san while the hard rain fell. The sky was covered with rain clouds that blocked out the sun, so visibility was poor. Even though I couldn't see Ibuki-san, she'd left footprints in the muddy ground. If I just followed them, they'd lead me right to her.

Horikita: 'She couldn't have gotten far.'

She'd walked about a hundred meters from the base camp, sometimes veering off to the right or left. Rather unexpectedly, I found her waiting, as if expecting me.

Ibuki: Took you long enough.

Ibuki spoke without even turning around. Her calm voice cut right through the sounds of the falling rain.

I walked up to her.

Horikita: The underwear theft and the arson panic... Class D is having its share of disasters.

Ibuki: So?

Horikita: You must know that some of us suspect you of being behind them.

Ibuki-san faced me, looking me straight in the eye. I saw no deceptionin her eyes whatsoever. It almost made me want to apologize. After all, I had no proof. I only had my intuition.

Ibuki: Do you have any proof of that?

Horikita: Unfortunately, I don't have any proof regarding the underwear incident. But I think it was you.

Ibuki: That's an awful thing to say.

Horikita: Let's settle this right here and now. Return what you took from me.

Ibuki: I don't know what you mean.

I was breathing heavily.

Horikita: 'My body feels heavy. Hot... No... cold? Things aren't looking good at all... And yet...'

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Horikita: This is my final warning. Return it now.

Ibuki: Do what you want.

She dropped the bag to the ground and raised her arms in the air, posing as if surrendering. She was obedient, but I saw no resignation in her face. Still, I couldn't let this opportunity pass. I reached to check the bag.

Instantly, Ibuki-san's slender leg went right toward my face. What little alertness I had left saved me. I flew backwards, avoiding her kick. Mud splashed me, and I struck a defensive posture with both arms raised.

Ibuki: Oh? Not bad.

Horikita: Violence is an automatic disqualification.

Ibuki: And who's here to see it? Besides, I think you came here for a fight!

While I wondered why she had such a sly grin on her face, she suddenly grabbed my shoulders and threw me down. I wasn't able to react in the face of such an unexpected action, and collapsed onto the muddy ground.

As I was on the ground, already wounded, she sneered at me from above. Her face looked all blurry. Ibuki-san grabbed my collar and yanked me up. If she hit me, I would definitely lose consciousness. I slipped out of her grip and rolled, escaping from her. I desperately tried to raise myself out of the mud. That was the first time I was really thankful that I practiced martial arts.

Ibuki: Hey, you move surprisingly well.

Horikita: 'If I can't do something, I'll be holding Class D back... I, who looked down my nose at the others and called them worthless... When it comes down to it, not only am I useless, I'm resolving things with violence. It's utterly absurd...'

I laughed dryly in my mind. Was I really still making excuses for myself?

Horikita: It was you, wasn't it? The one who stole the key card.

Ibuki-san stopped moving. I shortened the distance between us. She pretended like she was going to strike with her right arm, only to instead go with a high, fast kick. I avoided her attack, and then stretched out my arm as a counterattack. Ibuki-san was aware of the danger and avoided my strike. She then switched into her next attack, a dizzying back-and-forth of offense and defense.

The footing around here was bad, but she wasn't worried about her footwork. Clearly she had a degree of skill. In addition, she showed no hesitation in hurting people. Ibuki-san smiled, flashing her white teeth as if she were enjoying this. I never thought I'd see such a big smile on her face.

Because I'd been moving around so much, I was wracked by intense cold and nausea. I was barely able to stand.

Ibuki: As a reward for your hard work, I'll tell you.

Ibuki-san thrust her hand into her pocket and slowly took the card out. She showed me the side with my name engraved upon it.

Ibuki: Yeah, I'm the one who stole the card.

Horikita: You admitted it pretty easily after all that...

Ibuki: There's no proof that I hurt you. Isn't that right?

Horikita: If I had that key card, I could analyze you fingerprints. I could prove the theft to the school, too!

I wasn't sure if Ibuki-san had a reason to hurry or if she was underestimating me, but she rushed over and attacked, a hunter enjoying an easy kill. Her eyes glanced at my feet, but it was a fake-out. While she was concentrating on the lower half of my body, she instantly swung at my face. I narrowly avoided getting hit, but it got so incredibly close that it grazed my hair.

I took advantage of her momentum and applied a little force. Ibuki-san lost her balance, but not enough to make her fall over. I tried to grab onto her arm, but she understood what was going on and slipped through my grasp. She probably realized I was trying to use her power and speed against her. I mustered up the last of my strength and drove my left fist into her solar plexus.

Ibuki-san couldn't breathe, and fell to her knees in apparent agony. At the same time, my physical strength had reached its limits, and my field of vision grew distorted. I couldn't chase after her, so I kept her pinned down.

Ibuki: I was sure you were involved in it.

Horikita: What are you talking about?

Ibuki: The arson... The reason I talked to you in such a roundabout way was to confirm that. You seem different. But I suppose this is probably really hard for you to swallow. Do you think he's in Class D? There's a guy who figured me out before you did.

Horikita: You mean...

Right after I conjured the image of that person, I noticed that Ibuki-san had disappeared. In the next instant, a blunt instrument slammed me in the head, knocking me down hard.

Ibuki: Sorry. I've got a busy schedule ahead of me. Our conversation is over.

My mind and body were at their limit, I took an one last glance at Ibuki-san before my conciousness faded away.

...

Ibuki's POV

I let out a deep breath while I stood over Horikita, who was unconscious. It had been a long since I'd gone up against such a tough opponent. Had she been in better health, the match could've gone either way .She really was that strong. I resumed my work, and soon I'd dug up a flashlight and a wireless transceiver wrapped in vinyl. I would have rather gotten by without using them if I could, though.

Ibuki: What?

Right after I took those two items out of the hole, I was overcome by some mysterious sensation. I didn't know the cause of it. Somehow, the items seemed slightly different from when I had buried them.

Ibuki: Is it because of the rain?

I decided that I was probably just overthinking things, and used the transceiver. I reported my current location to the man who'd been waiting to hear about my whereabouts, and sat down to rest.

After a while, I saw an irritating face that I didn't want to see. I stood up and walked up to him.

Ibuki: The item you requested...

I took out the key card from my pocket.

Ibuki: I got it.

...

Checkmate

Ibuki's POV

After I showed the key card to Ryuen, I contacted another guy using the transceiver.

Ibuki: Ibuki's here. I've acquired Class D's key card, as directed.

After a while, a man appeared from the shadows. Katsuragi, from Class A. He was definitely the calm and dependable type, the complete opposite of our leader. I pretended to be calm, but in my mind I couldn't help but be reminded again of Ryuen's awfulness. Immediately after the test had started, Ryuen told me that he would coax Class A into helping us. Apparently he'd done it. But how in the world?

Katsuragi took Horikita's card from Ryuen and looked it over it carefully. You couldn't have made a fake or anything on this uninhabited island.

Katsuragi: It looks like the real thing.

Ibuki: Are you convinced now?

Although he'd been shown definitive proof, Katsuragi's stern expression didn't change. I'd heard he was a cautious man, but to be this paranoid seemed like a unique kind of illness. He checked the key card again and again.

Katsuragi: I'll be heading back now. I don't want to risk things by lingering for too long.

Then, Katsuragi returned the card to me, and disappeared into the darkness.

I then asked Ryuen.

Ibuki: What about the negotiation? What was discussed? What are we getting in return?

A flash of white lightning crackled through the air. Thunder came crashing down immediately afterward, a roaring sound coming from the sea. Ryuen didn't even twitch an eyebrow. He told me the details of the contract with a creepy smile on his face. The details weren't really complex, but they weren't simple, either.

Even with our problems piling up one after the other, making it really difficult to achieve anything, there was the promise of a huge return. Everything was going according to Ryuen's plan, including the fact that most of our students had retired. None of us had imagined this situation before the test had begun, when we were enjoying our holiday on the boat. I hated him so much that I wanted to die, but I supposed he was probably the man with abilities closest to those of Class A, after all. I had to acknowledge it.

Ibuki: But...is there any guarantee Katsuragi will keep his promise? He might renege.

Ryuen: I have that covered, of course. He will have no choice but to honor his promise.

I walked toward Horikita and, after carefully wiping my fingerprints from the keycard, stuck it back in her hand. There was nothing this girl could have done. All she could do now was endure and keep silent until the end of the test, all while knowing that Class C had discovered she was the leader.

This girl didn't trust anyone. Even after she knew the keycard had been stolen, she hadn't reported it to her classmates. Even though she'd opened up her heart to (L/N) alone, he was a loner, too. If we factored in her current incompetence, she wasn't any threat.

Besides, if she had the keycard, then her mistake might not have been leaked to Class D yet. I understood her nature, to a certain extent. She was patient and stubborn, the type of person who didn't listen to other people's opinions. In other words, no matter how painful something was, she would endure it silently.

Then we disappeared quietly into the dark woods.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

I kicked off from the wet ground and chased Ibuki. The weather was a bothersome problem. If it got much worse, I might get stuck or have an accident. Also, the fact that the sun was going down earlier than I'd anticipated made it difficult to push forward without a flashlight. The passing showers grew even stronger, and the winds started to howl more violently. The weather was just negative all around, no favorable points at all.

The fact that the footprints suddenly took a sharp turn meant they hadn't gotten lost, but rather that they'd intentionally ventured deeper into the forest. When I pointed my flashlight toward the depths of the forest, I saw the two pairs of footprints going deeper and deeper. There was no reason for them to intentionally enter such a dangerous place

I continued forward for about thirty meters. Suddenly, a bright light entered my field of vision. I immediately turned the flashlight off and held my breath. Looking in the direction of the light, I saw it shine once, then twice more. A flashlight. It was almost as if someone were sending a signal.

I quietly turned in the direction of the light and drew closer to the source. I heard people's voices, muffled by the rain, and hid myself. Their conversation sounded trivial. So as long as they didn't find me, getting a grasp on the situation was secondary.

Soon, the light moved further away. It was over, apparently. Just to be sure, I approached cautiously.

Near a large tree lay a muddy Horikita. She'd collapsed, unconscious. A single keycard lay on the ground near her hand. On her injured body were traces of excavated soil. After examining the situation, I confirmed that more people than Ibuki had discovered Horikita's position as leader. After picking up the key card, I lifted Horikita into my arms and took cover under the tree. I held her closely in my arms.

Horikita: Ngh...

Horikita let out a small sound. Slowly but surely, her eyes fluttered open.

(Y/N): Awake?

Horikita: (L/N)...-kun? Wh-Where am I? What are you... doing here?

She sounded dazed, as if she couldn't understand the situation.

(Y/N): I found you passed out and brought you here.

Even if I told her to sleep, Horikita wouldn't listen, all while her fever grew worse. She started to understand the situation little by little.

Horikita: I ran after Ibuki-san, who stole the key card... But I couldn't get it back.

(Y/N): I see.

She chastised herself and closed her eyes, as if lamenting a situation in which she was powerless.

(Y/N): Horikita, you should drop out. I'll figure out a way to handle Ibuki and the key card. You can't hold out any longer.

She had made it this far by pretending to be okay, but it wasn't possible for her to carry on.

Horikita: We can't afford to lose any more points because of me.

(Y/N): But...

Horikita: I don't have a choice. To reach Class A...

I sighed.

(Y/N): Why are you so obsessed with A?

Horikita: It's all to gain my brother's acknowledgement.

(Y/N): What good will having that do you? What is it you hope to do?

Horikita: I'm... responsible for all of it. If I'd had allies, we could have taken shifts to protect the card. But... since I don't have any friends like that... I brought this all to myself.

Horikita closed her eyes, as if lacking the strength to keep them open. Her grasp might have been weak, but I still felt it.

I embraced Horikita tightly.

(Y/N): You're starting to feel like you need allies, then?

Horikita: I swear I'll make up for this failure. Even if I have to do it alone...

(Y/N): You're not alone. And you can't do it alone. You're not that strong. Sorry to tell you.

Horikita: You're telling me to give up?

(Y/N): I didn't say that. There's no need to give up.

I looked down at Horikita, who lightly groaned against my chest.

(Y/N): If you can't fight by yourself, fight with another. I'll help you.

Horikita: You're not... the kind of person... who says things... like that.

(Y/N): Well, I'm your 'boyfriend', after all. I'd better live up to the others' expectation.

I gave her a weak smile. Shortly afterward, her energy was spent, and Horikita lost consciousness again.

(Y/N): You did your very best, Horikita. Good work for hang in there. Now, rest well and leave the rest to me.

I whispered softly before I had to carry her without anyone noticing. It would be easy to have her retire, but I didn't know which button on the wristwatch was for emergencies. Besides, if the helicopter were suddenly dispatched, the sound would reverberate in the area.

(Y/N): Hmm... Did I pick the wrong path? Oh damn!

My route had ended in a steep, sheer slope. If I took one step further, I would fall. I tried shining a light below to see what it looked like about ten meters down. Unfortunately, I'd been walking in the wrong direction. Should I go back to the original route?

I tried to change direction slowly, so as not to burden Horikita, but then right after...

The soil underneath me collapsed, and I lost my balance. Alone, I could have braced my legs and grasped the tree, but unfortunately, both of my hands were occupied. I couldn't avoid falling. I curled up into a ball so I could protect Horikita as we went tumbling down the slope. For several seconds, it was like flying. I don't remember very clearly what happened afterward.

At least Horikita hadn't been hurt, somehow. I looked up the slope, but with the way things were now, it didn't seem like I could crawl back up while carrying Horikita.

(Y/N): Well, I sure messed up.

However, this wasn't the time to accept defeat and die. Carrying the unconscious Horikita on my back, I ventured into the pitch-dark forest with a single flashlight. The rain poured down on us, mercilessly robbing me of my physical strength. More than anything else, the heat radiating from Horikita wasn't normal. If she were exposed to the rain for any longer, it would become dangerous.

I then carried her in a bridal style, tried to lessen her burden and walked down the muddy road. My shoes were already covered in mud and filled with water. But I didn't care about that. First, I needed to get an understanding of the location.

When I went down the slope, I'd undoubtedly gotten further away from Class D's base camp. But I was sure that if I turned the other way, the beach would be near.

(Y/N): It was close, after all.

Eventually, I arrived at the beach. I started walking toward the teachers' tents while carrying unconscious Horikita in my arms. Somehow, I had managed to make it on time. It was just around seven o'clock in the evening.

I approached to our homeroom teacher, Chabashira Sae.

(Y/N): Excuse me.

Teacher glanced up and looked at us.

Chabashira: Horikita... What happened?

The other teachers walked up to Chabashira-sensei's side.

(Y/N): She's passed out with a fever. Please take her to rest immediately.

The teacher looked at her for a moment.

Chabashira: She'll have to drop out. Do you accept that?

(Y/N): Yes. However, allow me to confirm one thing. Because it isn't eight o'clock yet, this shouldn't have any effect on roll call, correct?

It was 7:58. I was cutting it close, but we should be safe. I needed to get the teacher's promise, though.

Chabashira: You are certainly right. It is quite close. However, you're out.

(Y/N): I understand. Oh, one more thing. I'd like to return this key card.

I took the key card from my pocket and handed it over.

(Y/N): Well then, I'll be heading back.

I couldn't stay any longer, so I went back to the beach while the rain was still falling. With this, Class D would lose thirty points due to Horikita's retirement, and an additional five points due to my absence during roll call.

(Y/N): 'Just as planned, so far...'

...

After we had our last dinner in this deserted island, I overheard some girls were gossiping near the bonfire.

"I hear Horikita-san dropped out."

"Ibuki-san's gone missing, too."

"You think she was the one behind the arson today?"

"What do you think she was trying to accomplish?"

"You think Ibuki-san is C's leader?"

"Who knows? Everyone in C retired. It was probably one of them."

I explained to Hirata about the incident earlier. It seemed that Karuizawa and the others were eavesdropping us. That's probably why they knew Horikita had dropped out from the test.

I then approached Hirata, who sat alone at the tree log beside the tent. I told him about the key card.

Hirata: Our key card was seen?

(Y/N): Yeah. Though you're the only one I've told. It suggests Ibuki infiltrated Class D to find our leader. She probably stole the panties, too.

Hirata: But, why... No, thinking won't get us anywhere... The greater worry is... tomorrow, they'll name our leader...

(Y/N): The penalty from our drop-outs and a guessed leader alone will be minus 110 S-points. Having our leader guessed will negate all our bonus points.

Hirata: Which only leaves about 50 S-points?

He hung his head low.

Hirata: Once the test results are revealed, the finger-pointing will start...

(Y/N): It'll become a witch trial.

Hirata: I thought this test would be a chance for our class to come together... I thought, if we could work together to beat this, it would forge bonds between us. But... This could be the end of Class D.

He was trembling in panic state. I watched over him silently for a moment before speaking.

(Y/N): Hirata... There's a favor I want to ask you.

...

Test Final Day.

August 7th. It was finally time for our short stint on the uninhabited island to come to an end. Our minor saving grace was that we hadn't spent our time rigorously fighting to survive. At least we'd had a moderate amount of fun?

We all started packing up the things and cleaned up the camp site. I was rolling up the tent and Sakura approached me.

Sakura: Um... It's finally over, huh?

(Y/N): Yeah, it is.

Sakura: What do you think our score will turn out to be? There was the thing with Ibuki-san, too...

I glanced at Hirata, he was given with a clipboard to write down the name of each classes' leader.

(Y/N): Who knows?

...

The students gathered together and headed toward the rest area at the beach. Underneath the provisional tents, they'd prepared tables and chairs for our use, so we could get comfortable. There were no signs that Koenji, Horikita, or any of the retired students were waiting on the cruise ship. Sudou, always together with Ike and Yamauchi, looked up at the ship.

Sudou: (L/N). You work pretty well with Horikita, don't you? How close are you, really?

Rather than sounding angry or upset, Sudou sounded like he genuinely wanted to know.

(Y/N): Well, I think we're... close friends?

I carefully tried not to throw out the 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend' word. I don't wanna get killed right in the spot.

Sudou: That makes me jealous. I still ain't her friend.

He sounded a little frustrated.

(Y/N): But didn't Horikita acknowledge you a little bit this time?

He hadn't caused any trouble. Rather, he'd acted for the sake of the class by trying to save Horikita and taking the initiative to fish.

Sudou: I sure hope so. She still hasn't called me by my first name, after all.

(Y/N): Don't feel bad. She didn't called me that too.

Hirata: Good work, both of you. Thank you for everything you did this week. You really saved us.

Hirata appeared with words of gratitude. He handed me one of two paper cups he had. The cup cooled my palm. He handed the other to Sudou.

(Y/N): I should be thanking you. You covered for me, the class loner. Also, you covered for me being late for roll call, and the fact that Horikita retired.

Still, Karuizawa and the others found that out eventually. I spoke internally.

Hirata: I couldn't blame you when I heard the reason. Besides, Horikita-san gave us some really important information.

(Y/N): Do you believe what she said?

Hirata: She isn't the type to speak irresponsibly. That's why you get along with her, right?

(Y/N): 'That's true... Although, she's more or less like a stubborn princess type to me.'

Sudou tilted in his head in confusion, as if unable to understand what we were talking about.

Sudou: Wait, what did you say? What are you talking about?

(Y/N): I think you'll understand pretty soon. Anyway, Class C is really strange... They're on another level.

Because most of the Class C students had retired on the second day of the test, there wasn't anyone here. I saw no sign of Ibuki anywhere on the sandy beach, as if she'd retired as well. I saw a rather bizarre sight: Ryuen alone, the only remaining student from Class C.

Hirata: Why is he...? So Ryuen-kun didn't retire?

The others were trying to figure out the situation, Ryuen turned toward us, as if he noticed our stares. He slowly drew nearer, as if thinking of something. The tension started to rise.

Ryuen: Oh, hey there, sycophants. What happened to Suzune?

He was talking to me as he drew closer, a paper cup in hand, completely ignoring Hirata's presence.

After Sudou heard the name "Suzune" cross Ryuen's lips, the veins in his head bulged, and he shot Ryuen a glare.

(Y/N): It'd be a problem if you hear it from us .

Ryuen: I know you've been chasing Suzune's ass. We were together before, you know.

Ryuen, having drained the contents of his paper cup, lightly crushed it and threw it at my feet.

Ryuen: Throw that away for me.

He was provoking me, but it's Sudou who responded to the provocation. He yrampled on and kicked the paper cup as hard as he could

Sudou: What a stupid thing to say. Huh? Pick up your own trash, jerk.

Ryuen didn't show any signs that he cared, in contrast to Sudou, who looked ready to blow his stack.

Hirata: Calm down, Sudou-kun. Here, I'll throw it away.

While Hirata hurriedly picked up the cup, Sudou clicked his tongue and kicked at the sand. Ryuen looked away, as if we were boring. His torso had gotten dirty, and his trousers and jersey were covered in filth. It was an unimaginable state for him, since he had groaned about how much he loathed hard work.

Hirata: I thought you retired, Ryuen-kun.

Ryuen: Who are you? More importantly, where's Suzune? I've dreamed of squeezing her bottom.

That was the second time he'd said "Suzune." Coupled with his coarse language, it was too much. Sudou approached Ryuen, grabbing him by the collar.

Ryuen: What are you doing?

He showed no signs of agitation and met Sudou's intense glare with ease.

Sudou: The next time you say something stupid, I'll kill you!

Ryuen: Huh? What's with you? Getting all excited by yourself, huh?

Fists were about to fly, so Hirata jumped in and pulled Sudou away from Ryuen.

Hirata: Horikita-san dropped out yesterday. She's not here.

Ryuen: Retired? Suzune? She doesn't seem like that kind of girl.

Hirata: That's—

Just then, we heard the click of a megaphone being turned on. Mashima-sensei appeared on the beach. The first-year students hurriedly tried to form a line, but Mashima-sensei waved his hands at them to stop.

Mashima: It's fine. We don't mind if you want to keep relaxing. The test has already concluded. It's all right if you loosen up.

Even though he'd said that, tensions were naturally running high for the students. They all stopped their chatter in an instant

Mashima: Well then, to get straight to the point. I would like to announce the results of the special test.

There probably wasn't a single person, not even our own homeroom teacher, who had seen these test results. Although, I might had outcomes predicted.

(A/N: From this point, play the anime BGM inside you head XD)

Mashima: Coming in last... Class C, with zero points.

Ryuen: What?

Ryuen didn't seem to understand the situation. Mashima-sensei continued the announcements matter-of-factly.

Mashima: Next, in third place, Class A, with 120 points. In second place, Class B, with 140 points.

A commotion broke out. No one had expected the rankings or the point totals.

Mashima: And in first place, Class D, with 225 points. That is all.

Kushida: First place?

Sakura: R-Really?

All of the students in Class D, save Hirata, were probably more confused than anyone else. Even Hirata, who was the only one in the know, was still almost unable to believe it. He wore an exuberant smile.

"What's the meaning of this, Katsuragi?!"

Voices saying such things echoed from one end of the rest area to the other. Class A students circled around Katsuragi.

Sudou: Yahoo! We did it! In your face!

Sudou shouted for joy, and all of the Class D students gathered together.

Ike: Hey, hey, hey, what's going on?! Hey, hey!!

Ike, filled with both excitement and confusion, asked Hirata for an explanation.

Hirata: I'll explain everything. Well, Ryuen-kun, if you'll excuse us.

With those final words, Hirata walked toward the boat alongside Ike and Sudou. Sudou raised his middle finger while sticking out his tongue. Ryuen could do nothing but watch in silence.

The exam was over, and the first-year students scattered. The ship was going to depart in two hours, and although we were free to play in the sea, we were also free to go onto the ship. I walked aboard.

(Y/N): 'Checkmate...'

...

Koenji: Welcome back from the test, all!

Koenji, on the ship's deck with a drink in hand, greeted Class D.

Sudou walked to him in anger.

Sudou: Hey, Koenji! We lost 30 points because of you!

Koenji: Calm yourself. I was laid up and in poor health. What else was I to do?

His skin looked smooth and glossy, so it was easy to tell that he had spent the week tanning. Also, his evidently perfect health made him sound not the least bit credible. While the guys joined forces to yell at Kouenji as one, Horikita appeared. She was still pale, not in good health yet. The students noticed her presence, and naturally gathered around her.

Sudou: S-Suzune. Are you feeling better now?

Sudou tripped over his words a bit, but he approached Horikita and called her by her first name, just as he'd practiced.

Horikita: I'm not too bad. I can't say that I'm back to full health. More than anything else, retiring was a big mistake on my part.

Sudou: Don't worry about it .

Hey, Horikita had accepted being called by her first name rather naturally. That was unexpected. Then that's mean I could also—

Horikita: By the way, Sudou-kun. Don't just go around calling me by my first name without permission. Understand?

Sudou: Y-y-yeah.

—Or not. Sudou couldn't offer resistance. All he could do was nod.

Horikita: But...what happened? Why was Class D ranked first?

Our leader's identity had been exposed, so I'd made Horikita retire. Calculating, I supposed that would have gotten us incredibly close to zero points.

Karuizawa: Th-that's right. What happened, Hirata-kun?

Before Hirata could answer, something needed to be resolved.

Hirata: Well, Karuizawa-san, I think you should talk to Horikita-san first, don't you agree?

Karuizawa drew closer to Horikita.

Karuizawa: Horikita-san, do you have a minute?

Horikita: Yes. There's something that we're supposed to talk about. Right?

Horikita, seeing Karuizawa nod, closed her eyes. She was thinking of the underwear theft, and how she'd accused Karuizawa of spending points selfishly while her own identity as the leader had been discovered and she'd retired. She had no choice but to eat some humble pie now.

Karuizawa: I'm sorry.

Karuizawa said it somewhat bluntly, but with sincerity.

Karuizawa: Ibuki-san stole my underwear. (L/N)-kun told us everything.

Horikita: Huh?

She had prepared herself for abuse, so she was puzzled when she received an apology.

Karuizawa: Horikita-san, when you noticed that Ibuki-san was the culprit, she tried to run because you questioned her, right? That's why you ended up collapsing and getting sick...

Horikita suddenly turned toward me, shocked by Karuizawa's words. I felt kind of awkward for some reason, and averted my eyes.

Karuizawa: I heard about it from Hirata-kun first. He said that you found out the leaders of Class A and C. That's why we had so many points. So, I'm...sorry for everything I said

Karuizawa immediately returned to the other girls.

Horikita: Wait a minute. I... You said I found out the leaders' identities? But I retired—

Hirata: There's no need for you to be humble, Horikita-san. We won because your answers were absolutely correct.

Doubts seemed to swirl in Horikita's head. It seemed like the mysterious test results made sense to everyone except her.

Horikita: Wait, (L/N)-kun, what did you—

Horikita called to me in the midst of all the joy and confusion. However, being the key player in our victory, she was now surrounded by a great number of classmates.

"Horikita-san, you were so incredibly awesome! You're seriously a genius, you know that!?"

"When I heard that you'd retired I wondered what was going to happen, but everything turned out okay!"

Horikita: W-Wait a second!

She was bombarded with questions from boys and girls alike. I clasped my hands and prayed for her safety while I made my retreat. Whew, I was sure glad how things ended up. Our class took first place and Horikita gained in popularity. Considering her natural poise, she'd probably get through it just fine. I wanted to avoid getting caught up in the rejoicing, so I went to my room to rest. Then, I received a message.

I sighed.

(Y/N): 'Give me a break...'

...

I met with Chabashira-sensei in the theater as told.

Chabashira: First, allow me to commend you. I'm genuinely impressed.

(Y/N): You're satisfied, then? Then tell me... Is it true that man asked you to have me expelled?

She simply smirked.

(Y/N): I won't do any more for you without proof.

Chabashira: I know everything about you. That's proof enough, isn't it?

I had my doubts. It was true that I stood out because of the entrance examination, but it shouldn't have been something all the teachers had inside knowledge of. But still, the sequence of events was rather odd. Chabashira-sensei had said that man had contacted the school directly. As expected, this person was hiding something.

Chabashira: The wings of Icarus.

(Y/N): What about it?

Chabashira: Icarus took flight in order to be free. But only because his father Daedalus instructed him to make the wings and take flight. He wasn't flying of his own free will. Doesn't that sound just like you. That man, your mentor, as well as your 'father', said this. "Someday, (Y/N) will choose expulsion of his own accord." You'll burn your winds under the sun, fall into the sea, and die.

She then began to walk away.

(Y/N): It's out of the question.

Chabashira: Poor, tragic Icarus. What will you do next?

(Y/N): I think you know that. Icarus didn't heed Daedalus's warning.

Even though his wings burned, Icarus flew as high as he could in search of his freedom.

Chabashira-sensei simply chuckled and leave the theater.

...

The sun had already set. After I returned to my room, I changed my clothes, slipped in the bracelet to my right wrist, and headed into the hall. When I turned my phone back on, the ringer started buzzing repeatedly. My call history had filled up. They were all from Horikita. Scary. For the time being, I just answered emails and relaxed in the lounge while I waited.

She probably wouldn't be convinced unless I explained things. Soon, a quite angry Horikita met up with me, radiating a silent pressure.

Horikita: What do these test results mean? What in the world happened?

(Y/N): You look like you don't have any idea at all.

Horikita: I just can't imagine it. I don't understand it at all. I have a mountain of questions.

Horikita ordered a drink from an attendant. I started talking.

(Y/N): I'll tell you everything. However, my one condition is that you stay quiet on this matter. I won't compromise on this.

I'd assumed it would come to this, considering Horikita hadn't retired of her own will. This story was for Horikita's ears only.

(Y/N): What would you like to ask?

Horikita: What were you doing during the test? Tell me.

That was a much better question than I'd expected. She wanted to hear everything at once.

(Y/N): When the special test was announced, I didn't focus on anything except for the additional rules. I roughly understood how to manage the 300 points, but you couldn't manipulate them as an individual.

Horikita: But the additional rules were really difficult to understand. If you did things normally, you wouldn't have been able to identify the leaders. Right?

(Y/N): Yeah. First of all, I volunteered to join the search for the base camp. Able to move freely, I planned to search out spot locations ahead of everyone else.

Horikita: You make it sound simple, but no one should have known the spot locations.

(Y/N): That's not true. You didn't understand because you were ill and holed up inside the ship, but the school already gave us hints about the locations when we were sailing around the island.

Katsuragi had also noticed this when the ship circled the island at an unusually fast speed. Horikita fell silent. The ship had been traveling nearly three times faster than a usual cruise ship. Besides, if it were just for sightseeing, it wasn't normal to use a strange expression like "significant scenery."

Koenji had noticed this hint, too. Well, it was probably a waste of time thinking about Koenji, anyway.

(Y/N): Then, I reached the cave. I thought it was the most important base.

Horikita: The cave was the most important base? Don't you think that the river and the well would have been more convenient, though?

(Y/N): The spot itself wasn't what was important. Its location was.

There were no spots close to the river or the well. However, there were two spots near the cave: the hut and the tower. It was the perfect place to exercise control. Horikita looked like she understood once I explained.

(Y/N): I'd intended to explore various things inside the cave, but in the end I discovered the leader's identity.

Horikita: Well, I suppose that Katsuragi-kun was careless.

(Y/N): No, Katsuragi is a cautious man. He wouldn't do anything so careless. He wouldn't even occupy a spot at a time when someone else might see him. It was a performance to conceal the fact that someone else had occupied the spot without asking him first. Thus, I was able to surmise that A's leader was Yahiko, the person with him then.

I paused for a moment and let Horikita to process the information.

(Y/N): As for Class C, I knew that Ryuen was still on the island.

Horikita: Eh?

(Y/N): When we ran into Ryuen, there was a radio next to him. I found out that Ibuki had one of the same radios hidden beneath a tree. If Ryuen himself was in contact with Ibuki, it meant he must still be on this island. I became convinced that Ryuen was C's leader. And to tell you the truth, he was gathering more information than I was. He'd found out the identities of all of the leaders.

Horikita: W-wait, he found out the identities of all of the leaders... So not only Class D, but also the leaders for Classes B and A? But that's strange. We were far from being penalized; we ended up getting first place by a wide margin. How do you intend to explain that?

(Y/N): The answer is the reason I made you retire. You're not our leader, Horikita.

Horikita: What? But the card...

(Y/N): Oh, that reminds me. I didn't return it to the school yet.

I took a single card out of my pocket and handed it over to Horikita. She was astonished when she saw the letters engraved on the card.

The name read "(L/N) (Y/N)."

Horikita: What's your name doing on it?

(Y/N): Just before the test ended, I changed D's leader. You can't change leaders without a good reason.

(Y/N): Which means that if you do have a good reason, you can change leaders. A leader's failing health is a good reason. As a result, Ryuen and Katsuragi named you as leader, and they were wrong.

Horikita Suzune had retired, and I was appointed in her place. Of course, that meant that I was the leader they were supposed to guess at the end of the test. There can only be one.

Horikita: You arranged all of this, didn't you?

I closed my eyes for a few seconds before answering.

(Y/N): I did. I knew Ibuki was a spy, so I destroyed her digital camera in her bag. As a result, Ibuki would need to steal the key card itself. I waited until your condition had deteriorated sufficiently... Then I intentionally got you to show your card to Ibuki, got you dirty, got you to visit the waterfall, and lured Ibuki into stealing your card. I used the arson to throw the camp into a panic, giving Ibuki the opening she needed to escape.

I finished my drink.

(Y/N): Then, just as they'd planned it, she went to show Ryuen the card.

Horikita: Then you got me to drop out and changed our leader.

(Y/N): That's correct.

Horikita: I don't understand, why did Ibuki-san needed to take a picture of the key card in the first place? She could just checked my name on it and report back. Did Ryuen-kun not trust Ibuki-san?

(Y/N): That wasn't it. If the discussion only stayed within Class C, then there shouldn't have been any need for her to take a picture with the camera or steal the card.

In other words, that meant there had been people involved who didn't trust Ibuki's words alone; they'd wanted reliable evidence.

(Y/N): From here on out, I don't have any evidence of what I'm saying. Think of it as my intuition, which I derived from the test results. At the end of the test, Class A had 270 points.

Which means, they hadn't used a single point during the test.

(Y/N): Classes A and C were connected, working together behind the scenes. Class C sacrificed their own points and bought whatever Class A needed. Also, by taking all of C's tools, Class A was able to spend the week without using any points.

Ibuki had obtained evidence and given it to someone in A Class.

Horikita: My god... I don't even have the words.

If I were to summarize this test, I'd say that Class A's first mistake carried through to the end. They didn't function well due to an internal rift. Class B went through the test with a thoroughly defense-oriented strategy, which did neither harm nor good. Their only mistake was that, because there were so many good-natured people in Class B, they'd permitted Kaneda to stay, and they'd believed him.

I don't know how Kaneda got the evidence, but he'd obtained something, and probably told Ryuen. If you looked at the fact that Class A didn't get any points, you might think it was because they hadn't obtained any physical evidence. Then there was Class C. We were able to avoid damage because I'd been appointed as the leader. In addition to sending people off as spies to find out the identities of the other leaders, Class C had profited from some kind of negotiations with Class A. Ryuen might be our number one enemy.

(Y/N): Well, I'll be heading back to my room now.

I stood up from my seat and prepared to walk away.

Horikita: Wait!

She grabbed my hand. I turned and looked at her.

(Y/N): What is it now?

Horikita: Hirata-kun told me. When you told him A and C's leaders, you said I was the one who figured it all out.

(Y/N): I did.

Horikita: And after the test was over, you asked him to work to bring the class together. Are you trying to use me as a cover?

I sighed.

(Y/N): Horikita, do you remember what I said back then? You need allies.

Horikita: You did it for that?

I gave her a weak smile and held her hand.

(Y/N): You've finally started to change.

Horikita turned her face away and pouted.

Horikita: it's your fault...

(Y/N): How?

Horikita: Grudgingly, I will acknowledge you as an ally—

I closed in the distance between us and brought my lips into contact with hers. The pupils of her eyes dilated, and she didn't pushed me away. This sensation, it's certainly unlike anything I experienced before. Her lips are soft and warm. I closed my eyes and she did the same, as to savor the moment.

It lasted for a few seconds before I pulled away. Horikita's face now flushed with color. I can't see mine, but right now I guess I'd probably blushing too. I tried to remain my straight face and not to show any sign of expression.

(Y/N): I thought you'll acknowledge me as your 'boyfriend'?

Horikita: I-I-I guess th-that works too...

I grinned. She turned around, trying to hide her shy face.

Horikita: S-Still, I don't want you acting lovey-dovey with me once we're back at school, especially in front of others.

(Y/N): Eh? The others already expected us to be dating already. See? We even got a matching bracelet.

I raised my right hand, showing her the silver bracelet.

Horikita: I suppose... Y-You could do that... oc-occasionally.

I would like to tease her more, but I'd better stop now. Although, Sudou might kill me if he knew what happened now.

(Y/N): Alright. Then, I'll head back to my room. Goodnight, Suzune.

She tilted her head a little and smiled.

Horikita: Goodnight, (Y/N)-kun.

...

(A/N: Congratulations for making this far! The next update would might take some times. As you know, the anime end right after the survival test. So, I might need more time to write the story as I had to refer to the LN. Thanks for your times and supports!)

Cruise Ship Special Test

(A/N: It took a quite amount of time for me to write the new chapter. Sorry about that.)

(Y/N)'s POV

It'd been three days since the end of that special test on the island. No other exciting events had occurred aboard the luxurious cruise ship that the Advanced Nurturing High School had provided for us, and we were enjoying the respite.

It went without saying that time spent on a deserted island had caused a bunch of young, rambunctious students like us to lose our minds. We, the guys, were basically beasts—sex-starved carnivores. While we watched the girls chattering and dilly-dallying like herbivores, the boys waited for an opening like the predators that we are.

This luxurious cruise ship, equipped with everything, felt like a dream come true. This trip let us forget everything unpleasant. It wouldn't have been strange to fall in love here. Rumor had it that many couples had come together on this trip.

Things went pretty well between Horikita and I. She made me promised her not to show any kinds of affection to her in the public, but still, I think that's how our relationship works, I guess...?

Putting that aside, the test hadn't really changed my situation... No, that wasn't quite true. My environment had begun to change. Against my will, I'd been tasked with a major course correction. I'd originally come to this school for a certain reason.

"Contact with anyone outside is forbidden until graduation."

That rule was the reason I entered. However, a certain man had been forcibly trying to establish contact with me. Chabashira-sensei, my homeroom teacher, told me that. Then Chabashira-sensei threatened to expel me from this paradise should I refuse to work toward Class A. However, it was 'him' that expelled me before, but now, why did he wants get in touch with me, and interfere with my peaceful school life?

That troubling thought lasted only a second, though. My mind returned to its normal, blank way of thinking. I sighed looked out the window.

(Y/N): 'I'd probably should enjoy my peaceful vacation now...'

Three days had passed since the end of the test. Immediately after our survival test's conclusion, most of the students had been waiting for the other shoe to drop. They'd treaded lightly in case the school was up to something.

But there were no signs of anything malicious. All was gentle and peaceful, as if summer vacation had truly started and this was now an actual fun, pleasant trip. The students began to relax, and behaved as if the test really were over. They thought this second week was purely a vacation. Everyone became increasingly lax.

Despite our outward calm, we maintained a sense of readiness. People who know how to relax can be effective.

Then, I heard the door of my room opened.

Hirata: Hmm? You haven't been in the room all this time, have you?

Hirata Yosuke, one of my cabin roommates, shook me from my reverie while I gazed at the sea.

(Y/N): I don't really have any reason to go out. I don't have anyone to hang out with, either.

Neither Hirata or the others know that Horikita and I are officially dating, now. However, it doesn't matter as they constantly matchmaking me with Horikita.

Hirata: That's not true, though. I mean, you have Sudou-kun and the guys, and Horikita-san.

It was certainly true that such people had categorized me as a "friend," and I reciprocated. But those at the bottom strata of the "friends" category are treated differently from other, higher-ranked friends. When someone wants to hang out, low-level friends are only invited ten percent of the time. Naturally, I was that lowly friend.

Hirata: You might make more friends if you were a little more proactive, (L/N)-kun. Though I suppose it's none of my business.

(Y/N): I don't know about that, but it looks bothersome to me.

Hirata was very popular and admired by many students. All the girls adored him, and he had a girlfriend named Karuizawa. A man with so much happiness probably couldn't understand the pangs of loneliness.

Hirata: You're a solid guy, (L/N)-kun. I think you might just need the right opportunity.

I sighed.

(Y/N): I didn't need such kind-hearted yet cruel words.

Hirata: Ahaha. I'm sorry about that. Actually, I'm planning to meet up with Karuizawa-san and the others at 12:30 to have lunch. Do you want to come with? I think it'll be really fun.

(Y/N): Karuizawa and others?

Hirata: Yeah. There are about three other girls. Want to come?

I had to think about that. To be perfectly honest, I'd wanted to interact with Karuizawa for a while now. However, there wasn't any need to hurry. Besides, if there were other girls, forget about being able to even initiate conversation. I couldn't imagine I'd be able to liven things up. In fact, I'd probably have a dampening effect.

(Y/N): I'll pass. I don't think I'm on especially good terms with Karuizawa's group.

Since the end of the first semester, the relationships in our class had been firmly established. How would I go about building friendships with other people at this point? I could already picture Karuizawa and the other girls' disgust.

He then sat me beside me while wearing that eternal, optimistic smile of his.

Hirata: I can understand that you're feeling hesitant. That's exactly why I want you to rely on me.

(Y/N): You only have about ten minutes before you have to meet them. It'd be better if you just left me here.

Hirata: There's no need to hurry. Besides, I like spending time with you.

To an outsider, my words might have sounded like an excuse, but I was honestly satisfied with the current situation. Even though I'd only been able to talk with the three idiots, Horikita, Kushida, and Sakura, my school life wasn't all that bad.

Hirata: Well, how about just the two of us have lunch together, you and me? Would that be okay?

Just the two of us alone. Sitting on the bed together. Hirata turned to me with a serious look. If he lightly pushed me down, things would get out of hand...

(Y/N): Well, I don't particularly dislike the idea, but... Didn't you already promise Karuizawa?

Hirata: I can eat with Karuizawa-san and the others any time, but I haven't really had many opportunities to eat together with you, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): I'd feel bad if Karuizawa blamed you later, though.

I tried to gently turn him down, but it seemed to appeal to his conscience.

Hirata: Don't worry. I don't think Karuizawa-san's the kind of girl to hold a grudge.

No, no. Karuizawa definitely seemed like that kind of girl. Even though she pretended to be nice in front of Hirata, she was domineering with other ladies.

Hirata: Okay. I'll turn Karuizawa-san down for today.

Hirata pulled out his phone to call Karuizawa. I tried to stop him, but the call had made through. Hirata flatly tell Karuizawa that he was cancelling their plans over the phone. I couldn't hear Karuizawa's voice clearly, but Hirata abruptly hung up.

(Y/N): Are you really okay with this?

Hirata: Of course. Is there anything you'd like to eat?

(Y/N): I can eat just about anything, I guess. Though I'd like to avoid heavy food if possible.

Hirata: Well then, shall we go to the deck? If we're just having a light meal, eating there should be easier.

Hirata opened the door, as if to guide me, while I relaxed in bed. Hirata was being his usual concerned self, but taking me out when I wasn't really that enthusiastic was odd. It seemed kind of forceful for Hirata, especially since he could normally read any situation well. He likely had some kind of ulterior motive.

...

By the time we reached the restaurant, over half of the seats had already been taken. We slipped past the crowd and secured two empty seats.

Hirata: Honestly, there's something I'd like to ask.

Hirata spoke in a slightly apologetic way as he looked down at the menu.

(Y/N): What is it?

Hirata: Did you remember before the survival test, I requested for your help to act as a bridge to help reach Horikita-san?

Aha! So he did have an ulterior motive, after all. hat was probably why he'd wanted time to eat with me. Well, I was grateful. I didn't sweat the reason for an invitation.

Hirata: The other day, Class D got a major boost thanks to Horikita-san. Class morale has shot up, and more than anything else, the number of people who idolize Horikita-san has increased. This is a big opportunity.

(Y/N): Well, I suppose so.

When I nodded, Hirata continued with confidence.

Hirata: That's why I would like to hear your answer. Could you help serve as an intermediary between Horikita-san and me? If she cooperated with us, I think we could get up to Class C, and then B... No, we could even reach Class A.

Horikita Suzune was a student in Class D, and the first friend I'd made upon starting school. I was her first friend as well, but she was a solitary, standoffish person. Recently, our relationship is developing slowly and steadily. She was also an honors student, highly accomplished both in literary and martial arts. Her weakness was her aloof, independent personality. She didn't involve herself with anyone due to her high-handed attitude, and she wasn't very good at socializing.

From anyone else it would have sounded phony, but Hirata had been singing Horikita's praises since we started school. He'd been aware of her potential from the start, and didn't seem to dislike her at all. I wouldn't mind helping him out. The task was simple.I could at least bring Hirata and Horikita closer together, but that probably wouldn't lead to a permanent solution.

(Y/N): But even if I can bring you both together, things won't be that easy. Horikita is difficult.

Her response to Kushida's push for friendship in the café during our first semester was proof of that.

Hirata: Yes. I do understand, of course. Horikita-san only opens herself up to you, (L/N)-kun. I don't want to force her confidence. That's why I wanted to tell you my intentions, so that you can talk to her.

(Y/N): If I thought she'd listen to me, things would be simple enough. But it won't be that easy. I usually just go along with whatever Horikita says. I've never really forced my opinion on her. If I just suddenly start voicing strong opinions, she'll probably find it suspicious. If she finds out it's your opinion, I think she'll shut down completely.

Hirata: But I can't come up with anything else right now. I don't think I have the confidence to speak with Horikita-san, let alone persuade her. This is my last resort.

(Y/N): Don't you think it's a little soon for last resorts?

I was still uncertain about his proposal. It seemed like he'd lost his nerve and was doubting himself. Hirata had also been acting strangely back on the island. This wasn't a trivial matter.

I ordered a light sandwich and a drink. Students swam in the pool nearby, and others were eating while still wearing their bathing suits. Everyone appeared to be having fun.

Hirata: Yeah, you may be right. Like you said, (L/N)-kun. My plan was really short-sighted.

He recognized his error in judgment and gave an honest, flexible response.

Hirata: I should probably reconsider how to do this. Horikita-san seems very fastidious and hypercritical. How do you manage to get along with her, (L/N)-kun?

Getting used to being stabbed by compass came to mind... Ahem, I thought facing her directly was the right thing to do. It was constructive, and I wanted to lend a hand, but...

(Y/N): Well, in truth, I don't think I'm on especially good terms with Horikita..

Obviously, that's a stupid lie.

Hirata: But it does seem like Horikita-san gets along well with you alone, (L/N)-kun. You're special to her.

Special, huh? I guess you could say that she's special to me, too.

(Y/N): There's no need to get impatient, right? The first semester's only just ended. And Horikita isn't the type to make friends easily.

I wanted Hirata to understand.

Hirata: That's probably true.

Hirata appeared slightly remorseful. Perhaps he felt like he was rushing things again.

Hirata: I wasn't thinking about her feelings. I was just thinking of myself.

He shook himself from his reverie. Again, he smiled.

Hirata: Sorry. I invited you out to eat and made it all about me. Well, let's eat, shall we?

With that, we started eating our recently-arrived food. However, Hirata looked up and seemed to notice someone approaching us. He shot me a nonplussed look.

Karuizawa: Ah, so you're here after all, Hirata-kun. Let's eat lunch together!

Karuizawa approached us, leading a group of girls. She sounded happy and carefree.

Hirata: Um... Karuizawa-san, I thought I canceled our plans...

Hirata stumbled over his words, looking unsure. Meanwhile, Karuizawa and the girls pulled out the chairs from another table, pushed me away, and circled Hirata. Our lunch went from peaceful to noisy in seconds flat. I wasn't much of a talker, but I wasn't really concerned.

I was used to dealing with situations like this. I grabbed my food and got up quietly, without making a sound. Hirata's eyes met mine for a moment, but the girls closed ranks and he disappeared.

Maybe this was one of the select disadvantages of having so many friends. With so much time devoted to others, you didn't really get any time for yourself. Even if Hirata had issues weighing him down, he couldn't talk about them with Karuizawa and the others. Instead, he held them unspoken in his heart.

...

After I finished my meal, I decided to kill some time.

(Y/N): 'I remember the map of the ship was on a nearby signboard... Let's see...'

I walked towards the signboard outside the restaurant. The map was pretty easy to understand. The fact that the map had been placed in a gilded frame might've been overkill, but also made it seem like something you'd find on a luxury liner. I drew a route that'd let me kill a bunch of free time, and immediately hopped onto the elevator. I got off on the second deck.

The ship had nine decks in total, plus a roof. The fifth deck was above ground, while the fourth deck was below. The first deck housed both the lounge and banquet area, while the rooftop had the pool, café, and other facilities. The third and fourth decks were for guest rooms. The guys were on the third deck; the girls on the fourth.

The guys and girls, teachers included, were neatly divided. However, there weren't any special restrictions on our movements, so a guy could easily wander through the girls' area. We were probably prohibited from staying on the girls' level or coming into the area after midnight, though.

As I walked through the second-level area, I noticed that the atmosphere felt quite different. The rooms were vacant, and I couldn't tell what they were used for. So few students were in the hallways that it appeared deserted.

I wandered around for a while before someone called me.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun!

Kushida Kikyou from Class D, tapped my shoulder from behind.

(Y/N): Kushida.

Kushida: Oh, that reminds me, I did see you hanging out with a bunch of girls earlier, from a distance.

Kushida was the most popular person in Class D—no, probably in the whole school. On the day of the school entrance ceremony, she'd declared that she would make friends with everyone, and had almost accomplished that goal now. She was only missing a select few, like Sakura-san.

(Y/N): Actually...

Kushida: I've made plans to go see some girls from Class C today. Do you want to come, (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Eh. Is it okay for me to join?

Kushida: Huh? You'll come?

Ah, crap... This was shaping up to be a bad day. Kushida's mask had slipped a little, and her true self seemed puzzled by my response. Well, there was always the diplomatic, socially acceptable way of putting things. In other words, I had to find a polite, diplomatic way to refuse.

(Y/N): I'm joking. Don't you know by now that I'm not the sort of person who joins in on stuff?

Kushida: Oh jeez, come on. You surprised me a little. (L/N)-kun, you're funny.

Deep down, I doubted she truly found me funny, but I was scared to hear Kushida's real thoughts.

Kushida: Well, I'll be going.

As she bid me goodbye, both our cell phones started ringing at the same time. There was a loud, dinging sound that meant we'd received a message from the school. Usually it was a message with new instructions to follow, or some kind of modification to an event. Your phone would make a sound even if you had it on silent. Clearly, it was a message of high importance.

Kushida: What is it?

She stopped in her tracks and looked puzzled. Simultaneously, an announcement could be heard throughout the ship.

"Attention. This is an announcement to all students. All students should have received a message from the school, as indicated in the contact line. Please check your individual mobile devices and follow the instructions accordingly. In the event that you did not receive a message, we apologize for the inconvenience. Please go to the nearest faculty member for assistance. Because the contents of the message are extremely important, please do not miss it. We repeat—"

Kushida: That was about the message we just got, right?

(Y/N): Probably.

I pulled out my phone and saw the following message:

A special test will begin soon. Place gather in the designated room at the designated time. Anyone who arrives later than ten minutes after start time may be penalized. Please gather in Room 204 on the second deck by 18:00 today. Because it takes about twenty minutes to reach the area, we ask that you please use the restrooms now if necessary. Either silence your phone or turn it off, and make your way over.

(Y/N): A special test?

However, certain points in the message weighed on me. They wanted us to gather in the room at 18:00, but we only had about twenty minutes to get ready and head over, which was an extremely short amount of time. Plus, it seemed like it had been decided rather quickly. Also, why was the designated meeting spot one of the ship's private rooms? That couldn't make a good exam room by any standard.

(Y/N): Can you show me your phone for a second?

Kushida, without hesitation, showed me that she'd received the same message.

(Y/N): The only difference was the designated time and place, huh?

In her message, the designated time was set at 20:40, but she was also told that it took about twenty minutes to reach the area. I also noticed that her designated room was just two rooms down from mine.

Kushida: I wonder why they called us in such a strange way?

(Y/N): I have no idea.

I only knew that I had a bad feeling about this. I quickly messaged Horikita via chat on my phone. I saw that she had read the message immediately after I sent it. Was it because we'd received a message from the school around the same time? I tried asking her questions.

(L/N): Did you get a message from the school just now?

Horikita: Yeah. I did.

(L/N): My designated meeting time is 18:00. What about yours?

Horikita: Mine says 20:40. That seems like a pretty big difference.

(L/N): 20:40, huh?

The same time as Kushida. So were they going to separate the guys and girls? That was all I could guess at present. They did tell me that the start time for the test was at 18:00, after all.

Horikita: I'm curious about the difference in start times. That might be unfair—some people will get more time to prepare than others.

(L/N): We can't know anything for sure at this point.

We chatted more about the school's message. Horikita's replies were instant.

Horikita: There are several things that I'm still curious about, but we don't really have the time. We'll just have to show up to the meeting spot. Because your time is earlier,I look forward to hearing your report.

(L/N): Understood.

After I sent that short reply, she stopped responding. She had apparently shut her phone off already.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun?

Kushida, as if interested in my chat with Horikita, drew nearer to me. I considered talking to Kushida about my conversation with Horikita, but didn't want to be a bother to her. I decided to wait and see how things progressed. It shouldn't be long, anyway.

...

I walked to the second deck, just as the message had instructed. I arrived at my destination about five minutes before the designated time. There were several students wandering the normally deserted level. I saw some people I couldn't identify enter a nearby room. It was more than one or two people. They came up to the designated deck and disappeared into the other rooms.

(Y/N): 'Are those students from another class?'

At first, I thought about waiting in front of the entrance, but things might have already gotten started inside. More than anything else, I didn't want other students to see me, so I decided to act. A reply came immediately after I knocked.

"Enter."

I stepped into the room. The homeroom teacher for Class A, Mashima-sensei, wearing a well-tailored suit, sat before me in a chair. My eyes lowered to a small table on which some materials waited. Two male students sat before Mashima-sensei as well. Both were my classmates from Class D.

"So, one of the remaining two spots belongs to (L/N)-dono, I see! Most agreeable!"

It was Sotomura who uttered that strange, nerdy greeting. People affectionately referred to him as "The Professor." An overweight first-year high school student with glasses, he fit the stereotypical image of a male otaku perfectly.

"This is rather odd, isn't it? (L/N)"

Yukimura, another of my roommates on the ship, sat next to the Professor. The Professor and Yukimura. Normally, you wouldn't find the two of them together. I wondered why they were here. What had we gotten ourselves into?

Mashima: What are you doing? Hurry and take a seat.

Mashima-sensei spoke without looking at me. I silently took a seat next to Yukimura. One vacant seat beside me piqued my interest. At first glance, I guessed that we had been put into groups of one teacher and four students, but...why such small groups?

Mashima: We are still waiting on one more. Please sit quietly.

I got the feeling that this definitely wasn't a trivial matter. There was a storm coming, the curtain rising on a new test. A powerful omen. No matter what we might have expected, it was obvious that this test would be something entirely different

Silence hung heavy all around us. Before long, it would be 18:00. Mashima-sensei glanced at the clock only once, calm as you like. Simultaneously, someone knocked at the door. Mashima-sensei told that person to enter, and the door slowly opened.

"Pardon the intrusion!"

With that, Karuizawa entered the room. I'd expected our fourth person would be from Class D, but I hadn't expected Karuizawa. I'd thought another guy would be joining us. This was completely unexpected.

Karuizawa: Huh? What's going on? Why are Yukimura-kun and these other guys here?

My thoughts exactly.

Mashima: I believe you were told punctuality was key, and yet you're late. Hurry and take your seat.

Karuizawa: Okay.

She wasn't thrilled to be here. She sat down and, after studying the three of us, lifted the chair and moved it a little further away from me. I felt somewhat depressed that she wanted to get away from me.

Mashima: Sotomura, Yukimura, (L/N), and Karuizawa, from Class D. Without further ado, I will now explain the special test.

At least we were getting an explanation after all. However, the reasoning behind selecting this group of four was still a mystery.

Karuizawa: W-wait a minute. I don't understand. What do you mean, explain a test? The test was already over, right? Also, what's the deal with these guys? This is really weird.

Karuizawa, unable to listen to anyone else talk, immediately barraged Mashima-sensei with questions.I wondered if she'd even read the message properly.

Mashima: I will not answer any questions at this time. Be quiet and listen.

Sure enough, Mashima-sensei looked coldly at Karuizawa.

Mashima: In this special test, all the first-year students will be divided into twelve groups based on the signs of the Zodiac. Everyone will participate within their respective group. The purpose of this examination is to test your thinking.

(Y/N): 'Twelve groups based on the signs of the Zodiac? And the examination is to test our ability to think, and to process information thoroughly. Was that it?'

Karuizawa: What do you mean by 'test our thinking'?

Karuizawa, unable to stay silent, reflexively spoke up with another question.

Mashima: I've already told you. I will not be answering any questions.

Although she looked blatantly unhappy, she shut her mouth and listened.

Mashima: Society needs three fundamental qualities in order to progress: action, thinking, and teamwork. Those with the necessary qualities will become wonderful adults. The previous exam on the uninhabited island focused heavily on testing your teamwork. However, we shall now test your thinking in four ways: your ability to thoroughly process information, which is an essential component of this test. Your ability to analyze your current situation and clarify the task at hand. The ability to solve the problem after you've clarified the process and identified the task. The ability to utilize your imagination, and the ability to create new values. Those are the qualities you'll need.

Although his explanation was rather concise, several question marks were still hanging over everyone's heads after his brief explanation.

Finally, the words that Karuizawa had longed to hear arrived.

Mashima: Are there any questions thus far?

Karuizawa: I don't get what any of this means. Can you explain it in a way that's easier to understand? I mean, okay, I understand that we're being divided into twelve groups, but why am I together with these guys? What about Hirata-kun? Or the other girls? And I still don't get what we're doing. Tell me. Come on, please?

Even though she attempted politeness at the end, I get the feeling she didn't mean it. However, Karuizawa was right to have doubts.

Mashima: You four gathered here will be in the same group. At this very moment, students in other rooms are receiving the same explanation you are.

Wait, so we were members of the same group? In other words, the four of us were allies...

Karuizawa: If that's true, then wouldn't it be way faster and easier if you just gathered all of our classmates together in one place and explained? Also, what's the reason for putting me with these three? Why? These guys gross me out. Why am I on a team together with boys? Honestly, I hate it...though being with Hirata-kun would be fine.

Karuizawa continued blabbing until Yukimura finally seemed to lose patience.

Yukimura: How about you shut up and try listening? The test is probably going to start soon. If they dock our points because you keep blabbing, are you gonna take responsibility? Even back on the deserted island, you dragged us all down. Can you try not to cause any more problems?

Karuizawa: Huh? When and how exactly did I cause problems? You're pissing me off.

I sighed.

(Y/N): 'There they go, fighting again.'

I'd seen guys and girls quarreling with each other many times in the previous test. The Professor and I stayed quiet.

Mashima: Calm down, you two.

Mashima-sensei seemed to develop a headache while watching a fight that would be more appropriate between elementary school students. He lightly tapped his finger to his forehead.

Mashima: Listen. Your group assignments are a done deal. You cannot change them. To gain a good result on the test, you must get along.

Karuizawa: Ugh, jeez! This sucks! I can't deal with these three! Hirata-kun would have been so much better!

Karuizawa clung close to Hirata day and night, except for whenever she was with her girlfriends. It's true that we really weren't fit substitutes for Hirata, but...

Karuizawa let out a frustrated sigh, then averted her eyes again. Trying to work with her was going to be a hassle, but the same was probably true for Yukimura.

Mashima: Finished? Please let me continue my explanation. It would appear that you cannot help but be concerned by this small gathering. Therefore, I will try to provide an answer. It's rather simple. The groups don't consist of members from just one class; they are made up of about three to five individuals collected from each class. If we didn't explain things in advance, we would run the risk of confusion.

That was why only a few people were gathered into each room. The other three still didn't seem to understand. They fell silent again, as if they were going over what Mashima-sensei had said in their heads. Of course, I couldn't immediately digest it, either. We were so quiet that we could hear the clock ticking.

Yukimura: Sensei. We've been competing against the other classes up until now. Now we're supposed to ignore all of that and just suddenly team up with them?

Mashima: You've been competing until now? Your school lives have only just begun. You shouldn't run around like a chicken with its head cut off this early, Yukimura.

Yukimura: I... P-pardon me.

Mashima: Right now, you shouldn't spend your energy on trying to understand this test. Rather, focus on how to think. Your group assignment is 'Rabbit'. Here is a list of the members. You will be required to return this list when you leave the room. If you feel it's necessary, I would recommend trying to memorize it now.

He passed over a postcard-sized piece of paper. On it were listed fourteen names of people in our group. As Mashima-sensei had told us, apart from us four, all the others were from Classes A, B, and C.

CLASS A:Takemoto Shigeru, Machida Kouji, Morishige Takurou

CLASS B: Ichinose Honami, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, Beppu Ryouta

CLASS C: Ibuki Mio, Manabe Shiho, Yabu Nanami, Yamashita Saki

CLASS D: (L/N) (Y/N), Karuizawa Kei, Sotomura Hideo, Yukimura Teruhiko

I know some of the students on the list. Ichinose from Class B; Ibuki from Class C. Apparently, we were teammates now.

I quickly glanced out the corner of my eye at Karuizawa. She looked a little perplexed. Being placed into the same group as Ibuki was a perverse kind of fate.

Mashima: Don't worry. I will answer any questions you have. I believe you will be able to understand everything afterward. Probably.

He tacked on the "probably" because he likely doubted that Karuizawa was going to listen. Understandable. Mashima-sensei then explained this baffling group's formation.

Mashima: From this point on, you are no longer acting as members of Class D, but rather as members of the Rabbit group. Whether you pass or fail this test depends on each group.

I was understanding more and more, little by little, but still couldn't see the bigger picture.

Mashima: There are four possible outcomes that can be achieved in this special test. No exceptions. We have also prepared handouts with the grade items so that you may better understand them. However, you are only allowed to verify the contents here and now. No photography or such.

Some slightly crumpled-up sheets of paper had been prepared for the four of us.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE SUMMER GROUP SPECIAL EXAMINATION

This assignment centers on a "VIP" assigned to each group. By providing answers to the school via a defined method, you will earn one of four outcomes.

At 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the test, each student will simultaneously receive a message informing you that we have chosen someone to be the "VIP" in your group.

The test begins tomorrow and ends at 9:00 p.m. on the fourth day. (You are completely free to do as you wish for the first day.)

Each group should gather twice during the day at a predetermined time in a predetermined room to talk for one hour, so that they may discuss matters with only their group.

The contents of each group's discussion shall be left to the discretion of the group itself.After the test has concluded, the school will only accept answers during the period between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on that final night. During that time, each group must submit their answer regarding who they think the "VIP" is. Each individual may only submit an answer once, but only the first answer received from any member of a group will decide the test result for that group.

Answers must be sent only to an email address that we shall provide to each group, and only by using your mobile devices.

The twelve VIPs cannot submit answers.You may only submit an answer for the group to which you are assigned.

Test results will be sent to all students via email at 11:00 p.m. on the final day.

A list of fundamental rules was written on the paper. More detailed descriptions of the rules and a list of prohibited items were also on the sheet, among other things.

I looked through the rules, and saw the four potential outcomes.

OUTCOME #1: If the answer submitted by the group after 9:30 p.m. on the final day is correct, then everyone in the group will receive private points, including those of the VIP's classmates who belong to the group.

OUTCOME #2: If a group fails to submit an answer between 9:30p.m. and 10 p.m. on the final day, or if someone from the group other than the VIP and their classmates submits an incorrect answer, then the VIP will be awarded 500,000 private points.

Mashima: This exam has one critical element. Understand it, and this test will not pose a problem. The key element is the existence of the VIP. There is only one VIP in the group. In this test, you're after the name of the VIP. It's that simple.

The three of my classmates were still in dazed.

Mashima: For example, Yukimura, let's say that you were chosen as VIP. The correct answer for the Rabbit group would be 'Yukimura.' That answer would be shared with all members of your group. Then, after the test concludes at 9:00 p.m. at the end of the third day, the school would accept answer submissions only between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. During that time,each member of your group should enter the name 'Yukimura' in a message and email it to the school. Your group would pass, and we would confirm that you've met Outcome #1, and thus every member of your group would be awarded 500,000 points. In addition, as a reward for leading their group to achieving Outcome #1, the VIP would receive double that amount—1,000,000 points.

Karuizawa: O-one million?! Whoa.

Yukimura: Wait, everyone receives 500,000 points? And if you're the VIP, you get double?

That was such a heinous amount of points to receive that anyone, regardless of their regular class, would want it.

Mashima: Now then, as for Outcome #2... In the event that the VIP's identity is not discovered before the end of the examination, and no one in your group found out the identity of the VIP or some even attempted to lie about the identity, then only the VIP will be awarded points, just as it says. He or she will receive 500,000 points.

(Y/N): 'Wait, in either case, the VIP would receive a large amount of points.'

However, so far we'd heard only two of four outcomes. There might yet be some tricks that hadn't been revealed.

(Y/N): Sensei, what about Outcomes #3 and #4? We don't understand the conditions for those yet.

Mashima: Did you understand the explanation for the first two? If you do not, then we cannot continue.

I looked at my classmates, they all gave me a nod.

After a short pause, Mashima-sensei went on.

Mashima: Although I said that there is only one VIP in the group, if the VIP is exposed right away, then Outcomes #3 and #4will appear.

Karuizawa: And that's...on the other side of the handout, right? Is it okay if we turn it over?

Mashima-sensei nodded. We flipped the paper over.

The remaining two outcomes were written on it.

OUTCOME #3: This outcome is triggered when someone other than the VIP gives the correct answer to the school without waiting until 9:30 p.m. on the final day of the exam. That student's class will gain fifty class points, and the person who submitted the correct answer will earn 500,000 private points. Also, the VIP's class will lose fifty class points as a penalty. At that point, the group's testing period will come to an end. However, if one of the VIP's classmates is the person who submits the correct answer, this answer will not be counted and the test will continue

OUTCOME #4: This outcome is triggered when someone other than the VIP gives an incorrect answer without waiting until 9:30 p.m. on the final day of the exam. That student's class will lose fifty class points. The VIP will earn 500,000 private points, and the VIP's class will earn fifty class points. The testing period will end for the group that submitted the incorrect answer. However, if one of the VIP's classmates is the person who submits the incorrect answer, this answer will not be counted and the test will continue.

(Y/N): 'I'd see the bigger picture now."

Outcome #3 and #4 were the catches of this entire test. With the addition of these "traitor" rules, it seems exceptionally difficult to achieve Outcome #1 and #2. Should the VIP carelessly out themselves, traitors would prey upon them.

Mashima: The school will take anonymity into account during this test. At the end, only the outcomes for each group and the increase or decrease in points for each class will be announced. In other words, we will not announce the names of the VIPs or those who submitted answers.

This test would become dramatically difficult if there were VIPs in our class. In such a case, you'd have to undergo rigorous probing and deceive others.

Mashima: Outcomes #3 and #4 are very different from the first two. That's why they are listed on the reverse side of the sheet. With that, the explanation is complete.

I closed my eyes and sighed unintentionally.

(Y/N): 'Give me a break.'

...

A/N: Believe me, my head hurt when I tried to understand the rule of the special test. Now, I'm deriving the story from LN and I tried to get rid any of the unimportant parts. I apologize in advance for any mistakes that may found in this chapter and the oncoming chapters...

A Complicated Situation

(A/N: Damn, I can't think of what title to write for this chapter @_@)

(Y/N)'s POV

After hearing the explanation regarding the special test by Mashima-sensei, the four of us walked from the room. I felt discontent from my neighbors, who seemed to be harboring unpleasant feelings. I pretended not to notice.

Yukimura: I hate to say this, but if we have to be in the same group, we need to put up a unified front. A lot of things will depend on who the VIP is, but for now, the four of us should discuss things.

Yukimura spoke as we left Mashima-sensei and walked down the hallway.

However, Karuizawa showed no concern at all for the future. Ignoring us, she took out her cell phone and walked away.

Yukimura: H-Hey, Karuizawa. Are you listening?!

Karuizawa, totally unconcerned, started to make a call. I was kind of impressed. It was like she had nerves of steel.

Karuizawa: Ah, hi, Hirata-kun? There was something I wanted to talk to you about.

She was probably going to complain to Hirata. She quickly strode down the hall and disappeared.

Yukimura: Grrr. Why on earth was I lumped in with a bunch of space cadets?!

Sotomura: Oh ho, you uttered that exact same expression word for word not five minutes earlier, did you not? Hah!

As I walked beside the two of them, I tried to process and simplify the information about the special test. I managed to come out with four possibilities.

The first option, "The VIP shares his or her identity with the entire group, and we all clear the exam," required that we wait for the test to end, and then have everyone submit the correct answer. In that case, the reward would be incredible. But it would be highly difficult to get such an outcome. Some groups might have an advantage due to the varying number of people on each team. It was highly possible that someone might betray the others if they knew the answer. Most people would want to earn a reward, and would betray others before they themselves were betrayed. Real harmony would be difficult to come by.

The next option, "Someone else tries to answer at the end, but they incorrectly guess the name of our VIP." That would happen if we failed to discover the VIP's identity even after searching within our group. This might very well happen. If the VIP remained quiet, people probably wouldn't discover their identity. On top of that, they'd earn 500,000 private points as a reward. However, even though anonymity was ideal, it largely depended on what you could and couldn't do. You'd have to come up with lies on the spot. Your class and the other classes might grow to resent you, if they found out.

The third option, "The traitor finds the VIP." In that case, a student learns the VIP's identity. They either submit their answer right away, or send the school an email after the test ends with the correct answer. Incredibly, in this case the test could end immediately after it begins. The traitor would earn fifty class points and determine which classes would end up on top. In addition, the individual traitor would earn 500,000 private points. This meant that someone could deceive another class and contribute to their own. For everyone, this would be an ideal result.

Finally, the last option: "The traitor is misled about the VIP's identity." This option had the biggest downside. If you were mistaken and guessed incorrectly, the person who submitted the incorrect answer would be slapped with a penalty, causing his or her class to lose fifty points. On top of that, the VIP would receive private points, and his or her class would receive class points. I wanted to avoid that outcome most of all.

This test was about thinking. The school said this required cognitive abilities, which seemed true. This test carried dangers far different from those we'd faced on the island. There were twelve groups, with twelve outcomes. In the worst-case scenario, we'd end up with a huge difference in points from which we couldn't recover. On the flip side, it was also possible for Class D to overtake Class A in one go. Of course, such a thing wouldn't happen easily any time soon, but just the possibility was amazing.

(Y/N): 'There should also be a list of prohibited actions on the sheet, such as stealing another person's cell phone; using threats to confirm information related to the VIP; using someone else's cell phone without their permission to submit answers; and so on.'

I easily memorized the list of rules.

The highest level of punishment for these actions was expulsion. It seemed like we were being monitored heavily, so it was best to keep that in mind.

Flashback

Mashima: Tomorrow, you will go to your designated room at 1:00 p.m. and again at 8:00 p.m. Your group's name will be displayed on a nameplate outside. Be sure to introduce yourselves when you meet the other members for the first time. After you've entered, leaving the room during the examination is not permitted. Please use the restroom ahead of time. In the event that you feel ill or can't endure it any longer, please contact your homeroom teacher immediately and make a request.

Karuizawa: Wait, we can't leave the room? How long do we need to stay in there?

Mashima: The explanation is written on the sheet. The discussion period is for one hour. Aside from self-introduction upon your initial meeting, you are free to use that time however you like. Once the hour has passed, you are free to remain in the room or to leave.

Flashback end

(Y/N): 'So the students dictated the meeting's events, huh?'

Yukimura: Karuizawa may be gone, but I want to talk about tomorrow. It makes sense to discuss it with just the three of us. Let's go.

He stopped and turned to me and Sotomura.

Sotomura: I am terribly sorry, but I must decline your invitation. For you see, the Love Love Alive anime calls, and I cannot afford to miss its siren song. I bid you farewell. Hi-ya!

He vanished like a ninja. Well, not really—the Professor was well visible as he walked away. Yukimura, with only me remaining, sighed as if he were giving up and shook his head. He didn't seem to want to work with me. Guess we weren't going to have a discussion.

I supposed I should report to Horikita. I wanted to know if she'd received the same information as the Rabbit group. I sent details to her in chat, and while I waited on her report, I started to come up with a strategy.

...

I returned to my room, dying for a moment of peace and quiet. In the middle of dozing, I thought I heard a noise, and propped myself up in bed. I saw Hirata, who'd been putting his luggage back in order, looked up with a slightly apologetic expression.

Hirata: I'm sorry. Did I wake you?

He was putting on his uniform, which made me think he was getting ready to leave.

(Y/N): Nah, I wasn't really in a deep sleep or anything. I'm pretty thirsty anyway, so it's a good time to get up.

I went ahead and shut off the alarm that had been about to go off. I'd wanted to check on Horikita anyway, so there wasn't a problem.

Hirata: Would you like to come with me? I was thinking the school's message should be coming pretty soon.

I looked at the clock on my phone.

(Y/N): 'It was just before 20:30, then.'

Whether due to coincidence or fate, that just happened to be the time Horikita had been summoned to her meeting. I had no reason to refuse, so Hirata and I stepped out into the hallway, with me still wearing my jersey.

Hirata: The test seems really unusual. Well, that's just a feeling I have.

(Y/N): It seemed like you already knew the test's specifics.

Hirata: Well, I heard it from Yukimura-kun. He told me about it while we were eating. He told me all about the Rabbit group. It seems like everyone has been receiving explanations of the test. Several people have come to talk to me about it.

(Y/N): I see.

Yukimura might have told Hirata in order to hear what Hirata thought afterward, and to see if there was anything new to think about.

Hirata: Did you notice anything, (L/N)-kun? If it's okay, I'd like you to share it with me.

(Y/N): Can't really say. I haven't been thinking about the exam like you, Horikita, and Yukimura have. I'm not smart, either, so I haven't really noticed much.

I wasn't going to tell Hirata anything more.

I also wondered how things would shake out. Hirata normally acted on behalf of Class D. Considering he'd be lumped in with other classes, I couldn't imagine what he thought of these rules, or what he'd do about them.

...

Hirata's meeting place was on the second deck, only one level below us. We took the stairs instead of the elevator.

When Hirata and I arrived, several guys and girls were gathered near the door. I also noticed a familiar face who'd received the same meeting time as Hirata. The meeting hadn't started yet, so we approached the line without making a fuss.

"Unless I'm mistaken, you're also in the group meeting at 20:40, yes?"

I heard a rather low, deep voice. Katsuragi, from Class A. He had an incredibly calm and collected demeanor for a first-year high school student. He was cool and composed, and had a good physique to boot.

"Yes, I am. And what exactly does that have to do with you?"

The girl with the long black hair, who faced Katsuragi without hesitation, answered back.

(Y/N): 'Wew, already?'

Katsuragi: I knew it, and that's good news. I wanted to speak with you again. I'm also in the 20:40 group. Starting tomorrow, we will be working together.

Horikita Suzune stared back at Katsuragi. So Hirata had been placed with both Horikita and Katsuragi. Quite a team.

Horikita: You wanted to speak with me? Funny. Didn't you completely ignore me the other day?

During the test on the island, Horikita and Katsuragi had crossed paths only once. At the time, Katsuragi showed no interest in Horikita and hadn't tried to hold a conversation with her. However, the tables had apparently turned. Three guys who probably belonged to Class A grouped around Katsuragi, as well as two girls from either Class B or C. They listened in on the conversation from a short distance away.

Katsuragi: You're correct. I certainly haven't acknowledged anyone in Class D until now. However, considering the incredible results from the last test, it would be impossible for me not to pay attention to you. Wouldn't you agree?

He probably never could have imagined that Class D would be triumphant. From Katsuragi's point of view, his contact with Horikita in front of the cave had all been a part of her strategy. Horikita had certainly made big waves within Class D, and the number of girls who admired her had increased over the last few days.

Unfortunately, Horikita didn't exactly respond well to people who wanted to become friends with her. However, Horikita's refusal to become anyone's friend now came across differently. Interactions with her suddenly became more nuanced. Even if she gave them the cold shoulder, people didn't really take offense. If anything, they might've found it cute. Well, at least to me.

Katsuragi: I don't know what the future might hold, but...should Class D overtake Class C, know that Class A would attack you without mercy.

Other classes now viewed Horikita as more than a superior student with good grades. Because of the results she'd garnered, they viewed her as a threat, and were on guard around her.

Horikita: That's rather petty. From Class A's perspective, are we such a big deal? I mean, there's a significant gap in points between us.

Katsuragi: That's certainly true. However, we must be cautious. It's no laughing matter when those who have been perceived as weak and stupid begin to rise up. We must be vigilant. Same goes to both Classes B and C.

There wasn't much we could do about being seen as a threat, though. Katsuragi's entourage collectively glared at Horikita. An ordinary girl would've burst into tears, but my girl didn't seem intimidated in the slightest.

The situation appeared hopeless, until an unexpected arrival changed everything. The girls' faces instantly lit up as a boy walked quietly past us.

"I don't much like ganging up on people, or threatening other classes."

This was Kanzaki, a Class B student. Though he wore his hair rather long, he didn't come off like a slacker at all. He was an honest type. Although I didn't really know him personally, Ichinose—Class B's leader—seemed to trust him.

Kanzaki: You don't need to waste time on Katsuragi. He's just trying to get to you.

Kanzaki spoke like a gentleman to Horikita, even though they weren't on particularly good terms.

Horikita: You needn't concern yourself. Class D has always been regarded as inferior. I'd welcome any change in our reputation.

Katsuragi: I see. It appears you feel we've treated you callously up until now. Certainly, many in my class have made light of Class D. However, your success on the island changed people's opinions.

Despite his words, Katsuragi made a dismissive gesture, like he was brushing dirt off his clothes.

(Y/N): 'So you're mocking us, then?'

Katsuragi: However, just because you got lucky and won by complete chance doesn't make us equals.

Horikita: What do you mean?

Katsuragi: Anyone could accomplish something like that out of pure luck. It's better that you don't grow arrogant and behave foolishly after a win that came about by chance. Remember that the difference in our class points is still massive.

(Y/N): 'Well, I can't really argue with that.'

He's right about the points gap between our classes. Of course, Horikita understood that. She also knew that it was me who helped the Class D emerged victorious in the survival test, but I'd refused to take credit for anything. Horikita didn't seem too happy to take the credit. She'd mainly done it so other people wouldn't discover me. Really, it was all for my benefit.

I whispered to Hirata.

(Y/N): Hirata, looks like you landed in a troublesome group.

Hirata: Yes. Though if I'm with you, Kanzaki-kun, and Katsuragi-kun, struggle has to be inevitable.

(Y/N):No, not only that.

Hirata: Hmm?

I glanced at my back. Someone came up behind me and walked over to Kanzaki, then proceeded toward Horikita.

"Well, well. So many fish in this pond. I've come to take a look for myself."

Katsuragi: Ryuen.

His tone grew grim. Even Kanzaki was stiffened by Ryuen's appearance.

Katsuragi: Are you part of this meeting as well? Or were you just walking by?

Ryuen: Unfortunately, it looks like I'm with you.

Three students followed behind Ryuuen. It was like Katsuragi's entourage, but also completely different. They all wore terrified looks, and their movements seemed so docile.

As expected, the argumentation between the main force of Class A and Class C was intense. For a minute there, I thought there'd be a huge showdown before the test had even begun.

Kushida: Huh, Hirata-kun? Oh, (L/N)-kun, too? What are you all doing here?

Kushida approached us, wearing a puzzled look. Apparently not everyone in Class D fully understood the parameters of the exam. Our class seemed to be one or two steps behind.

Hirata: Wait, Kushida-san. You're not meeting in the 20:40 group, are you?

Kushida: Hmm? Group? I don't understand. I did get an email telling me to come here at this time... Wow, there really are some amazing people here, huh?

Even though Kushida was somewhat taken back, she still showed respect for everyone gathered.

I patted on Hirata's shoulder.

(Y/N): Are you okay, Hirata? I think this is going to be an especially grueling battle.

Hirata: Don't worry. No matter who is in my group, I'll do my best.

Hirata was positive, as always. Kushida didn't understand the circumstances, but she was smart. By looking at the gathered people and listening to their fragmented conversations, she would begin to grasp the situation.

Kushida: Um, well. So, it feels like a lot of really difficult things are about to come our way.

(Y/N): Roughly speaking, yeah. You'd best mentally prepare yourself.

Kushida: Ah ha! Don't worry, it's okay! Like Hirata-kun said, all I can do is my best.

She spoke with a confidence tone.

Horikita: If we're going to continue this pointless conversation, I'd prefer to just go inside. Besides, it's about time.

With those cold words, Horikita flipped her hair and turned her back on Ryuen and his minions. I had to give it to her: Horikita didn't back down. Weak-willed people tended to lower their heads and ingratiate themselves into their group, no matter what. But Horikita wasn't perturbed. She acted as she always did.

She shot me a glance before walking away, as if she knew I was there all along. I unintentionally let out a relief sigh as she entered the room.

(Y/N): 'Apparently, I don't need to worry her that much.'

Of course, it wasn't clear exactly how far she'd get like that, considering who was in her group. Even so, I didn't think she'd get the wind taken out of her sails. That was just my intuition.

(Y/N): Well then, good luck in there..

I left Hirata with those sympathetic words. He had his work cut out for him from now on.

...

The next day during breakfast time, I avoided the buffet that was popular with a lot of the students, and made my way toward the ship's deck. There was a café called Blue Ocean, which had hardly any students early in the morning. I took a table in the shaded back, where there weren't many people around.

I looked at my phone, it was 7:55 in the morning.

Just one minute before the designated meeting time, the person I was waiting for appeared. She wore an emotionless expression, like always.

Horikita: You're rather early.

(Y/N): Well, I'm excited to meet you.

Horikita: I suppose... We didn't really spend time alone together recently. Now that another tests were given to us...

Horikita sat down next to me and sighed.

Horikita wasn't good at conversing via chatroom on the phone. After I gave her my information yesterday, she hadn't been able to reciprocate. All she did was propose we meet here.

(Y/N): True. So, did you get any more details?

Horikita: Just what you already told me. There are twelve groups, and four outcomes. Also, the school said they would send the names of the VIPs via email at 8:00 a.m. today. Any minor differences in the explanations they gave us could be attributed to differences in the way teachers communicate.

(Y/N): Who's in your group? How many people do you have?

Even though I'd seen some of the lineup yesterday, but she knew that already.

Horikita: The list is honestly surprising. It's biased to the point where I can't imagine it's a coincidence.

She handed over a slip of paper, looking a little depressed. Apparently, she had written down the group members' name in her notepad and memorized it all.

I took the list and looked it over. Her group name was Dragon. I understood what Horikita meant about bias when I looked at the names.

CLASS A: Katsuragi Kouhei,Nishikawa Ryouko, Matoba Shinji, Yano Koharu

CLASS B: Andou Saya, Kanzaki Ryuuji, Tsube Hitomi

CLASS C: Oda Takumi, Suzuki Hidetoshi, Sonoda Masashi, Ryuen Kakeru

CLASS D: Kushida Kikyou, Hirata Yousuke, Horikita Suzune

First, the Class D students, Hirata and Kushida: They were both excellent students, and representatives of our class. Excluding the fact that Horikita was far too much of a loner, she definitely had outstanding talents that let her stand shoulder to shoulder with the other two. To be perfectly honest, it was the strongest hand Class D could have dealt.

(Y/N): I see. This really seems like an inevitable grouping.

Even if I just limited it to the names I knew, they had Katsuragi from Class A, Kanzaki from Class B, and Ryuen from Class C. All class representatives. If you thought of their group like players in the qualifying rounds of a soccer league, they were the dream team, and this was a death match.

(Y/N): But something feels unnatural.

Horikita: You mean Ichinose-san being in your group, don't you? I suppose only the Class B students know if she's really excellent or not. A leader's qualities and level of excellence aren't necessarily directly proportional.

(Y/N): Wait, are you talking about yourself?

She glared, so I averted my eyes. However, Horikita did have a point. We didn't know the finer details of Ichinose's abilities.

Horikita: From what we can deduce, I wonder if there's a certain method they're using to sort us into the twelve groups? (Y/N)-kun, your grades are very similar to Karuizawa-san's. Maybe we are divided into groups based of our academic skills?

(Y/N): But there's probably a gap between me and the Professor, same as you and Hirata. There are too many details that don't fit the score theory.

Horikita: You're right. That doesn't make sense.

(Y/N): 'I agreed that our grades may taken into account, but another variable was likely involved in the process. If at all possible, I would've liked to see the member lists of the other groups.'

Horikita: Well, it's just about time.

Once the clock struck 8:00, both of our phones beeped simultaneously. We immediately checked our phones. After we'd finished reading the contents of the message at almost the exact same time, Horikita turned her phone to show me the message. I did the same. We compared what was on each other's phones, confirming the finer details.

"After thorough consideration, you have not been chosen to be the VIP. Please remember to be a team player as your group tackles the challenges of this test. The exam begins today, and will be held over a period of three days. Members of the Dragon group should gather in the Dragon room located on the second deck."

My message was almost the same as Horikita's. Of course, the name of the group differed, but everything else matched up perfectly.

(Y/N): I suppose neither of us was chosen, then.

While putting our phones away, we shifted in our seats.

Horikita: No, we weren't chosen. I'm not sure if we should be happy or sad.

(Y/N): Yeah. If you're chosen, then you could lead your group to any of the outcomes.

Being the VIP in this test placed you at an overwhelming advantage. If you kept up a good poker face, you could easily obtain 500,000 points. And depending on how things went, the gap we'd managed to close after the first test might widen again.

(Y/N): The leaders of each group should be coming up with a number of strategies already. If we don't decide early on how we're going to conduct ourselves, we probably won't recover.

Horikita: I understand.

She gave me a slightly frustrated look. I closed my eyes and began to formulate my plan. As I considered the members of my group, and the underlying mechanics of this test, the goal began to take shape.

Horikita observed my expression before asking.

Horikita: Are you thinking about the result?

(Y/N): There are some things I can't yet see, like how some of the students I don't know will react. I won't know until I meet with them directly. But I thought of a way to lead us to victory.

I'd need to time my move properly, and everything would need to be set up beforehand.

She held my left hand with hers.

Horikita: Don't overdo yourself.

I gently stroked her hand.

(Y/N): I won't.

But still, something about that message bothered me. "After thorough consideration," it had said. That odd choice of words wasn't by chance. The VIP had been chosen based on certain considerations. There was something about the chosen that set them apart.

Horikita: For the sake of reference, who are you most wary of? Based on how things have been going, I wanted your thoughts.

Her attention had shifted slightly. Since she was assigned to the most intense group, that wasn't surprising.

(Y/N): Ryuen.

I answered without any hesitation.

Horikita: That was fast.

(Y/N): There's no one else I'd choose.

Horikita: What about Katsuragi-kun?

(Y/N): Considering he's only a first-year student, he's excellent. If you'd asked me who the most excellent student was, then Katsuragi would've been my answer. But if you're asking who I'm wary of, then it's Ryuen, by a mile.

Class D had been victorious during the test on the island, without a doubt. Ryuen had come up short in several ways. He'd telegraphed his intentions, so it ended up easy to get a read on him. However, it was highly likely that Ryuen had read my intentions, too. I wanted to avoid him finding out that I was the one responsible for Horikita's success on the island.

Horikita: I'm curious about some things concerning the VIP's identity. Even after reading the message and thinking about it, did you notice any unnatural-sounding phrases in the school's email? And the strict—

Before she could finish, I let go of her hand and silenced her by pressing my finger to her lips.

(Y/N): 'Speaking of the devil...'

"Nice weather, eh Suzune? You having breakfast with this clingy beta male?"

Two people approached us, each wearing an unsettling grin. One of them was Ryuen, the very subject of our discussion. The other person was...

Horikita: I've warned you not to call me by my first name, Ryuen-kun. Also, considering you were a turncoat who only pretended to be our friend, it's odd you'd show your face, Ibuki-san.

Ibuki Mio. She had a somewhat cocksure gleam in her eyes. She also happened to be in the Rabbit group with me.

Ibuki: ...

Ibuki seemed slightly disapproving of Horikita's light provocation, but didn't snap back. Instead, she bit down lightly on her lower lip.

During the test on the island, Ibuki had infiltrated Class D as a spy. Eventually, Horikita had caught Ibuki red-handed, but ended up catching Ibuki's fist during their ensuing confrontation. Horikita firmly insisted that if she hadn't been ill at the time, she wouldn't have lost the fight, but right now, I wasn't really concerned about who was stronger.

Ryuen: You should have received the message already. What were the results? Were you chosen as the VIP?

Horikita: As if I would tell you. Perhaps you'd like to tell us about your message?

Ryuen: If you wish.

He straddled one of the two vacant seats.

Ryuen: But before that, I want to ask you something. How did you wrangle those results on the island test?

Horikita: I have nothing to tell you.

Horikita looked completely calm; she didn't shake or waver in the slightest. There was nothing false about her attitude, either. Even though she didn't show any weakness, Ryuen wasn't convinced.

Ryuen: Isuppose you wouldn't give anything away, but that doesn't matter. According to my information, there's no way that your farcical bumbling on the island should've led to victory.

Horikita: I'm not so stupid that I'd let someone like her see through me. Things were simply more difficult because of my fever.

Ibuki: In that case, let's have a rematch!

In responsive to that more blatant provocation by Horikita, Ibuki could no longer hide her irritation.

Horikita: Regrettably, I must decline your offer. Violent actions are considered a violation of the test rules. If you do happen to strike me, I will not hesitate to report it to the school. At any rate, please feel free to do whatever you please.

Ibuki closed the distance between herself and Horikita, looking ready to lunge, but she stopped herself.

Ibuki: Tch!

More than anything else, though, Ibuki was working beneath Ryuen. She didn't have the right to act freely. While Ibuki clearly detested Ryuen, she was also exceptionally talented. That was likely the precise reason why Ryuen had chosen her as the spy to infiltrate Class D.

Horikita: Since we're all together, how about we have some coffee? It seems a good time to enjoy a nice cup.

She seemed in a strangely good mood as she ordered her morning coffee. She ordered the same thing for me. However, Ryuen showed no signs of leaving, apparently wanting to continue the conversation.

Ryuen: Yesterday, it seemed Katsuragi was rather cautious of you.

Horikita: Well, that's understandable. He couldn't have guessed that someone from Class D would do so well. Isn't that why you and Ibuki-san are here? You came to check on me. Am I wrong?

Ryuen: Heh. Well, I won't deny that. I came here to measure your abilities for myself.

Horikita: Of course.

She answered while sipping her coffee.She seemed at ease, which was unusual.

Ryuen: I'm remembering the test on the island. The result. The process that led to it. There are only certain types of people who would've been able to conceptualize and execute a plan like that. A girl like you is far too serious-minded to have come up with it.

Horikita: Think whatever you like. Though I wonder...how did you figure out my strategy? You only saw the results of the test. How do you know the way in which points were gained and lost? Those details are supposed to be unknown. How about you enlighten me?

In response to Horikita's calm demeanor, Ryuen flashed his teeth in curious amusement.

(Y/N): 'Based on how Ryuen responded, he most likely did know.'

Ryuen: At the end of the test, I wrote down your name as leader, but that was wrong. There's just one reason why that was wrong: Your class leader changed right before the test ended. The only explanation.

Horikita: Do you think that was hard to deduce? Any idiot could have figured that out if they thought about it for a minute. Even Katsuragi-kun, who you've been making fun of.

Ryuen: The key question is who replaced you as leader. Personally, I think the second leader was pulling your strings from behind the scenes during the entire test.

It was exactly as Ryuen had said. Though he spoke to Horikita, he observed me quietly. If I appeared shaken for even an instant, he'd pounce. I'm glad that I could remain expressionless almost every time.

Horikita: I'm afraid I can't understand you at all. I have no close friends. The closest I have would be (L/N)-kun here, and he's always dragging me down. I'd be hard-pressed to say that he's working with me. Sad, but true.

By specifically drawing attention to me, Horikita had managed to make me seem useless. Well done.

Horikita: However, if we did change leaders, he wouldn't be the most likely candidate.

Ryuen: I see. Well, I suppose that's expected of a clingy tagalong.

Horikita: So now you understand. Though I wonder what basis you had for your hypothesis.

Ryuen: That guy with you is considerably smart. Despite that, he hasn't achieved anything significant, or gotten high grades. He has some excellent qualities, though I have my doubts.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun, we've been putting you down mercilessly. Aren't you going to defend yourself?

She glanced at me.

(Y/N): Um... I would if I had anything to defend.

My lazy façade had become the perfect counterattack. I'm not exactly sure how he figured that out, but Ryuen appeared to understand me. Maybe he'd spent time measuring my academic abilities, physical abilities, and even communication skills.

Ryuen simply laughed.

Ryuen: Whether it's you, Suzune, or someone pulling the strings behind the scenes, you're stupid. You've already made your best move. Class D is one or two steps behind the other classes in points. The challenge will only heat up from here. You already played your trump card during the survival test, when the game was just getting started. You couldn't see what was in front of or behind you. I don't think you'll find this round as easy as last time. Tell that to whoever helped you ace the test.

Horikita: It sounds like you really want to believe that we have a secret weapon in our class.

Ryuen didn't answer. Even though he didn't have any evidence, he couldn't restrain from doubting Horikita. Ryuen believed in himself more than anyone else. He refused to accept even the slightest hint of advice from others.

Ryuen: Someone in Class D other than you is quite clever. There's no mistake about that.

Horikita: Well, isn't that a good thing? I don't particularly care. Besides, if you just arbitrarily jump to conclusions, why bother badgering me to confirm them?

Ryuen: A conversation reveals many subtle things. I'm glad I could talk with you, Suzune. It's a game to me. I'll discover who among you is making moves behind the scenes. Everyone, including your clingy friend here, is a target.

Horikita: Let me ask you something. I know it hurts that I saw through you, but why are you so fixated on me? Aren't you concerned about anyone else? Like Ichinose-san, or Katsuragi-kun? Going by the rumors, there's someone named Sakayanagi, too. Shouldn't the people in the classes above C be your concern? You should be able to at least answer that, I think.

(Y/N): 'She's right, Ryuen's focus was downright obsessive.'

Ryuen: I already know their abilities, to some extent. Neither Katsuragi nor Ichinose is my enemy. If I wanted to crush them, I could do it any time.

Ibuki: So what about Sakayanagi?

She wanted to confirm that information herself, apparently. Ryuen, who'd been unflappable until now, was silent before responding.

Ryuen: I'm saving her for the final course. It'd be a waste to eat her now. Let's go, Ibuki.

Ryuuen stood and left with his lackey.

After confirming both of them left our sights, I sighed.

(Y/N): You're a person of interest, Suzune.

Horikita: And who's responsible for that, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Are you upset?

Horikita: Not really. It's just that I hate your sarcastic way of speaking. I've always aimed to reach Class A, so I assumed I'd be attracting a lot of attention.

(Y/N): Well, I'm glad to hear that.

Horikita: Although, I can't imagine Ryuen-kun managed tonarrow down the list of potential candidates to you.

I knew he suspected me, but that wasn't important. I didn't know what Ryuen was thinking, but the fact that he showed up here was dangerous.

(Y/N): I think we were being spied on. Him suddenly meeting up with us is too convenient.

If I had to guess, Ryuen was already implementing his new strategy, and using this test to do so. I was the first person to join up with Horikita. There probably weren't many people he'd suspect to begin with.

(Y/N): A mistake.

I muttered.

He'd seemingly meant to say that there was someone smart here, someone just like him, but that was a little easy. Our encounter may have given Ryuuen an even bigger hint than I'd imagined. Was I just being overly concerned about the test?

Horikita held my hand with hers again.

Horikita: You're overthinking things. No one thinks you're involved. Despite what he said, he thinks you're an ordinary person, considering your lackluster achievements in the first semester. Besides, is there a problem for me to meet with my boyfriend at the first place?

I didn't know if that was a compliment or not, but she certainly had a point. No matter how much Ryuen investigated me, he would find nothing. Even so, because I was close to Horikita, I was undoubtedly being watched.

I sighed.

(Y/N): You're right.

Still, since Ibuki was in my group, she'd be an obstacle. It was going to be very difficult to maneuver.

I looked and saw students started popping up here and there around us, and I stood up.

(Y/N): Well, I think we're done for the time being. I'm still sleepy, so I'm going to head back to my room.

I said while rubbing my watery eyes. Horikita appeared fine with that, like she didn't need any advice.

Horikita: Alright then, we'll go our separate ways. If you make any progress, give me a report.

She let go of my hand.

(Y/N): I understand. Be careful, though.

Horikita: I will.

Despite being surrounded by powerful foes, Horikita was indomitable. Well, Hirata and Kushida would hopefully keep her in check. I'd head back to my room and sleep until the afternoon. Even though the test had started, I'd be useless until the time came.

...

Discussion

(Y/N)'s POV

Sotomura: Sorry to keep you waiting! Urrp! Urp! If you eat three heavy meals for lunch, you'll naturally have a full belly. I considered going on a diet, but it seemed futile.

The Professor walked up to me while patting his full belly, which was more swollen than usual. He met Yukimura and me right in front of the appointed room.

(Y/N): You're rather relaxed, considering the test has just begun. Me, I can hardly eat.

Sotomura: If you're not at full strength, there'll be trouble. It's like choosing a higher difficulty setting in a video game, wouldn't you say?

Yukimura: Stop talking like that. It's weird.

Of course, all the Professor's talk sounded like arcane magic to people who weren't accustomed to nerd culture.

Once you got used to it, it was fine. However, if I tried joining in right now, I'd probably antagonize Yukimura, so I decided to refrain.

Sotomura: Oh ho! Hmm, dost thou not care for my linguistic idiosyncrasies? Well then, Yukimura-dono, what wouldst thou like?

Yukimura: Whatever, I don't care. Just talk normal.

The Professor seemed like he wanted to antagonize Yukimura. Unfortunately, he started to talk in a language I didn't speak, but his passion came through loud and clear.

At any rate, we'd managed to kill some time. We arrived at a second-level room with a nameplate that read "Rabbit." The test had just begun, so the hallways were packed with students. Even so, it didn't feel cramped, most likely because the ship was so large.

Yukimura: The time for screwing around ended yesterday. From here on out, we need to fight for ourselves and for our classes.

Yukimura directed that statement toward the Professor, but I nodded in acknowledgement.

Karuizawa: Ugh. No matter how you look at it, we really do have the worst team.

Karuizawa entered the room, casting her eyes away from us. We had eleven people, Karuizawa included, and all sat in chairs arranged in a big circle. Given the low number of vacant spots, we were likely the last to arrive. I didn't know everyone's names, but aside from Ichinose and Ibuki, there was another student I recognized. It was the boy from Class A who I'd bumped into completely by chance during the previous test. I hardly recognized any of the other guys or girls. Rivals up until today, we suddenly had to cooperate with each other.

(Y/N): Why did they...?

Yukimura: What's the matter, (L/N)? Something on your mind?

(Y/N): It's nothing.

Students mostly divided into natural groups based on their class, but Karuizawa and Ibuki both sat a little further away, as if isolating themselves.

I'd thought for sure that Karuizawa would confront Ibuki the moment she saw her. After all, Ibuki Mio had stolen Karuizawa's underwear back on the island. You'd think she'd want revenge, but... Well, maybe Karuizawa was more mature than I'd thought, or maybe she'd already gotten her revenge. In any case, it was all rather unnatural.

Then, a voice came through the ship's loudspeakers.

"The first group discussion begins now."

A short, concise announcement. Naturally, no one was taking the lead. An awkward pall hung over the room. Then Ichinose Honami cracked a small smile and stood up.

Ichinose: Your attention, please! I don't know most of you, but I think we ought to introduce ourselves. After all, there are probably people here who haven't met before.

It was just like her to immediately volunteer herself as the leader. It wasn't easy to take initiative and pull a group of people together, no matter how popular you were. Some of the Class A students appeared somewhat perplexed.

"Is it really necessary to introduce ourselves, though? I don't think the school seriously meant that. I think it's fine if only the people who want to introduce themselves do it, right?"

Ichinose: Well, if that's how you feel, Machida-kun, I can't force you to do anything. However, a microphone might have been installed somewhere in the room to record everything we're saying, don't you think? If that's true, it may not be an issue for just the people who don't introduce themselves. The entire group might end up shouldering the blame.

She had a point. Individual non-cooperation here could be a problem for everyone.

Ichinose introduced herself first. I tried to put a little effort into my self-introduction, remembering how I'd failed to introduce myself well during the entrance ceremony. But in the end, my introduction was just as monotonous.

Ichinose: Hey there, (L/N)-kun. Looks like we're in the same group! I'm looking forward to working with you.

She said while wearing a huge grin on her face. She probably meant to comfort and console me. I gave her a slight nod and took my seat. Once everyone had finished, Ichinose spoke again.

Ichinose: Now that we've finished, how do you think we should proceed? Please tell me if anyone disagrees with me taking the lead.

Even though some students might've been dissatisfied with how Ichinose handled things, but since they likely feared being burdened with leadership, no one raised their hand.

Ichinose: Well, since it looks like no one especially wants the spot, I'll take the lead. To begin with, I think if there's any point that people don't understand or are worried about, we should all discuss it. If we don't, the situation will get worse over time. Does anyone have any questions?

No one raised their hand. Ichinose put a hand on her hip and smiled, undaunted.

Ichinose: Well then, there's something I'd like to talk to you all about. I'd like you all to assume that no one here is the VIP, and I'd like for us all to work together and clear this exam. In other words, I want to know if you think our best option is to pursue Outcome #1.

Karuizawa: Isn't that obvious?

Karuizawa didn't understand, but with that simple question, a hierarchy formed within the group. Yukimura and a girl from Class C named Manabe followed suit. They agreed with Karuizawa and said they obviously wanted to cooperate.

If everyone wished for it, we'd all pass the test with Outcome #1. A natural thing to say.

"I agree, of course. We're a group, and it's only natural for us to cooperate,"

In response, one of the boys from Class B raised his hand. His blue, smooth hair swayed slightly. He was a thin, somewhat androgynous-looking young man who'd introduced himself as Hamaguchi Tetsuya.

This had been a good way to start things off. If Ichinose's question sounded obvious to someone, that meant they weren't the VIP. The VIP would be forced to lie, while checking to see if they shared the group's feelings.

Ichinose had spoken first, and Karuizawa had agreed first. Yukimura and Manabe had followed her closely. Then came Hamaguchi from Class B. It wouldn't be surprising if one of them was the VIP. Boldly lying would divert suspicion, after all.

Machida: Ichinose, that question was unfair, wouldn't you say? If you say something like, 'assume that no one here's the VIP,' aren't you subtly calling the VIP a villain? Besides, no normal person would announce that they're going to betray anyone.

His response was clearly different from those of Classes D and C. Machida seemed doubtful of Ichinose, and ready to criticize her.

Hamaguchi: Isn't that a perfectly valid question, though? Ichinose-san didn't threaten us. She didn't order us to answer. If you don't want to, you don't have to respond.

Hamaguchi had coolly brushed aside all of Class A's criticism. Apparently, a war of words was brewing. Machida wasn't fazed by Hamaguchi at all. Rather, he spoke as though he'd expected it

Machida: That's most certainly true. In that case, I think all of us from Class A will remain silent.

As he said that, the other two people from Class A seemed to share his attitude. Everyone else who hadn't yet answered decided to remain silent as well.

Ichinose: Maybe that question was too harsh?

She smiled bitterly.

Hamaguchi: No, I think that your question was valid, Ichinose-san. Their wariness is extreme. I'd like to ask you something, Machida-kun. What question do you think would be appropriate? I don't think discussing our favorite foods or hobbies would be relevant to the exam. If you simply refuse to engage, then I'm unconvinced you can offer anything of value.

Machida: Nothing to offer? That's not the case at all.

He crossed his arms.

Hamaguchi: If the students from Class A want to sit in silence, then we'll have to carry on without you. At the very least, why not tell us what you think we should be discussing.

Hamaguchi was right. Machida knew this, but kept his arms crossed and refused to answer.

Ichinose: I'd rather not do this, but think of it this way. Sometimes we may need to make decisions based on a majority vote. People will most certainly be suspicious of those who don't want to answer the questions, and the group might turn against them. What do you say to that?

Ichinose's logic was similar to Horikita's, but the crucial difference was that Ichinose could bring people together. Being able to take tactical action while also gaining the group's approval demonstrated her powers of persuasion. Since most of the people in this room were already on Ichinose's side, she was the de facto leader.

Machida: Is that a threat?

Ichinose: Please don't misunderstand me. I just want to talk. You may answer however you please, but I want everyone to step up to the plate in this test. In other words, I want you to participate.

Machida: Will this test really be settled through discussion, though? Will you really discover the VIP through talking? Or are you going to bow your head and ask the VIP to help you?

Apparently, Class A's policy had already been decided. But I didn't think that Machida himself held the power. I sensed someone else behind Machida, pulling the strings.

Ichinose: Is there another way, then?

Machida: There is. There's a way to clear this test easily, and come out on top.

Machida replied without the slightest hesitation or anxiety. Ichinose and Hamaguchi couldn't hide their surprise.

Ichinose: Would you mind enlightening us?

Machida's fake altruism didn't fool anyone. He was talking about a Class A strategy. Something extremely simple.

Machida: I recommend that we don't discuss things at all.

He spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. Karuizawa and the Professor appeared to understand him easily enough.

Hamaguchi: Well, that's a rather unique idea. How exactly will we come out on top without discussing things, though? Do you think we should let the VIP remain anonymous, and quit while we're ahead?

He looked mildly irritated.

Machida: Yes. The shortcut to victory is to avoid extraneous discussion.

Hamaguchi: I can't believe this. If anything, I'm starting to believe that the VIP is someone from Class A. Are you just sharing information with the VIP and taking measures to protect him or her?

He had a point. If you gave away that information, discussion would be pointless.

Machida: It doesn't matter what class the VIP is in. You can most definitely win if you don't talk. That was Katsuragi-san's proposal.

(Y/N): 'Of course, it was his idea.'

Ichinose: Katsuragi-kun? I see.

As soon as Ichinose heard Katsuragi's name, she seemed to immediately understand.

Machida: There are only four possible outcomes. You all should know what those are. Consider. Which outcome do you think we should absolutely avoid?

Machida politely explained in more detail to Yukimura and the others, who still didn't get it. He turned toward Karuizawa, as if choosing her to answer.

Karuizawa: Umm. The outcome where someone figures out the VIP's identity and then betrays the group?

Machida: Exactly. If a traitor emerges, that will be our downfall. Whether the traitor discovers the person or not, we lose. But what if we flip things around?

He then looked to Yukimura.

Yukimura: There won't be any negatives, you mean?

Machida: Exactly. There are no consequences in the two remaining outcomes. Our class points won't rise or fall much. However, we'd gain a lot of private points. The only one who suffers in this scenario is the school. So there's no need to try finding the VIP. If we talk, we'll start suspecting someone of being the VIP, and then someone might make a mistake.

Hamaguchi: I do see what you're saying. But if we don't know which class the VIP belongs to, the point gap between classes could be widened further. What if the VIP's identity is extremely biased, and all VIPs are only chosen from one or two classes? That class would get millions of points. Although our class points won't be affected, I'm sure everyone understands the importance of private points.

Hamaguchi asserted that as long as we didn't know how the VIPs were distributed between the classes, we shouldn't carry out such a strategy.

However, his argument wasn't really going to work for Class A. After all, we were dealing with Katsuragi, who must have realized the test's "trick." Otherwise, he wouldn't have suggested this strategy.

Machida: Think about it. The school wouldn't distribute the VIPs unfairly. They hate unfairness so much that they emphasized their commitment to fairness even before the test began. What's important is that all classes have equal opportunity to produce VIPs. Otherwise, the test would be unfair right from the start.

(Y/N): 'Katsuragi proposed that the VIPs had been distributed fairly amongst the groups. His plan was to let the test pass calmly so that all classes would receive the same number of points.'

The school probably wouldn't be so careless as to inadvertently favor one class. That much was easy to guess.

Machida: So you understand it now. There's really no need for us to overthink things.

Ichinose: I suppose so. It's not a bad thing if the school is the only loser.

Ichinose seemed receptive to Katsuragi's strategy.

Ichinose: However, it's going to be unexpectedly difficult. Because the school guarantees the VIP's anonymity, you're asking for trust amongst your classmates. It'd be great if the VIP stepped forward and the points were shared equally with the class, but couldn't the VIP just monopolize all of those points?

Machida: We in Class A have established complete trust amongst ourselves. We're not at all worried about that. Private issues ought to be solved by that private group.

He seemed unfazed by Ichinose's question.

Katsuragi's plan was to play defensively, almost like he was putting up barriers. It really was a simple plan that anyone could pull off too. All it required us to do was not talk. You could say that this strategy was a way to break the test.

Ichinose: I see. So, do we agree it's as Machida-kun says? Each individual class can deal with the problem after the test has ended?

Arms crossed, she looked over Classes D and C.

Ichinose: I'd like everyone's opinions. Would that be all right? First, those who agree with the plan, please raise your hand.

Yukimura and the Professor raised their hands. The students from Class C, led by a girl named Manabe, raised their hands as well, though some took more time to think than others. Ibuki was the sole holdout, her arms crossed as they had been since the beginning of the test. She didn't move. She didn't speak.

Ichinose: What about you, Ibuki-san? If it's all right, I'd like to hear your thoughts as well.

Ibuki: Whatever. I don't really have anything to add.

She clearly stood apart from the other three Class C students. Manabe and the others didn't appear surprised by or suspicious of Ibuki. That must've just been how she acted normally.

Ichinose: I see. Well, what about you, Karuizawa-san?

Karuizawa: I... To be completely honest, I'm annoyed. I don't want to waste time fighting over what we're doing. I just want this test to be over so we can have fun.

The other students seemed astonished by her response.

Ichinose: What about you, Hamaguchi-kun?

Hamaguchi: We leave everything to you, Ichinose-san.

It seemed like the trust Ichinose's class had in her was unshakeable. The other two students from Class B nodded in agreement.

Ichinose: Thank you. Lastly, we have one more person to ask.

She then turned to me.

Ichinose: What do you think, (L/N)-kun?

I crossed my arms and closed my eyes for a moment.

(Y/N): 'Actually, the whole plan has an unseen drawback. Well, Ichinose may had noticed that as well, that Katsuragi's strategy was hiding something.'

I opened my eyes and looked at Ichinose, the others were staring at me, waiting for my response.

(Y/N): I mean, the strategy's fine. Besides, I think most people here agree, and I've never been good at talking.

I promoted accepting the strategy. However, I doubted that Ichinose would just accept Katsuragi's plan so easily.

Machida: It's decided.

Ichinose: Wait. Machida-kun. Katsuragi-kun's strategy certainly isn't bad. With it, there's no need to doubt, lie to, or hurt anyone. In the end, we'd receive an equal number of points. However, I want you to consider something carefully. I can't think of any downsides to this strategy, but wouldn't you say that being in Class A allows you to propose such a strategy? There may be downsides we don't see yet.

Ichinose's comeback was swift and incredible, as I expected. She continued after a pause.

Ichinose: If we assume that the classes all have an equal number of VIPs, then I do certainly think it's possible to earn a large number of points equally across the board by not holding discussions. If that's true, this plan has only upsides. However, wouldn't it be unfair to the lower level classes to make them throw away this chance?

Machida: Well, that's—

Ichinose: We don't know how many special tests we'll have before graduation, and the difference between Class A and the rest is remarkably clear. Class A also proposed the extreme idea of aligning all the classes back on the island. If Class A continues to recommend this strategy every time we have a test, our class positions will never change.

After Ichinose pointed out that fact, Yukimura's face visibly stiffened. It was like he wondered how he could have missed such a simple thing.

(Y/N): 'That's what I expected from the Class B's leader.'

Ichinose: I can't just throw away a precious opportunity. Not even if your strategy yields solid results.

The other students from Class B agreed with her.

Machida: Wait, Ichinose. I understand what you're trying to say, but if we follow along with what you're proposing, there'll be only one possible outcome. Only if everyone answers correctly will everyone in the group get a large number of points. The outcome you want isn't going to happen. Or do you intend to discover the VIP's identity through discussion, and then have Class B betray the rest of us? You just asked everyone if they wanted the first outcome. You aren't very trustworthy, wouldn't you say?

Ichinose: You said this wouldn't narrow the gap between classes, but that's not correct. There are four students from Class D, and four from Class C in our group. There are three from B and three from A. In other words, if we clear the test with the first outcome, it's possible for the lower classes to close the gap between themselves and the higher classes, wouldn't you agree?

Machida: So, you oppose our proposal. Please remember that Class A has already committed to its decision. No matter what, we will not discuss anything. You may talk amongst yourselves about whatever you wish.

As a demonstration of their separation, the three Class A students stood and went to the corner of the room. It looked like they planned to spend the rest of the time doing what they wanted. I was betting that the other Class A students in other groups were probably doing the same thing.

Ichinose: Now then, what should we do?

Ichinose faced the other three classes, who were still sitting around in a circle.

Ichinose: I wanted to avoid excluding anyone, but there's nothing we can do if that's your class policy. If you want to participate, just let me know.

She smiled bitterly.

Apparently, the Class A students had already lost interest.

Yukimura: Isn't it going to be impossible to find the VIP without their help?

His attitude had changed from a few moments ago, when he was ready to go along with the more convenient Class A plan. Even Yukimura had wanted to avoid Class D getting the short end of the stick.

Ichinose: Yes. If Rabbit's VIP is in Class A, trying to narrow down the list of suspects won't be easy. But in terms of sheer probability, there's a three in four chance that the VIP's in one of the other classes.

She didn't seem focused on finding the VIP right off the bat. Instead, she wanted to first narrow down which class the VIP was in.

Ichinose: Well, since they won't talk to us, this is going to be difficult. However, if the VIP does happen to be in one of the other three classes, I think everything should be fine even if they don't out themselves.

Yukimura and Ichinose apparently had a debate regarding Katsuragi's strategy. The Professor, who sat next to me, seemed ready to doze off any time now. I was about to do the same thing, but then...

Manabe: Hey, you're Karuizawa-san, right?

Karuizawa quickly looked up from her phone screen. She hadn't expected anyone to talk to her.

Karuizawa: What?

Manabe: I was just wondering... Before summer break started, did you and Rika get together?

Karuizawa: Huh? What's that? Who's Rika?

Manabe: She's a girl from our class who wears glasses. She has her hair up in a bun, like a dango. Remember her?

Karuizawa: I don't know her. Maybe you're thinking of someone else.

Karuizawa lowered her eyes back to her phone, as if deciding this conversation had nothing to do with her. However, the next words out of Manabe's mouth changed things.

Manabe: Isn't that strange, though? I'm sure we heard about it. We heard that Rika was bulled by a Class D girl named Karuizawa. Rika told us you cut in line and pushed her aside when she was waiting at the café.

Karuizawa: I told you, I don't know her.

Manabe: I'm just checking. If it is true, I want you to apologize to her. Rika is the type who keeps everything to herself.

Karuizawa decided to ignore Manabe. Manabe, looking frustrated, turned her phone's camera toward Karuizawa.

Manabe: You won't mind if we check with Rika then, will you? I mean, if it wasn't you, Karuizawa-san, then there won't be any problem, right?

Karuizawa looked up and knocked the phone out of Manabe's hands. She must have done it more forcefully than she thought, because Manabe's phone tumbled to the ground, spinning as it fell.

Manabe: What are you doing!?

Karuizawa: That's my line! Don't take my picture without my permission. I told you it's a different person.

Manabe: What would you have done if my phone were to break?!

Karuizawa: Tell the school to get you another one.

Manabe: I have some really precious photos stored on that phone, though.

After hurriedly picking up her phone, Manabe glared at Karuizawa with resentment. Two of the other Class C students, who'd been watching the situation unfold, came to help Manabe stare Karuizawa down.

Karuizawa: Wh-What... Are you saying I'm the bad guy here?

Manabe: If it wasn't you, you wouldn't get all angry and deny it like that, right? Let us take your picture.

Karuizawa: I said no...

(Y/N): 'I thought Karuizawa would be more straightforward, but her words were surprisingly weak.'

There was some fear mixed in with her "tough girl" act. It might've been my imagination, though.

However, Ibuki didn't share their sentiment. She looked scornfully over at Manabe, showing her contempt.

Ibuki: Stupid.

Manabe: What do you mean "stupid"? Ibuki-san, you have nothing to do with this.

Ibuki: Yeah, I have nothing to do with this. I just articulated my thoughts.

Ibuki crossed her arms and looked away. Manabe didn't appear to care for Ibuki's attitude at all, but did not confront her. There was probably a clearly established hierarchy in Class C, and Ibuki was above Manabe.

For some reason, Karuizawa turned to Machida, begging him to intervene.

Karuizawa: Hey, Machida-kun. Say something to her. I can't forgive her for trying to take my picture without my consent, right?

Machida: Ahem. I agree. Manabe, Karuizawa has told you that she doesn't want you to take her picture. Stop it.

Manabe: Machida-kun, you have nothing to do with this.

Machida: If this story were to spread around, I think you'd be the bad guy. Don't one-sidedly make assumption, the sole reasons for this is to double check with a friend.

Judging this situation fairly, Machida was correct. I certainly understood Manabe's feelings in wanting to take the picture to ascertain the truth, but if the person tells you no, taking a picture without permission is rude. Confronted with that argument, Manabe and the other girls had no choice but to back down, though Manabe didn't seem wholly convinced.

Karuizawa: Thank you, Machida-kun.

Karuizawa looked up at him, her eyes full of gratitude.

Machida: I-I just did waht anyone would've done.

He slightly blushed.

Perhaps this was the beginning of a new love? Karuizawa already had Hirata, though. Regardless, I got the feeling that the friction between Karuizawa and those Class C students would spark some real problems down the road.

...

In the end nothing was settled, but at least we'd spent the hour in discussion like we were asked to. The announcement came that we were free to go. The students from Class A all gathered together and left right away.

Ichinose: Well, we have five more discussion periods left. How about we bring this session to a close?

Ichinose had dismissed Katsuragi's strategy, but hadn't managed to reach a new resolution. Was she hiding something else up her sleeve? Or was she thinking of something else, perhaps?

(Y/N): 'Let's see what you've got, Ichinose.'

I then turned to Yukimura and the Professor.

(Y/N): Well, we're heading back, too. I want to talk to Hirata about some things.

The other classes were already making their moves. Yukimura seemed like he wanted to hurry up and start a discussion about our own strategy. To be honest, our class didn't boast a ton of competent planners, so it was a difficult decision.

In the end, the last people left in the room were the three Class B students and Ibuki.

(Y/N): Hey, Yukimura. Wasn't Karuizawa acting strangely?

Yukimura: She's always acting strangely.

Well, that was a straightforward and honest response, but not exactly what I wanted to hear.

(Y/N): 'I wasn't sure what, but something felt off about her. Maybe I didn't really know her at all...'

...

The next day, the second meeting was held in the same room at the same time like yesterday.

Ichinose: Well, this is the second time we've gathered like this. Don't you think we should start having open, honest conversation? We'll only meet so many times.

Of course, Ichinose had taken the lead and got things moving. As expected, she wished for peace. Hamaguchi and the other Class B students were exactly like that, too. They were ready to make alliances without hesitation.

Last time, people were flippant, but now things had changed. The atmosphere was oppressively gloomy. Everyone was jumping at shadows and incredibly wary. However, the three Class A students weren't bothered by anything, freely tapping away on their phones.

There wasn't any rule against contacting other groups, after all. They could even talk on the phone.

Yukimura: I don't think we need a breakthrough right now, but we do need a discussion. Class A might be breaking away from this test, but I think we need to pinpoint the VIP.

Karuizawa: But can we really find the VIP by talking? I just don't think we can. It's just, like, this test is so unfair. It's too hard. The VIP has way too much of an advantage.

Yukimura: I understand, Karuizawa-san. But doesn't that just depend on your point of view? I mean, the test on the island was also a surprise to the students.

Karuizawa: Sunrise?

Karuizawa looked puzzled.

Sotomura: If it's Sunrise, leave it to me! That's my specialty. I'm fired up!

I mentally facepalmed and sighed.

(Y/N): 'No, they said "surprise," not "Sunrise."'

Ichinose: You know, life on a ship's not bad. It's really fun, right?

Karuizawa: Well, yeah. It is pretty fun.

Ichinose: Right? So, that's why we need to get more comfortable. We need to talk like we're all friends. Don't you think it's hard, putting up walls like that? Machida-kun and the others always look so stern, you know?

Machida, who'd been listening to Ichinose's optimism, let out a snicker.

Machida: You're free to do whatever you want, but you probably won't find the VIP. I don't know who the VIP of our group is, but if the VIP doesn't share information, they may be devising a way to gain points for themselves. They're probably staying hidden on purpose. Besides, the VIP might be in Class B, right? How can you trust these guys?

Ichinose: But couldn't I say the same thing of you, Machida-kun? Can you really trust your allies?

Machida: Of course I can. We have no reason to fuss over finding the VIP. We have more than 100,000 points deposited into our accounts every month. No one in our class would lie just to get a mere 500,000.

Ichinose: Really? You know what they say: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Are you trying to tell me that no one in your class would want even one extra point? It's not like the school will be bothered if you get more.

Machida: Go ahead and keep being delusional. You're just grasping at straws.

Ichinose smiled at Machida. She'd certainly gotten a response out of him. Even though Machida said he wouldn't participate in the discussion, he'd taken Ichinose's bait. If he started talking, we might pull information out of him. By using Yukimura and Karuizawa, Ichinose had started collecting information.

Karuizawa sighed and went back to fiddling with her phone. While there wasn't any rule prohibiting phone use during the test, doing so while we were trying to find the VIP was a little rude.

Of course, knowing that Karuizawa didn't usually put serious effort into anything, this wasn't out of character. But something felt off. It felt like something had been off ever since the test started. Karuizawa; the reunion with Ibuki; confronting Manabe.

I realized that none of the things she'd been doing lately seemed like the "usual" Karuizawa. She was a strong presence in Class D. Whatever her reputation, she and Hirata often brought the class together. But here, she was practically a background character. When someone spoke to her, she would answer and then immediately shrink away. With that thought, my doubts and suspicions slowly grew.

For Class D to reach a higher position, we didn't just need to increase our points. We needed to create a system in which we could increase points. In comparison to Classes A and B, Class D lacked cohesion. And for that exact reason, Karuizawa Kei was irreplaceable. She controlled the rest of the Class D girls. That's why I was worried about her behavior. I'd thought she'd be more aggressive and dominate the field.

(Y/N): 'I had to determine whether she was useful or not. I needed to stir the pot, even if it meant being forceful.'

The Class A students immediately left the room at the hour's end. They were sticking to their class plan and staying quiet for the remaining four discussions. As Ichinose watched the students leave, she gave a heavy sigh.

Ichinose: Hmm. I suppose this is going to be tough. What do you think, (L/N)-kun?

Ichinose turned to me. She noticed that I kept quiet during these discussions, but didn't put me on the spot. She was just that charming. I would've had a crush on her. Too bad I already have a girlfriend.

(Y/N): To be perfectly honest, I'm the type to just sit things out. I'm just a bystander.

Ichinose: It's far too soon to give up. Let's work hard together!

Of course, she might have some kind of strategy that she couldn't tell anyone outside of her group. When Manabe and the others from Class C got up to leave, I trailed after them. Once they reached the elevator, I meekly called out.

(Y/N): Hey. Do you have a minute?

Manabe looked slightly on her guard, probably because she hadn't expected me to come after her.

(Y/N): I heard about your problem with Karuizawa. Something about her pushing someone at the café, right?

Manabe: Yeah. Why do you ask?

These girls wouldn't normally want to chat with me, but that topic seemed to interest them. All three focused on me, like they were checking me out.

(Y/N): I'm not 100% sure, but I think I saw Karuizawa fight with a girl from another class.

Manabe: That's... Are you sure?

Her voice was stiff, and she drew nearer. I slightly nodded.

(Y/N): I think so. Well, I just kind of got this bad vibe, you know? I felt like she was acting like a jerk, so I thought I'd go ahead and tell you.

I kept it vague to set things in motion, and then turned and went back the way I came. Honestly, I hadn't actually seen anything. If I'd kept talking, I would have probably been exposed as a liar. Now that the fuse was lit, Manabe and the others would react.

(Y/N): 'How would the newly docile Karuizawa respond? Let's find out...'

...

Trust

(A/N: Be prepared for a long chapter with about 8k words. I will be busy until the next week, so I won't update the story for a while. Sorry in advance. :P)

(Y/N)'s POV

I headed back to my room. It was getting close to midnight. I'd thought that everyone would be asleep already, but Hirata looked at me anxiously, like he'd been worried. Yukimura sat on the sofa and faced me.

Hirata: Good work today, (L/N)-kun. You're rather late.

(Y/N): Yeah, a bit. Ah, that reminds me. I wanted to talk to you for a minute, if you have the time.

Hirata: Sure, I want to ask you something, too.

Yukimura was trembling, like he was on edge. He probably wanted to talk about the test, too. I changed into my jersey and joined them. Hirata moved a bit to give me some space on the sofa.

(Y/N): You go first, Hirata. We can talk about my thing later.

HIrata: Thanks. I just chatted a bit with Yukimura-kun. We decided to share information about the test.

Yukimura: I did say that it was pointless to include you, (L/N).

(Y/N): 'How nice.'

Hirata: Well, well. I would've been glad if Koenji-kun participated, but he unfortunately declined.

Koenji: Sorry, Hirata Boy. I'm far too busy with the pursuit of physical beauty.

Koenji, naked from the waist up, was doing push-ups. He was soaked with sweat, but didn't seem bothered at all. Honestly, I wondered if Koenji was even participating in this test.

Hirata: Koenji-kun is participating in a group. After all, students are required to participate, and points are taken away if a student fails to participate.

(Y/N): Ah, I see.

Hirata: To tell you the truth, I got word that two of our classmates have been selected as the VIPs in their groups.

He whispered to me and Yukimura.

Yukimura: Wait, what? Who are they?

Hirata: Well, that's—

(Y/N): Hold on, Hirata. Wouldn't it be better to give us that information by phone? We don't know who's listening in on our conversations.

Hirata: Yeah, you're right, (L/N)-kun. Wait just a moment.

Two names showed up on Hirata's phone. He turned the screen to us.

"Dragon Group, Kushida-san. Horse Group, Minami-kun."

Immediately after I saw the names, Hirata erased them.

Yukimura: I see...

So Kushida was the VIP. Having that position in the extremely well-stacked Dragon group meant they had an enormous advantage. However, once they knew her identity, she was at their mercy.

Hirata pat on my shoulder.

Hirata: Don't worry. Everything is all right.

He's right. The three Class D people in the Dragon group were the best we had to offer. They'd never be careless enough to reveal the VIP's identity.

Yukimura: Speaking of Rabbit Group, it's equally possible for the VIP to be from any of the four classes. So in Class D, there are two VIPs that we know about. There should be one more VIP keeping his or her identity secret.

Hirata: Yeah. I think your logic follows. They certainly haven't talked to me about it. After all, there's a high risk of being discovered if you talk.

While we talked amongst ourselves, Koenji started humming. Yukimura, who'd been patient up until that point, bolted out of his chair in frustration.

Yukimura: Hey, Koenji! I'm not going to tell you to take things seriously, but you need to at least participate. We don't want you to screw everything up like you did back on the island.

Koenji: Well, I couldn't exactly help it. I was in awful shape.

Yukimura: You just faked being ill to get out of it!

Koenji: My, this test will be nothing but troublesome, wouldn't you say?

He grabbed the towel from his bed and started wiping his neck.

Yukimura: You are always acting so complacent, not considering anything.

Koenji: Well, there isn't any point to continuing a test that isn't interesting, right?

Koenji, phone in hand, started to fiddle around.

(Y/N): 'Wait, you're not gonna—'

Soon after, all four of us, including Koenji, received a notification from the school on our phones.

Yukimura: What did you just do, Koenji?!

Hirata and I read over the email we'd just received from the school.

"The test has now ended for the Monkey group. Those in the Monkey group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students."

Yukimura: Monkey Group? Hey, that's your group, Koenji!

Koenji: Of course. And now, I finally have my freedom once again. Adieu.

He tossed his phone aside before slipping into the bathroom. The rest of us were simply dumbstruck.

Yukimura: Wait, hold up! Damn, he did it again!

Well, Koenji didn't take the test seriously at all. That was true. However, he was remarkably perceptive and observant. He had boldly stated that the test wasn't interesting, as if he already know who's the VIP in his group. If that were true, he'd probably hit the mark.

Koenji's sudden actions soon became known to the rest of the students. Hirata's phone started to beep continuously as new notifications poured in. Classmates were desperate to know what'd happened. Probably no one had imagined that someone would turn traitor so soon.

Then, Horikita messaged me.

Horikita: I'm sorry. Things seem really confusing right now. I'm going to give you a call.

I turned to Yukimura and Hirata.

(Y/N): I'm stepping out for a bit.

I stepped out of the room. Yukimura was so irritated and Hirata was busying replying messages on his phone. I sighed as I closed the door.

To be honest, I was seeing my own limitations in this test. No matter how much I schemed, it would be extremely tough to lead the Class D students from all the remaining groups to victory.

If the students came together, we could do something. We had no connection. If I had some information that could decisively turn everything around, that would be another matter. There are two person in our class that could reverse everything, they were Hirata and Kushida. If I could use them...

(Y/N): 'No, it's impossible... There were three days left. Even if I did manage to gain their cooperation, I still didn't have enough eyes and ears. I needed to understand what was going on in each group's discussions.'

Things are getting more difficult to handle...

...

I chatted with Horikita through the phone call, nothing much, just explained the situation to her and conversed, that's all. I already couldn't sleep, and after all that, I couldn't just return to my room. I decided to wander around the boat before heading back.

I felt a bit thirsty, so I decided to head to first level of the deck. There should've been a few vending machines. But as I approached, I found an odd three-person group: Chabashira-sensei; the Class B homeroom teacher, Hoshinomiya-sensei; and Mashima-sensei from Class A.

The teachers were relaxing on the sofa. The area wasn't technically off limits to students, but since things like izakaya and bars weren't open to us, no one came around. I'd taken this route just for a change of scene, but had stumbled onto an opportunity. I hid myself and drew nearer.

Hoshinomiya: You know, it's been a long time since the three of us all got together.

Mashima: It is what it is. Fate. After bouncing around from one thing to the next, we all chose the teacher's life.

Chabashira: Enough. There's no point talking about that.

Hoshinomiya: Ah, that reminds me. You were on a date the other day, weren't you? You've got a new girlfriend, huh? Mashima-kun, you're quite the playboy. And here I'd thought you were the quiet, unsociable type.

Mashima: Chie, what happened to the man you were with?

Hoshinomiya: Ah ha ha! We broke up two weeks ago. I'm the type of girl who breaks it off once the relationship starts getting serious. It's just like, see ya later!

Mashima: That's what you'd usually hear from the guy.

Hoshinomiya: Ah, but I'd never do that to you, Mashima-kun. You're my best friend, after all. I'd hate to ruin our friendship.

Mashima: Relax. I'm not worried about that.

Hoshinomiya-sensei poured whiskey into an empty glass. She downed it in one gulp. Must've been a drinker. On the other hand, Chabashira-sensei sipped her drink like a cocktail.

Chabashira: What are you planning, Chie?

Hoshinomiya: Huh? What are you talking about? What'd I do?

Chabashira: It's customary to place all of the class representatives into the Dragon group, isn't it?

Hoshinomiya: I'm not screwing around or anything. It's certainly true that as far as grades and attitude are concerned, Ichinose-san is number one. However, someone's true place in society cannot be measured by numbers alone. I determined that she needed a challenge. And besides, rabbits are just so cute, aren't they? The way they hop around. Doesn't that suit Ichinose-san?

Chabashira: I hope you're right.

Mashima: You got something on your mind?

Chabashira: I just hope... that we are not letting personal affairs clouding our judgements.

Hoshinomiya: Oh, are you still talking about what happened ten years ago? I thought that was all water under the bridge.

Chabashira: I wonder. I mean, you can't seem to stop yourself from running your mouth. You're not satisfied unless you're one move ahead.

Hoshinomiya-sensei sipped on her drink before replying.

Hoshinomiya: I do think that putting Ichinose in the rabbit group would be the best. By the way, Sae-chan, I couldn't help but notice you've been focusing on (L/N)-kun. Anyway, it's just a coincidence. Coincidence, coincidence. When the island test ended and (L/N)-kun became a kind of leader, you weren't surprised at all, were you?

Mashima-sensei nodded as though convinced of something. However, he then strictly addressed Hoshinomiya-sensei.

Mashima: However, even there's no rule against this, but I want to be clear. Stop spying on other colleagues' classes.

Hoshinomiya: Come on, you're not trusting me a single bit at all. Sakagami-sensei is part of the problem, too. If we evaluated the Class C students properly, another student should've been placed into Dragon. But they threw Ryuen in there.

Mashima: Well, that's certainly true. This year's students are different from the last. Some of them are rather special.

With this newfound information, it was about time for me to head back. If I stayed any longer, I might be seen. Just knowing that Ichinose had been sent to spy on me was enough for this little reconnaissance.

(Y/N): 'In that case, my actions are further limited...'

...

Horikita: You're kidding, right?

The first thing out of Horikita's mouth sounded very accusatory.

(Y/N): Rather unfortunate, but that's the fact. Koenji did finished the test for his group.

As soon as I finished my sentence, she hit my head with a karate chop.

(Y/N): Ow! What's that for?

I gently soothed my head.

Horikita: Are you an idiot? Why didn't you stop him? Wasn't that your responsibility as his roommate?

(Y/N): Believe me, That's an impossible task. Besides, there's nothing I can do about it now.

Koenji's treasonous act had circulated around the ship, and naturally the classes were in an uproar. Even though we'd chatted yesterday, Horikita wanted to meet face-to-face today. She'd keep blaming me for Koenji because he was my roommate. I decided to change the subject.

(Y/N): For the time being, we should concentrate on our own groups.

Horikita: It's true that my group is filled with troublesome opponents, but I've no intention of falling behind.

She certainly had an iron will. Well, I supposed I would have to leave the matter to her. I had problems of my own, specifically with Ichinose and the others who'd been secretly sent by Hoshinomiya-sensei to spy on me.

(Y/N): I was thinking. You're a girl, more or less. I wanted to ask you something.

Horikita: I really don't like the way you said that. 'More or less'? I am a girl.

She pinched my cheek. Horikita had misunderstood what I'd meant.

(Y/N): Ow ow, I'm sawwy. Pwease ret me gow.

She huffed and let go of her hand. She looked disgruntled, and turned away from me.

(Y/N): Forgive me, that's not really what I meant. I meant there was something I wanted to ask you, as a girl.

Since she'd probably get angrier no matter what I did, I cut to the chase.

(Y/N): I want information on Karuizawa.

Horikita: You want to talk to me about Karuizawa-san?

I nodded.

(Y/N): I'd like to know more about the people in my group, but it's not easy. I'm at a complete loss with Karuizawa. After the test on the island ended, Karuizawa invited you out to lunch. Right?

Horikita: I turned her down, though. You know that. I have no interest in Karuizawa-san. If you want information on her, why not talk to Hirata-kun? If he's helping you, you'll be able to contact her easily.

(Y/N): That was certainly true. Unfortunately, prior to the test, I had also passed on the opportunity to have lunch with Karuizawa. Hirata probably remembered that, so I wanted to avoid asking him about this.

Horikita: What worrying you is that she could be a VIP, right?

(Y/N): There's that. But more than that, I can't understand Karuizawa's behavior.

Horikita: Well, isn't that none of your business, (Y/N)-kun? Besides, her behavior isn't logical. I think it's a waste of time.

(Y/N): Suzune, I think we shouldn't judge a book by its cover. You and Karuizawa don't get along at all because you're both willful, so you see her as nothing more than a nuisance. You understand that she may also have a competent side, too?

Horikita: I can't really imagine any. Isn't she just flawed?

In terms of cooperativeness, Horikita was probably at the same level or even worse than Karuizawa.

(Y/N): When you first see someone, you make judgments based on their appearance. You might determine if someone is cool or cute, for instance. Call it your first impression. Then, you learn about their inner self through conversation and seeing them in action.

Horikita crossed her arms, acting like my words were obvious. She waited for me to continue.

(Y/N): But that's still just as superficial as their outside appearance. Their innermost thoughts aren't going to be immediately apparent from that. For example, take Kushida, Ibuki, or even me. There's a difference between a person's outer and inner selves.

Horikita: So including Karuizawa-san?

(Y/N): Yes. Almost everyone has that one other side. You do, too. Maybe you haven't even noticed yourself about your other side.

Whenever she came face to face with her older brother, she exposed her fragility.

She sighed.

Horikita: Although it's hard to accept, but fair enough. So, what are Karuizawa-san's good points?

I paused for a moment.

(Y/N): It's expressed rather implicitly... but so far I'd say it's her ability to control a situation. She can take the initiative. In fact, her position in Class D is unshakeable.

However, in the Rabbit group, that part of her stayed hidden, which exactly why I needed to uncover Karuizawa's true nature as quickly as possible.

Horikita: For the sake of argument, let's say you're right. What would you do next? Are you actually thinking of getting Karuizawa-san to work with you?

(Y/N): Hmm, I wonder about that...

While I thought about how to answer, Ryuen approached us.

Ryuen: Hey, you two. Having yourselves a nice date in the shade? Let me in on the fun.

He wasn't with Ibuki, apparently. He drew closer to us, wearing a creepy smile.

Horikita: It seems like you have an awful lot of free time. Not that I care, but there's nothing for you here.

Ryuen: That's for me to decide. Well then, have you decided how to find the VIP?

He sat down without bothering to ask permission.

Horikita: Whatever my plans may be, I've no intention of telling you.

Ryuen: That's too bad. I wanted to get your opinion. However, it looks like you haven't made any progress at all in your search.

Horikita: That's an interesting thing to say. Are you saying that you know who the VIP is?

Ryuen smirked slightly at Horikita, as if expecting her to express disbelief.

Ryuen: I take everyone's cell phones. So if someone lies to me, all I have to do is check everyone's email, one by one.

Horikita: Are you insane? The school doesn't allow that. If you were discovered, you'd be expelled.

Ryuen: I'm here because it's not a problem. Do you get what I mean?

Ryuen's calm proved that what he said was true—that he was operating within the rules. His strategy was to forcibly lay bare all of Class C's secrets. At any rate, if what he was saying was true, Ryuen had identified three of the VIPs. That was a huge step toward completing this test.

Horikita: You haven't got the answer yet. If you had, you would've sent an email to the school immediately. You don't know when someone else is going to figure it out. You shouldn't be so laid-back.

She didn't have any proof, but Horikita was probably correct. If he already knew the answer, there'd be no benefit to delaying the result. He should have ended it.

Ryuen: Well, then let me move on to the ending phase. See you again, Suzune.

Ryuen left. His parting words made me wonder if he planned on reporting back regularly.

Horikita: It's hard to make out the truth from what he just said—

I gestured her to keep quiet.

While we kept silent, we peeked underneath the chair that Ryuuen had been sitting in. Under the chair was a single cell phone set to record audio.

I didn't want to court disaster by continuing to look, so I sat back up. Horikita quickly understood, took out her own phone, and sent me a short message:

"If that phone is his, we probably shouldn't say anything careless."

Well, she wasn't wrong, but who knew what the correct answer was? This was difficult, but it would also be suspicious for us to just go silent.

(Y/N): Hey... Do you think what Ryuen said was true? About finding out the VIPs from every class.

Horikita looked perplexed for a moment. However, she seemed to quickly pick up on what I was getting at. She sighed.

Horikita: I don't know. I'm not 100% sure but I think we have a chance. Still...

(Y/N): Sounds like things are rough for you, too.

Our conversation only highlighted Horikita's capability and my incompetence. That way, suspicion would probably be directed away from me. At any rate, Ryuen was using his own phone to try and find out more.

(Y/N): If you're not expecting too much, I'll do what I can.

She gave me a nod. Without saying anything else, Horikita got up, walked to the elevator, and left. I left Ryuen's phone alone and walked away. Eventually, I decided to head back to my own room. I could learn more detailed information about Horikita's group from Hirata, more or less.

However, Hirata wasn't in the room when I came in. I only saw Yukimura. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking grave.

(Y/N): Yukimura, what's going on?

Yukimura: Finally you asked. Why we have to be in the same group as Sotomura and Karuizawa? There's no way this will work out with them.

He crossed his arms and sighed.

(Y/N): Oh, why did you say so?

Yukimura: I'm telling you. There was something weird about the group selection. You really think it's normal that most of the smart people to be grouped into the Dragon group?

So that's what he was agonizing over. It was certainly true that the Dragon group did seem to feature the best of the best.

(Y/N): 'He's right... In the Rabbit group, we've some of the worst. No, the worst of them all.'

Yukimura didn't use a certain person's name, but when he looked at me it was clear he was thinking about Horikita .While I continued listening to him, I returned to my bed and laid down on my side. I thought I'd take a nap until Hirata returned.

Unfortunately, I felt a disagreeable gaze on me. Yukimura stared at me suspiciously.

(Y/N): What are you looking at?

Yukimura: Just to confirm. (L/N), you're not the VIP, right?

(Y/N): Unfortunately, I'm not the VIP.

Yukimura: Are you sure? You're not being selfish and trying to hoard points, are you?

(Y/N): I'm not the VIP. Can I believe that you're not the VIP, Yukimura?

Yukimura: Yes, of course you can. I'm not the VIP. Neither is Sotomura, by the way. I checked with Karuizawa, too. She said that she's not the VIP, but whether I believe her is another issue.

Yukimura normally showed disdain for Karuizawa, so he tended not to believe what she said. He'd know the truth for sure if he checked her phone, but given that they had a tenuous relationship, that would be difficult.

I laid my head on my pillow and closed my eyes. I couldn't really relax with someone else in the room, but it wasn't too unpleasant. When I really focused on trying to make friends, I could be as adaptive as a chameleon, and it seemed even Yukimura was starting to warm up to me.

I fell into a light sleep, punctuated by Yukimura's occasional sighs.

...

In the afternoon, I went to the Rabbit group's discussion room. Despite the fact that it was a bright, sunny day, the atmosphere could completely change depending on the company. I arrived ten minutes before the discussion was set to begin and appeared to be the first one there. The next to arrive was Karuizawa.

When she saw me, her expression changed to one of apparent disgust, and she quickly averted her eyes. After that, she moved as far away from me as she could and sat down. She took out her phone and started fiddling with it.

We didn't exactly get along. We didn't really fight, though. She simply disliked me. But that was actually the most bothersome kind of relationship.

Karuizawa didn't seem like she planned to pass the time quietly. She put her phone to her ear and started talking.

Karuizawa: Oh hi, Rinocchi? How are things with you right now? Me? Ah, things here suck so bad. Like, I'm seriously fed up with everything.

(Y/N): 'How unfriendly.'

Since we were the only two people in the room, I could naturally overhear every bit of Karuizawa's conversation, including how she skillfully wove together expressions of both joy and melancholy. Immediately after her call ended, there came a moment of silence.

Karuizawa: That reminds me. So, are you the VIP? It seems like...Yukimura-kun and that Soto...kun aren't.

Wow, she was talking to me. At least she could remember Sotomura's name. Yukimura had asked me that same question a little while ago. I suppose it made sense that everyone wanted to check.

(Y/N): Nope.

Karuizawa: Ah, okay. That's fine.

(Y/N): ...Do you believe me?

Karuizawa: Huh? You said you're not, didn't you?

Even though we didn't get along well, she seemed to believe what I said. Well, I wasn't looking to get more points in this test. What was important was ascertaining whether Karuizawa could be useful to me.

Ichinose: Eh, you two sure are early.

The three Class B students had arrived together.

(Y/N): Ichinose.

I raised my hand slightly. Ichinose spoke to Karuizawa as well, but Karuizawa was so busy on her phone, she didn't respond.

Everyone in our group showed up before the start time. However, the situation hadn't changed at all from yesterday.

Class A kept its distance from the rest of us, so the rest of us formed a circle. Then, Karuizawa got up and sat down next to Machida from Class A. Probably a defensive measure against Manabe. Machida didn't participate in the discussion, but we felt his presence very strongly.

Ichinose: Well then, the conversation hasn't advanced a lot since yesterday night. Still, I think we should try and find the VIPs after all.

"This again? If we don't all participate, there's no way you'll find the VIP."

One of the Class A students was mocking Ichinose.

Ichinose: I don't think so. It's a problem of trust. That's why today, I'd like us all to play cards together.

She brought out a deck of cards, all while smiling.

"Hahaha! Building trust through playing cards? That's so stupid."

Ichinose: You can say it's stupid, but if you give it a try you might like it. Besides, spending an hour in complete silence sounds awfully boring. Why not kill some time?

Sotomura: I wanna play too!

Well, we didn't have anything else to do right now. So... why not kill some times playing card?

Including me, Sotomura and the three students from Class B, a group of five persons formed a circle and started to play Daifugō.

(Y/N): 'Hey, I have to admit that it was quite enjoyable.'

The hour passed. In the end, neither Class A nor Class C joined in, so the five of us played from beginning to end. We spent hours playing games rather than talking. However, even after this session of psychological revelation, I still couldn't understand Class B's true plan. Only Ichinose had that information.

Ichinose: Well, I suppose I'll be going now.

Hamaguchi: Huh, where are you going?

Ichinose: I can't allow Class A to continue like this, after all.

Hamaguchi: So you're planning... to meet up with Katsuragi-kun?

So, Ichinose intended to confront the man who'd devised Class A's "castle gate" strategy. Even though I wasn't a fundamentally social person, I knew I should take advantage of this and decided to follow her.

...

Ichinose: Could it be that, (L/N)-kun is interested in Katsuragi-kun as well?

We were walking to the meeting place of the Dragon group. Although, Ichinose didn't seem wary of me. Rather, she looked simply curious. She tilted her head.

(Y/N): No, that's not it. It's just that Suzu— I mean Horikita is in the same group as Katsuragi.

Ichinose: Ara, so (L/N)-kun you just want to meet your girlfriend. I see, I see. Well then, let's hurry!

(Y/N): R-Right.

Ichinose: Aw, no need to embarrass, (L/N)-kun.

She winked at me.

(Y/N): 'That did not help at all.'

Ichinose: Although, I was a bit envious of Horikita-san. She have such a nice and handsome boyfriend.

(Y/N): I... Uh... Thank you for your compliment?

She chuckled.

Ichinose: You're welcome! Come on, I think we're close to their room now.

Ichinose picked up the pace. At least the rooms were all on the same deck, so it wasn't too long a walk. Since the discussion had only just ended, there was a scattering of students in the hall. Soon, we arrived at the Dragon group's room.

We stopped right outside the door. They might still be talking in there. I sent Horikita an instant message, but I didn't think she read it.

Ichinose: It seems like they're taking their sweet time.

(Y/N): I can't imagine Ryuen and Katsuragi holding a discussion. Maybe Class B is showing off their power?

Ichinose: I wonder. Kanzaki-kun isn't the type to take the spotlight. On that note, you have Horikita-san in there with some others from your class, right? She's a star player in the Class D line-up.

(Y/N): 'Well... there's Hirata and Kushida with her as well.'

Ten minutes passed until, finally, the door opened. The first person to exit the room was Ichinose's target, Katsuragi. Other Class A students trailed behind him. Katsuragi immediately noticed Ichinose.

Katsuragi: Ichinose. What are you doing here?

Ichinose: There's something I'd like to discuss with you, Katsuragi-kun. Do you have a minute?

Katsuragi: Well, the testing period is three days long. I have several minutes available.

He gestured his classmates. The other Class A students understood and continued on their way.

Ichinose and Katsuragi moved out of the way of passersby. I somehow managed to remain in the conversation, so I stood close to Ichinose.

Ichinose: Let's cut to the chase. You forbade all the Class A students from talking amongst their group, right? If so, would you reconsider that decision of yours?

In the three discussions we'd had so far, the Class A students had passed the time in complete silence. Ichinose couldn't break down those walls on her own. She needed someone to lower the castle gate and let her in.

Katsuragi: I refuse. This is a strategy I came up with to obtain victory. My reasons are good. Think about it, this test is about thinking. If you miss that, it's a big problem. So, in keeping with the theme of the test, I've decided to stifle discussion.

Ichinose: However, Katsuragi-kun, your idea is basically a rejection of the test itself.

Katsuragi: What I've said might sound bad, but it's not. I'm looking out for my class, looking for ways to not only preserve our standing in this test, but in tests to come. Do you agree that there's nothing wrong with me protecting my class?

Katsuragi wasn't interested in small intergroup competitions; he was solely focused on maintaining Class A's lead.

Katsuragi: Any further discussion is meaningless, Ichinose. You can't change my mind.

Ichinose wore a wry, pained smile as she rubbed the back of her head. She didn't appear disappointed, but she probably understood there was no budging Katsuragi.

Ichinose: Oh man.

Katsuragi: If Class A doesn't participate, there's not much you can do. There shouldn't be any way for you to win.

Even if the three other classes were united, winning wouldn't be easy. If they discovered the identity of the VIP, anyone could become a traitor. As long as the potential traitor stood to gain something, it'd be difficult to maintain cooperation until the bitter end.

Katsuragi: I think if we were in the same position, you too would have chosen the same strategy as I did.

Ichinose: I wonder...

Katsuragi: If it's to protect my class, I don't particularly mind being criticized by others.

Katsuragi locked eyes with Ichinose. In response, Ichinose smiled softly.

Ichinose: I'm sorry for taking up your time. I think I understand now. Understand your thoughts and ideas, I mean.

Katsuragi: I'm glad to hear that. Well, if you'll excuse me.

Ichinose watched Katsuragi leave. She sighed.

Ichinose: This test is easier if you're playing defense. I guess I'll have to do even more.

(Y/N): 'On the other hand, The lower classes were frantically fumbling around for hints, but that was risky. If you missed the VIP, you'd let down the rest of the class.'

Ichinose: Even so, Kanzaki-kun and the others haven't come out yet.

Only Katsuragi and the other Class A students had shown themselves. So far, no one else had left the room.

(Y/N): Are you going to wait for Kanzaki?

Ichinose: Yeah. (L/N)-kun also waiting for Horikita-san, right? I wanted to ask her something, too. Let's wait together.

We waited for nearly thirty minutes until, finally, the door opened. All of the Class C students left, except for Ryuen. Kushida and Hirata came out next.

Kushida: Huh? (L/N)-kun, what are you doing here? Are you waiting for Horikita-san?

Kushida approached me, looking puzzled.

Ichinose: Hello, Kushida-san.

Kushida: Uwaa, it's Ichinose-san. Hello! I didn't expect to see the two of you together.

Ichinose: We're waiting for Horikita-san and Kanzaki-kun. Are they still talking?

Kushida: Oh. They're still discussing things with Ryuen-kun right now. Maybe you could step inside?

Kushida gestured toward the door, as if inviting us in.

Ichinose: Oh no, it's all right. If they're still in the middle of something, we can wait.

Kushida: Well, I think it's fine. Besides, the test period is only one hour. Any time after that, we're free to come and go as we please. Besides, they may not be talking about the test.

Kushida opened the door and called us in. Ichinose and I couldn't refuse her invitation, so we entered. Hirata and I briefly exchanged looks as we passed each other. Inside, Horikita, Kanzaki, and Ryuen were sitting slightly apart from one another. It was a three-way deadlock.

As we entered, everyone turned their attention toward us. Horikita and Kanzaki didn't change their expressions, but Ryuen chuckled, as if we amused him. Then, he raised his hand to Ichinose.

Ryuen: Yo. Did you come all the way here to do some reconnaissance? Don't be shy. Take a seat.

Ichinose: Hmm. This is certainly an interesting combination. I'm very interested to hear what you've been talking after the allotted one hour of test ended.

Ryuen: Of course. Originally, I thought you would have taken Kanzaki's place in here. But you ended up in a different group. What's more, you got shoved into a completely hopeless, hapless group.

Ichinose: Come on, Ryuen-kun. The placements and everything, all were decided by the school. How could I've known?

Ichinose pretended she hadn't noticed anything, but Ryuen wasn't the type to believe a woman so easily. Chuckling slightly, he drew closer to Ichinose. He didn't pay any attention to me. Well, that was fine, actually.

Ryuen: If you haven't realized it yet, then let me tell you. In this exam, the teachers were the ones who decided on the groups. That would mean, there's a reason you were excluded from this group despite being the leader of Class B.

Ichinose: Hmm~ I knew Ryuen-kun's group was made up entirely of extremely gifted people. But it seems like other groups are also decided like that. Thank you for the helpful advice. But should you really give me so much information?

She responded as promptly as expected. I noticed Ryuen's face change, though. As Ichinose looked completely calm, and thanked Ryuen for the advice.

Of course, she might have been purposefully hiding something. Considering how bright and lively Ichinose normally was, you might think she was incapable of deception. I didn't know how intuitive Ryuen might be, but he likely recognized that something was going on.

Ryuen: Heh, even so...

Ryuen, looking exasperated, turned to me.

Ryuen: You know, I love chasing skirts, but you're on another level. First Suzune, now Ichinose. You're always sniffing around some chick, aren't you?

(Y/N): 'I... He's right. I couldn't exactly deny what he was saying.'

Ryuen: Well, you've come at a good time, Ichinose. I have an interesting proposal for you.

Ichinose: A proposal?

Horikita: It's completely stupid. Listening to him would just be a waste of time.

Horikita must have already heard this proposal, because she was quick to urge Ichinose to reject it.

Ryuen: It's a proposal to work together and crush Class A together. I don't think it's a bad idea, eh?

Ichinose: I'd like to hear out.

Ryuen: I told Suzune this earlier, but I already know all of the identities of the VIPs from Class C.

There it was. Just as Katsuragi had his own strategy, Ryuen had come up with a very Ryuen-like plan.

Ryuen: Three classes will share information about all the VIPs. That way, we'll bypass the school's rules.

So, he wanted the three of us to join forces.

Ichinose: That's quite a bold idea. However, the feasibility of the plan is a completely different matter. First of all, how do we confirm that you already know the identities of VIP from Class C?

Ryuen: Your distrust towards me is only natural. In that case, why don't we make a contract? We'll pledge to share the identities of our three VIPs and go after Class A. That way, our three classes will benefit, but Class A won't.

(Y/N): 'The strategy itself is not bad. However, I just can't trust Ryuen at all.'

Horikita: A contract is meaningless, since we won't know who might betray whom. If Class C betrays us, it'll all be over.

Her flat rejection was completely expected. It seemed that Ryuen had already been allied with Class A for a while. Also, during the test on the island, Ryuen had been quick to betray others. That alone was all the proof we needed as to how devious he was.

Ichinose: What Horikita-san said is reasonable. But unless we know the identities of the VIP like Ryuen-kun does, this is a meaningless proposal.

Ryuen: There's no point in playing dumb. It's not like you haven't been analyzing the classes as well.

The two were all smiles, but the mood changed. It grew tense, and it felt like we were all on tenterhooks.

Ichinose: You're overestimating me. I've done no such things, and besides, the proposal isn't very reliable.

Ryuen: Being secretive is prudent, but sometimes you need to act.

Horikita: Maybe from your perspective. You're casting a wide net right now, and gathering information. Haven't you ever dreamed of rising up to Class B?

Ichinose: Horikita-san rejected your proposal. Therefore, this plan is off to a bad start.

Ryuen: This can't be helped. Suzune has a reason to decline the proposal after all. You understand, don't you?

Horikita: What do you mean?

Ryuen: For this strategy to work, you'd need to understand perfectly your own classes, and, for Class D which has no teamwork at all, that's an impossible task. It's also impossible for Class A, since they're split into two factions.

The atmosphere in the room changed again. This time, the air felt heavy, like before a storm.

Ryuen: But for me, who rules the class and the incredibly popular Ichinose, this strategy is possible. By the way, I just proposed a three-class alliance, but even if it's just two classes, it's still possible. How is it? Will you join me, Ichinose?

Ichinose: Class B and Class C cooperating...?

Ryuen: The chances of a perfect outcome might be lowered, but since it's me we're talking about, I can see it through. You can do it too, right?

Ichinose: You really overestimate me.

The fact that Ryuen had openly shared his idea and asked Class B to double-cross us right in front of Horikita, myself, and Kushida was very unsettling. If it isn't a bluff, Ryuen was actively working to discover each class' VIPs, and he could get there without too much trouble.

(Y/N): 'I was going to keep my mouth shut, but it can't be helped.'

I sighed before starting to speak out.

(Y/N): It may be little disrespectful, but... After all, this doesn't make sense, does it?

Everyone turned their eyes on me. Horikita looked surprised as well.

Ryuen: Now the tagalong gets it?

(Y/N): If Class B and Class C join forces, maybe Classes A and D would join forces as well? Class D and Class A would indeed band together in that dire situation.

Ryuen: Hmph, Ichinose and I haven't entered into an alliance yet, so you have no way of knowing. Are you sure Katsuragi will cooperate with you?

Katsuragi was most definitely cautious. He probably wouldn't make any moves without evidence. However, since he'd also suffered losses on Ryuen's account, there'd be some room for negotiation.

After listening to me, Horikita had also realized that we couldn't afford to let Class B and Class C's alliance form.

Horikita: There's no point continuing this discussion any further. In the end, both parties would just crush each other.

Ryuen: What do you mean, Suzune?

Horikita: I mean exactly what (L/N)-kun said earlier. If you insist on continuing to act as if this were a strategy meeting, we'll just have to assume that this is your intent and respond accordingly.

Ryuen: As you wish. I'm looking forward to seeing whether you or not you can get your class to come together.

Despite his open hostility, Ryuen shamelessly extended his hand to ask us to work together. Horikita, meanwhile, was exhibiting her determination to fight to the bitter end.

Ichinose: I'm sorry, Ryuen-kun. Some of the Class B students have been hurt by your actions. Even if it's possible for us to get more points, I can't ally with you on that reason alone.

Ryuen: That's a shame.

He didn't look the least bit disappointed, but rather like he'd guessed that his plan wouldn't fly from the get-go. Ryuen got up and left the room, passing us by. As he left, Ryuen glanced at me one more time. Our eyes happened to meet.

Ryuen: It can't be.

Ryuen lightly shook his head. Of course, I didn't respond.

Kushida: Ah, I should get going too, my friends are waiting for me.

Ichinose: See you later, Kushida-san.

She quickly retreated from the room. In the end, I was left with my usual partners in crime.

Ichinose: Fuwaa... I guesshe saw through me.

Even though Ichinose didn't look particularly flustered, she sighed deeply.

Horikita: This will be tough. He's gunning for us.

Ichinose: Ryuen-kun aside... The problem is with Katsuragi-kun's iron fortress strategy. How did you feel when you talked to him about it, Kanzaki-kun?

Kanzaki: He responds when he is called out to, but he seems unwilling to engage in dialogue. He's unapproachable.

Ichinose: Is that so?

We had three discussion periods left. After that, each individual group would have to submit their answers.

Horikita: Well, I'm going to head back to my room.

Ichinose: We should get going too.

All of us left the room together. I whispered to Horikita.

(Y/N): Hey, do you want to have dinner together?

Horikita: No, thanks. I'm tired after this whole discussion.

(Y/N): Alright, rest yourself well.

I patted her head as we walked together.

Ichinose: Hey, (L/N)-kun. Would you walk with me for a little bit? I would like to ask for your opinion about something.

(Y/N): Umm...

Ichinose: May I? Horikita-san?

I glanced at Horikita. She sighed before responding.

Horikita: I'll allow it.

Ichinose: Thank you, Horikita-san! I'm promised won't steal (L/N)-kun away! Eheh.

She winked at Horikita. The latter sighed again.

Horikita: I'd trust you won't... And you too, (L/N)-kun.

She gave me a deadly glare before walking away. I gulped.

(Y/N) 'Well, I don't wanna get stabbed by compass again...'

...

I strolled out with Ichinose and two other students from Class B. It felt a little crowded. After we split from Kanzaki and reached the ship's deck, we slipped into a large crowd of students. Everyone looked as though they'd shaken off the test and were in the mood to have fun.

Ichinose: I understand what Horikita-san said earlier, but I think there's still room for cooperation.

I turned and looked at her.

(Y/N): Cooperation?

Ichinose: Yes. I was surprised when Class A distanced themselves, but I think we have a chance. But to pull it off, we might have to reveal everything.

(Y/N): Everything?

She nodded.

Ichinose: The test is all about identifying the VIP, right? Then we need to find as many people as possible who aren't VIPs. I think the rule of thumb is to increase the odds. So I'm just saying... I'm not a target. But I intend to find out who is the VIP and push us all to victory.

Ichinose said that with confidence as she looked me square in the eye. She continued.

Ichinose: You might think that if I'm the target, I could just be hiding my identity. But (L/N)-kun, the reason I'm not is simple. Everything I do is for the sake of Class B.

Her words held a mystery that was hard to explain. Considering Ichinose's behavior until now, there was only a fraction of doubt left in my mind. If she wanted my full cooperation, then she needed to take things a step further. If she showed me her phone voluntarily, right now, she would gain all of my trust.

However, she didn't display any signs of doing that. She didn't even try to take her phone out. Should I accept her statements as the simple, thoughtless pledge of an ordinary girl? Or did I detect a layer of intrigue? I couldn't tell, and that was why I felt what she said was mysterious. It was probably safer to just accept what she said.

Ichinose: Is it absurd?

(Y/N): No, sorry. I was just surprised by your honesty. I thought that, even if perfect cooperation is impossible, trying to form solid relationships is no bad thing. If I don't answer now, it might hurt our relationship down the line.

Ichinose: No, no, I don't think so.

What Ichinose was saying was true. Even if she fooled me and lured me into a trap, her reward would be rather small. Breaking the truce with Horikita and exploiting Class D would be nonsensical. Sure, I couldn't be 100% certain she wouldn't betray us, but I couldn't be 100% certain I wouldn't be killed by a meteor, either.

(Y/N): I'm not the VIP. Neither is Yukimura, I can say that with absolutely certainty. Unfortunately, I don't really know about Karuizawa or the Professor...err, I mean, Sotomura. It's not clear yet. Personally, I agree with you on principle.

Ichinose: S-sorry. It seems like I forced your answer.

Ichinose lowered her head, as if burdened by feelings of guilt. She didn't need to apologize, though.

(Y/N): 'I'm the one who will need to apologize to you someday, probably.'

Ichinose: Hey, Hamaguchi-kun. Got a minute?

Hamaguchi: What is it, Ichinose-san?

Hamaguchi approached us, looking relaxed. Ichinose filled him in on the current situation. Surprisingly, she concealed her cooperative relationship with Class D.

Hamaguchi: If (L/N)'s confirmed it, there's no reason for me to refuse. I'm not the VIP.

When I considered his relationship with Ichinose, I believed him.

(Y/N): I'm surprised. So you haven't checked with your classmates yet?

Ichinose: Yes. I try to let my classmates move on their own accord. There are those people who just want points for themselves. It's not like I can just decide the VIP amongst them of my own accord anyway.

She held down her hair from being blown by the sea breeze and continued.

Ichinose: This might sound impertinent, but I'll check with the remaining person myself. If that person answers me honestly, I'll tell you later, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): That's nice of you, but it's not like I've told you everything about Class D. We still haven't really established an open and honest relationship yet, and there's no guarantee I've told you the iron-clad truth.

Ichinose: Oh, don't worry. As long as I just have your cooperation, (L/N)-kun, I'm happy.

With that, real cooperation in the Rabbit group began. I was sure that neither Ichinose, Hamaguchi, nor I were the VIP. After considering his behavior and attitude, we were convinced that Yukimura wasn't the VIP, either. Excluding us four, that meant there were ten suspects remaining. One of them was the VIP.

Hamaguchi: How do you plan on finding the VIP? Even if we try asking people directly, I can't imagine that they'll openly admit to anything. It'll probably be difficult to persuade them with words alone.

Ichinose: Well, isn't the point of this test for us to figure it out?

She was right. This was an exceptionally difficult exam. You needed to extract information from someone who wanted to conceal the truth.

(Y/N): 'All humans are born liars, and are mostly used to lying. If a person that has never lied exists, then their existence itself would be a lie. There are kind lies, but they're still lies... at the very least.'

With Ichinose making her move, the once-hopeless situation was starting to change.

...

Dark Past

(A/N: Hey guys! I was really busy for the whole week, but still, I managed to progress the chapter a bit by bit for the last few days. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy it and I apologize for any mistakes I made.)

(Y/N)'s POV

Somewhere in this group of students was the VIP. We still had time until the discussion period began. Like last time, I was the first to arrive. I'd come early to observe everyone's behavior.

A group of Class C girls were the first people to enter. They were chatting loudly, looking like they were enjoying their conversation quite a bit. However, when they saw me, they instantly lowered their voices and sounded disgusted. They made sure to sit a good distance away from me. Next in was Yukimura, who was grinning. We briefly exchanged glances, and then he sat near me. He didn't seem particularly different from his usual self.

Next came the Class A group, Machida and Takemoto. Morishige came in by himself. Since they'd decided not to discuss anything, they once again sat at the far end of the room, close to the Class C girls.

Manabe: Ah, Machida-kun.

The group of Class C girls approached Machida.

Manabe: Hey, Machida-kun, today after all this ends, do you want to hang out with us? We haven't found someone yet.

Machida: Huh? Let's see...

(Y/N): 'Hmm... Machida usually does not participate in the discussion. But it seems like all the other girls in the group are interested in him.'

The girls were probably inviting Machida to hang out because they'd given up on finding the VIP. Or maybe that was part of their plan. Was this how men and women formed relationships? Machida didn't seem perturbed by this. In fact, he looked pleased.

Next came the other Class D students: the Professor and Karuizawa. Rather than coming here together, it looked like they'd arrived at the same time by sheer coincidence. Karuizawa appeared openly disgusted by the Professor's presence. After they entered, she quickly moved toward the back of the room.

Karuizawa: Hey, that's my seat.

She placed her left hand on her hip while glaring at the Class C girls. After seeing them being so friendly with Machida, she seemed even more frustrated.

Manabe: Huh?

Karuizawa: I said, that's my seat. Move.

Manabe: I don't know what you're on about. Can't you see I'm talking to Machida-kun right now?

Karuizawa: Hey, Machida-kun. Could you please tell her that you want me next to you?

Machida looked a little troubled by the situation, hesitating over which girl he should pick. However, Karuizawa quickly inserted herself between Manabe and Machida, and grabbed his hand.

Karuizawa: How about we spend some time together, just the two of us? Or have you promised that girl you'll go with her? I hate womanizers, so if you're going to hang out with that girl...

Machida: Huh? Wait, I...

(Y/N): 'Wait, wasn't Karuizawa going out with Hirata?'

The "just the two of us" part really seemed to strike a chord with Machida. It appeared he'd made his decision.

Machida: Excuse me, but would you please move? That's the seat Karuizawa's been sitting in.

Manabe: Huh? What the hell? Ugh, this is bull.

The girls, looking upset, promptly got up and left. Karuizawa moved into the empty seat. Actually, she scooted so close that she was practically glued to Machida. Seriously, they were right next to each other, their bodies pressed together. Karuizawa's actions didn't seem petty or frivolous to me, but that was probably because I already knew what kind of person she was.

Karuizawa was dating Hirata. Whether or not Machida knew that, it looked like he'd started to fall for her. Appearance-wise, she was definitely cute. Also, from the perspective of someone with a crush, it made sense that he'd want to protect her.

Ichinose: Hello, everyone! Let's get along today as well~

Speak of the devil. Ichinose arrived, bringing life into the depressing room. I found the air in the room especially heavy today, but thought it best not to speak carelessly.

(Y/N): Ichinose?

Ichinose: Eh, Karuizawa-san and Machida-kun? That's rather unusual.

(Y/N): I suppose...

As someone who knew what Karuizawa was like, I could already see how her personality informed her actions. I wondered if Karuizawa always wanted to be at the very top, whether it was in class or this group. Of course, it wasn't an easy thing for a girl to stand at the top. I mean, if it was an extremely charismatic girl like Ichinose, that was one thing. But if you didn't naturally excel, it was impossible.

However, in our school lives, relationships determined whether someone placed high or low in the caste system. Through her overbearing behavior, Karuizawa had become a leader for the Class D girls. She'd also gained a lot of influence over both guys and girls by becoming Hirata's girlfriend.

Yukimura: This isn't good.

(Y/N): Yeah. If things continue like this, the VIP will get away.

Yukimura sat next to me and muttered his concerns. I opted to just roll with it.

...

In the end, the Class A boys didn't participate this time either. Like the previous meeting, we became absorbed in playing cards for the hour, and then disbanded. Yukimura frantically searched the area for something, but unfortunately it didn't seem like he'd gotten any clues as to the VIP's identity. I'm sure it was the same for all the other students.

Even if we did talk, it wasn't as though the VIP was just going to step forward. I watched the order in which all the students left. The Class C students were usually the first out the door, but they hadn't moved. Meanwhile, the Class A students, typically the last to leave, were the first out the door. Well, not everyone in Class A had left yet. Machida and Karuizawa were exchanging contact information.

Yukimura: I think it's time to head back. You coming, (L/N)?

Yukimura and the Professor got up.

(Y/N): Yeah.

While we spoke, Karuizawa answered her phone and stood. She exited the room, chatting away on the phone, seemingly talking about something funny or interesting. As she walked away, the three Class C girls brushed past me and made their way out.

Yukimura: Those three girls, don't you think they seem a bit strange to you?

Sotomura: Do you think so as well? I have not noticed anything.

(Y/N): 'Certainly... However, I'm curious about the reason why Ibuki is the only one who's left...'

Yukimura: Maybe it's a personal quarrel among them?

(Y/N): Let's follow them. I don't think there'll be violence, but it could lead to an uproar.

Yukimura: Damn Karuizawa. She's always making people hate her. I wanted us to spend our precious time finding the VIP.

While the Professor headed back to his room, Yukimura and I quietly chased the four girls. When we turned the corner, I heard the ka-chack sound of an emergency exit door slamming shut. The elevators weren't even crowded, so it wasn't like there was any reason to use the stairs. There had to be another reason why they'd gone in there. I opened the door and heard voices

Karuizawa: Hey, what are you guys doing? Bring me to a place like this!?

Manabe: Don't play dumb with us. You did push Rika, right? Start talking.

Karuizawa: H-Huh? Why are you accusing me? I already told you, you've got the wrong person!

The three girls surrounded Karuizawa, forcing her up against the wall. They were preventing her from escaping. However, even surrounded, Karuizawa offered no apologies. She continued to deny what they were saying. Maybe she really was innocent.

Karuizawa: I have something to do now, so would you mind moving aside?

Manabe: Then let me confirm it! I'm going to call Rika now! If she said you're the culprit, I'll call the teachers!

Neither side intended to back down. Karuizawa tried to escape, but the girls grabbed her arm and pushed her up against the wall. One of the girls took out her phone, probably to call Rika.

Karuizawa: W-Wait a minute. I just remembered. I may have accidentally bumped into that girl.

Manabe: Tch. You filthy liar. You remembered her from the very beginning, didn't you? Well, either way. Are you going to apologize to Rika or not?

Karuizawa: Haa? Why should I apologize? She's the one in the wrong. It's not my fault that she's an airhead.

I would've thought Karuizawa would take responsibility for her actions, but instead, she refused. She refused despite knowing it would upset them.

Manabe: You're really pissing me off! I was even thinking about forgiving you if you'd actually apologized to Rika. But now, we definitely won't forgive you.

The girl pressed down against Karuizawa's shoulder.

Karuizawa: Whatever. You probably never planned on forgiving me.

After Karuizawa spat out those words, one of the girls, Yamashita, lost her patience.

Yamashita: Shiho-chan. I can't hold back anymore. I really won't forgive Karuizawa.

Another girl from the group, Yabu voiced out as well.

Yabu: I know, right? She should understand exactly how Rika felt. Why don't we bully her for real?

Manabe struck Karuizawa's shoulder with a little extra force.

Yukimura: Hey hey hey... Things started to go wrong.

More importantly, Karuizawa Kei looked like she was starting to change.

Karuizawa: Ahh... ahh...

She panted as if she were having a hard time breathing. She held her head in her hands as if she were in pain. When Manabe and the others saw her suffering, they weren't sympathetic. The opposite, actually. It irritated them.

Manabe: What now? What happened to the attitude from a while ago!? Even if you act all feminine like that. I won't forgive you anymore.

Yamashita: I always hated Karuizawa's face, don't you think she's really ugly?

Yabu: I know right? Do you want to cut up that face of hers?

Karuizawa: S-Stop it. Stop it.

Yukimura: Damn, they—

Yukimura started to throw the door open, but I grabbed his arm.

(Y/N): Wait a little bit more.

Yukimura: What the hell, (L/N)!?

Even if we stepped in now, Karuizawa would be threatened again at some point. However, if they got even a little violent while we were watching them, it'd be a deterrent for later. Also, depending on how violent they got, we could possibly threaten them, telling them we'd report them to the school.

Manabe: 'St-stop it', she says. What happened to that determination you had a while ago?

The more you envied your enemy, the more you hated them, to the point where you wanted to strip away their advantages. If we were talking looks, then Karuizawa had them all beat. But Manabe, Yamashita, and Yabu wouldn't be satisfied until they'd verbally torn Karuizawa's pretty face apart. Karuizawa trembled, frightened. She was on the verge of tears, still unable to move

People show their true colors when they're in jeopardy. A little more pressure, and I'd know who Karuizawa Kei really was.

Yukimura: Damn, I just can't keep watching anymore!

(Y/N): Ah, Yukimura! Wait!

Yukimura couldn't stand by any longer. He threw open the door. The three girls were naturally shocked by his sudden appearance. Karuizawa, on the other hand, looked like he'd saved her life.

Yukimura: You all, what are you doing!?

Manabe: What? Nothing special, right? We were just having a conversation with Karuizawa-san, that's all.

Manabe glared at Karuizawa, as if telling her not to say another word. But Karuizawa wasn't the sort to shy away.

Karuizawa: Yukimura-kun, please do something! They abducted me out of the blue and started to push me around. They're the worst, right?

She'd normally never talk to Yukimura, but she was probably grateful to him now. Meanwhile, the Class C girls glared at Yukimura.

Manabe: I'm just helping Rika with her problem with Karuizawa, since you're here. You must have also heard the gist of things right?

(Y/N): 'It can't be helped...'

I sighed as I reached for my phone.

Yukimura: I think you should let it go. If they just accidentally bumped into each other. It's not like Karuizawa is to blame for all of it, you know.

Manabe: You should just shut up! This has nothing to do with you.

Yukimura: I-I...

Under the weight of their glares, he fell silent. Karuizawa shot a look at Yukimura, like she thought he was pathetic. She quietly took out her phone.

Karuizawa: Just leave me alone already. Otherwise, I'll call for someone.

Manabe: Call? Call who?! Hirata-kun? Machida-kun? OR maybe a prostitute like you can call as many men as you like.

Fights between girls often got dirty, and unlike with men, violence wasn't really an option. This was painful to watch.

(Y/N): Hey.

I walked towards them.

Yukimura: (L/N).

(Y/N): A teacher was just here. I think it'd be better if you left.

I had no other choice but to step in and break this up. Class C probably didn't want to cause a scene.

Manabe: You better bow your head and apologize to Rika.

The Class C girls kept intimidating Karuizawa, who desperately tried to keep a brave face. But it was obvious that she'd lost her confidence. The other girls seemed to know that. They continued their hostility.

Yukimura: Hey. Are you okay?

Karuizawa: Just leave me alone!

As Yukimura drew nearer, Karuizawa slapped his hand away.

Yukimura: What the hell? I only came to check on you because I was worried!

Karuizawa: God, shut up! Nobody asked you!

Karuizawa's breathing grew even more ragged. Yukimura stepped back, overpowered. I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and stepped back, too. Karuizawa glared at me as she opened the emergency stairwell door and slammed it as hard as she could after she left.

Yukimura: Jeez, what's with her? She's always, always causing trouble for people!

I understood Yukimura's feelings of resentment. Karuizawa was certainly a troublemaker. Yukimura, seemingly exhausted from the ordeal, left without saying another word. I stood alone in the emergency stairwell and thought about Karuizawa. The leader of the Class D girls had shown her vulnerable side. However, the threats hadn't frightened her; she'd been terrified for another reason.

...

It was the middle of the night on the second day. The pool, which was crowded during the daytime, had once again grown silent. There was no one around. I took out my phone to make a call. Because the phones already had teachers' contact information stored in them, getting in touch with Chabashira-sensei was a relatively simple task.

I was waiting for her while eating a lollipop. Surprisingly, I liked it.

(Y/N): 'Even though we are in the middle of summer, sailing right above the ocean's surface, the wind is rather cold at night...'

Then, I heard some footsteps walking towards my direction.

Chabashira: Sorry to keep you waiting, (L/N).

(Y/N): It's okay. More importantly, I'm sorry for calling you out this late.

She crossed her arms and smirked.

Chabashira: It's a consultation from a student. As a teacher, I have an obligation to respond. It's nothing strange. For better of worse, this is your first time calling me out here alone.

(Y/N): 'That's... Sensei, who doesn't handle Class D with love, is not very well-liked by the students...'

Chabashira: What? Your gaze is strange...

(Y/N): No, nothing. Actually, there's something I'd like to ask sensei, but... You know, you look pale.

Chabashira: Don't worry about it. It's just adult things. So what's the matter?

(Y/N): 'Hmm... I wonder what that is?'

At first I hadn't noticed because it was dark, but Chabashira-sensei looked so pale that I thought she might be deathly ill.

(Y/N): In this school, you told me there's nothing that cannot be bought with points. But there are exceptions, correct?

Chabashira: I suppose so. Exceptions naturally exist. For example, if you try to buy the lives of teachers and students with points, we cannot allow that to happen.

(Y/N): Then, the most expensive thing ever bought with points in the past—

Right as I was speaking, I felt the presence of someone else nearby.

Hoshinomiya: Ya-hoo~ Sae-chan, are you feeling good?

Hoshinomiya-sensei arrived. Was it just a coincidence? Unlikely. She'd probably followed Chabashira-sensei.

(Y/N): Hoshinomiya-sensei?

Chabashira: Are you drunk?

Hoshinomiya: Hmm? No, of course not. There's no way I could be drunk.

Chabashira: Really... you can hold your liquor really well as usual. Both yesterday and today as well.

Apparently, Hoshinomiya-sensei had an iron liver.

Hoshinomiya: Hi-ya, (L/N)-kun! Are you feeling well?

Hoshinomiya-sensei was acting a little overly familiar with me. She placed her hand on my shoulders, and then hugged me so tight I could smell the alcohol on her body and breath.

(Y/N): I'm fine.

Hoshinomiya: Uwah! A really impressive yet no-so-cute answer. So does (L/N)-kun like tsundere Onee-san like Sae-chan?

Chabashira: Don't wrap yourself around a student. You're getting in the way of my work.

Thankfully, Chabashira-sensei grabbed Hoshinomiya-sensei by the nape of her neck and dragged her off. I recalled the teachers' conversation I'd overheard the other day. Even the instructors were wary of each other, competing with and deceiving others as they aimed for the top class.

I didn't know if it was because getting to a higher class meant an increase in their salaries, or if there was a longstanding rivalry between Chabashira-sensei and Hoshinomiya-sensei from their school days.

Hoshinomiya: So what are the two of you talking about this late at night? Isn't this by itself a big problem?

Chabashira: Big problem? As a teacher, isn't it obvious for me to respond to my student's anxieties and consult them on it.

Hoshinomiya: But if that's true, couldn't you do it in a more open place?

Chabashira: It's what (L/N) himself requested, he wanted to consult me in private without anyone knowing.

Hoshinomiya: Fuhn?

I was standing a little further from them while pondering on something.

(Y/N): 'I'm sure that the school and the teachers do attempt to make the system a fair one. If critical information were to be leaked, then it would certainly be a severe problem. Considering that... It is very probable that Ichinose was assigned to Rabbit group without being told anything is particular.'

While I thought about that, I began to plan my next actions.

Hoshinomiya: Hmm. Well, I suppose you're not violating any rules.

Chabashira: Good. Now hurry up and leave already. I'll head back soon myself.

Hoshinomiya: Okay, okay. But remember, no sexy times.

She left, with that very unnecessary comment as her parting shot.

Chabashira: Sorry. She's troublesome.

(Y/N): It's alright.

I didn't know what there was between them, but it had nothing to do with me.

(Y/N): Anyway, picking up where we left off. I was wondering, what's the largest amount of points someone spent in the past?

Chabashira-sensei nodded, looking like she was lost in thought.

Chabashira: If I have to say, it would be "to change the rules of the school". Of course, you can only change it realistically. For instance, you could change the regulations to allow you to arrive at school a minute later that usual and such.

(Y/N): ...So only an example?

Chabashira: Dissatisfied?

(Y/N): No, it's okay. With this, I can more or less understand the school system and the uses of points better.

Depending on how you used your points, you could make changes to the system in even the most trivial of ways. In other words, the possibilities were endless. Private points were of incredible significance.

Chabashira: You could've asked that through mail.

(Y/N): Sending a mail leaves records. I'd like to avoid that.

I decided to leave it at that. I walked away, in a different direction from the way Hoshinomiya-sensei had exited. While I still had more questions, this was good enough for the time being.

(Y/N): Soon... I'll be asking you for a favor.

When I looked back over my shoulder, I saw Chabashira-sensei eyeing me with suspicion.

...

It was around two in the morning when my roommate quietly woke up. Taking extreme consideration as to not wake the other three people in the room, Hirata slipped out of bed. Since students were required to sleep in their jerseys, he stole out of the room while still wearing it.

After I'd confirmed he wasn't going to the men's room, I grabbed my keycard and got out of bed myself. There was no guarantee he'd make a move today, but it seemed like my labors had begun to bear fruit. Once he realized that I was awake, we exchanged glances without speaking a word.

Then, he stepped out. I found him in the hallway, wearing a troubled look.

Hirata: I wonder if I woke you up or if you were already awake?

(Y/N): The latter. I assumed you'd leave the room tonight.

Hirata: And how did you make sure accurate prediction? Tonight's actually the first time I left the room during the night.

Trying to deceive him would have a detrimental effect, so I thought it best to just be honest.

(Y/N): Karuizawa contacted you, didn't she?

Hirata seemed to understand what I was getting at, just as I'd expect. His comprehension skills were flawless.

Hirata: Perhaps... Do you know something?

(Y/N): I'm in the same group as Karuizawa after all. I may not be informed about everything that happened, but I understand the situation to a certain extent.

Hirata: ...

(Y/N): 'Indeed, with that explanation I gave just now, it still wouldn't be enough of a reason for me to follow you.'

I sighed before continuing.

(Y/N): You once asked me to act as the bridge between you and Horikita, right? I'm just acting as such.

Hirata: Ah, I see. So you're here because Horikita-san ordered you to do something, right?

(Y/N): She ordered me to report everything from Rabbit group to her, including Karuizawa's situation. So once I heard about Karuizawa's situation and reported back to her, she told me to observe you as well. But you said you wanted to be a bridge for her, so I thought this might be the chance to finally make that happen.

Hirata: What kind of information does she want?

(Y/N): Everything you know about Karuizawa. Also, whatever it was you talked to her about.

Hirata probably didn't see why I needed information about Karuizawa. However, he seemed to understand the impact this could potentially have.

HIrata: That's a bit... I'll have to talk to her. And I'm not sure how much I can tell you. I have to consider Karuizawa-san's feelings as well.

With that, Hirata started walking away. I decided to just follow him at a slow, unhurried pace.

Hirata: I'm positive that (L/N)-kun won't say anything unnecessary. However, what we're about to discuss is extremely sensitive information. Also, there's the slight possibility that Karuizawa-san will simply refuse to talk and go back. It'd be better for you to keep these things in mind.

(Y/N): I understand.

I could always eavesdrop on them, but Hirata probably wouldn't like that. Since this was something Karuizawa didn't want others to hear, she'd called for him in the middle of the night. He'd never approve of me listening in from the shadows. My best bet was to just give him a straight, honest answer.

The meeting place was in front of the vending machine near the second-level lounge area. Being in the center of the hallway, it was easy for people to see us, but its placement also meant that we could see them. Its location made eavesdropping difficult.

Karuizawa: Ah, Hirata-kun!

Karuizawa was already waiting for Hirata, clad in her jersey and sitting on the sofa. When Karuizawa saw Hirata coming, she instantly smiled, but when she noticed me trailing slightly behind, her joy was replaced with anger. She stood and shouted at me.

Karuizawa: Why is (L/N)-kun together with you?

Hirata: Well... It's alright. I was the one who contacted him and asked to accompany me. I'm sorry for not telling you first.

Karuizawa looked upset, but it didn't seem like she'd snap at Hirata.

Karuizawa: Why? I told you I wanted to talk to you alone...

Hirata: I know, but I was quite concerned about what Karuizawa-san told me. So I brought (L/N)-kun, who seems to understand the situation to a certain degree. Sorry for deciding things on my own like this.

Karuizawa: But... I still wish to speak with just the two of us...

Hirata: If you want, we can be alone. But when we spoke earlier, you never said anything about it having to be just the two of us.

I already assumed this was related to the trouble she'd had with the Class C girls, but I wondered how Karuizawa would approach the topic. If she just wanted to vent her anger, there'd be no reason for it to be just the two of them. Karuizawa had wanted to talk about something without any third parties present. That meant she wouldn't talk about it if I were here.

Hirata: You were telling me about the quarrel you had with Manabe-san and her friends from Class C. Is that true?

Karuizawa opened her mouth slightly to answer, but said nothing, perhaps because she was still wary of my presence. Hirata once again broke the silence.

Hirata: Then, does (L/N)-kun, already know about your quarrel?

Karuizawa: Somewhat.

Since this wasn't working, Hirata attempted to shift the conversation. It looked like he intended to ask me questions.

Hirata: From what Karuizawa-san has told me, it seems they accused her first. And then they dragged her off to an isolated location and were on the verge of attacking her violently.

(Y/N): Yes, that's correct. I witnessed it myself. Yukimura witnessed the scene as well.

Hirata: I see...

Hirata looked momentarily lost in thought and closed his eyes. I wondered what he'd do.

Hirata: If Manabe-san and the others did indeed use violence, then we need to do something about it. I can't allow friends to use violence against each other.

When Karuizawa heard Hirata's just words, she momentarily broke into a smile. But when she saw me looking at her, her expression changed back to anger.

(Y/N): 'Do you really hate me that much?'

Hirata: So Karuizawa-san, you were bullied to the point of not being able to fight back, right?

(Y/N): No.

Karuizawa tried to answer, but seemingly couldn't. She just glared at me without saying anything more. I couldn't lie, so I just told Hirata what I'd seen.

(Y/N): Apparently, Karuizawa and some girl named Rika had some trouble in the past. Manabe and her friends wanted to make Karuizawa apologize. But then they'd almost gotten violent with Karuizawa.

Hirata, after hearing the whole story, nodded as if I'd filled in some gaps.

Hirata: I see. So that's why you told me something like that.

(Y/N): Something like what?

Hirata: Karuizawa-san... asked me to stand up for her and get back at Manabe-san and her group.

(Y/N): 'It is a much more straightforward request that I expected.'

After Hirata spoke, Karuizawa finally broke her silence.

Karuizawa: Why are you telling him all this...?

Hirata: Because this isn't the usual Karuizawa-san. You're the type to fight violence with violence.

Karuizawa: But your girlfriend's suffering, right? You should want to help me.

Hirata: Yes, I am aware. However, I don't believe in such an eye-for-an-eye confrontation. You know that, don't you?

Their core differences were starting to clash.

Hirata: Let's calm down and think of a way to get along and Manabe-san and her group.

Karuizawa: It's impossible... I was one-sidedly attacked by them. Please understand...

Hirata: One-sidedly? Wasn't it because you bullied Morofuji-san first, Karuizawa-san?

Karuizawa: But that's...

Hirata said Morofuji, but he probably meant Rika. That must've been her last name. It was amazing how much information he had.

Karuizawa: I had no other choice... Shinohara-san and others were watching me.

(Y/N): So basically just because Shinohara was there, you had no other choice but to bully her, is that what you mean—

Karuizawa: You shut your mouth!

Her voice carried all the way down the hallway. Okay, she's really hate me.

Karuizawa: I beg you, please save me...! Hirata-kun, you'll protect me, right?

Hirata: Of course I tend to protect you... However, I won't do anything to Manabe-san and the others. I'll try to find a way—

Karuizawa: I'm telling you that's impossible! If things were that easy, I wouldn't have even asked you to save me in the first place.

What she said might have sounded absurd, but I understood how she felt. Karuizawa's position was more dangerous than I expected. Things might very well end violently.

Hirata did seem to be worried about Karuizawa, but he was also worried about Manabe and her friends. Hirata wanted to think of a way to resolve things peacefully for all parties. He wasn't treating Karuizawa like his treasured girlfriend, but as another friend.

Hirata: The reason doesn't matter to me at all, I merely cannot do what you expect of me. For me, Karuizawa-san, is indeed a precious classmate. If there's something troubling you, I'll protect you without hesitation. But whatever the reason, I won't hurt someone for your or anyone else's sake. Even if it's a student of Class C.

Karuizawa: You liar! You said you'd protect me!

Hirata: Liar? You've known this was my stance since the beginning.

He stood up. The next words out of his mouth would've taken all the Class D students by surprise.

Hirata: I told you from the start, didn't I? That we are not a couple, not a real one at least. I don't mind pretending to date you, but I won't help you in such a manner, and you won't be able to depend on me like this.

Karuizawa was horrified by what she'd just heard.

Karuizawa: What?! Wh-why are you saying all of this now?!

Hirata: A new approach was required... in order to help you.

He wasn't abandoning Karuizawa at all. He was seriously trying to help her, in his own way. He approached Karuizawa, who now looked really upset, but didn't even try to touch her slender, delicate shoulder. I would've expected him to do that much.

Karuizawa: Are you implying that... I'll have to use violence?

Hirata: No. I intend to have a talk with Manabe-san and the others in the morning. I'll ask her to stop involving herself with you. You might be against it, but I intend to tell them you wish to apologize...

Karuizawa: That's not I want!

Hirata: If that's the case... Then there's nothing I can do for you.

Hirata was calm. Even now, he was composed. But he was also extremely reliable, and for someone like Karuizawa who needed that reliability, losing it was basically a death sentence.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun, if you have any solutions, please do tell us...

It seemed like he was trying to make me take a more active role in this.

Karuizawa: No need! If you're not going to listen to my request, then I don't need someone like you!

Hirata: Karuizawa-san...

Karuizawa: Our relationship ends here today. It's over!

With that, Karuizawa abandoned us and fled. Hirata seemed annoyed not because the truth of their sham relationship had been revealed, but because he couldn't help her. He showed no signs of running after her. She wasn't his priority.

(Y/N): 'If the roles switched to Horikita and I, I wonder what will I do... This really put things into perspective...'

I sighed.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun, there are certain things that I cannot do... And that's why you're here right now. I believe you understand what I mean.

I'd planned to use Hirata to extract information about Karuizawa. However, it appeared that Hirata had used me instead, and used this opportunity to task me with saving Karuizawa from her troubles. Well played.

(Y/N): You wish to be more than 'a bridge' that connects everyone... you want to be 'everyone's ally', right? That is quite selfish of you.

Hirata: Yes. I'm on Karuizawa-san's side. And I'm on (L/N)-kun's side as well... However, I end up changing my attitude depending on who I'm talking to. You're far more capable that what the others think.

(Y/N): You're overestimating me.

Hirata: Is that so? I'm quite confident though.

I wanted to ask more about this supposed skill but decided that we should resolve this problem first.

(Y/N): For starters, I'd like to inquire about you and Karuizawa... It seems to me like your relationship with her is just a facade. And not read.

Hirata: That way of phrasing, has (L/N)-kun already suspected this?

(Y/N): Yeah. I haven't noticed any signs of your relationship advancing ever since back then. There has always existed a subtle distance between the two of you, and you two still use the other's family names.

Even if they hadn't gotten closer physically, they should've grown nearer emotionally. But Hirata and Karuizawa's relationship had showed absolutely no signs of change, for better or for worse. In a romantic relationship, such stagnation was exceptionally odd.

Hirata: That's correct. We were never in a real relationship. We only went out with each other because we felt it was necessary. Do you understand the contradiction here?

Not wanting to actually date each other, it was necessary to come into relationship. That means they have certain objectives... Which means that there is merit in going out with each other?

(Y/N): 'This phenomenon can be observed in our group as well...'

By attaching herself to Machida, Karuizawa was able to assert herself more aggressively than before and her influence within the group grew proportionately as well. Perhaps she is merely using Hirata and Machida to stand at the top of the caste system of the school...?

No, that alone wasn't enough. After all, why would Hirata have accepted her request so easily? That was a tall order for him. Karuizawa's aggressive attitude was getting more and more out of hand every day. She was behaving more like a bully.

Why would Hirata approve of this and not criticize her at all? Besides, did Karuizawa really just want to use Hirata and the others to get to the top? I was doubtful. I couldn't say she'd used Machida just to increase her influence. If anything, she showed no interest in the group. More often than not, she just sat in silence. Maybe she hadn't planned to use Machida at first.

In that case, what had triggered her to establish contact with Machida? I felt like I was starting to discover Karuizawa Kei's true self.

(Y/N): "To protect herself", huh...?

Hirata simply smiled.

Hirata: You understood, didn't you? To be honest, when I heard your accurate intepretation, it sent chills down my spine...

(Y/N): "Karuizawa-san has her own reasons for using Hirata and the others," I just heard it from Horikita, that's all.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun... If I had to be honest, It might sound rude, but, I find you creepy. Like an omnious existence. If I've offended you in any way, I apologize.

(Y/N): Eh? What do you mean by that?

Hirata: I've been observing you ever since the school year started. The presence you emit, and the words you use. It's almost like you're a different existence altogether.

Hirata was frighteningly observant. It was only natural that he would think something was off.

(Y/N): I already told you, right? It's all thanks to Horikita's advice. On the island test as well, Horikita made the right judgments and guided Class D to victory. The class gained a lot of points as a direct result. In other words, there's a merit in doing this for me too. As you know, she's terribly bad at communication. So, I just relay what you said to her and receive my orders.

Hirata: Hmm... That's certainly true. I personally think that it is Horikita-san that made you change the most, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Huh? Er... I mean, what?

HIrata: You and Horikita-san are always be together. She trusted you and you too as well. Honestly, I was kind of jealous of you two. Too bad I couldn't build a trusting relationship with Karuizawa-san, even though it's wasn't real.

(Y/N): I-I...

Hirata: You and Horikita-san are dating for real, right? I knew that as soon we finished the survival test on the deserted island. From that moment, I observed that your behavior and attitude changed gradually, in a good way, I mean. Probably because of your relationship.

(Y/N): 'His keen observation is scary...'

I sighed.

(Y/N): No one knew that we are dating. I suppose you could do me a favor and don't tell anybody about this? We aren't ready to let anyone know, definitely not now. Maybe after we finished the test...

Well, I think Ichinose might know, but it's too late to tell her to be quiet now. I sighed.

Hirata: Sure thing. Although, I think that the others had an expectation on you two already.

(Y/N): Yeah, that and Sudou might kill me...

I muttered.

HIrata: Ahaha, don't worry. Anyway, back to the topic, she must have judged that saving Karuizawa-san would lead to the class gaining an advantage.

(Y/N): Yes.

Hirata: Even so... I do think you're still amazing, (L/N)-kun. You're different from Ike-kun or Yamauchi-kun.

(Y/N): I'm inferior to the both of them.

Hirata: Even if you're only following Horikita-san's order, it's still you who's talking to me right now.

Hirata was smarter than I'd imagined. Although I had some concerns about his desire to constantly save everyone, he had extraordinary abilities.

Hirata: You've already said as much, but I agreed to act like Karuizawa-san's boyfriend so she could protect herself. That's what she wanted. She said she wanted me to save her. It might be a little difficult for you to imagine, but throughout her elementary and junior high years, she was viciously bullied.

So Karuizawa's hyperventilation had been triggered by memories of her past. If she had suffered such deep trauma, it explained why she couldn't shake off the earlier encounter.

Hirata: Of course, I only met Karuizawa-san after she entered this school. However... I understand. I know the look smell, and the presence of a person who has been a victim of bullying. That's why I agreed to go out with her. That way, Karuizawa-san would free herself from her past by using her position as my girlfriend. I don't think that Karuizawa-san has been showing us her real personality. I think she's just desperately trying to act tough.

That was why she couldn't control her emotions very well. Many people who've been bullied tended to have very meek and timid personalities, like Sakura. On the other hand, people who were confident, aggressive, and selfish—those who acted like Karuizawa—were typically the ones doing the bullying.

Karuizawa's personality was a façade. A front. That's why she needed people like Hirata and Machida. With them, she was able to get that assertive personality.

(Y/N): What was in it for you?

Hirata: What was in it for me? Karuizawa-san wasn't being bullied. That's all I needed.

It wasn't hypocrisy or love. He didn't have any selfish impulses.

Hirata: I know you're not convinced, but that's the reason I did it.

(Y/N): I believe you.

Hirata wouldn't hesitate to save a friend, but he considered Manabe and the others friends, too. His concern for others was downright pathological.

(Y/N): But is there some deeper reason as well?

Hirata: Until my second year of junior high I was, for lack of a better word, a nobody. I didn't stand out at all.

(Y/N): Seriously?

Hirata: Well, I wouldn't say that I was completely invisible. I did have friends. I had this one friend ever since I was little, a guy named Sugimura-kun. We were in the same class together for six years, throughout elementary school. We were neighbors, too. We walked to and from school together every day.

He paused and take a sip of his drink.

Hirata: We were put into seperate class when we enrolled to junior high. Gradually, we walked together less and less. I started to only hang out with other guys from my new class.

It was perfectly normal to make new friends in a new environment. Nothing odd about that.

Hirata: But you see, while I had my new friends, Sugimura-kun was getting bullied.

Hirata squeezed the can he was holding. I understood where this was going.

Hirata: Sugimura-kun sent me SOSs over and over. He'd show up with cuts on his face, or with bruises. But I cared more about hanging out with my friends, and never took him seriously. Sugimura-kun was always headstrong, quick to get into fights. I didn't think too deeply about what was happening. But, the bullies hounded him so much that he couldn't even go the bathroom; he ended up having accidents during class.

(Y/N): And you saw that, then...

Hirata: Yeah. I didn't do anything. I couldn't. I was afraid I'd become their next target. I was afraid that my new, fun life would be destroyed. So I pretended not to see Sugimura-kun, my oldest friend..

He seemed a bit choked with remorse, but still continued his story.

(Y/N): What happened to Sugimura?

Hirata: That day's burned into my memory, even now. After morning soccer practice, I returned to the classroom. When I got near the room, I saw that Sugimura-kun was already there, his face swollen. I decided to wait a bit before going in. To be honest, I felt uncomfortable. Perhaps Sugimura-kun saw how ugly my heart was. He didn't say a word, but it was almost like he was sending out a plea for help. That day, he jumped out of the classroom window.

(Y/N): What!? Did he die?

Hirata: He was declared brain dead. But even now, Sugimura-kun's parents believe he'll recover. They're waiting for him. That day was so surreal, I still wonder if it was a hallucination. I couldn't believe it. When Sugimura-kun jumped, I realized something. By selfishly focusing so much on my own desires, I helped drive a treasured friend to his death.

(Y/N): 'That incident had given birth to the man named Hirata Yosuke.'

Hirata: I don't think Sugimura-kun can be saved, but I wanted to atone. I figure the only way for me to do that is to save others. I'm not a hero or anything. But I want to save the people close to me, at the very least. I must help them. That's my penance for the sin I committed.

(Y/N): So what are you going to do, then? You want to save both Karuizawa and Manabe, but that's not possible.

Hirata: I understand that. It's probably why you're here with me right now.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

(Y/N): If you promise not to get yourself involved, I'm sure Horikita will stay silent.

Hirata: I'll believe that you two will keep this confidential. Our philosophies are similar.

Hirata had pledged not to involve himself in the Karuizawa issue. From this point onward, Hirata would probably come to me for help whenever he was in trouble. I had successfully gained Hirata's cooperation, a power I'd always wanted. I'm sure he felt he'd gained something as well.

(Y/N): Hirata. Since you have a large social network, I have a favor to ask.

I handed Hirata a piece of paper. He read it and accepted my request without so much as a displeased look.

Hirata: Oh, (L/N)-kun. There is one more thing I've been hiding from you. I know the identity of the last VIP from Class D.

(Y/N): Well, I pretty much have guess who's that last VIP of our class already.

...

Hope Rekindled

(Y/N)'s POV

The next day, I decided to make a move, but rather unexpectedly, Sakura called for me. I decided to go talk to her

(Y/N): Looks like the test is over for the Cow group.

Sakura: Yeah...

She showed me the email she received.

"The test has now ended for the Cow group. Those in the Cow group are no longer required to participate any further. Please be careful not to disturb the other students."

It was exactly the same kind of email we got after the Monkey group finished. It was a brief message, devoid of context. Leaving aside the time Koenji got carried away and ended the test for his group, right now it seemed that people were betraying each other for two very different reasons. They were either betraying with certainty, or betraying because they felt impatient.

(Y/N): Sakura, were you the VIP? Or was it someone else?

She shook her head in denial.

Sakura: No, I'm not the VIP. But I'm not sure about Sudou-kun or, um, the others...

She didn't seem to have any idea whatsoever.

(Y/N): It's alright. I don't know the identity of the VIP in my group, either.

Sakura: Okay. Thank you, (L/N)-kun. I'm happy you told me that.

(Y/N): Oh, how are things with Class A? I heard rumors that none of them are participating in the discussions.

Sakura: Yeah, it's just like what the others have been saying. None of them have talked at all.

Katsuragi had been rather thorough in carrying out his plan. If that was true, then Class C had to have been the ones to trigger this new turn of events. But I was still left with doubts.

Ryuen claimed he understood the school's rules, and I had my own ideas. However, it was still impossible to know whether I was correct or not.

If I accidentally misread the rules, the class would self-destruct and take massive damage as a result. So far, the test hadn't ended for anyone other than the Cow group—proof that Ryuen still didn't have a sure answer either. As we neared the end of this mysterious exam, many students were probably feeling perplexed.

(Y/N): If there's anything else, please let me know. You can talk to me anytime.

Sakura: Thank you, (L/N)-kun. See you later.

I bid farewell to Sakura, who waved her hands adorably. Then I headed toward the ship's lower levels. I proceeded down to the lowest level, where people didn't generally go. Although we were prohibited from going there, the area wasn't locked.

There was no one to come if you called, no matter how loud you shouted. Including the regular entrance, there were only two ways in or out of the room. The other way was a door that led to the emergency staircase, but the workers didn't appear to use that. Judging from the dust, I knew that it hadn't been used in a long time.

(Y/N): 'If I just kept an eye on the regular entrance, I could monitor the situation completely.'

Another convenient thing was that phones had almost no reception here. Though you could occasionally get a little signal, sending emails or chatting was a pain in the neck, and it was next to impossible to make a call.

(Y/N): Good. All the pieces are in place.

All I had to do was make sure everything happened in the proper order. First, I would contact Hirata, and then he would call Karuizawa. Since I wanted to postpone things a little bit, I'd probably need to have him call Karuizawa an hour or so earlier. I returned to the upper decks to make the call.

After our conversation last night, I thought Hirata might be especially on his guard. But I knew if Hirata called Karuizawa and said he wanted to speak with her alone, she'd respond. Karuizawa had said she was breaking up with Hirata, but she'd be the one to suffer if that happened. With Manabe and her friends on the attack, Karuizawa absolutely needed Hirata to protect her at school.

Then, my phone received a notification. I got a message from Hirata.

"I've promised to meet Karuizawa-san at 4:00 p.m. I'll send you Manabe-san's info."

As expected, Hirata had fulfilled his role admirably. As a bonus, he even had Manabe's contact information, never mind that she was from another class.

He sent me another message.

"I have to tell you, I don't want to make Karuizawa-san sad."

(Y/N): You don't want to make her sad, huh?

If he knew what I was about to do, Hirata would've been furious. But that wasn't my problem. Even if she were to break here, I'd be fine so long as he didn't find out.

I quickly typed a message and hit send.

Anonymous: Hey, you got a minute?

The message was short and sweet, completely harmless. As a rule, chat apps are one account per phone. However, there was a way around that. By creating another primary SNS account, your device could hold another. Of course, not many students split their account into a main and a sub. The benefits of switching between accounts were marginal at best. However, by creating a new account, I was able to contact a third party without revealing my identity.

Despite the fact that Manabe had received an anonymous message, she immediately responded.

Manabe: Who is this?

Only natural she'd ask that question.

Anonymous: Is there anyone with you right now?

Manabe: I'm alone, but who are you?

Anonymous: Don't show this to anyone. For your own sake.

Manabe: Look, who are you?

Anonymous: Let's just say that I hate the same person you do.

Although I saw that she'd read my message, Manabe took some time to respond.

Manabe: Do you have the wrong number?

Anonymous: This isn't a mistake, Manabe-san. I want to talk about Karuizawa-san, the person you hate. I thought I might be able to talk to you about it.

Manabe: I don't know what you're talking about. Please stop sending me messages.

She seemed wary, as if she imagined I might be an enemy. That was natural.

Anonymous: Look, I'm a classmate of hers, and it's been difficult dealing with her for a long time now. I want to get revenge on her, so I thought we could work together. Since I'm in Class D with her, I can't go after Karuizawa-san directly. That's why I want your help.

Manabe: I don't know what you're talking about. I'm going to ignore you.

Even though she was suspicious, she still hadn't cut off contact. That proved how much Karuizawa made her blood boil. From the way Manabe had dragged Karuizawa into the emergency stairwell, her hatred was clear.

Anonymous: Rika-chan is still scared of Karuizawa-san, even now. Don't you want to help her? Your desire for revenge is written all over your face. But you couldn't do it even if you wanted to, right? Karuizawa-san is really cautious after what happened yesterday.

Manabe: I don't need your help. I just need Karuizawa-san to talk to Rika. Then we'll know the truth.

Anonymous: I wonder if it'll be that simple, though? I can't imagine she'll admit that she lied. On the contrary, it would probably just hurt Rika-chan if Karuizawa-san says something awful. Oh, and that's not all. If Karuizawa-san's holding a grudge, she might bully Rika further.

She replied almost immediately after I sent the message.

Manabe: What should I do? Are you saying there's a way?

Manabe's intense desire to settle things was evident.

Anonymous: If you and I work together, we can safely get our revenge.

Manabe: What guarantee do I have? It feels like you're trying to lure me into a trap, and then you'll tattle to the school. This smells like a sub account.

Anonymous: If you think I'm trying to sell you out, Manabe-san, then go ahead and show this chat log to the teachers. You can only register accounts on school phones. I'm risking being identified by saying I want revenge on Karuizawa-san. I'm the one risking my neck here. Am I wrong?

I'm sure Manabe understood. Even a sub account wasn't perfectly safe. If I were exposed, I would obviously receive the harshest punishment.

Manabe: So if I show this chat log to the school, what then? It'll be all over for you.

Anonymous: I don't think you're the kind of person to do that, Manabe-san. You have to show trust to be trusted.

Manabe: I understand. I'll hear you out, at least.

I sighed in relief. After that, I repeated some familiar-sounding stories. Stuff about how much I hated Karuizawa. How I wanted to do something about it but couldn't. I played the victim thoroughly.

Once we returned to land, it would be difficult for me to contact Karuizawa directly. This ship gave Manabe the perfect opportunity. I made her understand that revenge was only possible while they were here. I slowly but surely roused her anger.

Manabe: So, what should I do?

Anonymous: I'll call Karuizawa-san. Then, you take your time talking with her, and settle things.

After I sent that message, I followed it up by sending a map of the ship's lowest level.

Anonymous: Since you can't get any reception down there, she can't call for help. No one comes down there.

Manabe: I see, I see. So since you're her classmate, you can call Karuizawa-san?

Anonymous: I'd like you to tell me right now if you're going along with my plan. After I call Karuizawa-san, you can decide whether you'll take your revenge. There won't be any problems that way, right?

She took a long time to respond, the longest for any response thus far. Finally, I saw her response, and was sure that my plan would succeed. If my attempts to convince her via chat had failed, I had another plan prepared, just in case.

(Y/N): Now. Let's see what Manabe and her friends are capable of.

I walked towards the door.

(Y/N): 'It's nothing personal, Karuizawa... I did these all to accomplish my goal.'

...

Sometimes a deep, heavy noise echoed throughout the dark level. Perhaps it was the sound of the ship changing course, or maybe it was because the ship had bumped into something. I wasn't entirely sure. But a lone girl came here, a place where all you could hear was the sound of machines.

Karuizawa: What's going on? I can't connect to... There's no signal.

There were still over ten minutes left before her arranged meeting with Hirata. Maybe she'd arrived a little early to calm herself down. After she realized that she couldn't use her phone, she put it back in her pocket and leaned against the wall, apparently bored.

Once four o'clock rolled around, the door opened. I heard the dull sound of it. Three girls from Class C stepped through—Manabe and her friends. Wait... there was one other person with them. She seemed meek, rather like Sakura. This was probably Rika.

Manabe: It's all right.

She reassured Rika. Then she saw Karuizawa. Naturally, Karuizawa noticed them, too.

Karuizawa: Wh-what are you doing here?!

The passageways inside the ship were narrow, so there weren't many escape routes. Running away would be difficult.

Manabe: I just happened to see you come in here, that's all. Well, I suppose this is the perfect opportunity. Let me introduce you. This is Rika. Do you remember her, Karuizawa-san?

Manabe grabbed Rika, who was hiding behind her, and pulled her forward. She and Karuizawa were now facing each other. Karuizawa averted her eyes, pretending like she didn't know her, but judging from her behavior it was obvious she remembered.

Manabe: Hey, Rika. Karuizawa-san was the one who shoved you, right?

Rika: Y-Yeah... she's the one.

After hearing such a clear answer, Manabe smiled, looking happy as could be. Karuizawa, on the other hand, appeared increasingly anxious and confused. All I could do now was stay quiet and observe the miserable events that were about to unfold.

Manabe: Apologize to Rika.

Karuizawa: H-huh? Who's apologizing? I haven't done anything wrong.

Manabe: Still acting tough. You're a real piece of work, aren't you? But I think I understand now, more or less.

Karuizawa: What do you mean?

Manabe: Your behavior. You're unusually fearful. Karuizawa-san, you were bullied, weren't you?

Karuizawa: Wha—?!

She had been trying to hide the truth, but her past had caught up with her.

Manabe continued.

Manabe: I hit the nail on the head, didn't I? I knew it. I could feel it right from the start.

Karuizawa: No, you're wrong!

Her denial was weak.

It wasn't as though Manabe was highly perceptive or anything. She knew because I'd told her everything beforehand.

Manabe: If you get down on your knees and beg right now, I might forgive you. How about it? I mean, you're good at groveling, right? Being on your knees?

Karuizawa: N-no, I won't! I've never done that kind of thing before!

Karuizawa tried to slip past Manabe, but Manabe snatched her long hair and pulled her back, slamming her into the wall. Manabe was assured that the stage had been set for her revenge, so I couldn't control her here. I'd only promised that she would "meet" with Karuizawa, after all.

She should have agonized over whether to use violence. However, when she finally had the chance to be alone with Karuizawa, she let go of all other concerns. Because her friends were expecting her to get back at Karuizawa, I couldn't imagine that this would end until Manabe had dished out a great deal of punishment. That's what I'd been aiming for, anyway.

Karuizawa: Ow, ow! It hurts! Let me go!

Karuizawa wept at having her hair pulled, and pleaded, but Manabe only laughed like she was enjoying it. Right now, they were on the lowest level of the ship, a closed environment. I'd successfully set the stage for her 'revenge', after all. Seeing Karuizawa suffer, especially after her proud behavior, probably felt great to them.

Yamashita: Whoa, Shiho. Don't you think you're hitting her a little too much? Wow, you're harsh.

Manabe continued to drive her knee into Karuizawa's stomach. Of course, Manabe wasn't used to hitting someone like that, so her movements were sluggish. It shouldn't have hurt much. But Karuizawa's pain was Manabe's greatest reward.

Manabe: Come on Rika. You give it a try, too.

Seemingly in a great mood, she invited Rika to join in. Rika had been standing some distance away, watching anxiously.

Rika wanted to refuse taking revenge, but that wasn't allowed right now. She knew that if Manabe's anger were redirected at her, she could become the next victim.

Rika: O-okay. I'll try.

There was the sound of a pathetically light slap. Pap.

(Y/N): '...What? That's technically not a slap.'

Rika: L-Like that?

Manabe: No, no, that's no good at all. You need to put more force into it, like this.

Whap!

The sound echoed through the room. Karuizawa looked like she was in pain after that hit. Rika slapped Karuizawa again and again, just as she was instructed. Her slaps gradually grew more forceful.

Karuizawa: S-s-s-stop it! Please, forgive me!

Seeing her like that must have felt euphoric for Manabe and the others. Rika started to punch and kick rather strongly, to the point where I couldn't believe she'd ever been scared. Karuizawa collapsed in fear, tears streaming down her face.

I moved without making a sound. I quietly opened the door, taking care that Manabe and her friends wouldn't see. They would all continue to take out their frustrations on Karuizawa a little longer.

After all, if something has been thoroughly destroyed, it saves me time and effort when I need to build it back up. I quietly closed the door and was no longer able to hear Karuizawa's screams.

I closed my eyes and leaned on the wall.

(Y/N): 'I'm sorry that I was unable to keep your promise, Hirata...'

...

After I confirmed that Manabe and her friends were gone, I entered the room. Karuizawa should've heard the door open, but she continued to cower and cry on the ground. Perhaps she didn't notice me coming in because she was so overcome by fear.

(Y/N): 'So this was how the leader of the girls, so arrogant and headstrong, really was?'

Perhaps thanks to the advice I'd given to Manabe and her friends, Karuizawa's uniform and the parts of her body that you could normally see appeared undamaged. If her uniform had been ripped, or if they'd cut her hair, it would've been difficult for the Class C girls to go unpunished. While bullying is common, our school's unique setup made bullying much more difficult to get away with.

If anything might have been a cause for concern, it was her cheeks, reddened from being slapped over and over.

(Y/N): Karuizawa.

When I called her, she finally noticed me. She lifted her head.

Karuizawa: Wh-why are...

I wasn't supposed to be here. She panicked at being seen like that, but couldn't just stop crying and act as though nothing had happened.

She would eventually stop crying. She would eventually calm down. If I left right now, what I wanted to happen wouldn't take place. I continued to wait quietly, without trying to talk to her.

After some time passed, Karuizawa gradually stopped bawling, and she started to calm down.

(Y/N): Have you calmed down a bit?

Karuizawa: A little.

Karuizawa still didn't stand. She wiped the tears away with her uniform sleeve. I reached out to help her up, but she didn't move to take my hand.

Karuizawa: Where's Hirata-kun?

(Y/N): Sounds like he was supposed to meet you here. I would guess that a teacher called him away. I just happened to be with him when he mentioned you, so I came here in his place.

That explanation should have been enough to satisfy her and save me the trouble of further questions. There wasn't any need to tell her the truth right now.

(Y/N): Why were you crying?

Karuizawa: Manabe and her friends... I absolutely will not let them get away with that.

Karuizawa started trembling as she recalled what they'd done to her. Even if she didn't want to reveal this pathetic side of herself, the trauma was buried so deep that her pain wasn't easily hidden.

Karuizawa: You have to keep this a secret. If anyone finds out, I'll never forgive you.

Karuizawa's weakness was that she couldn't stand being seen as a victim by the rest of the school. To protect her social standing, Karuizawa couldn't afford to let people found out that Manabe and her friends had used violence.

Karuizawa: You know, you could get back at Manabe and the others. Since they're girls, even someone like you could win.

(Y/N): That's absurd.

Karuizawa: What, are you scared of getting even with Manabe and her friends? And you're supposed to be a guy.

(Y/N): An eye for an eye won't solve anything. Things will only get further out of hand. The school will carry out an investigation and conduct interviews. You don't want that, right, Karuizawa?

Karuizawa: But they would... They'll continue to do awful things to me.

She started shaking again. In truth, there was no guarantee that Manabe and her friends would stop. Karuizawa could find many ways to escape back at school, but she couldn't continue playing hide-and-seek with Manabe forever.

Karuizawa desperately wanted to fix this situation. I'd been waiting for that desperation.

(Y/N): It would be terrible if things went back to how they were back in the old days. I understand that you want to prevent it.

Karuizawa: Huh? What are you talking about?

Karuizawa should be putting things together by now.

(Y/N): I meant exactly what I said. You've managed to escape by getting into this prestigious school and rising through the ranks to reign supreme at the head of Class D. But in the end, you haven't really changed at all. You're still that bullied little girl.

Karuizawa: Wh-who are you talking about?!

(Y/N): You, Karuizawa.

I grabbed her arm and forced her up.

Karuizawa: H-hey, what are you doing?!

I pinned her up against the wall and forced her to look me in the eye.

(Y/N): Manabe tormented you just now, yes? She and her friends pulled your hair and slapped your face. They kicked you in the chest, in your stomach, didn't they? That's why you ended up like this: miserable, pathetic, crying on the ground.

Karuizawa: Wha—

(Y/N): You were bullied ever since you were little. You were a victim throughout elementary school and junior high. You wanted to act tough so you could stop being bullied. Am I right?

Karuizawa: D-did you hear this...from Hirata-kun?

(Y/N): Hirata is everyone's ally, for better or worse. He'll help you, like he'll help anyone. Even if you got your position in Class D by pretending to be Hirata's girlfriend, he won't be of any use to you in situations like this.

Karuizawa was much smarter than other people thought. She had taken care not to overdo it in the Rabbit group precisely because she understood Hirata's neutral stance. That was probably why she was so reserved at first.

Karuizawa: What are you... Why are you doing this, huh?

(Y/N): Why? It's obvious, isn't it? You need to understand your situation. Don't you know who's standing in front of you right now? It's not Hirata; it's me. I know everything. I know about your past. I know about your fake relationship with Hirata. I even know that Manabe and her friends tortured you to the point where you started bawling.

Karuizawa: D-don't screw with me! Who the hell do you think you are?!

(Y/N): Someone who knows the truth. Nothing more, nothing less.

I moved in so close to her that our faces almost touched. When she turned her face away and tried to avert her eyes, I grabbed her chin and forced her to look at me. She wanted to look away, but with a man's strength bearing down on her, she couldn't move. She closed her eyes, as if trying to escape my gaze.

I whispered in her ear.

(Y/N): If you don't do as I say, I can expose you. And all the things that you tried to hide desperately will end up in vain. Everyone will know your true identity. I'm sure some of them will exploit your vulnerability.

Instantly, she opened her eyes and stared at me in fear. Tears streaming down her face as I finished sentence. The pain she felt from her years of being bullied had won out.

Karuizawa: Pl-Please... I'm begging you... A-Anything but that.

There was no doubt about it. Karuizawa Kei had become a useful pawn for me. I can just threaten her to see how far she was willing to go, but I'd better stop now. There's no reason to resort such unnecessary measures.

I pulled myself away from her. She fell on her knee and cried.Her wail echoed the room for a few minutes.

(Y/N): 'Perhaps I overdid it...'

Deep down inside, I felt bad for setting up Karuizawa. I kneel down beside her and let her cry on my shoulder. I gently caressed her hair. After a while, she finally stop crying, but she still buried her face on my shoulder.

(Y/N): What happened to you?

She lifted her face up and stared at me. There was an an intense darkness in her eyes. She looks like a lifeless puppet now.

Karuizawa: What happened? All sorts of things. Everything and anything. They'd put tacks in my shoes or stuff my desk full of roadkill. When I went to the bathroom, I'd get splashed with dirty water. They wrote words like 'whore' on my uniform. They pulled my hair and punched and kicked me. Anything you could imagine, basically. I was bullied in every way. Countless times. What I've just told you was just a fraction of what I've experienced. Those were the 'gentler' ways I've been bullied, too.

Even after everything she'd suffered, she still got back up. She seemed ready to fight again. Her resilience had motivated her to enroll in this school.

(Y/N): What else have you suffered?

Karuizawa: Huh?

(Y/N): What are you hiding?

Karuizawa:I-I wasn't—

Karuizawa turned her head from me and lowered her eyes to look down at her left side. I noticed that, of course. I reached over and touched that part of her body, over her uniform.

Karuizawa: S-stop!

Her shouts echoed within the enclosed walls of the room. I grabbed her uniform and pulled it up. There, on her beautiful skin, was an ugly scar. A deep scar, one that had been created by a sharp blade.

(Y/N): This is your darkness?

She turned her face away from me.

This wasn't the result of simple bullying. A serious scar like this had come from a life-threatening attack. Even though she was burdened with that horrible past, she remained tough. She got back on her feet.

(Y/N): Despair comes in many forms. And you've experienced despair. Haven't you?

Karuizawa: Wh-what are you...you...

If her past held her captive, then I had to forcefully free her from her shackles. Even if we weren't close, I could feel the darkness from her, through her skin. Yes.

There were profoundly dark things left in this world that even Karuizawa didn't yet know about.

I took a deep breath before speaking.

(Y/N): I promise you one thing. From now on, I will protect you from bullying. I will be much more reliable than Hirata or Machida.

Her soulless eyes were glistening once again with hope and light.

Karuizawa: Wait. You meant that you can stop Manabe and her friends?

(Y/N): Right now, you should understand what I'm saying. You will help me, and I will help you. Kindness has nothing to do with it. Do you have any problems with this arrangement?

She did not respond, but simply looked at me, as if she didn't really have the right to voice out her disagreement after all.

(Y/N): First things first. I'll get rid of your anxieties for you. I have a way to stop Manabe and her friends.

I showed her phone. On the screen was a photo of Karuizawa being bullied in the emergency stairway.

Karuizawa: That's—

(Y/N): If I send this picture to them, they won't get carried away anymore. If they still decide to harass you, perhaps by spreading rumors, then I will step in and put a stop to it. With this.

As far as Manabe and her friends were concerned, this incident should have been enough to satisfy them. If they got carried away and tried to hurt Karuizawa further, they would end up causing trouble for Ryuen.

I continued to speak in a flat, emotionless tone.

(Y/N): All I want is for people to cooperate with me. I want you to assist me in the future, doing whatever I need.

Karuizawa: What? Assist? What do you want me to do?

(Y/N): If things continue as they are, Class D will never overtake Class A. While the individual students within Class D certainly aren't incapable, we lack a sense of unity. Our class is scattered. However, if you control the girls for me, the situation will gradually improve. Together with Horikita and Kushida, the three of you will unite the girls in our class.

I have to admit, her social pull made her an even more valuable ally than Horikita.

Karuizawa: What are you trying to...

Up until now, she'd only ever seen as me as a lowly, unobtrusive guy. Seeing my true self must've terrified her. But I was done explaining. Besides, the less I talked, the more terrifying I would appear. The less she would resist.

(Y/N): Now, the first thing I need. We must guide our group to victory in this exam.

Karuizawa: How am I supposed to help lead them to—

I gently put my hand on her shoulder. She twitched a bit as I touched her.

(Y/N): You can, because you're... Right?

Though I didn't articulate the key word in that sentence, Karuizawa seemed to know what it was. She looked me in the eyes. The truth resonated deep within her, in her heart.

She tried to look puzzled, but that was just an act. I offered to help her get up. This time, she didn't resisted.

Karuizawa: Um, about the things earlier...

(Y/N): Don't worry. I'll keep my promise. And I expected you too as well.

She nodded in response while wiping away her tears with her sleeves.

I decided to leave her alone for now and walk towards the door. But then, I was stopped by Karuizawa as she gripped on the tip of my blazer.

Karuizawa: Thank you... for protecting me.

She muttered before loosening her grip and quickly exited the room.

(Y/N): 'You won't thank me if you know that I was the one behind all of this...'

...

The Real VIP

(Y/N)'s POV

We had reached the final day of the test. Unlike on the island, time passed quickly aboard this ship, surrounded by luxury. While Ryuen focused on his united frontal assault, and Katsuragi continued ahead with his iron fortress strategy, Ichinose Honami from Class B had not come up with a countermeasure.

Ichinose: Gah! I drew it again! Am I seriously this awful at Old Maid?

She spread out her remaining cards and collapsed into a heap before my eyes.

Even though this was our fifth discussion period, Ichinose had suggested playing cards once again. I would have questioned this approach, but no one in Class A entered into the conversation, so no one stopped her.

I was a little concerned that Manabe and her friends would try to confront Karuizawa, but it seemed like the picture I'd sent them had had the desired effect. They were being obedient. Karuizawa was acting normal, too.

Manabe couldn't conclude with absolute certainty that it was me. That meant she and her friends wouldn't be able to make a move against me. There was no point in looking for whoever took those pictures.

Yukimura: Is it okay to just sit here like this?

He sat next to me, sounding disappointed and melancholy.

Ichinose: You're being a downer today, Yukimura-kun. You ought to play with us and shake off that gloom and doom. Come on, let's have a rematch!

Yukimura: No thanks. I don't really feel like it. Really, is this okay, Ichinose-san? I mean, just doing this until the test ends. I thought you were the one leading the group here.

Ichinose stopped in the middle of shuffling the cards and answered him.

Ichinose: Isn't that excuse too convenient, Yukimura-kun? If you seriously want to win this thing, don't you think you should rely on yourself, rather than someone else?

Yukimura: Yeah... Good point.

Yukimura understood full well that he couldn't cope with having that responsibility thrust upon him. Despite that, he still wanted a way to change all this. If this test were measured solely on academic ability, then Yukimura would have been at the top of any group. However, being gifted academically didn't make you a natural leader.

In the two tests we'd had over the summer vacation, everyone had experienced the bitter sense of their own powerlessness, even Horikita. I wondered if Ichinose and Machida felt irritated about being locked into a stalemate. However, that frustration can become your strength if it doesn't break your spirit.

...

Horikita: Well, the test will be over after our next meeting. How do things look on your end, (Y/N)-kun?

I was having my last meeting with Horikita. The world outside was already cloaked in darkness. Carrying a conversation through chat would leave a traceable record. To avoid that, we'd met in person at the lounge around the corner of the lobby.

(Y/N): There haven't been any significant changes. At this rate, it looks like the VIP is going to get away.

I sighed.

(Y/N): How about you, Suzune?

I didn't think I could expect anything from Horikita, but then...

Horikita: I'll win.

(Y/N): You sure you haven't made a mistake?

Horikita: I'm not sure who might be listening to us right now, so I won't go into detail. I'll just ask that you believe in me. Everything will be fine.

(Y/N): I'd always believe you.

I'd already heard from Hirata that Kushida was the Dragon group's VIP. Of course, I imagined that Ryuen and Kanzaki had done everything in their power to figure that out, but it appeared Horikita had overcome the odds. If she was this confident, there probably wasn't anything to worry about.

Horikita: Did you want to consult with me?

(Y/N): No need. Make whatever moves you like.

A bold idea suddenly came across my mind. As Horikita was sitting beside me on a sofa, I risked myself from being stabbed by her and laid my head down on her lap.

Horikita: Wh-What are you doing!?

(Y/N): My head hurts recently. I need to lay down for a while.

I closed my eyes.

Horikita: Then why don't you cancel the meeting and go rest on your own bed?

(Y/N): Come on, I missed you. Plus, your lap makes a better pillow than the real one.

I opened my eyes slightly and peeked. Her face flushed as she looked away.

Horikita: F-Fine. I'll allow it as an occasion.

(Y/N): 'Hmm... I'd expect she will elbow directly on my face, though.'

Horikita: Ahem. So what did you want to talk about? I thought we both agreed to avoid unnecessary contact.

(Y/N): I just told you the reason.

She looked down and gave me a glare. I sighed.

(Y/N): You can't keep being scared of Ryuen forever, you know.

Horikita: Judging from how you phrased that, I'm guessing you can do something about it?

(Y/N): Perhaps.

It didn't seem like she expected much from me, since she appeared surprised when I nodded.

(Y/N): I've brought Hirata over to our side. I think we'll see a lot of cooperation from him.

Horikita: I don't particularly want that.

(Y/N): Well, that's fine. Besides, I'm not saying you have to get involved with Hirata. I'll handle him and maintain things. All you need to do is keep up.

Horikita: I don't really like how freely you're operating in the shadows

I'd thought she'd say something like that.

(Y/N): In that case, show your face when we discuss things. Even if you don't talk, you can follow along, right?

She sighed.

Horikita: Well, I suppose so.

She sounded dissatisfied, but if I gave Horikita the option to participate, she wouldn't be able to argue with me. Besides, Hirata had a huge amount of pull in our class. After seeing his leadership skills in action, Horikita would likely come to understand.

(Y/N): I'd like to introduce you to someone else later. Hirata, too. Make sure to keep some time open before they announce the results.

Horikita: Okay, I really don't like this. I don't want you to just go ahead and recruit people as you see fit without consulting me.

She poked my face with her sharp nail.

(Y/N): Think of it as compensation for putting yourself on the front lines. Anyway, this person will be useful to us.

Horikita: I have a general idea of what you're thinking, but... Well, fine. At any rate, let's meet back here after the test is over.

With that, I got up from laying position. I took out my phone and looked at the time. There was half an hour until the final discussion.

Horikita: I wonder how many traitors will come forward in this test.

(Y/N): Who knows? I was surprised the test ended so suddenly for the Cow group, but I can't imagine we'll see a repeat of that. In the end, the likeliest outcome will be that the VIPs escape, and time will run out.

Horikita: Yes, I think so, too.

Horikita briefly averted her eyes, the sort of unconscious gesture people made when they were worried about something.

(Y/N): Something's wrong?

Horikita: Nothing. It's just, well... Something about this test doesn't make sense. But there shouldn't be any mistakes. I definitely shouldn't lose.

Some of Horikita's anxiety was finally leaking out. I patted her head gently and said.

(Y/N): Don't worry. I'd believe you will lead our class to victory. I'm always here with you.

I gave her a smile of assurance. She smiled back.

Horikita: Thank you. You always know how to encourage me.

I hugged her before parting away.

...

The Rabbit group was about to enter our sixth and final discussion period, still without any hope of making a breakthrough. I'd wanted to quietly and carefully gather my thoughts, so when Hirata and the others left our room, I headed to the meeting alone.

Since there was still about half an hour until the discussion started, I assumed no one would be there yet. However, my expectations were dashed by someone's presence.

(Y/N): She must have gotten here early, huh?

Ichinose slept soundly on the floor. Why should the mere sight of her tickle a man's heart in such a way? Ah, this was dangerous; it was really bad. Since she was lying on her side, I could see her plump thighs more clearly than usual. Well, if compared with Horikita's... Wait, what am I doing?

I immediately cleared my head. While I suppressed my adolescent desires, something near the back of her head grabbed my attention. It was Ichinose's cell phone. She must've been using it just before she fell asleep.

Our assigned phones held quite a bit of information. Not only did they play a vital role in this test, but they also allowed you to confirm details, like how many points someone had. Of course, in order to confirm this, you needed an individual's ID and password. But in order to avoid the hassle of having to log in each and every time, some students just saved their information. In other words, if I snuck a peek at Ichinose's phone right now, it might be possible to find out all kinds of information.

Ichinose: Ooh...ah...

As I closed the distance between us, Ichinose stirred slightly, perhaps sensing some change in the air. But she fell asleep again, and her breathing relaxed. It seemed I hadn't woken her. I tried to get closer again.

Ichinose: Mmm...

What in the world was I doing? Even if this was an effective way for me to gather information, if anyone saw me, they'd think I was a pervert. What if Ichinose woke up? There'd be a huge misunderstanding.

Well, I didn't have anything to feel guilty about. Therefore, I would remain calm. Step by step, I drew closer to Ichinose.

Ichinose: Ooh...um...

This wasn't good. Every time I moved, Ichinose began to wake up. I'd assume she was an exceptionally light sleeper.

Realizing my actions were completely stupid, I gave up trying to sneak a peek at her phone, and instead moved away. I sat down on the other side of the room. I didn't think I'd accidentally wake her, either.

Most importantly, it was still early. Why in the world is she here?I wondered.

About twenty minutes before the discussion period was supposed to begin, some cute-sounding music played throughout the room. It came from Ichinose's phone.

Ichinose: Mmm...

Ichinose, eyes still closed, grabbed her phone. She unlocked the screen and stopped the music, which apparently was her phone's alarm. Ichinose, still looking rather sleepy, started to sit up. Almost immediately, she noticed me.

I'd wondered if she would be disgusted by my presence, but she wasn't concerned in the slightest.

Ichinose: Oh, good...yawn...to see you, (L/N)-kun. Sorry, did my alarm startle you?

(Y/N): Oh, no. Looks like you slept well.

Ichinose: Ha ha ha, sorry about that. I just passed out; I slept like a log. You're here early, though. Don't we have twenty minutes until the discussion?

(Y/N): I should be asking you the same thing. When did you get here?

Ichinose: An hour ago, I think. I wanted some peace and quiet. Since my friends are going in and out of my room, it's kinda noisy.

Apparently, this was the best place for a nap.

Ichinose: Besides, I wanted to gather my thoughts.

Rather than looking refreshed by her nap, she seemed struck by sudden inspiration.

(Y/N): Any results?

Ichinose: More or less.

She stood up. Then, for some reason, Ichinose walked over and sat down next to me. The two of us were alone in the room. The space between us was shrinking. Even though I couldn't hide my nervousness, Ichinose didn't seem to notice.

Ichinose: There's still some time left until the discussion starts. Why don't we have a little chat? If it's not a bother, that is.

(Y/N): Oh no, it's not a bother. I don't mind.

Ichinose: Are you nervous, (L/N)-kun? Ahaha, don't worry. I won't do anything strange to you, you have a girlfriend.

(Y/N): Right...

I regained my composure.

Ichinose: Okay. To tell you the truth, (L/N)-kun, I want to ask you something. I've asked all my classmates this question, including the boys. But I've been thinking about asking the other classes for a while now. I've just been kind of curious. (L/N)-kun, do you want to ascend to Class A?

I'd been wondering what she would ask me, but the question was something surprisingly ordinary.

(Y/N): Well, yeah. Of course I do. I've thought about getting up to Class A. No, wait...I guess it'd probably be more accurate to say that I must aim for Class A.

Ichinose: Because of the guarantee of college or a career?

In our school, students from Classes A through D competed against each other. The greatest privilege—being guaranteed to advance into any school or career path—was only limited to those in Class A.

(Y/N): Nowadays, you can't just enter college or get a job that easily. Jobs, especially.

Ichinose: I think so, too. But don't you think placing too must trust in the system could be dangerous? There's something about that 99.9% percent they're not telling us. Something dangerous.

Ichinose was referring to the "99.9 % college and job placement" rate that the school touted. She had a point about hidden pitfalls. Even if you graduated from college or went on to graduate school, that didn't guarantee you any sort of future.

Really, only a fraction of people really managed to accomplish what they set out to achieve.

In other words, no matter what you chose, it's unlikely you'd achieve your dream. And it's an extremely difficult thing to do. Many students just continue boring, tedious lives, with vague lip service paid to dreams as the years pass. To actually achieve a dream requires a lot of effort and luck. That's just a harsh reality.

(Y/N): But this school... Well, it does have an incredible amount of influence, right? Most people who get anywhere in life succeed because someone influential helps them. Or are you not interested in that, Ichinose?

Ichinose: No, I'm not saying that. I want to graduate from Class A. I have a dream I want to make real.

Even though she was smiling, her eyes were unwavering and serious.

Ichinose: The school system's all well and good, but if you can't graduate from Class A, it's a mark of failure. This school is all about ability, and if your abilities can't carry you here, it's unlikely you'll ever be labeled an elite. Students are ranked based on perceived superiority or inferiority. Right now, between the two of us, (L/N)-kun, only one can achieve their dream. Ah, but then again, we could both lose out on our goals.

Even though we were chatting like friends, only one of us could win.

(Y/N): You've heard there are exceptions to the rules, though.

Ichinose: Hmm? You mean when someone manages to accumulate twenty million points?

(Y/N): Yeah. There hasn't been a single student in the school's history who's successfully pulled that off, but it is theoretically possible.

Ichinose: Oh yeah, for sure. I suppose if we factor that in, it's possible for both of us to graduate from Class A.

(Y/N): Be that as it may, whether or not you can really earn twenty million points is another problem. Even if you score well on the exams and save your points, it probably wouldn't be enough.

Ichinose: That's true. Even if you're extremely economical, it's unlikely someone could manage to save even half that amount.

She mused.

(Y/N): Yeah. Class D's financial situation is especially awful. Even though Horikita's trying her hardest, the points from the island test have yet to be deposited.

Actually, it's entirely possible we'll lose them in this test.

(Y/N): Are you a thrifty person, Ichinose? You don't strike me as someone struggling to get by.

Ichinose: Hmm, I wonder about that. Personally, I'll use points sometimes and save them sometimes, just like anyone else would. Even though I'm in Class B, I don't really have that many points saved.

Ichinose responded to my question with ease. I didn't see any indication she was hiding something from me, but...

Ichinose: (L/N)-kun...

(Y/N): Hmm?

Ichinose: It seems like you saw it, before.

Ichinose was even cleverer than I'd imagined. I guess she'd seen right through my plans.

(Y/N): Sorry. That time when you asked me to transfer points to an anonymous account, I just happened to look at the screen. I was a little curious, so I was thinking of asking you about it.

Ichinose: Ha ha, you don't need to feel guilty or anything. It's not like I'm blaming you. I mean, it certainly is a lot of points, right?

Yeah, it was. Before the first semester had ended, Ichinose had already amassed an insane amount of points. Even if I saved all the class points that were doled out on the first of every month and didn't spend a single one, I still wouldn't have been able to save that many.

Ichinose: But I can't really give you any details. Sorry.

(Y/N): No need to apologize.

Ichinose: Of course, if you did manage to obtain that information, (L/N)-kun, and even if you shared it with Horikita-san, you wouldn't go blabbing to everyone, would you?

(Y/N): I don't plan on telling anyone else. Besides, I might've been mistaken. I won't pry.

Even if I did pry, it wasn't like I'd get a satisfactory answer.

(Y/N): Have you found a way to win this thing?

Ichinose: Hmm, I think so. At least, I think I've found a hint.

(Y/N): In that case, this contest will come down to a battle between A and B, I suppose.

Ichinose: We won't know that until the end. My path to victory is—

Right before she finished her thought, members of our group poured into the room, one after another. The Class A students were first to arrive, but they took their seats without giving us so much as a greeting. Next, Yukimura and the Professor bombarded me with questions when they saw me and Ichinose alone as they walked into the room together. I couldn't especially tell if they were impatient or depressed, but it seemed they'd given up on winning. On the other hand, the Class B students seemed rather relaxed.

Hamaguchi: This is the end, huh? So, have you found any hints?

(Y/N): To be honest, I have no idea. We haven't really been able to talk, which means we haven't been able to engage.

That was my official answer, but I'd already executed the strategy I'd been plotting since the test began.

My plan involved the phones we all received from the school. I had switched the VIP's phones as a means of camouflage. Kushida was the Dragon group's VIP, but what if Kushida and Horikita switched phones? If someone spied on her phone, they'd suspect that Horikita was the VIP.

Then, if a traitor submitted Horikita's name as their answer, they'd be making a mistake. We would win.

Ichinose: Good evening. Nice to see you all!

She was smiling, just like always.

I set the trap immediately. I'd been waiting for Ichinose to talk, and decided to cut in before she spoke up again.

Hamaguchi: Um, excuse me. If everyone's okay with it—

(Y/N): I have something I'd like to ask—

Both Hamaguchi and I started talking at the same time.

Hamaguchi: Oh, sorry. Go ahead, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Oh, no. You can go first. I don't mind.

Tch. How annoying. Well, this didn't get in the way of my plan, but any unexpected trouble could make things unstable. Then, Hamaguchi shattered my plans in an unexpected way.

Hamaguchi: For the past three days, I've been thinking of how we could achieve Outcome #1. And indeed, there is a way for everyone here to achieve Outcome #1

Hamaguchi launched into an explanation of his plan which, surprisingly, was quite like mine.

A faint glimmer of hope shone in everyone's eyes.

Hamaguchi: I'm going to show you all my phone. Of course, the school sent us all an email. I think you all understand what I'm getting at? Because we're prohibited from tampering with or misrepresenting the emails we've received in any way, there's no way to deceive one another. That's why the answer is simple. We show each other our emails, and then we find out who the VIP is. That's how we'll discover the truth.

Machida: This is dumb. Why would anyone show their phone just because you told us to? Someone could betray us all the moment we show our emails. No one would do this.

It was a hopeless plan. Naturally, Machida-kun was flabbergasted.

Hamaguchi: It's certainly true that if the VIP knows they could be betrayed, they wouldn't show their phone. However, from the perspective of someone who isn't the VIP, there's no risk in exposing your identity. If we don't make a move, we lose our chance of winning. But this way, it's possible to narrow down the list of candidates.

Machida: Even if you find out the VIP's identity or the class they belong to, the moment someone decides to betray you, it's over. The problem hasn't been resolved. Or are you suggesting that the first to betray us wins?

Through Hamaguchi's strategy, it was possible to successfully weed out the VIP. But that was it. In the end, people weren't going to play nice.

Hamaguchi: In that case, please be quiet and just watch. If you don't participate, Machida-kun, it'll still be fine.

Hamaguchi showed everyone the email that he'd received.

After Hamaguchi showed his phone, Beppu from Class B followed suit. This didn't seem like some spur-of-the-moment idea. This seemed like a strategy Ichinose had come up with. Strangely enough, her plan was exactly the same as mine.

Ichinose: I think it's a surprisingly good strategy. I don't have any objections.

Smiling, Ichinose reached for her cell phone in her skirt's left pocket. She pulled out her phone. I decided to step in and interrupt before she could execute her strategy.

(Y/N): You're serious about this, huh? Well, if you're all going to bet on that, I think I'll join in, too.

Before Ichinose could show everyone the contents of her email, I took out my own phone and offered it up. But it wasn't actually my phone; I'd switched it with someone else's.

Ichinose: (L/N)-kun, are you okay with this?

(Y/N): Sure. After hearing Hamaguchi out, I honestly don't think we have another option. I'm really bad at communicating, so all I can do is show you the truth.

Yukimura: Wait, (L/N). There's no way this kind of strategy is going to work

He tried to stop me, but I showed everyone the email on my phone. Everyone saw that I wasn't the VIP. An incredible amount of water was building behind this unseen dam. If even the tiniest hole opened up, the dam would collapse, and we'd be left with a muddy stream of water. My actions opened that hole.

Ichinose: Yeah. Okay. So you're not the VIP, (L/N)-kun.

Ibuki: Okay. I'll show mine, too.

Among the large number of people still scoffing at Hamaguchi's strategy, a lone girl agreed.

Manabe: Are you nuts? We don't get anything out of this!

Ibuki: Anyone who isn't the VIP or who's not in the same class as a VIP gains nothing if things keep going like this. Class B understands that. If we sit around, we won't catch up to the classes above us.That's why they're showing everyone their phones. I agree with their idea.

Manabe: That's—

Ibuki: Or maybe you're the VIP? If not, prove it by showing everyone your phone.

Ibuki's words threatened her classmates. Manabe and her friends, as if accepting Ibuki's order, showed everyone their phones as well. Hence, the hunt for the VIP had begun.

Karuizawa took out her phone, which had a strap attached, and handed it over.

Yukimura: Wait. It's not just (L/N)? You're going along with this, Karuizawa? You agree with this?

Karuizawa: I'm doing this for my own sake. I want those private points.

Her email said she wasn't the VIP. Karuizawa was in the clear.

The Professor, seeing how the tide had turned, reached for his phone. Yukimura grabbed his arm and stopped him.

Yukimura: Do you really think that showing everyone your phone is the right move?

Ibuki: You know, you've been really jumpy. You're not the VIP, are you?

Yukimura's expression stiffened.

(Y/N): Yukimura isn't the VIP. I heard as much earlier.

However, some of the students burst out laughing.

Manabe: You expect us to believe that? You could be lying.

If I continued denying that he was the VIP, it would only invite further suspicion. But I couldn't make my move yet. That's because Yukimura was...

Ichinose: It's too early to draw any conclusions. Yukimura-kun has a point. Oh, I got a little caught up and missed my chance earlier, but I'll show you now.

Once again, she reached into her pocket and took out her phone. Ichinose proved that she was not the VIP.

By now, everyone except the Class A students and Yukimura had proven themselves to not be the VIP.

Everyone understood the meaning behind Yukimura's long silence. Machida and the other Class A students stared at him inquisitively.

Yukimura, no longer able to deal with the pressure, pulled out his phone.

Yukimura: Fine. I'll show you. All I have to do is show you, right? Before I do so, I want you to promise me one thing.

Ichinose: Promise? What do you mean, Yukimura-kun?

Yukimura: don't want anyone here to turn traitor. Especially you, Class A. I want you to take out your phones and put them in front of you. That goes for everybody. Everyone, put your phones where I can see them.

Machida: What are you talking about?

Yukimura: Exactly what I said. Nothing more, nothing less.

Machida: Well, fine. Whatever. If you want to see my phone, here.

The Class A students, who'd been sitting some distance away, calmly came over and placed their phones on the table. After they did that, Yukimura made his move, looking downcast. He pulled his phone out and turned it on. He entered the six-digit password, and logged in. Yukimura opened the school's email and lifted it up so we all could see.

Yukimura: I'm sorry for lying to you, (L/N). I'm the VIP.

Class D was the most surprised by the revelation. This basically meant we'd given up the 500,000 points that Class D had gained. However, I'd exchanged phones with Yukimura in secret.

Karuizawa looked genuinely shocked and uneasy. To look at her and the Professor, you'd think the two of them could never have imagined that Yukimura was the VIP. Machida stood and peered at Yukimura's phone.

Machida: The email seems authentic. All of the other personal emails are Yukimura's, so there's no room for error.

Machida, after checking Yukimura's private email and chat logs, confirmed the truth. He still appeared doubtful, and Ichinose tried to explain the situation calmly.

Ichinose: There's no way it could be fake. After all, the school explained the rules, right? Copying and transferring the email is forbidden. As long as the email was sent from the school's email address, there's a 0% chance it's a fake.

She was right. Creating false information was strictly prohibited. If you broke that rule, expulsion awaited you.

Manabe: So that means it's definitely Yukimura-kun.

The important thing here was the process that had led to Yukimura's revelation. Whether the person holding that phone was actually the true owner of that phone was irrelevant. The idea that someone had switched phones wasn't outside the realm of possibility.

However, showing everyone the process of entering the six-digit password and unlocking the phone was a different story entirely. There was no way a student could know someone else's phone password. Everyone unconsciously acknowledged that Yukimura must be the owner of the phone.

Yukimura: Well, now everyone knows the answer. It's me.

If we all cleared the test together, everyone in our group would receive 500,000 points. Outcome #1, which at first had seemed impossible to achieve, now appeared to be in our grasp.

Yukimura: I want to believe... No, I do believe in everyone. Believe that you all won't betray us.

He begged everyone, from every class. I wondered if the students who'd spent so much time together over these past few days had started to form bonds of friendship. I wondered if they would accept Yukimura's wishes, and if everyone would work together.

No, they wouldn't. I was sure of that.

Someone would turn traitor. I had no doubt.

And if that happened, then the ones who had switched phones—Class D—would take the victory.

Yukimura must have believed that, too. I imagined that he was practically dying from holding back his laughter. However, his joy disappeared when the phone started vibrating with an incoming call. Panicking, Yukimura lunged forward to snatch the phone, but dropped it. By sheer coincidence, the phone fell face-up.

Since the phone was on silent, the table shook as it continued to vibrate. The caller ID said "Ichinose."

Ichinose, holding her phone to her ear, looked at Yukimura and me.

Machida: What are you doing, Ichinose? There's no point in calling Yukimura's phone at a time like this.

Only Yukimura and I understood what was going on. She quietly hung up the phone.

Ichinose: The school said that altering or copying the emails is forbidden, that's true. That's why the email we saw was the real thing. However, there's no rule saying that you can't trick people with the phone itself. Do you understand what I'm getting at?

Ichinose picked up the phone and handed it to me.

Ichinose: The person this phone belongs to, the real VIP...that's you, isn't it? (L/N)-kun? I called you just now, not Yukimura-kun.

Ichinose had completely seen through my attempts at subterfuge. Yukimura turned pale as she spoke. It was doubtful that he even heard her.

Ichinose: We've been thinking about this for a while now, too. If the VIP was in your class, one option would be to swap phones. You could mislead people by showing off the password to unlock the phone.

Apparently, Ichinose and the others had come up with the same strategy that I had.

Ichinose: But you see, there's a weak point to that strategy: a phone number. Even if you perfectly duplicate everything from call history to apps, you can't change the number. Hamaguchi and I had tried swapping SIM cards once to see what would happen, but the SIM cards are locked to their designated phones. If you'd swapped them, I wouldn't have been able to call you.

Ichinose and Hamaguchi had been two steps ahead. They'd probably orchestrated everything, agreeing that Hamaguchi should be the one to broach the topic. In one second, the truth had come to light.

Ichinose: You did everything almost perfectly. But you didn't anticipate that our SIM cards are locked to specific devices, did you?

An announcement came through the speakers, telling us we had five minutes left before the discussion period was over. We were told to break in the next five minutes and return to our rooms.

Yukimura: Damn it!

Machida: Too bad, Yukimura. It was a surprisingly good try, though.

He and the others laughed, furthering the mockery.

They glanced over at me, the one also complicit in this plan. Yukimura was still visibly upset and shaking, and so was the rest of Class C. Classes C and A appeared shocked. I'm sure they had many questions, but the rules prohibited us from talking any further.

Ichinose: Anyway, we've confirmed that (L/N)-kun is the VIP. Machida-kun, promise me that we'll aim for Outcome #1, and no one will betray anyone else.

Machida: Yes, of course. You can trust me. Let's go.

The three Class A students left the room right away, before anyone else.

Ichinose: There's so much to gain by working together. That's why we'll never turn traitor. That's why I want you in Class C to do the same. Please, just bear with it for thirty minutes.

Manabe and the others nodded and left the room. Yukimura looked at the phone I was clutching.

Yukimura: I was wrong to go along with your plan. This sucks.

One by one, everyone left the room, leaving me alone with Ichinose.

Ichinose: Now all we can do is to trust everyone.

(Y/N): Yeah. Guess so.

Ichinose: You're really calm, (L/N)-kun. Aren't you worried?

(Y/N): Not especially. I can't do anything but believe, anyway. I'm heading to my room.

Ichinose: Hey, wait a sec

Ichinose held my arm. In that instant, I felt the tension between us.

Ichinose: Who came up with the idea of swapping phones?

(Y/N): Horikita, of course.

Ichinose: I see. Please tell Horikita-san something for me. Tell her that her plan was a huge success.

(Y/N): A huge success? Don't you mean a crushing defeat? We failed, hard. You saw through everything.

Ichinose: Ha ha ha. You didn't expect us to have come up with the same plan, did you?

(Y/N): I'm sorry. Sorry for trying to deceive you like that, especially after I agreed to be your ally. Are you angry?

Ichinose: Of course not. We went ahead with our own plan without telling you, so we're even.

(Y/N): I see. If you mean it, I'm sure Horikita will be relieved.

I grabbed my phone and headed for the exit.

Ichinose: W-wait, wait a second. We still haven't gotten to the critical part yet.

(Y/N): The critical part?

Ichinose: Come on. You're surprisingly bad at dealing with people, (L/N)-kun. It's true that the SIM cards are locked to their respective devices. But there is a way to release that lock. Isn't that right?

(Y/N): Hmm?

Ichinose: After a falsehood comes to light, most people will take the answer that comes after it to be the truth. Yukimura-kun was determined not to be the VIP, even after he showed everyone how he unlocked your phone using the password. The moment that lie was revealed, the truth that you're the VIP came to the surface. The SIM card was the deciding factor. No one would suspect anyone else as the VIP now. But that was the trap.

In that instant, I felt a faint electric current run down my spine.

Ichinose: I said the idea of swapping phones was an imperfect strategy, but that was a lie. That's because swapping phones is extremely effective. Of course, it must be a double-layered trap in order to work. In that case, the truth will remain in the darkness. There wouldn't be any way for anyone to determine, with 100% accuracy, the real VIP's identity.

Ichinose had seen through my plan. She'd seen through the plan behind the plan. She realized the truth I'd kept hidden even from Yukimura. First, she knew I was not the VIP, but that I'd approached Yukimura under the pretense of being exactly that. As proof, I used the real VIP's phone to contact him. But the real target—the real VIP and the owner of that phone—was Karuizawa.

Of course, I replicated the email and call history, just as I did with Yukimura. Naturally, I then used my points to do a SIM lock release. Doing so wasn't illegal and could be done free of charge at any major retailer. That's why, while using Karuizawa's phone, I was able to transfer over my number as well.

Then, I swapped that phone with Yukimura's. Of course, I had told him it was my phone, and he believed me. If my deception were revealed, he'd be extremely angry.

A simple person would have never noticed that Yukimura and I switched phones. A clever person would have noticed the swap and accused me of being the VIP. But they never would have come to the conclusion that Karuizawa was the real VIP.

Ichinose: If the VIP wasn't in Class D, what would you have done?

(Y/N): The same as you. I would've tried to find out who the VIP was, borrowed that person's phone, and had another one ready. Then, I'd step forward and claim to be the VIP myself.

Ichinose: So I've been found out, huh?

Ichinose started pulling phones from both pockets. One belonged to the VIP from a Class B student's other group, and the other was a phone from a different student who, most likely, wasn't a VIP.

Ichinose: This is just my prediction, but based on how today's discussion went...

Ichinose quickly typed a short message on her own phone.

Ichinose: The real VIP is Karuizawa Kei-san. Am I right?

She showed me her phone. That was the betrayal message she was going to send to the school. However, before anything could happen, both my phone and Ichinose's rang at the same time.

"The test has now ended for the Rabbit group. Please wait for the results announcement."

Ichinose: Ahh, I guess someone turned traitor, huh? I wonder, was it Class A or Class C?

(Y/N): Why did you think it was Karuizawa?

Ichinose: The same reason as Yukimura-kun. She's been behaving unusually. She normally doesn't seem to care much about you, (L/N)-kun, but she kept looking over at you, and her face tightened. But there's still the possibility that she isn't the VIP, so I couldn't have sent that email.

Apparently, Ichinose had completely seen through my plan.

(Y/N): Why didn't you say anything? At the very least, you could have exposed my lie.

Ichinose smiled. The smile she wore now was perhaps the most genuine I had ever seen from her.

Ichinose: That's obvious. If either Class A or Class C makes a mistake, that's a win for us. From the very beginning, I never intended to clear Outcome #1, or to turn traitor and get Outcome #3. The moment I knew the VIP wasn't in Class B, I knew I would let another class betray us. I think the traitor was probably from Class A.

(Y/N): Machida?

Ichinose: No, no. Morishige-kun. He's a member of Sakayanagi's faction. I doubt he'd just quietly go along with Katsuragi's plan. He probably figured that, if anything, it was better for him to betray the group and take the points. Don't you think?

It seemed I needed to re-evaluate Ichinose Honami. She'd managed to thoroughly avoid risks while devising a strategy that led her to victory. I've really got to give it to her.

(Y/N): Well played, Ichinose.

I smiled subconsciously. She was surprised as she looked at me.

(Y/N): What's the matter?

Ichinose: Nothing. It just... you looked more handsome when you smile, (L/N)-kun. Now I understand why did Horikita-san fall for you.

She smiled back. But somehow managed to embarrass me a bit.

Ichinose: By the way. (L/N)-kun, you're amazing. You know that? Our conversation just now proves how cunning you really are, doesn't it?

(Y/N): You ought to praise Horikita. She just gave me directions, that's all.

Ichinose: Right, of course. Well, I'll be leaving then. It would be bad if we broke the rules, wouldn't you say?

However, the moment Ichinose said that, both of our phones played a unique sound. It played four times, quickly.

Ichinose: Wh-what does this mean?

She seemed completely shocked as she slowly looked from her phone's screen over to me.

...

Unexpected Result

(Y/N)'s POV

Our ship floated on the dark, lonely sea. As we got closer to 11:00, more and more people began to gather. The café, which had been completely silent, started to fill up with people. Eventually, the place was packed. I secured four seats well ahead of time. A lone girl approached me.

Karuizawa: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Karuizawa Kei approached me rather meekly. Something about her expression seemed different.

(Y/N): Sorry for calling you so late.

Karuizawa: No, it's okay.

Since I didn't really have anything to talk to her about, I silently gazed at the nighttime scenery and checking the time on my phone. However, Karuizawa looked as if she had wanted to ask me something. I glanced at her.

(Y/N): Something on your mind?

Karuizawa: Ah, um. I was just wondering if everything really went okay.

(Y/N): Of course. I'm positive that one of the guys from Class A sent the school an email with my name.

I'd had one more piece of insurance up my sleeve, besides the double phone swap. But because I'd laid my plans well, there was likely nothing to worry about.

Karuizawa: Why are you so sure about that?

Hirata: I'm guessing you're talking about that piece of paper you gave me. Right, (L/N)-kun?

Hirata's approach from behind made Karuizawa jump in shock. Well, that was understandable. After all, they "broke up" with each other not long time ago.

Hirata: Excellent work on this test, both of you. May I sit?

(Y/N): Help yourself out.

Karuizawa shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable, but didn't show any sign that she would refuse him.

Hirata checked at the time. It was 10:55 p.m.

Hirata: It's just about time. Is Horikita-san still not here? Shouldn't we contact her?

(Y/N): She's the type to come at the very last second. Ah, speaking of which, there she is...

Apparently, Horikita had arrived earlier than I'd expected.

Horikita: Ahh. When I see you people, I can't help but sigh.

(Y/N): 'Umm... Y-You're not referring to me right?'

I then noticed that there's someone behind Horikita.

(Y/N): Hey, who's that behind you?

Horikita: Ignore him. Think of him as a ghost that attached itself to my back.

(Y/N): Ah, I see.

Sudou: Aw, come on. Don't say that, Horikita. I just thought you might be nervous during the test, so I was worried about you. That's why I came to check on you.

Sudou Ken. I hadn't seen him for several days. He stood so close to Horikita that they were practically attached. Surprisingly, it did irritated me.

Horikita: I don't need another annoying concerns from you. One person for that is enough.

She shot me a glance.

(Y/N): 'Okay, this time you looked at me.'

Sudou: What, who!?

Horikita: And also. You're in the way. Get lost.

Sudou: H-hey, don't say that. I gave this test everything I had, you know.

Horikita: In that case, do you believe you'll end up with good results?

Sudou: I was just one step behind, that's all. Looks like someone else sent the email before me.

Horikita stopped paying any attention to his lame excuses and sat down in the vacant seat next to me. Sudou quickly went to grab a chair from a nearby table.

This was a rather unusual group of people. Sudou didn't seem to show interest in listening to anyone else.

Horikita sighed before began speaking.

Horikita: Anyway, about the chain of emails we received earlier.

(Y/N): Yeah, about that...

We were talking about what'd happened two hours earlier. Just as I was about to part ways with Ichinose, we'd received four emails at almost the exact same time, in rapid succession. They'd informed us about the end of the test for several groups. The test had ended for the Rat, Horse, Rooster, and Pig groups. They'd all had traitors.

Horikita: Minami-kun was the Horse group VIP, right?

(Y/N): That's right. Apparently, someone discovered his identity.

Horikita: Did one of us send an email for the other groups?

She was anxious. If you guessed incorrectly, the penalties were high.

Hirata: I was a little apprehensive about that, so I went around and asked people in the individual groups earlier. None of the guys said they turned traitor.

Hopefully, they hadn't lied to him.

(Y/N): How's Yamauchi, is he okay?

Horikita: Ah, he's probably okay. Yamauchi-kun was in the Rooster group. It seems he did try sending an email but agonized over it for too long. The test ended before he could actually send it.

(Y/N): Well, it was a fine move, actually.

Horikita had predicted that if Yamauchi sent the email, he most likely would've gotten the answer wrong. She was probably correct.

Horikita: But I don't know about the girls.

Karuizawa: I've already checked. No one sent an email.

As leader of the Class D girls, she could be as certain as Hirata of her information.

Horikita: I see.

Of course, since Horikita did not have the necessary social pull, she had no choice but to accept what she was told.

Horikita: Still, I'm worried about is that those four emails came in at almost the exact same time. The school said we had a time frame of thirty minutes at the end of the test to betray someone, but all the emails came within one to two seconds of each other.

Sudou: Isn't that just a coincidence?

(Y/N): 'Everything was a coincidence from your perspective.'

Horikita: When Koenji-kun sent the email to betray his group, the school responded without delay. If you think about how fast it was, it must have been automated.

Hirata: So it's likely that all of the emails were sent together. In other words, the betrayal emails all came from one class.

That was it. I couldn't think of any other reason, either.

Hirata: They might have sent the emails at the exact same time as a way of showing off their supremacy.

Horikita: Yeah. And there's only one person I can imagine who'd do such a thing.

Horikita and Hirata had a natural rapport. I was grateful they were able to do this without me having to jump in.

"So. You're all here after all, huh?"

Meeting in this particular café, a place we'd used so many times before, had been a deliberate move on my part. After all, it was so I could invite a particular sixth guest to join us.

Sudou: Ryuen!

Sudou, after noticing Ryuen, stood up as if to threaten him, but Ryuen didn't pay any mind. He simply grabbed a vacant chair, forcefully slamming it next to Horikita before taking a seat.

Ryuen: I thought I'd enjoy finding out the results with you all. Thanks so much for gathering in such an easy-to-find place.

(Y/N): 'You're welcome.'

Horikita: Yes. I chose this space because even an idiot like you would be able to find it quite easily. You should be grateful.

Ryuen: Anyway, Suzune, you've got a rather large group with you. Have you grown more sociable?

He looking out at the other four people gathered around the table and ignoring Sudou completely.

Horikita: I disliked your persistent harassment. I was talking to them about it.

Ryuen: I didn't think you actually had any friends.

This was a defensive strategy I'd devised specifically to deal with Ryuen. By increasing the number of people in Horikita's social circle, I had successfully set up a dummy. With more people to keep an eye on, he would be unable to catch everything.

Ryuen: The results will be announced any minute now. Are you expecting any results?

Horikita: More or less. You look rather relaxed.

Ryuen: Heh. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. Looks like the same crowd as the last time.

Sudou: And I remember that the last time they announced results, you were acting all high and mighty. But then you lost big.

Sudou chided, pointing a finger at Ryuen and laughing. Horikita, as if agreeing with Sudou, gave Ryuen a disgusted look.

Ryuen: Now, now. You know if you get carried away now, you'll just be embarrassed later. That's because I already know our group's VIP.

Whether he was lying or not, Horikita wasn't shaken in the least. She was convinced that she wouldn't lose to Ryuen.

Horikita: I'm quite glad to hear that. I look forward to the results.

Ryuen: There's no need to wait for the announcement. Want me to tell you who the Dragon group VIP is?

Horikita: I'm sorry, but I'm hearing the irritating whine of a loser. The test has already ended, and no one in the Dragon group has turned traitor.

Ryuen: If you could only understand the depth of my mercy, you'd be moved. So moved that you'll get wet between your thighs.

He laughed, as though such vulgar language was funny.

Horikita: All right, tell me then. Who is the Dragon group VIP?

Ryuen, as if he'd been waiting for her to ask, covered his smiling face with his hand. He peered at us through the gaps in his fingers, like some kind of beast in a cage

Ryuen: Kushida Kikyou.

Horikita: Wha—

Horikita, who had been unconcerned until that point, cried out and stiffened. Hirata, also in the Dragon group, was flabbergasted as well.

Ryuen: I'm sorry, but I've known Kushida was the VIP since the second day of the test.

Horikita: You're joking, right? If that's true, you would have turned traitor and sent an email. But the test didn't end like that. That must mean you realized that fact after the exam had ended. There's no other way. Am I wrong?

Ryuen: I just felt so sorry for you. You were oh-so-incredibly confident in your victory that you looked down on others. You were desperate to get your stories straight, assuming no one would get the answer right. That's why I went along with it until the end.

Hirata: H-How did you figure it out?

His question contained a mixture of curiosity and fear.

Ryuen: Unfortunately, the answer to that... Well, it involves you, Suzune.

Horikita: Me?

Horikita must have been desperately trying to remain calm while replaying the test in her head.

Ryuen: I figured it out because of your body. The movements of your eyes and mouth. Your breathing. Your behavior. Your tone. Everything about you told me that you were lying.

(Y/N): 'You're disgusting...'

Horikita: Stop with the jokes!

Ryuen: Heh. I understand how you feel. You don't want to admit that you're the most incompetent person in the group. But don't beat yourself up, Suzune. You merely chose the wrong opponent. Besides, this exam was supposed to be pure chaos. At any rate, Class A is in for an especially rude awakening. Relax.

Horikita: What's that supposed to mean?

Ryuen: You'll understand soon enough.

Once the clock struck eleven, we received notifications at the exact same time. All of us, save Ryuen, checked the results:

Rat: Outcome #3. The traitor answered correctly.
Cow: Outcome #4. The traitor answered incorrectly.
Tiger: Outcome #2. The VIP's identity was not discovered.
Rabbit: Outcome #4. The traitor answered incorrectly.
Dragon: Outcome #1. The entire group answered correctly at the end of the test.
Snake: Outcome #2. The VIP's identity was not discovered.
Horse: Outcome #3. The traitor answered correctly.
Sheep: Outcome #2. The VIP's identity was not discovered.
Monkey: Outcome #3. The traitor answered correctly.
Rooster: Outcome #3. The traitor answered correctly.
Dog: Outcome #2. The VIP's identity was not discovered.
Pig: Outcome #3. The traitor answered correctly.

Based on those results, the increase or decrease in class and private points are as follows. "Cl" and "Pr" are used to denote "class points" and "private points," respectively.

Class A: Minus 200 cl; Plus 2 Million pr

Class B: No Change cl; Plus 2.5 Million pr

Class C: Plus 150 cl; Plus 5.5 Million pr

Class D: Plus 50 cl; Plus 3 Million pr

Horikita: Class C...came out on top?

Everyone looked stunned by the results.

Ryuen: Isn't this great, Suzune? Thanks to your blunder, the Dragon group managed to clear this test with Outcome #1. Because of that, all the classes should receive a boost in points.

He crowed.

Ryuen: If you beg for it, I'll tell you the answer. How about it?

Horikita: Who would—

She started to snap, but quickly shut her mouth.

Ryuen: Ooh, that look you have. It's pretty sexy.

Ryuen took out his phone and placed it on the table. On the screen was a list, and on that list were the names of the VIPs from Class A in the Rat, Rooster, and Pig groups.

Ryuen: I made some adjustments and arrived at the root of the test. Then, I just focused on the Class A students.

Apparently, Ryuen had managed to clear the test without targeting Classes B or D at all.

Ryuen: I'm sorry to tell you, Suzune, but you're my next target. I'm going after you with everything I've got. I won't stop until I tear you to shreds, both in mind and body.

Horikita, unable to attempt a comeback, simply kept staring at the results.I honestly wanted to defend her, but I couldn't risk to have my identity getting exposed, definitely not right now.

After obtaining such a huge number of points, Class C had gained an overwhelming lead. Looking over the results, it became clear that Koenji saved our asses, even though we thought he'd been screwing around. If he hadn't done what he did, this victory would've belonged exclusively to Class C.

Ryuen: I'm looking forward to the second semester.

Ryuen, his payback for the island administered in full, walked away with satisfaction. The rest of us weren't exactly in a celebratory mood.

Hirata: I understand that Ryuen-kun managed to discover the VIPs in Class A, sure, but I'm not convinced he has some kind of preternatural talent. Still, how did Dragon Group end up with that result?

No one answered, perhaps because no one could figure it out.

(Y/N): It's relatively simple. I mean, it's not really a difficult problem.

Hirata: What do you mean?

(Y/N): Putting aside how Ryuen found out the VIPs' identities, all he had to do was tell everyone 'Kushida is the VIP' before the end of the test, right? Of course, no one would believe what someone like Ryuen says. Especially a group of such intelligent, gifted people. However, the final half hour was different. Even if you answered incorrectly, there wasn't any risk to class points. As such, even someone who'd been playing defensively like Katsuragi could vote, right? If there was even a 1% chance that Kushida was really the VIP, then they would've gotten Outcome #1, which was the most convenient for everyone involved.

If he'd just planted the seed earlier, it would've been extremely simple. But something like that would've normally been impossible. It was a tightrope act; something that couldn't have happened unless every single person trusted that Kushida was the answer.

As I thought about it, I still had doubts. I never would've imagined he could succeed. Perhaps if he had absolute proof?

(Y/N): Horikita. I think that we might be in trouble.

There was no quick fix to our problem. Depending on how things went, Class D might be stuck with these obstacles for the long haul.

Horikita: By trouble, you mean Ryuen-kun? It's true he did very well in this test, but there's no guarantee he'll be dangerous in the future. Your group won their test, after all. Didn't they?

(Y/N): You've got a point. I'm probably overthinking things. Don't worry.

Perhaps my feelings were nothing more than a premonition. But what if they came true? These might be our first faltering steps toward despair. But I also felt some alien emotion growing inside of me. It was something like excitement.

(Y/N): 'I guess I have to be more serious from now.'

...

After everyone left, I was remained at the same spot with Horikita as well. Sudou, however, refused to leave Horikita's side. She managed to shoo him away before we finally have times alone together. But, I still sensed that he's lurking somewhere nearby.

Horikita: Sigh.

(Y/N): He's rather annoying, isn't he?

Horikita: Ever since the test for his group ended, he started to follow me everywhere I go. No matter how many times I tried to send him away.

This time, it's Horikita who rested her head on my shoulder.

Horikita: Not only I have to deal with Ryuen-kun, now there's one tagalong. It's difficult not to feel exhausted.

(Y/N): I heard you.

I gently held her left hand.

(Y/N): To be honest, I think Ryuen will definitely come on hard on you. Considering this test as his "warning" to you.

Horikita: Don't worry... I won't simply back off.

Despite saying that, she was faltered.

Horikita: Beside, you'll protect me, right...?

She looked me in the eyes. Even though, she put on a brave front the whole time. But the moment when we are alone, she opened up to me and showed her vulnerability and true feeling.

(Y/N): Of course I will.

I placed a kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes and laid on my shoulder with a satisfying smile.

Horikita: Thank you, (Y/N)-kun.

We simply enjoyed the moment in a moment of peace and silence. Then, the first one to break the silence was me.

(Y/N): Hey, now that I think about it, I've never try your cooking before.

Horikita: Hmm? How does it occurred to you?

(Y/N): Well, I noticed that everyday you bring your own bento to school. It seemed you barely eat at the cafeteria, other than the occasion where you treated with luxurious lunch set before.

Horikita: I don't deny it. I'd certainly prefer to make my own bento rather than eating in the cafeteria. It's more healthier, too.

(Y/N): Hmm...

Horikita: No.

(Y/N): Huh, what? I didn't say anything yet.

Horikita: You wanna ask me to make a bento for you as well, isn't it?

(Y/N): You reached for conclusion too fast, I haven't got to say anything—

Horikita: Then, the bento is fine already?

(Y/N): ...

Alright, she got me.

(Y/N): Uhm, Suzune...

Horikita: What is it, I wonder?

(Y/N): Please... make me a bento when we get back to the school.

She didn't reply for a few second, and then—

Horikita: No.

(Y/N): Aw, come on.

Horikita: I don't remember saying that I'll make one for you simply because you asked.

(Y/N): Eh... I thought...

Horikita: Well, if you really want me to make one, then try to buy ingredients yourself. Mine's not enough for both of us. And also, at least tell me what you want to eat.

(Y/N): Right, sure. So, that means...

Horikita: Baka. You still don't get it?

(Y/N): Ahaha, right. I get it.

She huffed.

Horikita: Well, do you have something in mind that you want to eat?

(Y/N): Let's see... Karaage?

Horikita: Why is that a question?

Thus, we spent our times chatting the whole night.

This ridiculous special test ended. Before we knew, the cruise ship headed back to the coast. we get to enjoy our last week of the summer vacation before the second semester to begin.

...

(A/N: Actually, I planned on combining this chapter and the next one, but I realized it might be too long. So I decided to release this chapter first. This marks the end for the LN vol.4. The next one is vol 4.5. I had the draft written for the next chapter already. I might released it tomorrow or the day after it. Peace out!)

Fortune Telling

(Y/N)'s POV

Special exam. The first thing that comes to mind upon hearing that word would normally be writing exams or practical tests related to sports or something along the lines of that. However, at the school I attend, the Advanced Nurturing High School, special exams aren't simple things like that. A special exam that pits classes against each other in a survival test on an uninhabited island, or an intellectually demanding game that pits liars against liars on a cruise ship. Such tests that surpass logic continued one after another over the course of the summer vacation.

For a first-year student like me, the days of brief respite from all that, including today, numbered only seven days.

(Y/N): Well, I couldn't care less.

I'm already satisfied with my current situation, just having my freedom. A girlfriend and a few other friends. I don't wish for any extra happiness.

There are things I can still do without many connections with the others. As a matter of fact I'm doing one of those things right now, using my phone to access my point balance. I saw on the screen that I currently had 106,219 points. Of them, I transferred 100,000 points to one of my classmates, Sudou Ken. And not too long after, the person who received the transfer, Sudou, called me.

Sudou: Yo, (L/N). What are you doing right now?

(Y/N): Nothing really. Just wandering what's for dinner tonight.

Sudou: Heh, for myself, I just now ate some chicken tenders. Tastes all right, but I'd definitely get tired of them if I ate them too often, so I try to change things up a bit. Ah, that's not important at all. What I wanted to talk to you is about fortune telling.

(Y/N): Huh? Do I looks like a psychic to you?

For a simpleton like Sudou, I hardly imagined he was interested in fortune-telling.

Sudou: Honestly, there's an crazy-accurate fortune-teller over at the Keyaki Mall, but they're only gonna be there during summer vacation. I guess it's big among the seniors. Even when I'm doing club stuff, all anyone talks about is that fortune-teller. Wanna check it out with me? My treat, of course.

Sudou's invitation, huh? Speaking of Keyaki Mall, it seems to be that facility that students often use. Since students are obligated to live on school grounds, it is necessary to prepare the required facilities for students. But it's not as diverse and unlimited as the outside world.

Well, since I have nothing particular to do, I suppose I could spare some times for my friend. So, why not join him?

(Y/N): When you want to go?

Sudou: Err, I say tomorrow morning. Around 9.30, because the fortune telling starts at 10 sharp. It's popular, and you don't want to queue and wait for your turn forever.

It seemed that Sudou had the schedule planned out.

(Y/N): I have no problem with that time. But, don't you have club activities tomorrow morning?

Sudou: Yeah, well. Tomorrow's my day off. The tournament ended, so it's fine. Besides, we've done nothing but train our butts off. It's fine to rest once in a while.

Sudou had just played in a basketball tournament. Even though I saw him quietly practicing day after day in preparation, I was admittedly kind of curious about the tournament's results. I might ask him about that tomorrow.

Sudou: So, what are you gonna do? Fortune-telling—you're going or not?

(Y/N): Not that I have anything planned to do. Sure, I'll go.

Maybe I could invite Horikita as well, although she don't strike me like a type that craze about this mumbo-jumbo stuff. But I don't have to, because—

Sudou: That's great! Definitely invite Suzune out, too. Definitely. You understand?

See what I mean? Sigh.

(Y/N): I see...

Apparently, Sudou didn't actually want to go see the fortune-teller with me, but rather, with Horikita. He probably knew that, if he invited her himself, his chances of success were rather slim.

(Y/N): Actually... I can't imagine that she's interested in fortune-telling.

Sudou: Even so, invite her. This is like one of your specialties, right?

What specialties? She's my girlfriend, you know... Sigh, I couldn't blame him since we'd never told anyone about us. But I really hoped that he'll stop using me as some kind of Horikita Invitation Machine.

(Y/N): I'll try. But I can't guarantee she will come with us tomorrow.

Sudou: "Try" is not good enough.

(Y/N): Not good enough?

When he emphasize the word "try", I sensed some traces of anger in it. He seemed to plan on Horikita definitely being there tomorrow.

Sudou: You absolutely need to. If not, then there's no point for us to go out tomorrow.

W-Why not? Can't we just spend time together as bro?

(Y/N): Ahem. Look, I don't know what plans she might have tomorrow. And I don't know if she even has any interest in fortune-telling. Isn't it easier to invite her out for shopping or watching a movie instead?

Sudou: Don't worry. The girls all love fortune-telling. I tell ya.

That's absolutism. That's Horikita we are talking about. I couldn't really imagine she'll show any interests about things that ordinary girls liked.

Sudou: You get it, right? After you invite her, get in touch with me. Okay? You have to. That's all.

With that, Sudou abruptly ended the call. I'd thought it was strange for Sudou to invite me to check out a fortune-teller. Well, it seemed as though he was really after Horikita.

Even though I felt reluctant to invite my girlfriend on his behalf, but I don't wanna get nudged by him. Then, I called Horikita right away. She answered my call almost immediately.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Hey, Suzune. Um, do you happen to like fortune-telling?

If there's anyone capable of destroying my perceived notions about girls in general, it is undoubtedly her.

Horikita: What a strange question to open conversations.

Fair enough. I didn't really have anything else to open up the conversation with, either.

(Y/N): You'll be saving me if you give me an answer.

Horikita: So, if I don't answer you, there's a possibility that you won't be saved?

I didn't expect her to reply like that, but that was certainly a possibility. The image of Sudou putting me in a headlock came to mind.

(Y/N): Something like that. So, will you save me?

Horikita: That depends. If you're comfortable owing me one.

(Y/N): Wait, what? I'm your boyfriend...

Horikita: You don't always have to pull strings, you know?

My face was literally like this (TT).

Horikita: I'm kidding. I couldn't let you situated in danger state, after all.

Eh, so she can kid? That's new.

(Y/N): Um...? Phew? I-I mean, thank you.

Horikita: Let's see... Well, I'm not exactly an enthusiast or anything, but I won't say that I dislike fortune-telling.

(Y/N): Have you ever had your fortune told before?

Horikita: Of course not. It's just I've seen fortune-telling come up in the news every morning.

She was probably talking about the daily horoscope things that were usually based on your birth month.

(Y/N): Your zodiac is Aquarius, right? What's your luck for today?

Horikita: Hmm... Average. Neither good or bad luck today.

(Y/N): I see... What about the luck for Cancer—

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. Are you addicted to getting your fortune told, by chance?

(Y/N): Ah, no. That's not it. There's been rumors floating around recently, have you heard about that fortune-teller?

Horikita: Fortune-teller...?

Horikita fell silent for a while, then eventually answered in a tone that sounded as though she understood.

Horikita: I've heard about it. It does seem to be quite the uproar.

(Y/N): Well, I was a little curious. They say that the fortunes are really accurate, so I was wondering how accurate. But, I can't really believe that fortune-telling could be so accurate about something.

I expected her to agree with me, but she apparently held a different opinion.

Horikita: Is that really true? I think a person with real power can be accurate.

(Y/N): No way. You'd have to be a real psychic to be that accurate.

The power to predict the future by reading a person's face or hands, or based on their birthdate was simply ridiculous.

Horikita: No, that's not what I mean. Fortune-tellers don't have the power to divine the future. That's obvious, isn't it? That would be as foolish as someone saying that they believe in ghosts. However, the big difference between fortune-tellers and psychics is that fortune-tellers give readings based on a massive amount of past data. In other words, they interpret patterns to understand people.

Her answer was grounded in logic and reason.

(Y/N): In other words, a power derived from cold reading, huh?

Horikita: You know quite some cheeky things.

She said in an amused tone.

Horikita: We cannot view ourselves objectively but expert fortune-tellers, in a short amount of time, can extract information about you and know even things that the person being divined does not realize. And that's what's left as the result of fortune-telling. Don't you think?

Cold reading. Literally means reading someone's mind without any prior preparation. It's a technique that draws out information from a person through casual conversation to make them think you know more about them than you actually do. Using 'observation' and 'insight' skills to gain information on your target. And make them believe you could see the future and past by using words masterfully. It required a high degree of skill.

(Y/N): I'm curious.

Horikita: I'm glad. I think it'll be good for you to go.

(Y/N): Do you want to come along with me?

Horikita: ...What?

(Y/N): Yeah. How about that?

Horikita: Why? You know I don't enjoy dealing with crowds, right?

Indeed that is true. Naturally there would be a lot of students crowded around the fortune-teller that so happens to be a hot topic right now. There's even the possibility that it won't simply be students but also adults that would go. I certainly cannot imagine Horikita being in a crowd like that.

(Y/N): Sigh. To be honest...

I then explained the whole things to Horikita. After that, she went silent for a while.

Horikita: I refuse. Maybe I'll consider if it's just the two of us, but with another person? No.

She then hung up on me. As expected, she didn't like the idea of going out with Sudou. As far as I was concerned, I'd received her message loud and clear.

I'm sure Sudou won't cause a big problem too. Then, I shot him a brief message. I immediately noticed the "read" marker pop up. Shortly afterward, I received a disgruntled reply that read,

"Then forget about it."

As I had thought, my existence was only necessary to him for inviting Horikita. Since I'd failed to invite her, Sudou had no further use for me. Well, it probably would've been a little weird for two dudes to see a fortune-teller together.

(Y/N): But even so...fortune-telling huh?

I was not interested initially, but after my conversation with Horikita I had become slightly interested.

(Y/N): I suppose I'll go check it out tomorrow.

I then shot a message to Horikita.

...

Who the hell actually thought it was a good idea to go see a fortune-teller.

(Y/N): I might have messed up.

The late August morning assaulted by a heatwave made it a burning hell. I could even see a mirage forming and gently fluctuating on the concrete that lies ahead near the roadside trees. Of course the school facilities are all air conditioned and so we don't feel the heat in there. In corridors, in lobbies or in our rooms. However, when directly exposed to the sun, one instantaneously starts to sweat.

I desperately sought out shade. Fortunately, the school boasted a rather expansive campus littered with tons of trees.

It was 9:30 A.M., well before most student activities, as I made my way towards the fabled fortune-teller. I'd quickly get my fortune read, then get the hell out of here. That was my plan.

But as I got closer to my destination, I realize that my expectations have been betrayed.

At Keyaki Mall which I had expected to be mostly empty, a crowd of students wearing summer outfits were already there. While I had hoped not all of them would be here for the same reason I am, that is unlikely to be the case.

The event seems to be hosted on the 5th floor, I looked around for a nearby elevator.

(Y/N): Wha—

I let out a grumble. Nearly ten students were hanging around in front of the elevator. It seemed they are queuing up to get to the 5th floor as well.

It might be a bit troublesome, but for now let's take a detour and choose another elevator elsewhere. There is another elevator in the opposite direction that is currently unused by students and is kept as a reserve.

After I reached the fifth floor, I made my way toward the fortune-teller. And there I encountered a situation more perplexing than the one before.

(Y/N): There are... couples everywhere?

Boys and girls stood in pairs all over. A number of them seemed to be in relationships. Of course, there were groups of only boys and only girls, but those were far fewer. Seeing a fortune-teller about a couple's future and romantic compatibility was common, I supposed. I'm relieved that I messaged Horikita yesterday and again this morning, asking her to come with me now that Sudou was out of the picture. She said she'll consider it this morning. But... can you consider it faster?

In any case, a line was forming. I decided to queue up. When I did so, a woman scanning the area called out to me.

"Good morning. Will your partner be joining you later?"

(Y/N): Partner? Ah, yes. She'll be here soon... I think.

I muttered the last part.

"Alright, then. Please enjoy the fortune-telling experience."

(Y/N): Thank you, miss.

I understand now the reason why Sudou wanted to invite Horikita out here. In this format of fortune-telling, he and Horikita would have a long time to talk to each other while lining up for the fortune-telling and they can spend a long time together until the fortune-telling is over. Cheeky bastard.

The line was moving. There were two more groups until my turn. If Horikita didn't come, then I have no choice but to slip out of the line in embarrassment.

A couple exited the tent and another couple entered.

(Y/N): Damn, I'm nervous.

Suddenly, someone pat my shoulder.

(Y/N): Uwah!

I let out a yell. I felt that everyone stared at my direction.

Horikita: Quiet down, will you? It just me.

(Y/N): O-Oh. I'm sorry.

I bowed to them apologetically.

Horikita: Sigh. To think that I'd actually came here.

She was wearing a verdant green, short-sleeved blouse and wore a short black jeans, paired with a white flower clips on her hair. Wow. She's pretty.

(Y/N): Thankfully you showed up. Only couples can have their fortunes read by the fortune-teller.

Horikita: What?

I pointed at the written notice in front of the tent.

"Guidance is for couples only. We humbly ask for your understanding."

Horikita: So... that's mean—

(Y/N): Yeah. Apparently, Sudou wants to go with you instead of me.

Horikita: That rascal...

I can see veins formed on her forehead. I gulped.

(Y/N): N-Nevertheless. We can still have our fortunes read as couple, right?

Horikita: That's true. Now I'm a bit intrigued by this fortune-telling thing. I wonder what will be predicted.

(Y/N): Let's find out.

...

"Next person please"

It was already our turn when I heard that small voice come from inside the temporarily set up facility.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting."

In the end, fortune-telling for each pair took approximately fifteen minutes, and I ended up having to stand in the queue for quite a long time. Just as I started to wonder if I even cared about fortune-telling anymore, I passed through a curtain and entered the room where the fortune-teller waited.

When I entered, I found a chamber that looked like something out of a television show. It was dark inside, probably around 30 lux. The fortune-teller appeared to be an elderly woman, but a hood obscured her face, so I couldn't make out her expression. She sat with a thick book, the contents of which I couldn't guess, and some kind of crystal ball.

It seems the crystal ball is shining even now as though it is reflecting Horikita's and my future. And before the fortune-teller, there were two round seats with no backrests placed. I suppose that's where we are supposed to sit. And when the two of us sat down, the fortune-teller simply laughed briefly and her right hand moved.

"Before we start, you must pay up first."

The elder woman pulled out a small card reader from under the table and placed it before us. From the breathtaking atmosphere that almost gave off the feeling of a fortune-telling museum, artifacts of modern civilization appearing like that and gave off an incongruous feeling.

Not that I expected the reading to be free, of course.

Horikita: What kind of fortune are you going to read?

She took out her ID card and asking question.

"It can be about your academics, career, love life, or anything you like."

The grin of the fortune-telling was unsettling. It certainly gave off a strong feeling to the surrounding area, but more than a fortune-teller it looked to me as though she were a witch.

I looked at the list of prices she showed us.

It was oddly mismatched. They were separated into several categories. The "Basic Plan" package seemed to include the services the fortune-teller had already mentioned. There were special packages that even have options that let you see the end of your lifespan or how you met your end in your previous life too. Of course, since this was a couples' activity, many options were related to romance.

Regardless, every option was rather expensive. We'd be spending well over 5,000 points.

(Y/N): That's quite expensive.

For a Class D student struggling with the matter of points each and every day, this seems to be a severe expense. I thought just in case as I checked my point balance on my phone. On the screen, my private points were displayed. The balance I currently had was roughly 6000 points so it seems like I can barely afford it.

Horikita: I'll have the Basic Plan. What about you, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): I'll take the same as Suzune.

I told the fortune-teller. It felt as though I was placing an order at a restaurant. I presented my student ID card, and the card reader beeped, indicating that it had deducted points.

"Very well, let's start with the young lady. What's your name?"

Horikita: Horikita Suzune.

"My fortune-teller lets me see the face, hands and hearts of my customer. And during the middle of it, I might see something you'd rather keep private. Are you fine with that?"

Horikita: I don't mind. He's my boyfriend, after all.

From under her hood, I could see not only the wrinkled skin of the fortune-teller but also her sharp gaze. And then, instructing Horikita to put out both her hands, she begins to speak of the results of her fortune-telling slowly.

"First, a palm reading. You have a long lifeline. You have a long, long life to look forward to. I cannot see you suffering any major illness, as for now."

It seems a story that one usually hears is the opener. I personally don't understand how one can divine that from the lines on one's palm.

But the fortune-teller continued her reading at length, carefully providing Horikita with predictions about academics, financial success, love, and so on.

"Your love may faces various challenges along the way, but all shall resolved as long as two of you stay true to each other."

Horikita continued to listen to them with a satisfied feeling. There were not many bad predictions, mostly predictions of a bright future for her. She occasionally issued warnings, but they didn't seem to pose a significant threat.

Horikita: Thank you very much.

Having finished the fortune-telling session, Horikita bowed her head to the elder woman. It now seems to be my turn, where I would be able to understand fortune-telling better, is about to come now.

The answers for my session were mostly the same as the ones during Horikita's. Even though the circumstances may diverge, bottom line is that the predictions were mostly of good things to come. However I was warned to be careful of calamity at times. That sort of knowledge was told to me.

"Oh... It seems you had quite a harsh childhood."

A rather broad statement. Most people would claim to have gone through one or two harsh experiences during their youth, especially boys. More importantly, it's a bigger mystery why the fortune-teller who is supposed to speak of the future is speaking of the past instead.

Horikita sat beside me without once interrupting, or even yawning, and listened intently. Perhaps this was what fortune-telling was supposed to be like.

Humans are easy creatures, once 'good fortune' has been predicted for them, they would lock that in their memories and even if good fortune, unrelated to the fortune-telling, occurs, they would bring that memory out and interpret that as "Ahh. So the fortune-telling of that time was talking about this".

But in reality it would be different, because in life, it is inevitable that everyone would experience both good fortune and misfortune as well as happiness and misery.

"T-This is..."

The fortune-teller stopped moving her hands.

"You are the possessor of a fateful Tenchuusatsu!"

(Y/N): Uhh... Tenchu-what?

The one surprised by that result was not me or Horikita but rather the fortune-teller herself.

We are confused with the word Tenchuusatsu. It seemed to be an important part of the fortune-telling.

Horikita: What does this mean?

"To put it simply, you've lived a life of constant misfortune since you were born."

It might have been pure coincidence, but that claim was accurate. Still vague, though. Besides, from a cynical viewpoint, more than a few people would call themselves constantly unlucky. But if it's the unusual Tenchuusatsu, it would be a risk for the fortune-teller to say that as well.

(Y/N): So, is that fateful Tenchuusatsu going to continue from here on out too?

"Fateful Tenchuusatsu is indeed uncommon. But that doesn't mean it curses your entire life to be misfortune. Indeed the flow itself is bad, you will be unable to receive blessing of a family or parents. But that's only up to your personality. However, the rest is up to you, individually. You alone decide what you can do and can't do."

She had a grim expression on her face, but I could see compassion in her eyes.

"There's no need to feel pessimistic and there's no need to act like the protagonist of a comedy too."

(Y/N): 'Well, I'm the protagonist of this story, though.'

I'd heard some interesting things today, but in the end, it was just fortune-telling. I bowed to her as she finished my fortune-telling. When I tried to get up from my seat, I was again called by the fortune-teller.

"I have one more piece of advice for you. Go back straight instead of taking any detours. If you take a detour unnecessarily, you may be stuck for a long time. Even if you do get stuck, don't panic. If you stay calm and work together, you should be able to overcome it."

(Y/N): Alright, thanks for the advice.

She left behind such words of prophecy.

...

(Y/N): How was your first fortune-telling experience?

Horikita: How about you?

We were walking back to our dormitory while holding hands.

(Y/N): Mostly satisfied.

Horikita: I thought so too. That fortune-teller is actually pretty famous. People say that she's highly accurate.

(Y/N): I suppose so...it looks like a simple profession but it's surprisingly difficult.

More than half of it was just based off a template, the images and words one normally hears in fortune-telling. But within that, there is no denying that there were also accurate facts.

(Y/N): I'm not going to dismiss fortune-telling from now on.

Horikita: You could say that.

And together, we arrived at a nearby elevator.

(Y/N): Sigh. The elevator is crowded again.

If I continued onwards, I faced hell. If I turned back, I faced hell. Students crowded the elevator area.

(Y/N): Sorry, but let's take a detour to head back to the dorm.

Horikita: Yeah, let's do that.

As we made our way to the other elevator, I remembered what the fortune-teller had said.

(Y/N): Hey, speaking of which, earlier...

Horikita: The fortune-teller told us, don't take a detour.

I met eyes with Horikita. Whether it is simply a coincidence or inevitability, we were about to take a detour at this very moment.

(Y/N): That's interesting. Let's find out how accurate that prediction is.

If it's not, I would be able to go back without anything happening. And I would be able to think it's just mere fortune-telling in the end.

But in the end, without anything happening, we reached the distant elevator. And at the time, there was no one around us. We were able to call up the elevator at our leisure.

We entered the elevator and I pressed the button on the panel to descend to the first floor. The elevator doors closed, and the elevator began to move.

Horikita: Do you really think something bad might happen if we do take a detour?

(Y/N): I don't know. I'm not a fortune-teller. If I must say, in this case, the worst thing can happen is the power outage occurs—

As soon as I said that, the elevator had ground to a halt with a heavy sound. It doesn't seem like it's someone trying to get into the elevator on the 3rd floor too but the elevator, in its attempt to descend further from the 3rd floor, came to a stop halfway. But as I mulled over it, for an instant, the lights went out and it became pitch black.

However, at that moment, the emergency lights came back on and we were able to avoid a complete blackout situation.

Horikita: Jinx...

(Y/N): Ah, sorry. M-My bad.

If this was what the fortune-teller meant about getting stuck, then she was right on the money.

Horikita: Should we use the emergency phone?

There is no need for panic here. The elevator already has been prepared for breakdown situations like this. There are also surveillance cameras in the elevator, and intercom button connected to an emergency dispatch center. And having told her that, with no objections, I suppose I'll press the button and call for help.

However...

(Y/N): No response.

I don't know if the call is ringing on the other end or not but, I don't feel like I'm getting through to the emergency dispatch center.

Horikita: The power outage doesn't affect the calls. I think this means there's some other internal failure.

I pushed the button meant for the hearing-impaired, but got no response from that, either. Perhaps the control panel itself was dead. The battery was alive, though, and the air conditioning was working.

(Y/N): Can you contact the school with your phone? It should be in range.

Horikita: You know that I didn't save other people's contact other than yours? Plus, my phone battery died out as soon as we left the tent.

(Y/N): Umm... right. Guess I got no choice.

I pulled out my phone. Once I saw my screen, I stiffened.

Horikita: What's the matter? Call someone already.

(Y/N): Apparently, our situation is far more serious than I originally thought.

My phone's battery was at only 4 percent. It was like a flickering candle flame that the wind could extinguish at any moment.

Horikita: You've got to be kidding me.

(Y/N): I'm the same as you. Since I don't have a lot of people to talk to, I don't really bother checking my battery life.

Horikita: Sigh. I can't believe this.

Even though I can't see clearly in this pitch black situation, I knew that she just rolled her eyes.

I looked around to see if I could find contact information for emergency services, and discovered a ten-digit number near the button panel. However, thanks to some jerk who probably thought they were hilarious, the last four digits were scribbled over with magic marker.

(Y/N): This kind of prank is too much...

Horikita: Why don't you call someone you know? Although, there will might be an uproar if someone see us together in here.

(Y/N): Let's see...

Those three idiots were out of the question. They'd make a huge deal out of this, and probably tell everyone afterward. Sakura wouldn't gossip, but the situation would probably fluster her. It'd be difficult for her to help us out.

Kushida and Karuizawa were probably likewise unsuited to the task. Someone who can come and help us without raising a fuss. And in this case, the one I can rely on is—

(Y/N): Alright. I'll call him right away.

After the phone rang for a few seconds, the taciturn fellow quietly answered. I explained our situation and asked for help. However, not long after I started talking, my phone died. The screen silently faded to black.

(Y/N): The battery ran out.

Horikita: Who are you calling?

(Y/N): Oh, its...

I told her the name of that guy.

Horikita: How come you...

(Y/N): Long story short, I'll explain to you as soon as we get out of here. For now, let's save our breaths.

The only thing left to do was sit and wait. There was no need to panic—someone would definitely notice us before too long.

But the situation seems to be progressing in an unexpected way. And as I thought I heard the deep sound made by the machine reverberating inside the elevator, the cooler that was sending a comfortable breeze into the room stopped.

Horikita: Great.

Horikita, who had been calm up until now, started to panic. We were in a sealed space in the middle of summer, it wasn't a stretch to imagine that the temperature will start to rise in here.

Right now the air inside the elevator had become slightly lukewarm but given time, whether we like it or not we would inevitably begin sweating.

Horikita: Is there any way to get out ourselves?

(Y/N): The rescue hatch seems to be there but... escape through there seemed unrealistic to me.

Horikita: Second it.

The temperature continued to rise. I understood wanting to get out, but I also wanted to avoid poor decisions. I took off my jacket and sat on the floor. At times like this, it was important to remain calm.

(Y/N): Are you okay, Suzune?

Horikita: No. Besides, do I look okay to you?

(Y/N): If it's too hot, take off some clothes.

Horikita: Are you perhaps thinking something lewd in this situation?

(Y/N): That... came out wrong! I didn't really mean that way.

Horikita: I do have clothes beneath this blouse...

(Y/N): Of course, I'll turn around if you undress.

Horikita: Sigh. D-Don't you dare look!

I turned my back at her as promised. She dropped her bag on the floor and took off the blouse. However, out of curiosity, I did peeked a little bit. From what I saw, it appeared that she wore a camisole underneath her blouse. I quickly looked away before she caught me peeping. We both sat down and waited for the rescue.

(Y/N): 'Thinking about that just make my temperature keep rising... I have to stop thinking it.'

We waited quietly for about thirty minutes, but still hadn't heard from anyone.

Horikita's breathing grew ragged.

The shirt I'm wearing already looks like it's been under a waterfall, it seems the situation is a lot more dangerous than I had imagined. Thinking back on it, this elevator is installed into the wall of Keyaki Mall. Thanks to the air-conditioning that's always on normally, I didn't notice it but this location would be very sensitive to heat under these conditions.

Even if a person notices the elevator breakdown in 5 minutes, it would still take the rescue crew roughly 30 minutes to make it to our location. If it's coming, it should be time for the rescue to arrive.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun, how about we kicked the door open?

The brutal heat must have make her not thinking rationally.

(Y/N): Both you and I know that's not gonna work.

Horikita: T-Then... what are we suppose to do? We can't keep waiting forever.

(Y/N): ...I could say it's exactly as foretold, but it seems the fortune-teller's prediction came true, huh?

Horikita: What was that again?

(Y/N): The old woman told me not to panic if I get stuck. She told me to cooperate.

I turned my gaze to the elevator buttons.

(Y/N): The emergency button didn't respond, and the call didn't connect. But what about the other buttons?

Since the light for the first floor was still lit, thinking about it, at least part of the battery is still working. I tried pressing the second floor button as a test. And when I did, the light for the second floor also lit up.

Horikita: It didn't work, apparently.

(Y/N): No. There's still another way. Elevators have something like a cancel command in them, right?

I wasn't particularly knowledgeable about elevators, but I'd picked up a few things. There was a way to cancel a command after you pushed a button for the wrong floor by mistake.

When I continued to push the button for the second floor, the light went off.

(Y/N): There must be some commands that are available in limited express mode...

Horikita: Limited express...?

(Y/N): For instance, let's say this is the third floor. If there's someone who wishes to get off on the second floor they press that button, it will stop on the second floor. But if you use the limited express command, it will ignore those previous commands and go straight to the first floor.

Horikita: Well, it's worth giving it a try.

(Y/N): Help me think this through. If we both come up with ideas, we might stumble onto a solution.

Horikita: I don't really know about canceling commands, but I can't imagine you'd be able to activate the elevator's express mode just by punching a combination of buttons. Right?

Of course, using common sense that is obvious. Children sometimes like to play around by mashing the buttons after all. And if the elevator enters limited express mode each and every time, it would inconvenience the other passengers.

Horikita: We should try pushing the emergency button, don't you think? So, then...one, two, or three? With the open and close buttons, that makes five buttons overall.

(Y/N): I think it's some combination of those buttons.

If there were more combinations, it would've been extremely difficult to test them all. Horikita continues to test the set patterns. And as I watched her do it, I excluded the combinations that failed to work.

Horikita: It didn't work. And by the way, it's getting hotter now. Any combinations that we didn't test yet?

There was one possibility. I decided to try out one last command.

(Y/N): Why don't you try pushing the button for your desired floor, plus the close-door button at the same time?

Horikita: Close button...? I got it.

While thinking there's no way it could be, Horikita tried a combination that had not been tested yet. And when she pressed it, although I thought it wouldn't work, at that very moment the elevator started to slowly move again. We both immediately looked at each other.

And in a few seconds the elevator reached the first floor and the doors slowly opened. We both fell down on the floor and leaned against each other. A cool breeze flowed into the elevator, two adults who changed their expressions turned to look at us.

"Are you all right?! Are you hurt?!"

(Y/N): We're okay, we're not hurt. It was just really hot.

Looking at our sweaty state, they could probably guess how hot it was. They offered us sports drinks right away, and instructed us to head over to the doctor's office for examination, just in case.

(Y/N): Umm... Can we ask something? Could it be the elevator moved—

"Yeah. We operated it from here."

Apparently there is a special remote control that can be operated from the first floor, it seems it was thanks to using the limited express mode from here. And we just happened to use that combination with the same timing.

"You must have had a rough time in there."

Horikita: Really it was disastrous. I've had enough of fortune-telling for a while.

I then expressed my gratitude to the adults, and the man who was watching from a distance then approached us.

"Are you alright, (L/N)?"

He seemed more anxious than someone that size should.

(Y/N): You saved us. You managed to bring us down.

The elevator stopping caused some trouble. But it seems it did not cause a noticeable uproar. This man, Katsuragi, probably managed to do that for us.

Katsuragi: The information you told me through the phone was enough. This is good enough right?

(Y/N): I have to head to the doctor's office now, but I'll thank you properly later.

Katsuragi: There's no need. You and Sudou have helped me a lot. There are some lines we can't cross, because we're from different classes, but I happen to think cooperation's an excellent thing,

(Y/N): It looks like that went well then.

Katsuragi: Yeah. Sudou answered my expectations brilliantly. Please tell him again that I appreciate it a lot.

(Y/N): I will.

Katsuragi: I should thank you as well, (L/N). Despite the plentiful evidence, there must have been considerable resistance to the plan I proposed.

Katsuragi bowed his head in gratitude. I owed him, too. Had I been stuck in that elevator any longer, I might have lost it.

Katsuragi: If you need anything else, please contact me. I'll assist you with anything...other than exams, of course.

Katsuragi laughs briefly and leaves while leaving behind a joke like that for me.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. Since when you became friend with Katsuragi-kun?

(Y/N): Oh, since a while ago. Come on, Suzune. Let's head to the medical room, I'll explain along the way.

I covered her with my jacket and supported her with my arm while telling her the story.

That's right. Katsuragi and I had started to become real friends. We were as close as I was to the three idiots, maybe even more so. Why did I know the contact address of Class A's Katsuragi, and why was I so close to him?

—That is a story from a while ago.

...

Birthday present

(A/N: Prepare yourself for another long chapter! Btw, I'll be busy again until next week. So... this chapter is a compensation for my absences on the following days XD)

(Y/N)'s POV

I was walking with Horikita to the medical room to get checked up as we were trapped in the elevator. On the way I was explaining how I could befriend with Katsuragi, one of the leaders in Class A.

Flashback

This particular story began one week before Horikita and I ended up stuck in an elevator, when I received a message from Kushida, the class sweetheart.

"Next Wednesday is Inogashira-san's birthday. Would you care to celebrate with us?"

That sort of message had been sent to our chat group, in fact. Inogashira, by the way, is plain and quiet girl from Class D. A type similar to Sakura. She doesn't have many friends, so the story here is to make friends with her for her birthday event. Of course, Ike jumped at the invitation, for a blatantly obvious reason: he liked Kushida and wanted to be in her good graces. He'd probably use this event as a way to get closer to her. What a simpleton.

He sent a message to the boys' group, that reads,

"You got a message from Kikyou-chan too, right? Let's get some presents for Kokoro-chan!"

Ike did everything he could to get us to give our consent, but Yamauchi's response was slow.

"But even if you say that, I don't have money...I should be getting more next month though."

He's right. The students of Class D are basically broke right now. In the special exams that took place a while ago, certain results were achieved and certain students were promised a large amount of private points but sadly those points will only be handed out on the 1st of September. I, toohad used up most of my points and so currently I have almost no remaining balance.

"Isn't it all right if the guys just pool their points and buy her one present? In that case, we should be able to buy her a proper gift, even if it's just 500 points."

I offered a proposal. If so, even Yamauchi should be able to accept that too but it seems his financial situation is just the bare minimum. It seems to be truly cut short and he himself is being forced to live a life of poverty.

In the end, all three of them agreed with my proposition after some considerations. We decided to go out and buy the present together.

...

Man, the heat is burning inside me. I wiped the sweat off my forehead as I met with the others.

Ike: But...why is Kikyou-chan not here?! Huh, (L/N)?! She's the most important person!

The first thing Ike asked me when I met up with him was asking me about the absence of Kushida.

(Y/N): Hey. It's not that I was in charge of Kushida's schedule. Think about it calmly, Kushida never said she'd go along with us. It's probably just that.

Ike: I'm unsatisfied with your excuse! If Kikyou-chan isn't here, there's no meaning to this.

Leaving aside Ike and the others who were getting overly excited on their own, it seems Kushida invited her other girl friends and went out shopping.

Yamauchi: So I have no choice but to go pre-shopping with a bunch of bastards that I'm not even interested in, that's sad!

I can understand his feelings in wanting to scream out, but I too, don't wish to go out together with a bunch of sad men like them. Now that I think about it, it was the first time I'd hung out with other guys during summer vacation, besides the special tests. But it seems they consider it normal to go shopping with friends and watching movies with them.

Ike: It's pretty lame to go shopping for a birthday present when it's just us three assholes, huh? Haruki, I'll leave the rest to you. Go ahead and pick something Kokoro-chan would like.

Yamauchi: Screw that. You wanted to go, so you should do the shopping!

Those two exchanging complaints. I got in between Ike and Yamauchi who were in the middle of their conflict.

(Y/N): Calm down a bit. It'll be fine if the three of us just go and buy it. Sudou's already entrusted us with his portion of the points too.

Ike: Huh, fair enough. But I don't think it's necessary for the three of us to go.

(Y/N): We've already come this far. We can just quickly buy it and go back. It'll be more of a waste of time and energy if we keep arguing in this scorching heat.

Yamauchi: Grr, I get it already. Let's just buy it and head back. Ah, this is so boring!

In contrast to the other two guys, I was a little excited as we headed to the store. I was hoping to get a present for Horikita's belated birthday, but, I'm short on points right now. I'd better wait for next allocation of our monthly allowance.

Passing all the shops lined up on campus, we came to a store that girls frequented. The clerk was a high-level, older beauty. And furthermore, the interior of the shop was colored all pink. It exudes an aura that would normally prevent a man from coming here alone. It seems ranging from stuffed toys to cell phone accessories, all things unnecessary for studies are on display here. I suppose this can be considered as exploiting private points from the students.

Ike: Well, what are you waiting for? Come help us pick what we should buy.

He urged me. The two of them should have been ashamed of themselves. While Ike ordered me to choose a birthday present, both of them were ogling the beautiful store clerk and the other girls as they shopped, clearly having a good time.

After that, we split up and circled the shop to find a good birthday present to buy. But of course, from the start I had no intention of choosing the birthday present. It was because I had no idea what would make a good present or not to choose from.

(Y/N): Inogashira. What would she like...

At any rate, I had no experience with birthday-present shopping. The only ideas I came up with were things like a bouquet of roses, or a ring, which were hardly sensible.

After circling the shop once, I rendezvoused with Yamauchi. In Yamauchi's hands was a small, white stuffed bear. On the other hand, I was holding a cell phone cover in my hands. When Yamauchi saw that, he grimaced.

Yamauchi: Oh, come on! Just put that phone case away. Kokoro-chan definitely has one already. Besides, it's so completely different from what she likes, I think it'd just cause trouble.

(Y/N): Well, how should I know?

I put away the phone case and turned to him.

(Y/N): But wouldn't stuffed animals just clutter her room?

I pointed at the stuffed bear.

Yamauchi: Sure, it may be a problem for her, but she can use it to decorate her room's interior. Kokoro-chan likes this white bear series of stuffed animals so I think she'll be happy with this. More like, I don't want to hear that from a man who bought a cell phone cover.

For the first time, I was unable to come out with a counter argument against this guy. But I was honestly impressed that Yamauchi had thoroughly researched the tastes of the person we were buying a gift for. I had enough trouble just trying to remember Inogashira's name and face. Believe me, I'd really tried.

Yamauchi: So... where's Kanji?

(Y/N): I wonder...

When the two of us looked through the shop for him, we found Ike standing by the keychain corner. He seemed to be strangely serious, so without calling out to him we approached him in silence.

Ike was holding some kind of object with an orange character motif. He also held a cloth with the white bear character Yamauchi had mentioned on it.

Yamauchi: Oi, Kanji!

Ike: Uwaaa?! D-don't surprise me like that!

Flustered, Ike dropped the keychain. Then, for some reason, he immediately put it back on the shelf, as if trying to hide it.

Yamauchi: You are acting suspicious. It looks like you are thinking something else while looking at the keychain.

He took the keychain with the orange character from the shelf.

Ike: W-What? It's not like I have an ulterior motive or anything. Anyway, let's see what's over there. Come on, now.

Ike tried to change the subject.

Yamauchi: Wait a minute. If I remember correctly, the one who liked that orange character. Wasn't it Shinohara?

Once again, Shinohara was an unexpected name to hear here. She's a girl from Class D too and during the island test, I recall she fought frequently with Ike regarding their opinions.

Ike: R-really? No, I was just thinking about Kikyou-chan is all. That's really all there is to it.

Yamauchi: Dude. You're not thinking about Shinohara, are you?

Ike: Huuuuuh? Definitely not, that ugly girl! I'm absolutely not thinking about her!

He quickly retorted.

It was certainly true that you might say Shinohara was plain, compared to Kushida. But she was plenty cute in her own right. She had a somewhat forbidding personality, but even that could be thought of as appealing.

(Y/N): Well, that certainly didn't seem like a typical Ike reaction.

Yamauchi: Hah! I thought so too.

Ike: Look, don't get the wrong idea! Shinohara isn't cute at all, and she has too much attitude! If I went out with a girl like her, I'd be too embarrassed to show my face anywhere!

Yamauchi: Ah!

Yamauchi and I both realized a certain presence at the same time and panickedly tried to change the subject.

Yamauchi: Sure, sure. We got it. We understand what you're saying. Let's go pick out Kokoro-chan's birthday present.

Ike: No, you still don't understand. The degree to which I think Shinohara is ugly. Please listen. Firstly, it's not just her face that's ugly but also her personality. And on top of it all, her body is also lacking. In any case, it's like she's the ugliest among the uglies—

Yamauchi: W-We understand that. Cut it out already, Kanji. Because, behind you—

I facepalmed as Yamauchi pointed at the person behind Ike.

The Ike who had been going on about how much he hated Shinohara passionately, slowly turned around. When he did, he saw the form of Shinohara who seemed to almost be breathing fire as well as her group of friends. And amongst them, there was also Kushida.

I supposed that was only natural. They were probably at the shop to pick out a birthday present for Inogashira, like us.

Shinohara: You can just go ahead and die, Ike!

Leaving behind those violent words, Shinohara angrily left the shop. It seems Ike, who was left behind, didn't even have the words to reply to her since he only absentmindedly stared at the leaving back of Shinohara. It was an awkward situation.

Yamauchi: Hey, check it out. The baldy is here!

Yamauchi grabbed my shoulder. He clearly wanted to change the subject. He did say there was someone bald here, but as soon as I thought that I was convinced of it. In this cute shop, an incongruous giant of man was looking at a shelf stacked with goods with his back faced towards us.

It was Katsuragi of Class A. He was wandering through the shop with a sharp and angry expression.

Yamauchi: You think he's gonna shoplift?

(Y/N): I hardly think so.

Without further ado, I ended up hiding myself along with Ike and the others to watch the situation as I was curious of his appearance in this cute shop.

Apparently, Katsuragi came here to buy a present for someone and he seemed troubled by decisions. After a short amount of time, he seemed to be nearing a decision. Eventually, he picked a box off the shelf and made his way to the counter.

Ike and the others finally leaped out of the shadows and gathered in front of the shelf from which Katsuragi chose his present. They grabbed one, turned it over, and glanced at the product information.

Ike: Hey... this is chocolate.

Yamauchi: W-wait, don't tell me that baldy already has a girlfriend?!

Ike: Wow, seriously!?

Ike and Yamauchi were evidently trembling with jealous rage over something so trivial.

Yamauchi: Maybe, it might just be a present to a friend.

Ike: You wouldn't want to give me a present with this cute, little ribbon on the top, would you!?

At the very least, it's not something you would hand to a member of the same sex. So going from that, it would have to be an intimate girl he's giving it to. If I think of it that way, the idea of him having a lover that was suggested to me, I would inevitably be drawn to think of that as a possibility.

"Is this a birthday present for someone?"

Katsuragi: Yes.

"Will you be attaching a birthday card to this?"

Katsuragi: Yes, please. The birthday is August 29.

Katsuragi answered the clerk's questions. I wonder whose present it is? In any case, it seems the product itself is meant to be a birthday present.

Ike: Did you hear that? Which girl has her birthday on the 29th?

Yamauchi: I-I have no idea. I mean, today's Sunday, the twenty-first, so...her birthday would be Monday next week, right? Do you know who it might be, (L/N)?

(Y/N): Not a clue.

If even those two, who have completely familiarized themselves with the girls don't know, there is no way I could possibly know of it too.

...

At night, for some reason, after eating dinner each individual member of the usual group gathered in my room. Ike and Yamauchi were naturally here as promised, but also Kushida and Sudou who had finished his club activities were also here.

It would be perfect if Horikita were also here.

Ike: Kikyou-chan, do you know the other girls' birthdays?

Kushida: Yeah. I've pretty much memorized it from all the girls I've heard from so I know more or less. Whose birthday do you want to know?

Ike: Then, tell me one thing, which girls have their birthday on the 29th of this month?

Kushida: A girl with a birthday on the 29th? Give me a moment.

She pulled out her phone and went through what had to be a birthday list. After she scrolled for a little while, she looked back up at us.

Kushida: Sorry. It doesn't seem to be anyone I know of. What's the matter with the girl born on the 29th?

Ike: Just listen to this! You know that baldy in Class A, Katsuragi?

Kushida: Yep. Katsuragi-kun is the one who's responsible for organizing everyone in his class so he's quite famous. In the test earlier I was in the same group as him.

Ike: The thing is, that baldy is going to be giving someone a birthday present on the 29th. For a baldy, that's not too shabby.

Kushida: Katsuragi-kun lost his hair completely when he was young, due to illness. You really shouldn't make fun of him.

Ike: Uhh...

Having been scolded by Kushida like that, Ike who was elated just a while ago quickly backed down and went silent. Indeed, we were too excited to notice that the lack of hair, aside from being a fashion statement, could only have been a result of sickness.

The act of mocking the sick is a shameful one, and Ike himself should have realized this. Just playing it up for cheap laughs because it was an easy point to mock seems to have backfired and lowered his likability.

Kushida: From now on, let's call him properly by his name, okay?

Ike: O-Of course. I'm sorry, Kikyou-chan.

Kushida: And also, regarding to Shinohara-san earlier...

And without delving into the subject itself, she simply said that kindly.

Ike: ...I'll apologize.

Kushida: Right. If you do that, I'm sure Shinohara-san will also forgive you.

He looked dissatisfied, but he sounded genuine. Ike might actually have matured a little bit, thanks to Kushida.

Kushida: So, you were talking about Katsuragi-kun giving someone a birthday present?

Ike: Yeah. I was wondering if Kikyou-chan would know anything about it.

It seems Kushida is utilizing her social network and searching for any clues inside her head, but it seems she wasn't able to find anything since after a while, she simply shook her head.

Kushida: I wonder, I don't really think Katsuragi-kun has that sort of image about him. At least not yet.

Yamauchi: Could the gift be for an upperclassman?

Kushida: I suppose so. There's still a lot I don't know, after all.

Ike: Wow, that's pretty impressive.

I felt badly for interrupting when they were in such high spirits, but felt I ought to point out another possibility.

(Y/N): Hold on a minute. Is it really okay to conclude that it's a senior student?

Ike: Kikyou-chan said she doesn't know any girl with a birthday on the twenty-ninth, so there aren't other options, are there? Or am I missing something? It couldn't possibly be Horikita-san, could it?

(Y/N): No, that's impossible.

Sudou: Huh? Come on, you're messing with me, right?

Sudou, who had been quietly listening to our conversation until now, grabbed Ike by the collar and glared at him.

Ike: Guuu! I-I just said that was a possibility, that's all!

Sudou: Hey, (L/N). When is Suzune's birthday?

(Y/N): February 15. Why?

Sudou: Hah! See, that's no way Katsuragi would buy the present for Suzune.

(Y/N): ...

Sudou: ...

Crap. I blurted that out without thinking. Then, Sudou changed his target and grabbed my collar instead of Ike. The latter let out a sigh of relief as he's safe now.

Sudou: W-Wait a minute! How did you know?!

(Y/N): I-I... Uh... She told me before?

Somehow, I saw a tear drop from one of Sudou's eyes.

Sudou: Grrr! Lucky you! She never told me anything. Damn, I'm so jealous of you, (L/N)!

Kushida: I know Horikita-san's birthday, too. But I don't think that has anything to do with this.

I hadn't expected even Kushida to obtain information about stubborn loners like Horikita or Ibuki, especially Horikita. I was one of the few who knew that Kushida hated Horikita, and Horikita hated Kushida.

Sudou: February 15, huh? At least now I know her birthday...

He then wore a wide grin and chuckled.

(Y/N): Uh, I get it. Can you let me go now?

Sudou: Ah, right. Sorry.

He then let go of my collar.

Flashback interrupted.

Horikita: Unbelievable. You seriously just told him the date of my birthday!?

She gave me a deadly glare as I supported her on the way to the medical room.

(Y/N): I-I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking at that time.

She sighed.

Horikita: Lucky for you, I don't bring my compass with me right now.

I gulped as soon as she finished her sentence.

Horikita: And then? What happened?

(Y/N): Right, where was I...

Flashback continued.

However, the group were still curious about the mysterious person that Katsuragi gave his present to. Then, they ordered me to find out the identity of that person, as much as I don't want to.

...

The next day, in order to scout out Katsuragi's outings, I found myself on a street lined with trees. This is the street that branches off to the dormitories of each grade and as such in order to meet with a senior student, one would inevitably need to pass through here. In addition, this street also leads to Keyaki Mall where there are a multitude of shops as well as leading to the school itself. Therefore, wherever Katsuragi decides to go, I will not miss him.

As I was fanning myself with my clothes while watching out for Katsuragi, a couple walked out of the upperclassmen's dorms—a guy and a girl. When they saw me, they changed directions and walked toward me.

"Hey. It's been a while."

(Y/N): I was just wondering who would wear their school uniform in this insane heat. I guess the answer is Horikita's brother.

Unlike Katsuragi, these two wore summer uniforms. Still, I couldn't help feeling like something was out of place.

"Whoa. President, this student really has a sour look on his face."

She spoke in a loud, exaggerated manner. She was a third-year student, Secretary Tachibana.

(Y/N): The student council seems rather busy, even during summer vacation.

Tachibana: We decided to do some reorganizing work in the student council room.

(Y/N): I see. See you then.

I quickly dismissed them.

Tachibana: Hey! This is the student council president of this school you are currently speaking to, you know?!

I know that. I also know that he wields an unbelievable amount of influence too. At first I did think to show respect and deference towards him, and even speak formally, but I had stopped thinking that along the way. The president simply raised his hand and silenced the secretary.

Manabe: (L/N), if you have no prior engagements, I'd like you to accompany me.

Tachibana: P-President?

(Y/N): I've got a packed schedule. Sorry.

Manabe: Then, when are you free? I don't mind changing my schedule for you. I don't mind even if it's after school resumes.

Boy, he just won't let this go, won't he? I didn't want to waste my time later on. It might be more convenient to get his request out of the way.

(Y/N): Sigh. Fine. Let's just do this now. I have time before my next engagement, anyway.

Tachibana: But didn't you just say you had a packed schedule?

I ignored her statement.

(Y/N): If at all possible, I'd prefer not to move. I was waiting for someone. So, let's just talk here.

Manabu simply pushed his spectacles higher up from his nose bridge.

Manabu: Fair enough. Tachibana, if you feel uncomfortable, you can head back to the dorms ahead of me.

Tachibana: No. My instinct says not to leave you alone with this boy, President!

She gave him a salute, as if she were his bodyguard.

Manabu: Alright, then.

He turned to me.

Manabe: The student council has received reports of the results from the island test, and the test on the ship. And, I know that you outsmarted the other classes on the island, and that Class D's VIP in the Rabbit group successfully avoided detection.

(Y/N): The student council really has a lot of pull, huh? I mean, to think you'd be able to get those results.

Manabu: One way or another. The name Horikita Suzune came up after the island test. I heard that she became her class's true leader and outsmarted everyone. However, I think that you were responsible.

(Y/N): You are overestimating me. I mean, the difference between Horikita and me is vast. If you examine the data, Horikita is far superior. Why would you bother with some Class D loser like me?

Manabu: You misunderstand. I don't consider the people in Class D stupid. This school doesn't just shove all the students with superior abilities into Class A.

Tachibana: U-Um, President? You might have said too much.

Manabu: There's no problem. I'm sure this young man understands that already.

The student council president had seemed hyper-focused on me ever since our first encounter. Just how long did he plan to keep this up?

(Y/N): In that case, why do you reject Horikita? Isn't it because she's in Class D?

Manabu: I know everything there is to know about my little sister's capabilities. She's a failure who belongs in Class D. Nothing more, nothing less—

(Y/N): You're wrong. Everything was Horikita's idea. Your sister doesn't have any friends except for me, so she had to employ me to play the necessary parts.

I interjected. He clearly viewed his younger sister in an incredibly harsh light.

Manabu simply smirked. It seemed as though he had a perfect understanding of Horikita, perhaps because they grew up together. In response, the student council president pushed up his glasses and said something completely astounding.

Manabu: I asked you once before. Will you join the student council? If you wish, I'll appoint you vice president, (L/N).

Tachibana: P-President!?

(Y/N): And I've said this already, but I refuse any position. I just want to spend my days here quietly.

The president had no motive to fixate on me. There had to be a reason why.

Manabu: I don't know that this is for me to say, but starting next year, the school will change dramatically. Not for the better. When the time comes, I'll need the power to combat that change. It might already be too late. The need grows stronger every day.

Tachibana: President, you're talking about what'll happen when Nagumo-kun is elected president, right? I can't imagine he'd change the school that much for the worse.

I'd never heard the name "Nagumo" from any first-year students. If the president said that the change was coming next year, that probably meant Nagumo was a second-year student.

(Y/N): Look, I don't know about vice presidents, or this Nagumo guy, or whatever. I'm not doing it. Besides, you're going to graduate, right? There's no need for you to worry about the students left behind. Or is there?

I paused for a moment, using that brief silence to stress the importance of what came next.

(Y/N): Well, if you want me to help you because you're worried about your sister, I might be able to squeeze you in for a consultation.

Manabu: I see. Sorry for taking up your time. That's all the business I have with you. But feel free to drop by the student council any time, I'd be happy to treat you to tea.

Horikita Manabu seemed to have given up on me. Even someone like the student council president was wrestling with his own anxieties, I mused. I wanted to go back to the dorms, but I couldn't. I had to wait for Katsuragi.

...

The situation started turning for the better roughly 30 minutes after my conversation with the Horikita's older brother. Wearing the exact same outfit as yesterday, Katsuragi was slowly heading in my direction. While I observed him from a slight distance away out of his path, I saw him holding in his hands what seems like the bag containing what he bought from that shop yesterday.

Even so, I'm curious about his uniform-wearing appearance. Perhaps he intends to act in his formal wear, but honestly I'd rather not see him handing over the present in this heat wearing that outfit.

I held my breath as I watched Katsuragi arrive at the crossroads. He didn't take the path toward the upperclassmen's dorms. Unbelievably, he headed in a direction I hadn't expected: towards the school. I followed, taking care that he didn't notice me.

(Y/N): So that's why he was wearing his uniform—

Katsuragi walked straight through the main entrance, and I couldn't just follow. Entering the school building while wearing casual clothes was forbidden. I have no choice but to change the direction of my attack.

I headed towards the shop where we selected our presents yesterday at Keyaki Mall. I stood before the stacks of chocolate boxes and tried to picture him buying the gift for a man, but it didn't seem very likely. The boxes had flourishes such as hearts and other designs that would appeal primarily to girls.

Suddenly, I received a slight bump to my back. It was from a female student who was too absorbed in her conversation on her phone. She didn't noticed the mess that had occurred here and simply left the shop while still talking.

I sighed as I picked up the fallen products.

Katsuragi: Need a help?

I looked up and stared at the giant man. After glancing at the scattered gift boxes, he bends down with his large body to pick them up.

(Y/N): Ahh, I can pick them up myself. No need to bother.

Katsuragi: Don't mind it. It would be bad to let other customers see this. It's better to clean it up quickly. Two is better than one in that case.

There wasn't any hint of dislike in his voice. I'd probably only spent around thirty minutes in the mall. I wondered if Katsuragi had finished his business at school so quickly.

However, he still held his gift bag. I stealthily peeked inside and saw a thin, gift-wrapped box. The present. He hadn't given it away yet.

(Y/N): Thanks a lot.

I think Katsuragi is basically a good person. During the time on the uninhabited island too, Katsuragi showed strange goodwill towards us such as when he kept watch over the corn we found. Naturally, he won't show any mercy if it comes to a competition between classes, but it seems his personality itself isn't that of a bad person.

Katsuragi: Are you buying a present for your girlfriend?

(Y/N): Ehh? I—

Flashback interrupted.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. Don't tell me that you had told him about us already?

She gave me a glare again.

(Y/N): N-Not this time. I swear! However...

Horikita: Hmm?

(Y/N): It seemed that he'd pretty much had it guessed already. I mean, about our relationship...

I glanced at Horikita.

Horikita: I supposed... Katsuragi-kun seems like a keen observer. He'd probably noticed that from your behavior that day.

(Y/N): I guess so. Anyway, as I was saying...

Flashback continue.

Katsuragi and I left the store together before I could ask who the gift was for. We were chatting casually about the school and such. Surprisingly, he was nice and polite. Then, the topic about gift-giving came up.

Katsuragi: To tell you the truth, this is the third time I've come to this shop. I'm the type to constantly think about something I'm worrying about, you see. Even though it's just a present, when I think about the feelings of the one receiving it, I cannot just decide simply.

(Y/N): You're a really sincere person. I mean, to go out and buy someone a birthday present.

Katsuragi: Is it strange to celebrate someone's birthday?

Looking at the giant chrome dome in front of me, you bet it is. But that was entirely my own bias. I mean, the world even contained delinquents who'd save a cat left out in the pouring rain.

(Y/N): May I ask who is that person?

Katsuragi: Well. It's something personal. It's not something for you to hear about.

I think it's something that can't be helped but he ended up evading the question. If he answers like that, I would no longer be in a position to inquire further. If it's a best friend it would be a different matter though.

Katsuragi: Please excuse me.

With that, Katsuragi headed back toward the dormitory.

I'd managed to solve the mystery of why he was wearing his uniform, but more mysteries had sprung up in its wake. Why did he go to the school? Why did he show up at the shop again? I could not clearly see the answers to those.

I then met with Yamauchi and Ike and reported about my finding. However, as I wasn't able to find out who the present was for, our discussions reached an impasse. We came up with the conclusion that maybe Katsuragi was buying a birthday present for himself instead for the others. Showing some sympathy, Ike and Yamauchi decided to buying him something, and I quoted, "We should celebrate with a lonely, unpopular fellow friend like him!" Then, Ike decided to call for Kushida's aids and told us to gather together again at tomorrow afternoon.

...

When we gathered the following afternoon, Kushida was there, too.

Kushida: Hello, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Hey.

Ike: Katsuragi would probably be happier to have a girl celebrate with him, rather than a bunch of guys.

Yamauchi: That's true!

Kushida: Katsuragi-kun has done quite a bit for me, too. I'll help out with the present's cost, of course.

Ike looked at her lovingly. Yamauchi also seemed happier with her around. Kushida's charms affected him, too, even though he was aiming for Sakura.

Kushida: By the way, (L/N)-kun, why are you wearing your uniform?

(Y/N): No particular reason.

I did take off my jacket earlier since it was overwhelmingly hot, but as expected the uniform makes me stand out in a bad way too.

Ike: Come on, let's get going!

Flanking Kushida's sides, the two of them walked out leaving me behind. And almost immediately after, a conversation started to bloom. I'm always impressed whenever I see someone capable of striking up a conversation with anyone at any time. I walk slightly behind the three of them.

As we walked, I saw someone I didn't usually see outside.

Flashback interrupted.

Horikita: Ah. Now that I remembered... I was reading a book on while sitting on the bench peacefully. Until you approached me...

(Y/N): Now, now. I'm just happy to see you though.

Flashback continued.

Horikita: You're pretty carefree. The four of you going out shopping? Even though we suffered that much at the hands of Ryuen-kun.

(Y/N): Hello to you, too.

She sighed.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun, you're splitting hairs again.

After I make sure that the three of them left my sight, I sat down beside Horikita.

(Y/N): Well, that just means Class C did something well. No point in worrying about it now. Right?

Horikita: I suppose not. But I'm still uneasy about certain things.

(Y/N): Such as?

Horikita: Never mind.

She turned away with complete disinterest, like a haughty actress.

(Y/N): When are we right now, Suzune?

Horikita: Eh?

(Y/N): I'm asking when we are right now, our school year. The month too.

Horikita: What are you talking about?

(Y/N): Look, we just finished the first semester of our first year. We don't need to ricochet between happiness and despair, with nothing in the middle, simply because they've got a small lead on us now.

Horikita: But, even so, we suffered a severe loss. If we don't think of a way—

(Y/N): Although you can't see what's directly beneath your feet, you're always looking far ahead. If we're talking academics, then you're certainly peerless. But when it comes to unusual tests, well, you just kind of run in circles. That's my impression, anyway.

Horikita: I get that already...

I gently patted her head.

(Y/N): I see, so you were aware of it. In any case, I think it's better for you to fall until you hit the bottom.

Right now it's fine for you to be thoroughly crushed, as long as you crawl back up in the end. I think Horikita has the potential to do that.

Horikita: What do you mean by that?

(Y/N): There's an order to things. It's probably better for you not to panic, but to take things slowly. Right?

She tilted her head and looked at me.

Horikita: You say there's an order to things, but then why did you act on the uninhabited island? There's a contradiction there.

(Y/N): Perhaps.

It made sense that Horikita found that confusing. She had no clue about my dealings with Chabashira-sensei. During the test on the island and the cruise ship, I was forced to show off my abilities. I'd had no choice but to act.

(Y/N): More importantly, don't you have any questions about the way I look?

She put down her book and evaluated me.

Horikita: Well, I think your clothes are ill-suited to this weather. You have a poor taste in fashion sense, though.

(Y/N): That's harsh. What are you reading today?

Horikita: The Daughter of Time.

(Y/N): Wait. Isn't that a vintage detective novel? I didn't know you liked this kind of genre.

Horikita: I found it on the book recommendation at the library. Besides, you're keeping Ike-kun and the others waiting, aren't you?

(Y/N): Ah, I almost forgot. Do you want to come with us?

Horikita: You're kidding, right?

(Y/N): Ahaha. Actually, that's a rhetorical question. Well, I'd better get going then. I'll call you later.

Horikita: Okay, bye.

I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before I left.

...

Katsuragi: What are you guys doing...?

Suddenly surrounded by Ike and the others with who he had no connections, even the normally calm Katsuragi could not hide his surprise. It was there that Kushida, who must have participated in the dialogue of the earlier exam, started talking to him.

Kushida: Sorry for bothering you, Katsuragi-kun. Do you have a moment?

Katsuragi: Kushida, huh? What is the meaning of this?

Kushida: The truth is, I heard it from Ike-kun and the others. But isn't today supposed to be Katsuragi-kun's birthday?

Katsuragi: Well, yes, but... I'm surprised you found out.

Katsuragi wore a slightly puzzled expression, as if he couldn't remember telling anyone his birthday.

Kushida: So that's why the four of us here wanted to celebrate it with Katsuragi-kun and that's why we called out to you!

Katsuragi: Ah, that's all right. There's no need for you to do anything special

It seems rather than rejoicing at this, he's put his guard up. That was inevitable. It wouldn't be strange even if he thought it were some trap from Class D. But even so, the fact that he isn't showing signs of immediately rejecting us, is probably largely thanks to Kushida's presence.

Kushida: Do you have any plans to meet someone else today?

Katsuragi: Well, no. Not exactly.

Kushida: I'm glad!

Kushida clapped her hands and smiled. If an ordinary guy saw that smile, he would've been smitten right then and there. However, Katsuragi isn't a mere ordinary guy.

Katsuragi: I'm sorry but it's not like we're close friends or anything. If there's any ulterior motives to this please say so.

Ike: There are no ulterior motives. We're seriously just thinking about celebrating your birthday, Katsuragi.

Ike said that with a serious face. He probably felt genuine sympathy.

Katsuragi: I'm sorry, but I have some business in the school building. Excuse me.

Ike: School? You know, that reminds me. You've been wearing your uniform a lot recently. What's going on?

Katsuragi: What do you mean by that?

His expression changed, as if he had switched into battle mode.

Ike: Huh? What do you mean, what do I mean?

(Y/N): After you and I talked yesterday, I met up with Ike and the others. I told them. Was that bad?

Given no other choice, I offered Katsuragi an explanation.

(Y/N): I thought it was rather unusual to wear that uniform during summer vacation.

Katsuragi: I see... Thinking about it I suppose that's true. Honestly, I have some business with the student council. That's all. However, they were out yesterday.

Once again, a certain organization's name had come up.

(Y/N): If I recall, up until yesterday they were renovating the room and it was unusable.

Katsuragi: Wha— How do you know?

(Y/N): I happen to have a slight connection to the student council president.

Katsuragi: Ah, I see. Horikita from Class D is thepresident's little sister, hmm?

The smart Katsuragi quickly reached that conclusion on his own and was convinced.

Katsuragi: If that's the case, it would be a lot better if you accompanied me. If time allows, would you please accompany me?

And with this, I can more or less understand what Katsuragi is aiming at.

(Y/N): Sure. I also have some business with the student council right now.

Katsuragi nodded. Leaving the others behind, we headed toward the school building.

...

Katsuragi: Excuse me!

Katsuragi, with a clear voice, said that as he knocked on the door to the student council room.

Student council president Horikita Manabu and Secretary Tachibana greeted us. The older Horikita immediately noticed my presence.

Manabu: It seems the unexpected but welcome visitors came together.

I bowed slightly to both of them. Secretary Tachibana, on the other hand, had an extremely disgusted expression on her face. Did she really hate me that much?

Manabu: Apparently, you stopped by yesterday. The day before, as well. We were absent because the room was being renovated. I apologize.

Katsuragi: No, It's quite all right. I simply have a request for the student council. In this school, during the period of enrollment, we are forbidden to contact the outside without express permission. I would like to inquire further into that and so I have come here.

Manabu: From the sound of it, you've naturally been looking through the school regulations? Extreme, unavoidable reasons as the exception, contact is strictly forbidden.

Katsuragi: Right. However, I'd like to send a package and message to my family off-campus. Of course, I don't expect a reply.

Manabu looked at his secretary and nodded.

Tachibana: The rules prohibit it. The restrictions exist for a reason. Originally, shipping a package would've been permitted. However, several students broke their promises. They hid letters in their packages without first seeking permission. So, such contact is now completely banned.

Manabu: And that's how it is.

Katsuragi wasn't ready to back down. Even though he was a first year, he was still tasked with leading Class A. He immediately reassessed the situation and composed himself.

Katsuragi: Then once again I must ask you. Please allow me to apply for the shipping of the package directly at the shop. I will not lay a single finger on the package, I will only pay for its cost. If so, there can be no room for fraud. I've heard you can do anything with enough points. Buying test scores or trading between students, there are many uses for points. Am I wrong?

It seems to Katsuragi, the value of the birthday present he wishes to send is great.

Tachibana: But even so it's still against the rules—

Manabu held up his hand.

Manabu: Before we continue, may I ask who it is you're sending the package it to?

Katsuragi: My twin sister. Since we're orphans, I'm the only one who celebrates her birthday.

This was an outcome completely contrary to our scummy theories about romance and what not. Of all things, it was for his sibling.

Manabu: I'm going to correct you on one point but the point system is not an almighty one. Indeed the action you mentioned earlier is possible. But, that is only because 'it is not stated in the rules'. What is currently listed in the school regulations as being prohibited, won't easily be altered just like that.

Katsuragi: Well, that's odd. If that's true, the rules are full of holes.

Manabu: There's nothing strange about that. It just means that all the school is doing is making rules that allow for a way out.

The president was a tricky opponent, even for a quick-witted man like Katsuragi. The difference in their positions was stark.

Katsuragi: I see. I understand. Well then, if you'll please excuse me.

Katsuragi glanced at me just once, but when I gestured that I'd be staying behind to him, he quietly left.

Manabu: You're not going?

(Y/N): Shipping a package would normally be difficult, but it's probably a simple matter for you. Right?

Manabu: What do you mean?

(Y/N): The only ones who know about that would be me and Katsuragi as well as you two of the student council. In that case, as long as you overlook this act of breaking the regulations it would be fine.

Manabu: see. You want to resolve everything without involving the school.

Tachibana: Violating the rules! What a terrible delinquent you are.

I did my best to ignore her.

(Y/N): The school rules state that violent acts are forbidden. However, when we first met, you showed no mercy, did you? You proved that, as long as the school doesn't know, you can get away with anything. You know what I am talking about, right?

I put up my classic emotionless face as I spoke.

Manabu: That's right. There's only one way to contact someone on the outside. But Katsuragi didn't realize that, and he missed his chance.

(Y/N): Don't you think of helping him out now?

Manabu: No. I'm not the type to simply help violate school regulations for that man's sake.

I closed my eyes for a while before responding.

(Y/N): Well. I'm done cooling off, I'm going back.

For some reason, as I left, Horikita's brother accompanied me to the exit.

Manabu: Officially, I didn't meet with Katsuragi today. Even if you act behind the scenes, I won't investigate. Do what you will.

In other words he's telling me he won't touch this matter, so go ahead and deceive the school well, is that he wants to say.

I decided to leave the student council room to escape from that gaze. He must have also seen through the fact that I was looking into making new suggestions to Katsuragi too.

(Y/N): He's a formidable one, this student council president.

...

When I returned to the dorm lobby, Katsuragi was sitting there, looking depressed. He immediately noticed me coming and stood.

Katsuragi: I'm sorry for involving you in such a strange errand.

(Y/N): No. I was the one who insisted on following you. I'm just about sorry for not being of any help to you.

Katsuragi slightly lowered his head as he moved to return to his room.

(Y/N): Katsuragi.

I called out to him.

Katsuragi: Something's matter?

(Y/N): Maybe I can help. I've thought of a way to deliver the present to your sister.

...

We moved to my room to discuss privately without raising suspicion.

After he sat, I turned on the air conditioner and poured some tea.

(Y/N): As I was saying. There's a way for you to deliver the present to your sister. During club tournaments, the school had to allow certain students to leave the school grounds and travel to outside venue.

Katsuragi quickly arrived at the conclusion I'd been leading him toward.

No matter how isolationist this school is, there are some things that cannot be avoided. A good example of that would be club tournaments. For those tournaments conducted outside the school grounds, there would be no choice but to leave the school grounds and head to the venue on the outside.

Katsuragi: Indeed, if that is the case, it would be possible to bring things outside the school grounds. But, the school should also be aware that there is a risk of such a thing happening. There would surely be inspections of the baggage.

(Y/N): Obviously. But there are a lot of ways to slip past that, aren't there? Unlike the doping tests conducted at the Olympics, it's not like they search every inch of your body.

Katsuragi: That's true, but... That would be a huge risk for the student. However, judging by what you've said, (L/N), you have a talented, trustworthy individual in mind. Yes?

I nodded.

(Y/N): However, you need to trust me completely if we want this to work...

...

An hour later, I contacted Sudou as he returned from club activities. He was participating in a tournament the day after tomorrow, and Katsuragi and I needed his help.

Sudou: No way, man! Seriously, who in their right mind would want to do something like that?

He rejected the proposal so strongly that he practically spit out the words. Of course, if someone discovered that he'd violated the rules, there was no telling what penalty he'd face.

(Y/N): Putting aside whether you'll do it, I want to ask you something, Sudou. What kind of inspections does the school perform?

Sudou: Dunno.

(Y/N): Depending how things go, Katsuragi might give you a reward.

Sudou: Reward?

Katsuragi: That's right. I knew that I would need to pay, of course.

He began to give the matter serious thought.

Sudou: They check our bags in the morning, before we get on the bus to the tournament. After that, they confiscate our phones. When we get to the stadium, we get changed and head onto the court. As for meals, we eat there, when the tournament's over. I don't know more exact details, though.

Katsuragi listened intently.

(Y/N): Is it okay to bring food?

Sudou: Yeah, if we want. Some people do.

(Y/N): If that's true, then it actually sounds reasonably simple to transport the gift.

I grabbed a lunchbox and water bottle from my shelf, then returned to my seat.

(Y/N): I'll put it inside the lunchbox. It should just about fit. As for the bag, I'll roll it up and put it in the water bottle. That way, no one should find out.

Sudou: Wait. Even if I bring the gift along, how am I gonna send it? I ain't got any money or time.

(Y/N): Just use this invoice I'd picked up from the post office. Watch for an opening, and then use that opportunity to mail it.

Sudou: That's really risky, you know that?

Katsuragi: I know that it was very risky. I'll pay you 100,000 points if you succeed.

That was quite an amazing offer. Sudou stiffened. For someone who struggled day to day on about 1,000 or 2,000 points, 100,000 was an incredible amount.

Sudou: Why Why do you want to go so far to deliver a package?

Katsuragi: I have a twin sister. She's always sickly. Because our parents and grandparents have passed, our relatives currently care for her. I'm something of a substitute parent. If I don't celebrate her birthday, who will? I knew that the school prohibited me to send a package to the outside world. However, I still want to give my sister a gift, no matter what.

Sudou: So, that's why you came to me, huh?

His eyes briefly flickered toward me. He appeared to have decided.

Sudou: All right. All I gotta do is take a package? I guess I'm someone who'll take that risk.

Katsuragi: Are you sure?

Sudou: I mean, since you told me about your sickly sister and all, it's kinda hard for me to turn ya down.

Sudou scratched his head, looking sympathetic.

Katsuragi: I appreciate it. Just to be safe, I won't transfer the points directly to Sudou. Instead, they'll go to (L/N). I'm sorry, (L/N), but I'd like you to transfer the points to Sudou after he succeeds.

Sudou: Why do we need to go through all this trouble?

(Y/N): Insurance, I guess.

If someone from the school saw Sudou taking out or mailing the gift, and the school then saw a large number of points deposited into his account, they'd naturally be suspicious.

Katsuragi: There's one more thing. I want ironclad proof you aren't lying to me.

Sudou: The hell!? Ain't no way I'd lie 'bout it.

Katsuragi: Of course I want to believe you. But we haven't established that kind of relationship yet. I'd like you to record a video the moment you send the package.

Sudou: I already told you the team's phones get confiscated.

He then turned to me.

Katsuragi: That's why I would like your cooperation in this matter as well, (L/N).

I see what you are going with. But I played along.

(Y/N): What?

Katsuragi: There's still space in the water bottle. Put your phone inside. If we do that, Sudou can take it with him without being discovered.

As a general rule, each student was assigned one phone. If Sudou handed his over during the bag search, there wouldn't be any further suspicion. He said he'd pay me 10,000 points. Not a bad deal.

As we have a deal with Katsuragi, he bowed deeply and gratefully before leaving the room.

It'll be easy for the school to trace things back to me, since a lot of points will be deposited into my account. If at all possible, I would use a phone belonging to someone completely unrelated, like Ike or Yamauchi.

With that, Sudou and I prepared to deliver the package. To make a long story short, he successfully avoided the school's detection, passed the bag check without incident, and mailed the gift. He also managed to take avideo of the delivery, and to send the file to Katsuragi before deleting it. I don't know whether Katsuragi's sister received her present, but the parts we controlled went well. Sudou handled everything perfectly.

I wondered if Horikita's older brother had a hand in that. He must have been aware that we were going to try something.

Maybe I was imagining things, but I wanted to know the truth. If the president's involvement was a possibility, a greater truth might emerge one day.

Flashback end.

...

Horikita: I seriously can't believe you would risked yourself by helping Katsuragi-kun.

(Y/N): Doesn't matter. He'll proved to be a valuable help in the future one day.

We left the medical room as we finished our body check up. Apparently, we didn't suffered any injuries, just traumas. The doctor advised us to rest right away and drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate ourselves.

Horikita sighed as we walked together back to our dorms.

Horikita: Today is tiresome. All thanks to that fortune-telling thing.

(Y/N): I think it is safe to say that we never ever going back to there again.

Horikita: I agree.

(Y/N): Hey. After going back and rest, how about we have a dinner at your place? I assumed that you don't want to cook, so I'll go to that western food restaurant and order some takeouts?

Horikita: Fine by me. I'm too tired to cook, after all.

We naturally held hands as we walked.

Horikita: That reminds me, I'm out of ingredients. We should go shopping for it tomorrow.

(Y/N): Sure. It's been a long time since we actually went out together. Well, except for today, though. It was a disaster.

...

Bottle Trouble

(Y/N)'s POV

On a certain day around 6:00 p.m., all of us received a text message from the school. Apparently, the entire dormitory wouldn't have water for quite a while, due to trouble with the water department. When I tried turning the tap to test it, indeed no water came out. It seems repair attempts will be taking some time to finish and if it happened to be prolonged, it could take up to early morning to be fixed.

In the meantime, the school was taking the necessary steps to provide for its students. It would hand out two liters or more of water in the cafeteria as needed, although the text warned us that the cafeteria was expected to be crowded as a result. The Keyaki Mall would provide free drinking water, but we were forbade from taking it home, though.

That hardly an issue for me. The major problem would be the toilet. Although there is water in the tank, since it can only be used to flush once, caution is necessary.

(Y/N): As for drinks...there's still a little bit left.

I opened the refrigerator to check on my water supply. Sadly, it was limited. The tea should have been enough for one cup, but enough for me to go through the day.

(Y/N): Hmm... What should I cook for today's dinner? I should avoid making anything that need water.

After that, I decided to make some sandwiches for my dinner, but I ran out of bread. Sigh.

As I prepared to leave for the convenience store, my phone suddenly rang. The moment I went to answer it, it stopped after two rings. When I check the caller identity, it turned out to be Horikita Suzune's name.

(Y/N): Suzune?

I waited for a minute for her to call me back, but she didn't. Looks like she called my phone by mistake.

(Y/N): I guess I'll call her later.

I then slipped the phone into my pocket. I put on my windbreaker and exited my room. As I was waiting for the elevator, I decided to call Horikita and check up on her. However, no matter how many times I called, Horikita did not pick up. I did think it was strange, but maybe because she's busy.

The elevator arrived. I entered the elevator and pressed on the ground floor button on the elevator panel. When I reached the ground floor, my phone rang again. When I wanted to pick up the phone, the ringing stopped. Another call from Horikita. I tried calling back again, but she didn't answer. This was getting suspicious.

Perhaps coincidentally, right after the call ended, she's busy. That was also a possibility but from Horikita's personality that's hard to imagine. She's the type to only call when she's in a calm state of mind. Even if something had happened, ending the call twice in a row, and not picking up afterward, was strange. I concluded that Horikita had probably been caught off guard by something unexpected.

As she didn't reply via calls, I then tried to send her a text.

(Y/N): Hey, looks like you tried calling me twice. Is something wrong?

And when I sent that message, without even a time delay, the read notification appeared. But from the message that had been read, a reply did not come. I waited for quite a long time but a reply did not come.

(Y/N): I'm on my way to the convenience store to buy somethings, want me to stop by later?

Once again, the read notification popped up, but she didn't reply. I gave up on buying the ingredients for my dinner and went on buying some cream rolls instead.

...

After I bought the cream rolls from the store, I ate one while walking back to the dormitory. It had been a while since her last call. Honestly, I started feeling like something was wrong.

(Y/N): She couldn't be... She's not really in danger, is she?

Getting caught up in an unexpected situation and having collapsed somewhere, that can't be it right? There's no mistaking that it at least isn't the usual Horikita-like reaction.

(Y/N): Are you okay?

Although that was a cliche line, I try to probe her situation like that.

(Y/N): Uh oh...

The read notification did not appear. The situation had changed. Maybe her phone's battery had run out, or her phone had automatically shut off. Such a thing could also be considered possible but...what other possibilities could I think of. The fact that Horikita called in the first place still weighed on me.

(Y/N): Damn, I'm worried.

My options were limited, but I was too concerned to just let things be. I started to run back instead of walking slowly while calling Horikita again. On the fourth try, I finally managed to connect.

Horikita: Hello? (Y/N)-kun?

Horikita did not seem to be surprised but she seemed to have a slightly tired voice.

(Y/N): Th-Thank goodness, I finally... finally get through.

I was catching my breath before I continued.

(Y/N): I was worried, since you tried calling me. Were you sleeping?

Horikita: No, I wasn't. I'm sorry for not replying.

I did not sense any sort of panic or any sense of an accident having occurred.

Horikita: I'm kind of in the middle of something right now.

I heard a metallic thunk over the phone.

(Y/N): Um... What was that?

Horikita: Nothing. Nothing to worry about. Goodbye.

She abruptly ended the call. Well, at least I managed to get in touch with her.

(Y/N): Sigh. At least she said she's fine.

Then I reluctantly walked back to my dorms while finishing my cream rolls.

...

Around 9:00 p.m., my phone received a new message from Horikita.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. Are you awake?

I then stopped watching video on my phone and replied her.

(Y/N): Yeah. It's something wrong?

Horikita: I'd like to talk with you for a bit, do you have time now?

It was roughly two hours since our last call that she made this sort of contact.

(Y/N): Alright. I'll call you.

After saying that to her, I immediately called Horikita's phone and with just one call, she picked up.

(Y/N): What's the matter, Suzune?

Horikita: There's... something I wanted to ask you.

Horikita said that with a slightly disarrayed manner of speech like before, and after that briefly went silent.

Horikita: Let's say for instance there is a turtle.

(Y/N): ...I beg your pardon?

All of a sudden, such a crazy story came forth from Horikita.

Horikita: It's an extremely smart and talented turtle. If I accidentally hit it, and flipped it onto its back, that would be terrible, wouldn't you agree? It couldn't right itself under its own steam.

(Y/N): I suppose. It's just, when speaking of normal turtles not being able to get back up, they can extend their necks and use their legs to balance themselves and in most cases, they can regain their initial posture.

Horikita: ...

Horikita fell silent at my unnecessary explanation.

Horikita: Thank you for your unnecessary explanation. What I want to ask is, If you encountered such a situation, what would you do?

(Y/N): I'd probably flip the turtle over. It's not that much trouble.

I wouldn't have any reason to save the turtle, but I wouldn't have any reason to abandon it, either. I thought I might as well extend a helping hand.

If I consider the situation simply, it would be that Horikita is currently, like the turtle, in a situation where she can't get back up on her own. But from the call, I could not detect any sense of panic and she herself seems calm.

(Y/N): So... what's troubling you?

In response to Horikita who was beating around the bush, I straightforwardly asked her that. No matter what problems she's facing, there's no profit to be had in prolonging this. If that's the case, this makes hearing it out go faster.

Horikita: Well, I'm not upset or anything.

(Y/N): Well, it sure sounds like that's where this is headed.

Horikita: I was just talking about an overturned turtle, it has nothing to do with me.

Okay, this was getting weird.

(Y/N): Suzune.

Horikita paused.

(Y/N): It's fine. Talk to me.

I assured her.

Horikita: Sigh. I'm just having a little trouble.

She'd finally admitted it.

(Y/N): Where are you now?

Horikita: I'm in my room.

(Y/N): What happen? Are there bugs entered your room?

Horikita: No, of course not. I could deal with it by myself.

(Y/N): Then...?

Horikita: Well, I'm in trouble because... Sigh. It's hard to explain over the phone, could you come to my room?

It was a meaningful statement that was equal parts shy and disgusted.

(Y/N): Now? But it's already past nine.

Horikita: I understand but...there's no other way to solve this other than having you come here.

It was a burning voice. It was a frustrated voice that sounded slightly pained.

(Y/N): Alright then, wait for me, okay?

Horikita: Mm-hmm. Thank you, (Y/N)-kun.

With that, Horikita abruptly hung up. Grabbing only my phone and room key, I hurried out.Wouldn't want to keep her waiting

...

Feeling like I'd rather not run into any girls, I aimed for the time when there would be no one else using the elevator. Sneaking around like this is pathetic, but I'm just that type of person. I managed to reach the thirteenth floor undetected. When I got to Horikita's room, I rang the doorbell. After waiting a while, I tried to slowly open the door myself. It wasn't locked.

(Y/N): Suzune?

Then, I heard her voice from behind the bedroom door.

Horikita: You're alone right? I don't mind if you come inside.

(Y/N): Even though we're in the school, it's dangerous to leave the door unlock, you know?

Horikita: It's okay. Even if someone came in right now, I'd conk them with my right hand.

Eh? What's that supposed to mean?

I entered the room. Then I walked into the room. Horikita had her back turned on me, so I couldn't see her expression. The room was decorated simply. Nothing seemed particularly strange.

(Y/N): I'm here now. What's the problem?

Horikita: Once you see, you'll understand.

Horikita slowly stood and turned to face me. Two radically different emotions coursed through me at the exact same time.

(Y/N): ...

I felt some secondhand embarrassment as I looked at her right hand, which was completely stuck inside a small water bottle.

(Y/N): Um... How should I put it, this is a disaster completely unlike you. Are you sure you're not playing around?

Horikita: Don't be stupid.

(Y/N): I mean. This is like when you challenge yourself to use your fingers to pick up a single piece of corn, right?

Perhaps saying something irritated her, as she swung her right arm around with a sharp expression. I managed to catch it with my hand.

(Y/N): I-I'm just teasing you.

Horikita: You failed.

(Y/N): My bad. But, how did that happened in the first place?

Horikita: This water bottle got stuck because I tried to wash my hand. Can you help me get it off?

So, that was what happened. I grabbed the water bottle and pulled, but only ended up pulling Horikita toward me.

(Y/N): You gotta hold yourself as I pull the bottle. Or else you're gonna stay stuck.

Horikita: I already know that. It's just that I'm tired. Let's get this over with quickly.

After trying to free herself on her own for more than two hours, Horikita was exhausted. I grabbed the water bottle again, put a little more strength into it, and pulled. Horikita too, endured the pain as she stepped backwards at the same time.

Maybe because she was already tired, she lost her footing and herself was pulled along with the bottle.

Horikita: Uwaah!?

(Y/N): Woah!

As she stumbled on me, I lost my footing as well. I quickly embraced and shielded her with my body and absorbed the shock as I fell down on the floor.

(Y/N): Sigh. That was close.

She was on top of me. I opened my eyes and looked at her.

(Y/N): Are you hurt?

She looked at me while blushing madly.

Horikita: I-I'm fine!

She sat up.

Horikita: I'm sorry for falling on top of you.

I helped her to get up and sat on the bedside.

(Y/N): It's okay. It's my bad for pulling it hard. I'm glad you are not hurt.

I then sat beside her.

(Y/N): At this rate, the bottle will never come of.

Horikita: Sigh. I suppose I expected as much.

It seems she had already expected that the water bottle would not come off as Horikita showed no signs of strong disappointment.

(Y/N): Looks like we'll need to rub it with soap and slowly pull it off. Let's go to the kitchen.

Horikita: Did you forget that there's a water outage right now?

That's right. We won't be able to use water until midnight. The only water that can be used right now is the water in the toilet, but I doubt Horikita would be fine with using it.

(Y/N): Then, I'll be going to the cafeteria. Wait for me.

She nodded slightly.

Horikita: Be careful.

I left Horikita's room and headed straight for the cafeteria. However, an unfortunate surprise awaited me there.

"I'm sorry but a lot more students came than expected and we're out of water."

Apparently, those who'd needed water for dinner had taken all of it. Well then, I'd just go buy some at the vending machine. I didn't need a lot of water to free someone's arm from a bottle.

I walked toward the vending machines, and discovered that our misfortune was just beginning. All the water, tea, and juice were sold out.

(Y/N): For the first time, I've seen a vending machine completely emptied...

...

Horikita: You're empty-handed?

The water bottle woman glared at me, but it couldn't be helped since there was nothing I could have done.

(Y/N): The cafeteria was out of water. And the vending machine was completely emptied.

She sighed.

Horikita: So what do we do?

(Y/N): If you're fine with it, we could ask Ike or Sudou to share some water—

Horikita: Pass.

I had already expected this kind of answer so I had written it off before even asking, but as expected.

(Y/N): I could lie and say it's for me.

Horikita: I'm opposed to using any water they might have. Who knows what they've put in it?

She's treating them almost as if they're bacteria. That's definitely not the case...is what I'd like to say but I don't have the confidence to make that statement. Those guys, they have a habit of leaving drinking water or tea as it is.

They'd probably try to rustle up clean water for Horikita's sake, but they might be a lot less considerate if I said I wanted water. Friendly malice was a diabolical thing.

(Y/N): How about I ask for water from Hirata?

Horikita: If it's him there's no doubt as to the quality of the water but... I'd rather not be in his debt.

(Y/N): It's okay. I'll say I'm the one who needs water, for appearance's sake The debt is on me.

Horikita: I suppose...

Horikita still sounded somewhat dissatisfied, but appeared to accept the fact that you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

I tried to call Hirata. No matter how many times the phone rang, however, he didn't pick up. Even when I tried to send him a chat message, it went unread.

(Y/N): Maybe he's asleep. In any case, there's no response.

Horikita: I see. Feelings of joy and sadness are both mixing together confusingly and making it complicated for me.

(Y/N): Well, we probably don't have any other options. I think we can only rely on Kushida or Sakura.

Horikita: Please ask Sakura-san.

She replied immediately, as if to say Kushida is absolutely out of the question.

(Y/N): Are you still on bad terms with Kushida?

Horikita: There's no need for us to get along. Besides, there are still quite a few things about her that I can't accept.

(Y/N): And what's that?

Horikita: The exam on the cruise ship. She abandoned victory from the start and instead aimed for a draw.

Remembering the special exam from a while back, Horikita crossed her arms together. Unfortunately the water bottle stuck on her arm made her look uncool and hence the intensity of her statement was lacking. I wanted to laugh, but I rather avoid being slammed by her metal 'fist'.

(Y/N): She's a pacifist by nature. She'll probably choose the outcome where everybody's happy.

Horikita: I had no intention of completely rejecting Outcome #1. But it was something entirely different for the VIP herself to steer us toward it.

During the test, students had been separated into twelve groups. We'd played a game where we had to discover the hidden identity of a chosen VIP within each group, with four possible outcomes in total. The most difficult outcome to achieve was Outcome #1, which required everyone in the group to discover the VIP's identity and wait till the assigned time to submit their answers, without anyone betraying the group by turning in an answer early.

However, the only drawback to Outcome #1 was that the VIP's class wasn't awarded any class points.

Horikita: Kushida being our group's VIP gave Class D the advantage. All we had to do was keep the VIP's identity hidden, but everyone found out that Kushida-san was the VIP. I think that Kushida herself had something to do with that.

(Y/N): That's just your speculation.

Horikita: But the possibility of that is overwhelmingly high. I'm assuming her guilt.

Horikita's words grew forceful. I understood how she felt, but the seriousness was lessened, since Horikita's arm was still stuck in that water bottle.

(Y/N): Even so, I'm saying it's all your responsibility. If Kushida did manipulate you all into Outcome #1, that's honestly amazing. In other words, she completely outdid you in the exam. You're suppose to lead our class to victory, am I wrong?

Horikita: Don't be unreasonable. Do you understand just how unrealistic that is?

Of course, this was all assuming that Kushida had truly betrayed the Dragon group. Honestly, it'd probably been Ryuen or Katsuragi. I didn't know which. Either way, someone with more power had forced everyone in the Dragon group into a certain outcome. Still, the fact remained that Horikita had been outsmarted.

(Y/N): The VIP was in your class. If you didn't act because you were confident in your victory, then the responsibility lies with the people on your team. If you're aiming for Class A, you need to be able to manage people better.

Horikita: You're complicating things.

(Y/N): I understand your feelings of frustration. But even so, this is the path you chose.

I patted her heads.

(Y/N): And besides, you've matured even more than before. Even if I said the same thing to you when we first met you absolutely wouldn't have even heard me out.

That was true. Slowly, Horikita was beginning to think like an adult. She was no longer a girl who rejected everything around her on instinct.

Horikita: However, you're a different person now, too. When we first met, your personality was way worse than now. Constant sleeping, lack of interests in almost anything, lazy and such...

(Y/N): Hey, that's mean.

Horikita: It's true. You always antagonized me and get in my way. You even manipulated me for forging a false evidence against Sudou-kun's trial.

I hung my head low.

(Y/N): I-I'm sorry.

Horikita: But...

She raised her left hand and caressed my face.

Horikita: You're always by my side. Whenever I encountered any troubled situations, you'd always there to help me overcome the problem, just like right now. When I was vulnerable, you accompanied me and gave me word of encouragements.

She smiled warmly.

Horikita: I can see that you're improving. You have changed into a better person now. Well, at least, better than before.

With that, she took the initiative and closed in the distance between us and kissed me on the lips. To be honest, I was shocked and moved at the same time. For the first time, I was complimented and approved by someone.

Wow. It just... wow. I'm speechless.

After a few seconds, we parted away.

Horikita: I'm glad that I'd fall in love with you, (Y/N)-kun.

(Y/N): I love you too, Suzune.

I was holding tears back. Man, it was so touching. After we stayed silence for a while, Horikita spoke.

Horikita: A-Ah! What was I thinking!? I need to get my arm free at the first place.

(Y/N): Eh? I thought we're having a special moment right now...

She raised her right hand while glaring at me. Looks like she's back to her usual self. Where's the emotional Horikita just now?

(Y/N): Ahem. Right, of course. I suppose I'll see if Sakura can help.

I regained my composure. Since it was getting late, I decided to reach out to Sakura using chat.

(Y/N): Sakura, my room is out of drinking water. The vending machine is sold out, too. Would you mind sharing with me?

I waited for a while after sending the message, but saw no indication that Sakura had read it.

(Y/N): No good. I don't know if she's asleep or what.

Horikita: Honestly, we're completely out of luck today.

She sighed.

(Y/N): Well, there is one way or another. But you have to take a risk.

Horikita: Risk?

She tilted her head.

(Y/N): We'll head to Keyaki Mall for water. There's no other way.

Horikita: So, that's our final option.

She put her hands on her forehead, but it doesn't matter which gesture she makes right now, it ends up looking ridiculous.

As a matter of fact, before I came to this room, before I went down to the cafeteria, I did not encounter a single classmate of ours. If she cannot hold on until 12 o'clock there's no other choice but to take this much risk at least.

Horikita: W-wait. I really can't go outside like this.

(Y/N): In that case, do you want to hide your hand? I guess it's already hidden in a water bottle.

Horikita: That was completely unnecessary.

She snapped, and raised her hand as if to strike.

(Y/N): O-okay, I get it. Please put your hand down. Do you have a cloth or something?

Horikita: Cloth...? If it's a handkerchief, I have one.

Horikita brought out a white handkerchief from a shelf. As I took it from her, I covered it from above Horikita's water bottle.

(Y/N): This looks painfully suspicious. It's not large enough to cover everything. What about the towel?

This time she brings out a bath towel. I placed it on the arm with the water bottle.

(Y/N): Well, I guess this works.

Honestly, I suspected the bath towel might make her stand out even more.

Horikita: That's make me even more suspicious.

(Y/N): That's true. Why don't we just go there as we are?

Horikita: I suppose so.

Rather than wasting time thinking up this and that it's better to simply act. Dragging along a slightly hesitant Horikita with me, I stepped out into the corridor.

(Y/N): Okay, there aren't any signs of people around. Let's go.

Horikita: W-wait a minute. I still haven't put my shoes on.

Because Horikita could only use one hand, putting on her shoes took quite a bit of time. Finally, the two of us stepped out into the hallway.

(Y/N): There's a faucet on the road to school, isn't there? If we can make it there it should be alright.

If we walk at a normal pace, we should arrive there in 5 minutes.

We'd be fine under the cover of darkness, as long as we got out of the dormitory. We reached the elevators, but—

Horikita: It's useless, (Y/N)-kun. We can't use the elevator.

(Y/N): What?

Horikita: There's a surveillance monitor in the first-floor lobby, right? I don't know who can see us on that.

A monitor on the first floor did display whatever the elevator cameras captured. Horikita was concerned about being seen. Even if she managed to hide her arm, she couldn't avoid looking mysterious.

(Y/N): Should we take the stairs?

If we're to descend from this point, it would take quite a bit of time. And the fact that one of her hands is unusable makes it a little dangerous.

Horikita: I'd rather take the stairs than let someone see me.

After weighing struggles and danger on a scale against her pride. Horikita chose pride. There are two emergency staircases, each one located equidistantly from the elevator. No matter which one we use, we'll have to go past the doors of the student rooms again, it can't be helped.

I brought Horikita toward the stairwell. She stayed behind me while holding my hand with her free hand, as if hiding herself from view. Suddenly, I heard the doors to the room of an unknown student opening. About three rooms back from where we were standing.

Horikita: T-this is bad. That's Maezono-san's room.

Maezono from Class D, huh? There was no way for us to escape. However, Maezono didn't leave the room. Instead, her friend Kushida stepped out. Another piece of bad luck for Horikita.

Maezono: Thank you Kushida-san. I'll repay the favor next time.

Kushida: No, it's ok. Don't mind it. Good night Maezono-san.

It seems she came to play in Maezono's room. Perhaps Maezono meant to see her off from inside, but I couldn't see her face. As the door closed, Kushida, without realizing the presence of me and Horikita, headed towards the elevator.

Horikita: That was close.

(Y/N): Yeah.

If Kushida had looked back, she would've noticed us. I was sweating an uncomfortable amount. We were far too conspicuous like this.

We have to head out through the emergency exits as quickly as possible. But as we took the next step, Maezono's room's door opened again.

Maezono: Kushida-san. You forgot something.

Saying that Maezono came outside. Naturally, Kushida turned around.

Kushida: Ah, (L/N)-kun. Horikita-san. Good evening.

(Y/N): Uh. Y-yeah.

Our exchange was brief. It seemed as though Kushida wanted to check on what she forgot. She headed back toward Maezono, and Maezono inevitably noticed us as well. Horikita froze.

Maezono: You forgot your phone.

Kushida: Ahh, sorry. Thank you. That saved me.

Horikita: Let's go, (Y/N)-kun. There's no need to stay here for long.

She pushed the water bottle against my back, emphasizing that this was our chance.

If Horikita were seen in this state, her pride would be utterly demolished. We reached the emergency exit, and I tried to open the door.

(Y/N): It... It won't open.

Horikita: You're joking, right? There's no way an emergency exit door wouldn't open, is there?

(Y/N): I'm serious. It won't open.

Locking an emergency exit is normally prohibited so this is probably—

Kushida: Where are you going?

Perhaps she was curious about the two of us attempting to leave through the emergency exit, Kushida, having finished her business with Maezono, approached us.

(Y/N): Ah, well. We were just thinking of taking the stairs.

That was the best answer I could give.

Kushida was eyeing me and Horikita. And then, it seemed that she had come to a conclusion.

Kushida: Ah. I see. You guys are secretly going out on a date, aren't you?

She smiled mischievously.

(Y/N): Ahaha...

Kushida: But the power's out in the east emergency stairwell right now. I'm pretty sure it isn't usable. It'd be really dangerous to go downstairs in pitch darkness. I think the west stairs are okay, though.

(Y/N): I see. So that's how it is.

Horikita, without attempting to call out to Kushida, was simply hiding behind my back.

Kushida: Well then. I let you two get back on your dates. Bye bye!

She said sweetly and winked before leaving us alone.

After I confirmed that she was gone, both of us let out a sigh of relief.

...

Using the emergency staircase, it's taken us quite a bit of time to descend from the 13th floor to the 1st floor. There was the possibility that the lobby would be crowded due to the water outage but fortunately neither students nor administrators were present.

(Y/N): We can go right now.

Horikita: Okay.

I made my way toward the exit, Horikita trailing closely.

Then, several male and female students emerged from the darkness, chatting as they walked. They didn't appear to be Class D students, but from Horikita's perspective, it didn't make any difference who they were. We couldn't get out of the dormitory in time. Horikita turned on her heel and started to head back, as if returning to her room.

Horikita: At this rate they'll see us.

Slowly their presence approaching the dorm is becoming larger. Perhaps it would be better to return to the emergency staircase. In a panic, we opened the door to the emergency staircase. Having come this far, will our misfortune turn into a chain of misfortune?

I could hear a voice coming from above us. It sounded like a male student on the third or fourth floor, heading downstairs. No longer able to ascend up the stairs, we were forced to hurriedly turn back towards the lobby.

Horikita: We have no choice now but to use the elevator!

(Y/N): Is that okay? You'll be seen on the monitors.

Horikita: I'll have to use you to cover myself. Since we know the position of the camera we should be able to do it.

That suggestion was bizarre, but not impossible. I would rather have avoided it, but since we lacked an escape route, there was no other choice.

We quickly get on the elevator that's supposed on the left side of the first floor. And then, as I quickly stepped in front of the camera's line of sight, Horikita stood behind me and hid her arm.

At any rate, we needed to get away from the first floor. I randomly pressed a button to make the elevator ascend.

(Y/N): Well, we're safe for now...

Horikita: I'll just give up. This isn't a state where I can just go outside. Since I've come this far I'll just tough it out until the water outage is fixed.

That had to be a tough pill for her to swallow, but if it was what she wanted, we just needed to return to the thirteenth floor. I cancelled the request for a random floor, and pushed the button for the thirteenth. Hopefully our trials were over for tonight.

As both me and Horikita felt relief somewhere inside us, without any notice it came. The elevator's speed, which had been rapidly rising until now, suddenly slows.

(Y/N): Oh, hell no...

Recently whenever I get on an elevator, good things never happen, so I did not even have time to think what was happening. It's neither a breakdown nor a mistake in pressing the button.

We had stopped on the fifth floor. That meant that someone had pressed the call button. No matter who got on, they'd see Horikita in this bizarre state. She might've gone undetected in a big crowd of people, but fate continued to be cruel, and the elevator doors opened to reveal a single male student.

(Y/N): 'Of all things, to run into him.'

Koenji Rokusuke, a Class D student, waltzed into the elevator with his usual haughty air. He went straight to the mirrored wall, not even giving us a passing glance. As he gazed at his reflection, he pulled out a comb he always carried, and started to style his hair.

Koenji: Elevator Boy, I shall request the top floor.

I silently pressed the button to the top floor as the door to the elevator closed. We once again ascend.

Perhaps Koenji has no interest in us while checking his hair, but he showed no signs of paying attention to us. It was natural if we were complete strangers, but even so, we were classmates. I think sparing us a glance at least would have been normal. But we have gained a narrow escape from certain death. If it's Koenji, he would have no interest in Horikita at all so he would not notice the water bottle.

While Horikita hovered in the camera's blind spot, the elevator passed the tenth floor. When the elevator doors slowly opened, Horikita and I stepped out simultaneously. Koenji never once moved his eyes from the mirror. Things had ended without incident.

Horikita rushed straight to her room.

Horikita: It's impossible to do anymore than this. It's too much to go around walking outside, cautious of the surroundings in this state.

(Y/N): Today's surely not our day...

After that, following her, I also entered the room. And, with that timing, my phone vibrated.

Sakura: Sorry for the late reply. I was researching something, so I didn't notice your text.

Horikita: Is that from Sakura-san?

She peeked from my shoulder.

(Y/N): Yup.

Sakura: You wanted water, right? Of course that's okay. Would one bottle be enough?

I texted Sakura back.

(Y/N): That's more than enough, thank you. Is it okay if I come and get it now?

Sakura: Sure. I'll wait for you.

Whenever I talk to her directly in person, it's hard to continue a conversation but when it's through the chat, it flows really smoothly.

(Y/N): Good news, Suzune. It seems Sakura will share water with us. I've got her consent so I'll be going now.

Horikita: Thank you, (Y/N)-kun. Please do make sure not to tell Sakura-san about me.

(Y/N): Sure. I'll be back soon.

With that, I quickly left the room for the water.

...

(Y/N): Here you go. It's off.

After overcoming a long struggle, I somehow succeeded in removing the water bottle from Horikita.

Horikita: Honestly, this day was a complete disaster.

We both sat on her bed in exhaustion. If my hand had been trapped in a water bottle, I would've felt the same.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. Please don't speak a word of this to anyone.

(Y/N): Of course I won't.

Horikita: Thank you for your effort today.

She leaned in gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and smiled.

(Y/N): No problem.

I smiled back. After we chatted for a while, I bid her goodnight and returned to my room.

(Y/N): 'Really, though, was it even possible for someone's arm to get stuck in a water bottle?'

I took the water bottle out of the box, rinsed it with water and put my hand in it to test it out. When I did, it seemed to be quite a hazardous size and unexpectedly my arm was fixed in position firmly.

(Y/N): Rocket punch!

I punched the air in front of me.

(Y/N): Eh, just kidding.

I gave in to silliness for a moment. When I tried to get my hand out of the water bottle, though...

(Y/N): I-I can't pull it out?!

...

(A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for not updating for a while now. I was really busy recently. And also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting this fanfiction :) Don't worry, I will continued to update the story until I was really unable to XD. And this chapter marks the end for LN vol 4.5, as I decided to skip the remaining two chapters from vol 4.5 and enter vol 5. Before entering the semester 2 of the story, I would like to write a side story that based on your requests. So, comment here and tell me your request, such as which characters you want to be included in your side story and the general idea of the side story you want me to write. If there's more than one request, I'll randomly picked one out of the comments and PM you. Thank you as always!)

(SS) Courage

(A/N: This is a side story. This chapter took place before the start of second semester of the main story. It's kind of related to the story line, though.)

Sudou's POV

It was tough. No matter how hard I try, I could not simply change the fact. I wonder, if those people really could see the changes that I had made. Or they simply ignored all my hardworking efforts?

I admitted, I'm a person who lacks of admirable qualities in him. I am short tempered, indolent, undependable, tardy and such. Those are just the tip of the iceberg of my bad qualities. Yes, I suck at academic, the only aspect that I could at least redeem myself is my athleticism. With that, I started to abandon my academics and pursue on my basketball career.

I was strayed too far from my life path, until she showed up. She opened up my eyes and pulled me out from the abyss. She even saved me twice whenever I messed up and got into troubles. She's really like an angel that descends from the heaven. Sometimes she's harsh, but I know she did mean well.

Well, today's the day. Right before the second semester starts, I'm gonna ask for her phone number. Wait, she rejected me numerous times already. How could I get her to actually give me her phone number? She didn't even bother to look at me for even a glance, or reply my greets. Maybe I should ask (L/N) for his help. He and Suzune were close, that shouldn't be any problem. No, I should not depend on him. I have to do this by myself. As a legendary basketball player once said, "If you don't believe in yourself, no-one will do it for you." I'm gonna do this. I will.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

Today is the last day of my summer vacation, right before the second semester starts. In the morning, I was having breakfast with the guys from our class at the cafe in Keyaki Mall. For the first time, I was invited by them as a friend. I felt so touched. *sniff* Surprisingly, all of them managed to wake up early despite they usually sleep through the whole morning. We hang around for an hour at the mall after our breakfast before we parted away.

I spent some times reading the light novel, Classic Literature Club, that I had borrowed from the library. Amusingly, I found out that the male protagonist of the story portrayed some similar qualities as I do. After finished reading, I then went to the girls' floor of the dormitory and visited Horikita.

Horikita: You're here a lot now.

She greeted me as I knocked on her door.

(Y/N): Well, I have no other places to go. Am I not welcome?

Horikita: Of course not. Just... try to notify me by text before you come here.

(Y/N): Alright. Next time I will.

She allowed me to enter her room. As usual, her room didn't change quite a bit ever since that water bottle incident. I sat on the floor and leaned on her bedside. Horikita went to the kitchen and prepared me a matcha tea.

(Y/N): Even though the air-con is on, the heat still did not dissipated.

I said while fanning myself.

Horikita: Really? I was doing just fine before I opened the door and let you in.

She set down the tea on the table.

(Y/N): Hey, don't blame me. Blame the damned weather.

Horikita: Don't be stupid. Your body will cool down by itself as long as you keeps calm.

(Y/N): Really?

I shifted my seating position to a meditation posture.

(Y/N): Om...

I hummed out the meditation spell while maintaining the posture. Apparently, I was still sweating profusely.

(Y/N): That didn't work at all!

Horikita facepalmed and sighed.

Horikita: Sometime, I am skeptical about your intelligence.

(Y/N): That's rude, Suzune.

We chatted a while before we searching for somethings to do to eliminate our boredom. Then, I came up with an idea.

(Y/N): Hey. Want to watch this movie?

I handed Horikita the movie information on my phone.

(Y/N): I heard it from Yukimura. The story mainly about a rookie lawyer that fight for the lives of his innocent clients in a court of law. It is funny and informative too. What do you say?

She scrolled through the movie information on my phone.

Horikita: Hmm. Since when you're interested in law, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): I don't know. Sometimes, I think is fun to switch up a little. So, wanna watch it?

Horikita: Sigh. I suppose I could spend my precious time watching movie rather than studying.

She handed back my phone.

(Y/N): You don't have to stress yourself out, you know?

I gently knocked on her head with my phone

(Y/N): What are you, a bookworm?

She pouted angrily and shoot me a glance. I quickly gained distance from her before she could beat me to death. I bought the movie online with my points and streamed it on the TV. We then sat on the floor, leaning on each other while snacking. I glanced at the clock of my phone.

(Y/N): 'The movie is about two hours. That should be enough.'

...

"Objection!"

The black suit lawyer said while pointing his index finger on the witness. The intense aura from him managed to blow away the opposite prosecutor.

I heard a giggling sound from my companion. She was resting her head on my shoulder while snuggling on me.

Horikita: That was stupid.

(Y/N): By stupid, you mean the comical effect or about the trial?

Horikita: Both. I mean, even I could point out the inconsistency of the witness's testimonies.

(Y/N): Wow. Maybe you can study for the law course and become a lawyer. Then you can bail me out whenever I'm in troubles.

Horikita: Yeah. I'll gonna charge you a lot when you require my defense.

(Y/N): Not fair!

We exchanged a few words while watching the movie.

...

"Mr. Reft. If you cannot present any new evidences or witnesses, I'll then render my verdict for this trial."

The bald-headed judge said to the rookie attorney while raising his gavel.

"You're too naive, Reft."

His rival prosecutor crossed his arm and smirked.

"Is it over...? I couldn't save her life."

The lawyer slumped in defeat.

"No, I can't give up. The worst of times are when lawyers have to force their biggest smiles."

Right before the verdict is given to the defendant, this movie ended. In a cliffhanger.

Horikita: Wait. Seriously? That's all?

(Y/N): Hmm. Seemingly, this is just part one. The part two of the movie is aired now in the cinema at the mall.

Horikita: I have to what happened to the trial. (Y/N)-kun, book the tickets right away!

(Y/N): R-Right.

Wow. She was all hyped up now. Even though before watching the movie, she seemed reluctant. Well, I guess it is nice for her to enjoy entertainments apart from her dull life.

As I book the tickets on my phone, I checked the clock again.

(Y/N): '5.48 p.m.. He should be here any minute now.'

...

Sudou's POV

I did it. I reached the girls' floor of the dormitory. I finally built up the courage to come here. I had asked Kushida about Suzune's room number. I stopped my tracks and caught my breath after I climbed the freaking stairs. All thanks to that goddamn elevator that broke down not long ago.

Sudou: 'Damn, why don't the school fixed it yet.'

I then regained my composure and walked towards the door of Suzune's room nervously. As I took the first step forward, the door of her room opened. I quickly hid myself around the corner of the wall. I peeked out from behind my cover. Heh, if the girls saw me, they might reported me to the school.

Then, I saw a person coming out from the room. It wasn't Suzune. Instead, it was...

Sudou: (L/N)!?

The moment he came out from her room, my heart felt heavy.

(Y/N): Later, we met at the entrance of the dormitory at 7.30 p.m. sharp?

Horikita: Yes. And if you're late for even a minute. I'll leave.

(Y/N): Huh? You're the one who wants to watch the movie.

Horikita: J-Just don't be late. Good bye!

Right before she closed the door, (L/N) stopped her.

(Y/N): Are you forgetting something?

Horikita: R-Right here?

(Y/N): There's nobody here, though.

Suzune looked left and right before she leaned forward and kissed (L/N) on his cheek.

Horikita: G-Good bye!

Blushing madly, she then closed the door.

As I was watching the whole scene unfolded right in front of my eyes, I felt a mix of emotions that stirred inside me. Anger, frustration, sadness, jealousy. It's simply too much. I then leave the place quickly, without making any noise.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

Horikita: G-Good bye!

She slammed the door close while blushing. Hmm. she's cute as always. I then glanced over the direction where the staircase is located. I caught a glimpse of a shadow that quickly disappeared.

(Y/N): As I thought, he was watching us.

Well, how did I know when Sudou was going to ask for Horikita's phone number? All thanks to Ike for blurting that out while Sudou went to toilet during the breakfast earlier. I then decided to hatch a plan to let the relationships of Horikita and I to be caught by Sudou on purpose. So that we can slowly disclose our relationship to the public.

(Y/N): I'm sorry, buddy.

Then, I proceed to the staircase and went down to the boys' floor. As I was about to do so, my phone received a message. It was from Sudou. Apparently, he asked me to meet with him at the rooftop of the school.

(Y/N): Hmm. I could predict what's going to happen, more or less. It's better for him to release his frustration.

Instead of going back to my room, I went to the designated place.

...

Sudou's POV

I was waiting on the rooftop. The sunset scenery was magnificent. I leaned my back against the handrail while letting the warm breeze to hit my face.

Sudou: 'I'm all lost and confused. I felt that my world is crumbling around me. I don't know what else to do than calling (L/N) out here.'

After a few minutes, the door that accessed to the rooftop opened, revealing (L/N).

(Y/N): Sudou.

Sudou: (L/N).

There was an awkward silence between us.

(Y/N): So, why did you called me up here? Do you need anything?

After an internal debate, I decided to speak to (L/N) about my thought.

Sudou: I saw you and Suzune earlier at the dorm.

(Y/N): Ahh... So that was about it.

He scratched the back of his head and explained.

(Y/N): I don't mean to hide from you or anything. But... I guess I should let you know.

He took a deep breath and said.

(Y/N): Yes. Horikita and I were dating.

As soon as he said that, I felt myself struck by the lightning again. But this time, I managed the feelings pretty well than earlier. Probably because I heard him admitted verbally.

Sudou: So the rumor was true, after all.

I closed my eyes and let out a pathetic laugh.

(Y/N): ...

Sudou: Actually, I'm not blind. Considered that you and Suzune were so close since the school starts. I'm just... can't accept the fact that you two were together already.

I looked at his emotionless face.

Sudou: I know, she deserved better, better than me at least. I should felt happy for her. But... But... I have a strongly mixed feelings. I don't know what to do! Tell me, (L/N)! What should I do!?

I admitted the mixed feelings I had for Suzune to (L/N). He didn't speak for a moment. And then—

(Y/N): Fight me.

Sudou: W-What!?

...

(Y/N)'s POV

After hearing Sudou's confession, definitely not in the romantic way, I decided to bring this whole conversation to a fight.

(Y/N): Fight me.

Sudou: W-What!?

(Y/N): We settled this, once and for all.

I readied myself in a combat stance.

Sudou: Are you serious!?

(Y/N): Yes. Let go of yourself, go berserk.

Sudou: Grr... Arghhhh!

He then rushed to me in an incredible speed. He landed his first jab on me. I blocked it with my hands easily, thanks to the action kung-fu movie that I watched before. I was in defensive position, all I did was just blocking and evading Sudou's attack. I can just simply countered him and gained the upper hands, but I chose not to. It was the first time that I experienced Sudou's true feelings, the kind that can't even be described in words, but only through fists. All I did was blocking and evading his every attacks, and I somewhat felt his emotions through the punch that he landed. Mostly anger, with some sorrow, and a little... relief?

The brawl continued for a few minutes. His mixed feelings started to become clearer. He was panting heavily while keep hitting me. Eventually, his gas ran out. I took the opportunity to disable his attacks by hit him on his biceps and threw him to the ground. Thus, I concluded the longing match.

He was laying on the floor, catching his breath while sweating profusely. I then sat beside him.

(Y/N): Feeling better?

Sudou: Haa. A bit.

He regained his composure and sat up.

(Y/N): The reason I purposed this brawl is to help you clear things up. If you can't express your feeling in words, then why not letting it out in other forms.

Sudou: Heh, I didn't understand that at first. But as I did so, I then understand your intentions.

He sighed in relief.

Sudou: You're right. By letting myself going all out, I managed to let out all my mixed feelings and emotions. To be honest, I felt much better now.

(Y/N): Good.

Sudou: While we were fighting, I had thought over my true feelings for Suzune.

(Y/N): And what's that?

I looked at him. He looked back with determined eyes.

Sudou: It turned out that, I don't actually love her. In fact, I admired her.

I was surprised by his answer.

Sudou: Yeah. I finally get it. I thought I liked her maybe because she had saved me whenever I was in troubled, I misinterpret her intentions and thought that she might liked me.

(Y/N): Well, it's natural. When some pretty girls helped you, it's usually for the two reasons. She's simply being kind, like Kushida, or she have a feeling for you.

Well, or simply she just wants you to be in her debt, but in this case, I rather don't mention it.

Sudou: Heh, and I chose the latter. I'm so dumb.

He said while shaking his head.

(Y/N): Sudou. You've changed.

He was surprised as I said that.

(Y/N): Back when we were first met, you definitely won't be sitting here and talking to me after you found out about our relationships.

Sudou didn't reply. Instead, he simply laughed out loud.

Sudou: You're right. I certainly will kill you back then.

I then patted his shoulder.

(Y/N): You did well, Sudou. Good work. Your efforts will not be in vain.

He stared at me for a moment before speaking.

Sudou: Stop it, dude. Don't make this become more awkward now.

(Y/N): Right. Sorry.

We chatted and started to understand each other better. After that, we both stood up. He offered me a handshake.

Sudou: Thank you, (L/N). For allowed me to understand my true feelings for Suzu— I mean, for Horikita.

(Y/N): No problem.

I shook his hand.

Sudou: Don't ever let Horikita sad, or else you'll hear it from me, you know that?

(Y/N): Of course.

He smirked and gave me a nudge on my shoulder.

Sudou: Well, I should be going. I want to take a cold shower and wash off the sweat. See ya!

I bid him farewell as he exited the rooftop through the door.

I stood by the handrail and watched the sun set below the horizon as I recalled today's event. It was well-spent.

(Y/N): 'Human emotions are very complicated. Actually, the emotions aren't that complicated, it was us humans who complicated them.'

As the sun vanished completely under the horizon, I turned and prepared to leave the rooftop.

(Y/N): Wait... Ah crap!

I took out my phone and looked at the time. It was 7.18 p.m.

(Y/N): Damn, I'm gonna be late!

I sped down the building and ran straight back to my dormitory.

...

(A/N: Hey guys. I hoped you all like this side story. Shout out to @Nimna5, who provided me with some pointers about this chapter. Thanks a lot, bro. I'll make more side stories in the future. In the mean time, I think I should progress the main storyline first. Peace out! Owh and one more thing, I've decided to take a break(not going hiatus yet!) and update the story in a slower pace. I was occupied with works, though. Sorry about that.)

The School Sports Festival

(Y/N)'s POV

Horikita: The surnames of the students divided up in order of the zodiac animals were the key to figuring out the VIP then.

Summer vacation had just ended, and I was seated with a bizarre crew that included Hirata, Karuizawa, and Horikita at a table in the back of the cafe. The purpose was to review the shipboard special exam that had taken place in the midst of the summer vacation.

Horikita: The rabbit is fourth in the zodiac. If you put the names of the students in the rabbit group in alphabetical order, it would be (L/N)-kun, Ichinose-san, Ibuki-san, and then Karuizawa-san.

Karuizawa put her hand on her chin.

Karuizawa: I see. If that's the order then I'm the 4th. That's why I was chosen as VIP.

She seemed impressed. At first glance, you'd have thought that the two girls sitting with me were completely incompatible, but Hirata's presence made the discomfort between them mysteriously disappear.

Karuizawa: But isn't that really, really simple? I mean, practically anyone could figure it out.

Having heard the answer, Karuizawa inserted the straw into the pack and sipped milk from it.

Horikita: It was that simple. However, figuring that out in the middle of an exam wasn't so easy. With only three VIPs in your own class, you wouldn't have had enough solid data to determine the system behind the selection.

If we'd known the names of the three VIPs in another class, we might have seen the pattern. However, even if we'd had a theory about how the VIPs were chosen, it would have been risky. If we were off, we could have taken considerable damage.

Hirata: What worries me is Class C. I think during the middle of the exam, Ryuuen-kun discovered the hidden rules.

Hirata addressed the elephant in the room. If that's not the case, he would not have been able to do all that.

Karuizawa: But, isn't it strange? If that's the case, why did he make a mistake?

However, judging from the situation, Class C gave a wrong answer. Horikita then voiced her deduction she had made from a slightly different perspective.

Horikita: Though it appears that Ryuuen-kun rules Class C alone, perhaps that isn't actually true. More than a handful of people are probably deeply dissatisfied with his dictatorship.

Hirata: Perhaps. The right to answer is given to all students, so students who did not comply with Ryuuen-kun's plan or those he failed to control making a blunder. That line of thought cannot be ruled out either.

The conjectures of Horikita and Hirata follow a good line of thought. However, it's also a fact that one cannot say that for certain. If there was a traitor, Ryuuen would've searched for them relentlessly. The traitor will surely know what's the consequences.

Then, Horikita suddenly directed her attention to me as I was drinking latte while sitting comfortably.

Horikita: What do you think, (L/N)-kun? You haven't participate in our discussion since the beginning.

I ended up unconsciously choking from that overconcentrated gaze of both Hirata and Karuizawa on me.

(Y/N): Eh? I don't know.

As I said that to deceive them, perhaps they lost interest in me in one stroke but their gazes scattered away. Horikita gave me a questionable glance before looking away. Somehow, only Karuizawa still stared at me. I returned her gaze and after a slight delay, she averted her eyes.

Hirata: Anyway, our first priority is to cement this relationship. It makes me happy that I'm able to talk like this with Horikita-san and (L/N)-kun.

Up until now, Horikita had not wanted to hold the discussion Hirata had desired. However, after the end of the special exam for the two of them, it probably meant that changes have begun to appear in Horikita's mindset. She probably realized that this isn't a battle that she can fight alone. I unconsciously grinned a little bit, but it was unnoticed by the others.

Horikita: I'm not glad. But, if we assume that future exams may have similar elements, though, then a certain degree of cooperation will be necessary.

That seems to be the biggest factor behind Horikita changing her mind. However, that is correct.

Horikita: But even so, you successfully managed to escape Ryuuen-kun's grip. Well done.

(Y/N): 'Hmm. It was the first time I saw Suzune compliment other people. She's sure had changed a bit since the exam.'

Karuizawa: Well, I suppose. I have a surprisingly good poker face. Right, Yousuke-kun?

Clinging to Hirata's arm, Karuizawa smiled with upturned eyes. You'd never have thought that their relationship had been strained, though whether that was genuine or an act didn't interest me.

Wait a minute—Yousuke? When had Karuizawa suddenly started calling Hirata by his first name? Hirata and Karuizawa, it may be a new relationship created from the complicated situation between those two.

Hirata returned Karuizawa's smile and turned towards Horikita.

Hirata: I have a proposal to make, would that be okay?

Horikita gave no response—her way of telling him to speak.

Hirata: Firstly, in order to bring the class together as one I'd like to bring Kushida-san into the fold. I think she will be able to supplement the four of us in parts we cannot compensate for. For instance, she could potentially unite a lot of the boys, starting with Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun.

Horikita: Unnecessary.

She responded almost immediately.

Horikita: I won't deny it in the sense that she is capable of controlling them, but it's something we can do on our own. For that purpose, I've reached out to you and Karuizawa-san. If the two of you will lend your power, then this problem can be solved. Unless—

She suddenly poked my cheek with a straw while I was sipping my latte. I'd almost spilled it out.

Horikita: If you're proven uncooperative like a certain someone, that is.

(Y/N): Hey. I'd burned my tongue!

Hirata laughed and tried to calm both Horikita and I down as we're arguing. Maybe because Hirata had found out my relationship with Horikita, he didn't suspected that behavior was strange or anything. It looks like only the one whom relationship was close enough to act like that. But then, I noticed that Karuizawa frowned in an instant when Horikita behaved that way, but she quickly regained her composure and acted like nothing happened at all. That's odd.

In the end, the whole conversation was devolving into some half-baked comedy sketch, although Horikita didn't appear to be joking around. You could never quite tell when she was playing, but I thought she was definitely serious.

...

As for the afternoon class, it has become a two hour long homeroom. When the instructor for Class D, Chabashira-sensei, arrived, she began to explain indifferently.

Chabashira: Starting today, classes begin again. However, from September to the beginning of October, we will be holding more physical education classes to prepare for the school sports festival. Keep that in mind for the distribution of the new timetables. And also, along with the timetables, material regarding the sports festival will also be distributed. The students from the front will distribute the printouts to the back.

The moment Chabashira-sensei uttered the words "sports festival," screams rose up from a part of the class. Of course there are students who are anticipating the arrival of the event but there are also plenty of students who feel antipathy towards an event that is focused mainly on sports.

Chabashira: Settle down, now. The details on the printed handouts can be found on the school homepage as well. Please refer to them if necessary.

Hirata: Sensei, is this festival another of the special exams?

As the class representative, after raising his hand, Hirata asked that question. The mood in the class became tensed immediately.

Chabashira: You're free to interpret this however you wish. In any case, this event will massively impact each and every class.

Saying that, Chabashira-sensei opted for a vague answer that was neither an affirmation or a repudiation. The students who loathed exercise continued grumbling, as they cannot sit out the sports festival due to the fate of the class rests upon the festival.

On the other hand, some students were really fired up about this. Particularly those who, like Sudou, were confident in their athletic abilities. This was probably the first exam that would let them contribute to the class meaningfully.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun... Look at here.

While everyone else agonized over what was happening, Horikita—who'd been reading through the handout—whispered and pointed something out to me.

I too, turned over the page and checked that part. And when I did, what was written there was unexpectedly the examination system. It was only for a moment, but I felt as though Chabashira-sensei had looked at me.

Chabashira: Some people have noticed this already, but for this year's festival, we're going to divide all the students across all grade levels into two groups and have them compete against each other. You lot in Class D have been assigned to the Red Team. And Class A too, will be competing in the same Red Team. For the duration of this sports festival, it means Class A will be your allies.

Class B and Class C were part of the White Team and the sports festival will be the Red Team vs. the White Team.

Ike: Woah! No kidding!?

He'd probably assumed that this exam would pit all four classes against one another, same as always. But this time,it would be a different form of cooperation than the previous shipboard special exam.

My girlfriend beside me appeared calm on the outside, but I was sure she was panicking internally. Her brother, Horikita Manabu, belongs to Class A of the 3rd years. Depending on the circumstances, we may have to hold talks with him.

(Y/N): Here's your chance to get in touch with your brother, huh?

Horikita: Don't talk about that here...

She glared at me. The sharp pencil glinting at the tip she's gripping in her hands is ominous so I'd like her to stop it.

Then, Chabashira-sensei taps the printout while explaining the vital checkpoints. till listening, I lowered my eyes to the handout.

/

Sports Festival Rules and Team Division

The sports festival divides all students, across all grade levels, into two teams: Red and White. The breakdown goes as follows: Classes A and D are on the Red Team, Classes B and C are on the White Team.

Point Allocation for All Competitors (Individual Competitions)

Points will be allocated as follows: first place will be awarded fifteen points, second place will be awarded twelve points, third place will be awarded ten points, and fourth place will be awarded eight points.

One point will be deducted for coming in fifth place, and one additional point will be subtracted for each place below that. (During a team competition, the winning team will be awarded 500 points.)

Point Allocation for Recommended Competitors

Points will be allocated as follows: first place will be awarded fifty points, second place will be awarded thirty points, third place will be awarded fifteen points, and fourth place will be awarded ten points.

Two points will be deducted for coming in fifth place, and two additional points will be subtracted for each place below that. (The final competition, the relay race, will offer three times the point values.)

Red Team vs. White Team Outcome

After reviewing the combined overall scores for each class, 100 class points will be deducted from the first-, second-, and third-year batches of the two classes on the losing team.

The Effect of Ranking by Grade Level

Fifty class points will be awarded to the class that scores highest in each of the three grade levels. Classes that achieve second place in their grade level will not see any changes to their class point totals. Classes that achieve third place in their grade level will have fifty class points deducted, and classes that achieve fourth place will have 100 class points deducted.

/

Hirata: Umm, sensei. How many points does the winning team get? There seems to be no mention of that.

In response to that simple questioning from Hirata, Chabashira-sensei utters a single, cruel word.

Chabashira: Nothing. Only that there will be no minus to their points.

Cries of agony sprang up all over the classroom. It was complete pandemonium.

Basically, there's no rewards or points gained for the team that come out victorious in the event. However, the penalty was more severe. It will cost 100 class points deduction. Furthermore, based on the class ranking afterwards, the first place will gain 50 class points while the last place will deduct 100 class points. In the worst scenario, your class could suffer 200 class points deduction.

For instance, If we lost to the White Team, we'd still get a 100 class points penalty. If we ended up taking fourth place among the first-year classes on top of being on the losing team, we'd be penalized 200 class points in total.

Up until then, whenever there was an enormous risk, there had been an enormous reward to spur us on. However, that hardly seemed the case in this sports festival.

Then, I proceed to read through the rest of the handout.

/

Individual Competition Rewards (may be applied to the next midterm exam)

For students placing 1st in the individual competitions, 5000 private points or the equivalent of 3 marks in a written exam will be awarded (in the case that the marks are chosen endowing another individual with them will not be permitted).

For students placing 2nd in the individual competitions, 3000 private points or the equivalent of 2 marks in a written exam will be awarded (in the case that the marks are chosen endowing another individual with them will not be permitted)

For students placing 3rd in the individual competitions, 1000 private points or the equivalent of 1 mark in a written exam will be awarded (in the case that the marks are chosen endowing another individual with them will not be permitted).

For students ranking the lowest in the individual competitions, 1000 private points will be subtracted. (In the case that the points in the student's possession are lower than 1000 they will incur a loss of 1 mark in a written exam instead).

Regarding Rule Violations/Foul Play

Read and comply with every competition's rules. Those who violate the rules will be disqualified. Anyone engaging in foul play may be forced to withdraw from the festival. In such cases, the school may render all previously awarded points invalid.

MVP Reward

The student who receives the highest total score across all competitions will be awarded 100,000 private points.

MVP Rewards for Each Individual Grade Level

The three students from each grade level who receive their grade's highest total score across all competitions will be awarded 10,000 private points.

/

At first glance, this sports festival appeared worse than previous tests we'd taken, but there was a wide range of potential benefits. We needed to pay close attention to the risks and rewards of the individual competitions. Information that hadn't been previously disclosed could trip us up. Even though, the risks were still greater than benefits.

Regarding the Individual Competition Rewards, the most athletic students among us looked especially excited about that. If they went all out in the sports festival, they could supplement their scores in the event of a failing grade. The three idiots aside, more than a few students were anxious about their academic abilities. Expulsion was always a possibility.

However, for such a nice story obviously there is a flip side to it. There's troublesome contents were also written at the bottom of the handout.

/

After all competitions end, the school will calculate each student's point total and assign penalties to the ten lowest-scoring students in each year. The exact nature of the penalties will vary depending on grade level, so please consult the homeroom instructor in charge.

/

Chabashira: For the first-year student, the penalty would be a point deduction on your next written exam. The ten students with the lowest overall scores will each receive a deduction of ten points.

"What!?"

"Seriously?"

"That's absurd!"

Having received a brief explanation on that matter, next up would be checking the details of the competitions coming up in the sports festival.

They were divided into two categories, "all participants" and "recommended participants."

"All participants" was literally, an event where all the students of a class participate. Individual events like the 100-meter dash fell into that category, as did group events like the tug-of-war.

On the other hand, only certain select students would participate in "recommended participant" events. The word "recommended" implied that a person was nominated, but a student could put themselves forward if the rest of their class agreed. A single person could also participate in a competition meant for multiple people.The events in this category included the scavenger hunt, the mixed-gender three-legged race, and the 1200-meter relay race.

It can be expected that the most eminent and talented individuals will be participating. In this sports festival, since the rise and fall of the points will be determined purely by the results the rules are also overwhelmingly simple.

However, we had to be wary of our enemies, Classes B and C, but also mindful of our allies, Class A. Class D and Class A would be helping each other, but to get first place in the combined scores across every grade level, our own class needed to take the top spots in multiple competitions.

Below is the events for both categories.

/

Events for All Participants

100-Meter Dash

Hurdle Race

Capture the Flag (boys only)

Ball Toss (girls only)

Tug-of-War (separate events for boys and girls)

Obstacle Course Race

Three-Legged Race

Cavalry Battle

200-Meter Dash

Events for Recommended Participants

Scavenger Hunt

Four-Way Tug-of-War

Three-Legged Race (mixed boys and girls)

1200-Meter Relay Race (mixed grade level, all three years)

/

A grand lineup of 13 competitions. The numbering indicates in which order the competitions will be held. There was some dissatisfaction over the large number of events for all participants.

But, the unathletic students' resistance was in vain. Chabashira-sensei had anticipated their every complaint and countered them all.

Chabashira: Another important thing to note is the participation table. Fill it out with the order you'll participate in, and I will submit it to the school on your behalf.

Then, Hirata raised up his hand and asked an obvious question.

Hirata: So, we can decide the order in which we'll participate. Exactly how much freedom do we have?

In response, Chabashira-sensei smirked and explained.

Chabashira: Everything. All the competitions that will be held on the day of the sports festival, up to who runs in which group, all of it will be decided by you lot through discussion. After the deadline for decisions, no matter what the reason, any further changes will not be permitted. That is the vital rule of the sports festival. The submission window will be between 1 week prior to the sports festival and 5.00 p.m. of the day before the festival. If you end up exceeding the submission time limit then in that case, you will be randomly allocated so be cautious.

Having silently listened up until now, Horikita raised her hand.

Chabashira: What is it?

Horikita: I realize that no further changes will be accepted once the submission window closes. However, in the event of someone's absence, what do we do? If it happened to be an individual competition then in accordance with the description it will be treated as an absence. But for group competitions, we might not be able to compete at all if one important person is missing.

Chabashira: In the case that you fall short of the bare minimum amount of people necessary and vacancies appear, you will be marked as unfit to continue and you will be disqualified. For recommended-participant events, however, you are permitted to arrange a substitute—for a price. To establish a substitute, you must offer points as compensation.

She paused for a while before continuing.

Chabashira: A substitute requires 100,000 private points per competition. That's expensive or cheap, depending on your resource.

Based on the reaction of our classmates, I supposed that our class belongs to the former. We could afford that, but it wasn't exactly cheap.

Horikita: While we're on the subject, if your health breaks down or you sustain a heavy injury, if the person in question themselves wishes for it they could be allowed to continue without being substituted? Or would it mean having to see the doctor?

Chabashira: Basically we leave that up to the students to autonomously decide on their own. Because self-management will become indispensable once you enter society.

Horikita: I see...

Chabashira: However, if someone's health gets truly poor, then they'll have to drop out.

Horikita: I understand. Thank you very much.

Chabashira-sensei looked around the classroom and said.

Chabashira: If there isn't any further question to be asked, the next period will be moved to the first gymnasium and you will be meeting students from different classes and different school years. That is all.

With that, she leave the classroom. Immediately, the silent classroom exploded into chaos. Groups formed, all chattering about the sports festival on their own. Sudou, Ike, and Yamauchi gathered around Horikita.

Sudou: Horikita. Let's talk about how we'll overcome the sports festival!

Ike: I agree. Let's think about a way to snatch 1st place!

Horikita sighed deeply, looking at the boys as if they were someone else's problem and muttered quietly.

Horikita: Why do only guys like these come to me?

(Y/N): Hey. You're not categorize me as one of them, aren't you?

Horikita: That's a sad fact of reality.

Even as Horikita said that it seems she's intent on thinking about it seriously as she opened up her notebook. The discussion was mainly about Sudou and Ike having different opinions regarding whether who should participate in which categories. The discussion quickly ended as the further progress won't be happening.

...

A crowd of over four hundred people, including instructors and students, gathered together in the gymnasium during our second homeroom period. Horikita seemed restless as she looked around at her surroundings. She is probably looking for her brother, Horikita Manabu, who serves as this school's student council president. However, with this many people around, she wouldn't be able to spot him easily.

When we sat down on the floor, several students came forward. Everyone focused their attention on them.

Fujimaki: I'm Fujimaki, from the third-year Class A. It's been decided that I will assume command of Red Team.

Apparently it doesn't seem like Horikita's brother is taking charge here. I had thought he would be taking charge of everything since he is the student council president but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Fujimaki: I'd like to give the first-year students one piece of advice. The sports festival is extremely important. Your experiences here will most certainly be applicable to real life. In fact, many of your future exams may look like games at first glance. However, each and every one of them is a crucial battle in which you stake your survival at this school. You may not feel motivated right now, but we're going to try and win this thing. I want you to hold on to that feeling.

From the senior students such ambiguous yet appreciated words of advice came.

Fujimaki: The only event in which all the school years will be participating in is the 1200 meter relay at the end. Other than that, all the other events will have the school years divided up. After this, please assemble according to your school years and discuss your strategy going forward.

Following Fujimaki's words, Class A led by Katsuragi began to assemble in droves. The first-year Class D students, on the other hand, appeared to flounder. They felt nervous in the company of such elites.

Katsuragi: It seems we'll be forming a united front in a bizarre manner but let's get along. If possible, I'm thinking we could join forces without any quarrels amongst teammates.

Hirata: I feel the same way too, Katsuragi-kun. Let's get along.

Standing at a close distance to one another, Katsuragi and Hirata both declare their intention to cooperate. However, that's seemed impossible to happen.

Ike: Hey, check out that girl.

He whispered, standing beside me. But it's not like I don't understand his urge to whisper that. I feel the same, and even Horikita probably does too. A single student from Class A felt out of place here.

My thought was immediately interrupted as there was a commotion happened in the gymnasium. It turned out to be both leader of Class B and Class C, followed by their respective classmates approached us. The leader of Class B, Ichinose Honami spoke out.

Ichinose: Speaking of which. Ryuuen-kun. You really think you can win without cooperating?

In response of Ichinose's question, the leader of Class C, Ryuuen Kakeru simply laughed.

Ryuuen: Kuku. I wonder.

Laughing slightly, the entire student body of Class C began leaving under his command. Class D did nothing but watch that from afar, but just a moment, Karuizawa's expression turned gloomy.

During the special exam on the cruise ship, she'd gotten in a scrap with Manabe and some other girls from Class C, which led me to discover her history as a victim of bullying. For just a moment, Manabe looked back at Karuizawa. Then she immediately averted her eyes, as if nothing had happened, and followed Ryuuen out.

It was also a scene that once again served as a reminder that Ryuuen held his entire class's right to decide in his hands. Looking at that, Katsuragi gives Horikita an advice.

Katsuragi: Since we're allies, I should warn you. Don't underestimate Ryuuen. He'll laugh while he attacks you in the same instant. Don't let your guard down.

Horikita: I'm grateful for your warning, but from the way you said it I wonder if it comes from your personal experience.

Katsuragi: I've warned you.

Katsuragi left it at that and returned to the topic of the festival.

"I wonder if that means he's made a move this early".

It was the girl I'd been curious about a little earlier. She was petite, and sat all by herself, her eyes downcast. She held a thin cane. It was clear that she had trouble walking.

Katsuragi: That's Sakayanagi Arisu. She's disabled. Please be sensitive about that.

(Y/N): 'Sakayanagi Arisu...'

So, this girl was Class A's other rumored leader, who had supposedly split the students into two distinct factions between herself and Katsuragi. Although everyone around her was staring, the girl paid no attention to them. She had short, silver hair, a particularly eye-catching feature. I wasn't sure whether or not she dyed it. Her skin was pale, and her name—Arisu—reminded me of a certain mysterious girl who fell down a rabbit hole to Wonderland.

"Dude, she's super cute!"

It couldn't be helped even if the boys of Class D caused an uproar like that. A cuteness different from Kushida's and Sakura's, a different kind of beauty. That ephemeral figure of hers invokes feelings of wanting to protect her.

Sakayanagi smiled at us, aware of the stir she'd created.

Sakayanagi: Unfortunately, I won't be very useful in this competition. I'm afraid I'll be consistently absent. Please accept my humblest apologies.

Hirata: You have nothing to apologize for. No one's going to give you a hard time over that.

"The school is also being harsh. From the start, if her body cannot handle it they should have overlooked it."

"That's right, don't mind it."

Sakayanagi: Your kindness overwhelms me.

Contrary to what we'd expected, Sakayanagi seemed extremely polite, mature, and gentle. She gave no hint of aggression. However, Katsuragi watched her quietly. From my perspective, it was clear that the students of Class A were clearly sitting as though there was a demarcation line between Katsuragi and Sakayanagi.

The class definitely had two factions. The Katsuragi faction, at first, appeared equal if not superior to the other faction, but now not even a glimpse of that could be seen. It was because a few boys and girls, including Yahiko, stood by Katsuragi while almost every other student was in Sakayanagi's faction. It made me think she was deliberately causing this scenario so as to show off her own power.

After apologizing for her shortcomings, Sakayanagi showed no sign of wanting to speak further. Instead, she quietly observed Katsuragi, Hirata, and the others. Then, she landed her gaze on me and smiled.

Sakayanagi: (L/N) (Y/N)-kun... isn't it?

(Y/N): Yes?

Even I was standing a few feet from her, I'd still could felt her overwhelming aura. She adopted a queen-like demeanor.

Sakayanagi: Fufufu. We meet at last.

(Y/N): I'm sorry?

Sakayanagi: I'm interested in you since the beginning of the first year semester.

(Y/N): Um... what?

Wait. She couldn't possibly throw that out in the public. That will mislead other people!

Sakayanagi: I'm looking forward to your performance.

With that, she smiled again. I gulped as I felt a sharp glance at the my back. Probably from my girlfriend, as well as some of themale students' jealousy.

Katsuragi, ignoring Sakayanagi, continued to talk with Hirata. After that, he looked to the rest of our classmates for the final decision. No one voiced objections. Even Horikita didn't say anything, so she must've been convinced, too.

Hirata: At any rate, we'll need to meet sometime soon to discuss the group competitions. Is that all right with you?

Katsuragi: Yes, that should be fine. I'll consult with everyone else.

Hirata: Thanks. I'm counting on you.

They certainly didn't waste time. It seemed as though everything was going smoothly. The students scattered and made their ways toward the exit. Horikita then pulled me to the side of the gymnasium.

(Y/N): I swear that I've no relation with Sakayanagi whatsoever!

Horikita: No, not that. I'm asking you about something else.

(Y/N): O-Oh.

Horikita: What kind of methods do you think are there if we want to win in this special exam, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): This time is the sports festival. All the school is trying to see here are the presence or absence of athletic abilities, don't you think?

Horikita: You're fundamentally correct, of course. But what's another factor, other than athleticism, that might influence the results? Mere luck?

(Y/N): Luck?

That suggestion was out of character for her.

Horikita: Unlike our other written and special tests, opponents on this test will be chosen at random. We don't know who'll take on whom. Luck is a huge factor.

As a matter of fact, there is an aspect of this sports festival where the results can be influenced by how lucky you get with your team. Normally, even Horikita who is capable of beating 80% of the opponents here, will end up losing if she happens to draw the remaining 20% composed of formidable opponents. And on the opposite extreme, someone unathletic who can only beat 10% of the opponents here, if they happen to be pitted against someone even more unathletic than them, may just yet win.

Horikita: But what I'm seeking isn't something uncertain like that. I want something certain. Using athleticism as a basis, a method that doesn't purely rely on luck. There were infinite possibilities during the uninhabited island and shipboard special exams, I feel that way now. But this time too, surely—

And yet, I thought she had changed after we had the talk during summer holidays...

(Y/N): The school has never once called the festival a 'special exam'. Only the first-year students have been calling it that. The teachers, including Chabashira-sensei, all referred to it as a sports festival. That third-year student, Fujimaki, called it that, too. The words 'special exam' weren't anywhere in the handout.

Horikita: Even so, what's the matter with that? The mechanism behind it as well as the increase and decrease in points are all pretty much identical to a special exam.

(Y/N): Certainly. There's not much difference in their contents. But their true natures are different. I think the sports festival is supposed to do the same with our physical abilities. It's not about employing cheap tricks, or coming up with a strategy or tactics—no, I think that the class that genuinely challenges themselves in this festival will demonstrate their true worth.

Of course, it doesn't mean that tricks are impossible or meaningless though. But if the sports festival has started then changing the general situation would essentially be impossible.

(Y/N): We need to make sure that we're prepared. That's all there is to it.

Horikita: I already said that I want us to prepare. I definitely want Class D to win.

(Y/N): You're wrong. What you're trying to do isn't preparation. You're trying to conquer it and looking for loopholes.

Horikita: I don't understand the difference in our strategies. But, you're saying that we need to fight clean and fight hard to win?

Regardless of which answer Horikita chooses from now, I have no intention of affirming or denying it.

It's natural that Horikita, who has always tried to attack from the front up until now and has lost up until now, would think that way. It's natural to want to do something to ensure you won't be overtaken by your opponents in this sports festival.

Whether it's the uninhabited island or shipboard or this sports festival. It is possible to 'win upfront' or to 'win through a loophole' both. The point is, the important thing is to choose a fighting style that befits the person

Right now, she's neither heads nor tails. She's at the point where she's about to become one of those.

(Y/N): What you do is entirely up to you. What advantage do you think Class D has right now, Suzune?

Horikita: Well, a dispute between Classes B and C will probably help us.

(Y/N): 'Unbelievable.'

I sighed. For a brief moment, I thought of ignoring it but I changed my mind. Because Horikita Suzune has lived in solitude, her outlook is also overwhelmingly narrow.

(Y/N): You're not thinking big enough.

Horikita: Are you talking about me having ignored Ryuuen-kun who refused cooperation with Class B? Since he rejected such a connection I think that's unmistakably something positive though.

(Y/N): Do you really think that?

Horikita: Well, they might still reconcile and work together. It's not as though Ichinose-san particularly likes Ryuuen-kun, but for the sake of victory, she might put aside her own feelings.

(Y/N): That's exactly what I mean.

She crossed her arm and looked at me.

Horikita: Fine, do enlighten me.

(Y/N): Up until now, what you have seen of Ryuuen? He won't stop thinking about winning. Even as he speaks casually, he'll always be taking action in order to build strategies to win. But why did he suddenly reject cooperation with Class B at this point? Do you think he never considered it?

Horikita: Are you saying Class B and Class C are already connected behind the scenes, perhaps?

(Y/N): What we should be thinking of right now is not about his relationship with Class B. It's the fact that there is a high chance he's already thought of a strategy to win. If not, there are no advantages in throwing away conversation. The possibility that he lied here to have a discussion with Class B should have more yield.

Horikita: I don't think that's right. It seems unlikely.

(Y/N): I think that Ryuuen has, at the very least, one or more tactics in mind.

Horikita: But if that's true, it's crazy. We only just learned about the festival. To have a whole plan in place so soon...

I'd been studying Ryuuen's strategies and thought processes ever since the fight that nearly got Sudou expelled. Could Horikita still not see that? Now, I'm slightly looking forward now to seeing just how far Horikita is capable of thinking.

But still, I'd thought that she had finally changed. And yet, I was disappointed. She's still acting the same way as before when it comes to this kind of 'special test'. With this kind of attitude, she couldn't lead the Class D to victory. She could never understand the real problem in her.

Fine. I should let her realize her inadequacy in this sports festival. Whatever it takes.

...

Preparation

(A/N: Yeah, well. I don't have any idea what to write as the title for this chapter again.)

(Y/N)'s POV

A full-scale preparations have begun in anticipation of the sports festival that will be commencing in a month's time. The teachers said we could use the weekly two-hour homeroom period as we wished, and Hirata, who was the closest person we had to a leader, took the initiative. Chabashira-sensei moved toward the back of the classroom and didn't say a word. She probably intended to watch.

There are two things which we must decide on in preparation for the actual event.

Hirata: Before we start practicing, we need to decide the order we'll participate in, and who will enter the recommended-participant competitions. I would like to make a proposal, if that's okay for you guys.

Sudou: Even if you say decide, how are we going to do that?

From Sudou's perspective, a rather uninteresting discussion is starting.

Hirata: Good question. For example, in the events for all participants, we-

Perhaps it's to make it easier to understand than an explanation here, Hirata gripped the chalk and began writing on the blackboard. He put two headings on the board, "Raising Hands," and "Ability," then explained what those meant as he wrote down supplemental information.

Hirata: It's still a rough sketch but basically I think it boils down to these two. This is the 'Raising Hands' system where we'll listen to your desired order of participation. And this is the 'Ability' system where we'll ascertain your abilities to raise efficiency. Both approaches have their pros and cons, of course. The strength of the raising-hands system is, naturally, that everyone gets to voice their wishes. Well, the cons are that in the case that the desired orders overlap, not everyone can have it their way and the outcomes will become uneven.

Hmm. If we adopt the system where we let everyone have it their way in regards to the order, inevitably that would be the result. However, it can smoothly lower the emotional hurdles.

Hirata paused for a while before continuing. He was expecting someone to voice out their question or opinion but no one did.

Hirata: If there's no question, then we'll move to the next criteria, the 'Ability' system. This one is much simpler. The strength of the ability system is that we can expect a higher chance of victory than we would with the raising-hands system. However, because the ability system favors the most athletic people in the class, it reduces the other students' chances of winning at something. That's all I have to share. I've thought about it roughly but if you have any ideas other than these two please feel free to speak your opinion.

Even the least intelligent among us could understand each system's pros and cons. Most everyone was ready to go along with Hirata, especially since no other proposals had been made.

Sudou: No matter how you look at it, we should decide based on ability, right? You know yourself best, after all.

It seems Sudou has no intention of choosing anything other than that as he said those words.

Sudou: If I win then the chances of the class winning will also rise. That's a cause for celebration.

His words were confusing, but true. Sudou's athletic ability would be integral to winning the sports festival.

"Well...it pisses me off but that may be so."

"I'm really not that great at sports. If Sudou's okay handling the recommended-participant events single-handedly, I'm fine with that."

Some of the classmates murmured in agreement with Sudou.

Sudou: Then it's decided, right? I'll be participating in all the events for recommended participants.

Sudou who fiercely declared that and the students who supported him. It covered for students who were unathletic and prioritized the class's victory both.

Hirata: If everyone's okay with that strategy, then I suppose the recommended participant in every category will be-

Horikita: Wait.

Horikita cut in just before Hirata approved the proposal. Many students, surprised by the unexpected speaker, focused their attention on her.

Horikita: If we have to choose between these two strategies we should go with the 'Ability' system like Sudou-kun said. I have no objections this far. However, that single tactic isn't guaranteed to carry us to victory.

Hirata: Of course. That's true enough.

Horikita: If so, then it's obvious that we should prioritize letting the most athletic ones participate in the events for recommended participants. But, even in events for all participants, we should have them form the best possible combinations for victory and compete as such. This will allow us to unlock their maximum potential. If I have to put it simply, the fast ones should team up.

Shinohara was the first to object Horikita's opinion.

Shinohara: Hold on a minute. That strategy also means our chances of winning will fall, right? I can't accept it. Just because you're unathletic, if you're forced to compete against someone stronger there's absolutely no winning. Privileges are given down to 3rd place so I don't want to throw aside that possibility, though.

Horikita: Your personal feelings are irrelevant. It's for the sake of the class.

Shinohara: I know it's for the class's sake, but I don't want to lose out on private points.

Horikita: If the class wins, there will be a proportionate compensation. Are you dissatisfied with that?

Shinohara: I don't want to miss out on individual rewards, like earning test points!

Both of them were insistent and showed no signs of yielding. Supporting voices rose throughout the classroom, all in favor of Horikita's logic. However, Shinohara still looked annoyed, and she probably wasn't the only one. There are some students who supported Shinohara raised their voice as well. In an instant, the commotion between two different ideas started. However, it seemed that a conclusion is rapidly drawing close in Horikita's favor.

Horikita: Honestly, what a pain.

Horikita muttered in my direction. I was being busy with my phone before she looked at me.

(Y/N): Huh, what?

Horikita: You're not even paying attention. Instead of messing around on your phone, how about you try coming up with ways for us to win?

She walked up to me and pinched my side.

(Y/N): Ow! Alright, alright, just l-let me go!

She let go of my side and stared at me angrily. I reluctantly put my phone inside my pocket.

Horikita: Besides, who are you chatting with?

(Y/N): 'Wait, did she really noticed just now?'

I gulped nervously as she crossed her arms and her glaring pierced right through me.

(Y/N): Uhh. I'm-

When I was thinking of an excuse, someone stood up and attracted Horikita's attention. Boy, I'm glad that I'm saved, for now.

Karuizawa: Ahh- Can I have a moment? I object to this, too.

Horikita turned away from me and looked at Karuizawa. Their eyes met.

Karuizawa: Like Shinohara said, what's up with getting the rest of the students in trouble? Are you saying that by doing that, you can bring the class together as one?

Karuizawa spoke up, supporting Shinohara as well as saving me from trouble. She glared at Horikita.

Horikita: I've said as much. Do you understand my logic?

Karuizawa: Not at all. I don't understand. Hey, what do you think, Kushida-san?

Kushida had been strangely quiet during the meeting. She seemed slightly surprised, but spoke after a moment.

Kushida: It's a difficult problem. I was thinking I understand the feelings of both sides. Like Horikita-san, I'd like to win as a class. Like Shinohara-san said, I also want to leave behind the possibility of everyone winning too, I guess. If there were some kind of middle-ground solution, that would be ideal. A strategy we could all get behind

As she answered like that, I could hear a lot of consenting voices from within the class. Horikita seemed to have anticipated this idea.

Horikita: Of course I've thought of it. A way that both sides could accept. Students who place at the top, and don't need to boost their test scores, will use the private points they win to boost the test scores of students who place at the bottom. The entire class will share the rise and fall. I trust there will be no complaints?

Huh. A plan which, in exchange for lowering the possibility of victory, offsets the risk in case of defeat. Still, the bottom ten students across each grade level would still be in trouble, though.

Sudou: Oh, that'll do fine right? There'll be no loss no matter how much we cut corners this way.

Sudou said that and scornfully laughed as if to say 'what a pathetic bunch'

Karuizawa: But that's just for points. We're still losing out on chances to win the big prize.

Even in that situation, Karuizawa still voiced her disagreement. And then, one after another, the girls following Karuizawa's lead began to show their opposition. Both sides were unwillingly to back down.

However, the influence of Karuizawa, who has united the girls, was strong and support for the plan that prioritized the class's victory that Horikita advocated ceased to exist.

Hirata: Now, now. Calm down, both of you. If we cannot agree on our opinions then we have no choice but to take a majority vote.

It was inevitable it'd end up like this. To ameliorate the stalemate situation, Hirata cut in like that.

Karuizawa: If Yousuke-kun says so, then I agree...

Horikita: Fine by me. This isn't the time to fight amongst ourselves.

She sat down in frustration and glared at me.

(Y/N): What?

Horikita: Can you shut her up, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Umm, no. There's no way I could do that.

Horikita: You've been talking to her recently. And the person you were messaging just now was Karuizawa-san, am I wrong?

Ahh. So she did saw it.

(Y/N): The point is, Karuizawa isn't the type that willingly to obey the others, certainly not from the guy like me.

Horikita: That's certainly true.

She uttered under frustration. She could not hide her irritation towards Karuizawa who could not provide a basis and the girls who changed their opinions based on their feelings.

Hirata: Now then, the thorough ability focused plan that Horikita-san wove and the plan that emphasizes the individual that includes Karuizawa-san's opinion. How about we decide which plan we prefer by a show of hands? If anyone finds choosing a side difficult, they can abstain.

Horikita's plan that gives preferential treatment to the capable ones. Karuizawa's plan that respects the individual and cares for the whole. It appears the class's future and the impact on the exam will depend on which one of those the class leans towards. Of course it's not like I have any interest in that, though.

Hirata: All right. All those in favor of Horikita-san's plan?

Sudou: Yeah. I agree with Horikita's plan, of course.

Sudou took the initiative and raised his hand. And following him were students like Yukimura and Sakura, the students who had no confidence in their athleticism gave their approval. On the other hand, the students who cannot win against the talented but are still capable to an extent, or Karuizawa's group, did not raise their hands.

After counting out the votes, the result was-

Hirata: 16 votes. Thank you. You can put your hands down.

Horikita: Hold on a minute.

She turned to me.

Horikita: (L/N)-kun. Could it be, you agree with Karuizawa-san's plan?

(Y/N): Relax. I'm abstaining from voting.

Horikita: If that's the case, wouldn't it have been fine to go along with my plan?

(Y/N): I decided to stay out of this. Your plan isn't necessarily the only one that is correct.

Horikita crossed her arms and looked at me.

Horikita: I don't understand. Choosing the option that gives the class the best possibility of winning, ultimately results in-

(Y/N): I didn't say that you were wrong. I'm just saying that's not the only answer.

I cut off her sentence and caught her by surprise. I paused for a moment while looking ahead.

(Y/N): Not everyone is as ambitious as you.

She was clearly irritated, as expected.

Hirata: Alright... Next, we have Karuizawa-san's plan. Win where we have to, and have fun where we can. People in favor of this plan please raise your hands.

Other than the Karuizawa group, while scattered hands began to rise. There were several votes. However, just by Karuizawa having raised her hand, one after another girls followed her example. However-

Hirata: The results of the majority vote... are 16 votes for Horikita-san's plan, and 13 votes for Karuizawa-san's. Can I assume the rest are non-voters?

The total count was completed without any objections. It can be said that the votes Karuizawa had gathered weren't due to the contents of her plan but rather because they were instructed to do so.

Apparently, most students believed that Horikita's plan was realistic and efficient. Class D's strategy would be, not to participate as individuals, but to win as a class.

Karuizawa: ...

Since it was approved by a majority vote, she couldn't complain now.

Horikita: This concludes it then. Now then, Hirata-kun, I'll leave the rest up to you.

I didn't think we'd necessarily made a bad choice. Unathletic students wouldn't be taking the initiative in the first place. Inevitably, those asked to fill the recommended-participant positions would be jocks like Sudou and Hirata.

Hirata: So, regarding the number of participants for recommended-participant events...

Then, self-declarations and recommendations happened side by side and one after another the recommended participants were decided. Sudou would compete in every competition, just as he'd declared.Other students who were good at sports, like Kushida and Onodera, also offered to participate, in addition to Horikita and Hirata. However, we had only filled about a third of the events for all participants.

It seemed that Kouenji was proven to be not cooperating with us as usual. And it ticked Sudou off. If Kouenji participates seriously, at the very least in individual competitions the top spot is already promised to him.

Hirata: At the very least, we've decided what the class's strategy will be, and who wants to participate in individual competitions. I think we can afford to decide the rest carefully.

With that, the discussion came to an end.

...

After school, having some free time I decided to send a mail I had written up addressed to a certain individual and right after, as I finished it up I made eye contact with Karuizawa.

She must not have understood my intentions, because she left the classroom with two of her friends. I shrugged my shoulder and started to head back to my dorm as well. Supposedly, I was going back with Horikita, but she's probably angry with me and rather dissatisfied with my attitude earlier. So, she left the classroom as soon as the classes over.

Descending the stairs, as I headed towards the main entrance, I was stopped by Karuizawa who was alone for some reason.

(Y/N): Hmm? Didn't you go back with your friends?

Karuizawa: I thought you had something you wanted to talk about, so I waited.

(Y/N): I suppose.

Karuizawa: Well, I also have something to tell you anyways. Do you mind hearing me out briefly?

(Y/N): Ask away.

Karuizawa: The mail you sent me. I'd like to hear about your true intentions.

Saying that, she opened her phone and showed me the mail.

"No matter what, object to Horikita's plan. Then ask Kushida for her opinion."

That was what I had instructed Karuizawa to do in the middle of class.

I smirked as I replied.

(Y/N): As far as improvisation goes, you have a way of spinning a good story. In that situation, you did well objecting.

Karuizawa: Really? If I had to say, I agreed with Horikita-san's opinion. I don't quite understand calling out to Kushida-san either. So, what's the meaning behind that order?

(Y/N): There'll be no end to it if you worry over the meaning behind each and every one of my actions. Besides, I have no obligation to answer your questions.

Karuizawa didn't seem pleased, but didn't object further.

We stood at there silently for a minute.

(Y/N): Is there anything else?

Karuizawa: One more thing. You didn't raise your hand. Which choice did you think was right?

I then answered without giving it much a thought.

(Y/N): Both could be right, I guess. I just have a policy of basically not thinking in terms of 'which' one is correct.

Karuizawa: I don't understand. What do you want to do? Are you aiming to throw the other classes into chaos? Or are you seriously thinking about raising up Class D to Class A?

(Y/N): If I had to say, I have no interest in climbing up to Class A.

Karuizawa: Then, why...

(Y/N): You could say that climbing up to Class A might benefits me somehow.

Karuizawa tilted her head and gave me a quizzical look. I decided not to mention my bargain with Chabashira-sensei. Regarding that 'certain' goddamn person.

(Y/N): Even if I put it into words now, you won't believe me and I have no way to prove it. That's why I'll affix a protective line so that you'll believe me many times over.

I then looked at her with a straight face and said.

(Y/N): One of our classmates will betray us during this sports festival. They'll leak internal information from our class.

Karuizawa: Wait, what?! Are you being serious right now?!

(Y/N): If that time comes, you'll believe me too. What I'm seeing, what I have seen, that is.

Karuizawa: Huh? Tell me what's going on?!

(Y/N): No. Definitely not right now.

She then took a step closer and asked.

Karuizawa: What's the-

(Y/N): We're standing out too much here. I think you should go.

She stopped her track and returned to her usual position where she stood.

Karuizawa: You don't need to tell me that. If I'm seen together with someone gloomy like you, my social cred would plummet. Besides... you have a girlfriend already.

She muttered the last part. There's a hint of frustration and sadness in her disgruntled voice.

(Y/N): Wait, you-

Karuizawa: By any chance even if a traitor appears, it'll be fine right?

She'd totally cut me off.

(Y/N): Yes. I've prepared.

Looking dissatisfied, Karuizawa turned and left. She glanced back at me one more time before disappeared around the corner. I saw her off and breathed a sigh. Class D's strategy was in motion, as was my own personal plan.

(Y/N): 'Now then, I wonder what Class A has in mind?'

Considering Katsuragi's personality, they'll probably be executing a solid plan. But Sakayanagi would be good for the White Team, of course, and also for Class D. Just because Sakayanagi wasn't physically active didn't mean she was harmless.

(Y/N): 'Still, just by having a deep past, Karuizawa is better at reading people and emotions than I had imagined. However, the last part of that sentence... could it mean something else?'

I decided not to think about it and returned to my dorm.

...

There was a lot to do before the sports festival. Our physical education classes would be free periods from here on out, granting students permission to practice however they wanted to.

For the physical education period the next day, Hirata submitted an application to the school and obtained the grip strength measuring instrument. Horikita's plan which was adopted, based on priority of athletic superiority, was a plan that would simply bring together those confident in their strength. It's simple but it'll function well enough as a yardstick.

Hirata: Let's measure the grip strength of our dominant arms shall we? Tell me the results then I'll record them. I've borrowed two so we can measure more efficiently and save time

Hirata handed the devices to the people standing at his left and right: Hondou and Yukimura. Sudou, who apparently didn't like that, snatched one device for himself.

Sudou: Let's start from me, Hirata. It'll be possible to set high standards.

His logic didn't track, so he probably just wanted to showcase his own strength. Sigh, Sudou being Sudou again.

Hirata: Umm...Well then, let's have the other one start with Sotomura-kun besides Sudou-kun.

Sudou: Watch me, (L/N). This is the strength of the man who will be carrying this class. Uraaaa!!

Filled with fighting spirit, Sudou's shoulder shook as he gripped the instrument in his right hand.

The numbers on the digital readout shot up rapidly. In an instant they climbed to 50, then 60, then over 70. In the end, the number on the digital display was 82.4 kilograms. Everyone around us went crazy.

"You're way too freakishly strong!"

"That's incredible! As expected of Sudou!"

Sudou: Heh. It's because I've always been training. This is natural.

He said in a provocative way. Sudou then displayed his score to Kouenji, but only being ignored by the latter. Sudou shoved the device into my hand after he was dismissed by Kouenji.

(Y/N): No thanks. I can do it later.

Sudou: Come on. Don't mess around. We gotta do it in order.

(Y/N): 'Coming from you, that was rich.'

But it was also true that I was next in line.I wondered what the average value was for a first-year high school student.

(Y/N): Sigh. Fine. What do you think the average would be for a high school student?

He put his hand on chin and think hard.

Sudou: I'll say, like, around 60?

(Y/N): I see. 60, huh?

I gripped the grip strength measuring instrument I received such that the monitor was visible to me. I gripped the lever, slowly applying force. Then, once I had passed 44 I began to fine tune my force on it. Once I had passed 55 I performed further minute adjustments and once it had reached slightly over 60 I stopped adding to it.

(Y/N): That's it. That's my limit.

I released my grip on the device and handed it over to Ike, who stood next to me. Then I went to give Hirata my result.

(Y/N): Mine was 60.4, Hirata.

Hirata then recorded as I said so.

Hirata: Wow. You're pretty strong, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Ehh? Isn't that around average?

Hirata: I think the average is lower than that though? I'd say about 45 or around 50?

I shouldn't have asked someone like Sudou what the average was. I'd thought that by placing my strength squarely in the middle, I'd be able to avoid participating, but I made a serious miscalculation. At any rate, I might be required to enter some recommended-participant events.

(Y/N): 'Tch. Damn you, Sudou.'

As a result, leaving aside Kouenji, I ended up as second place in the class. I'd screwed up, like real bad. Followed by third place was Hirata with 57.9.

On the other hand, Sudou who intends on carrying the entire class in the sports festival, did not hide his disappointment at the results of his classmates.

Sudou: How unreliable. All of you. It might as well be over after (L/N).

He stated the fact in a mocking tone.

(Y/N): 'All thanks to you.'
After the boys finished taking their measurements, we handed the devices to the girls. Since there would be mixed guy-and-girl competitions, knowing everyone's strength would be necessary.

Hirata filled out names for recommended-participant events based on the results he collected. Based on the grip strength, I was paired with Sudou, Miyake and Hirata in the tug-of-war and the four-way tug-of-war event.

Unlike in a normal game of tug-of-war, the four-way event is a tug-of-war competition in which four people are chosen from each of the four classes, for a total of sixteen people. Some tactics would be necessary to win the competition, other than relying on pure strength.

The next criteria is the scavenger hunt. An event which based on luck more than athleticism of individuals. Then, Hirata suggested that we choose the participants via rock-paper-scissors.

Of course, I had no desire to play. I prayed I'd lose, but ended up winning in the first round. I prayed even harder that I'd lose as I went into the second and final rounds, but ended up winning again. Sigh. Luck never fails to surprise me.

Three boys and two girls. The participation of the five who win in rock-paper-scissors was decided.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun, Yukimura-kun, Sotomura-kun, Mori-san, and Maezono-san. The five of you, then.

Then adding Sudou too, the six of us will be participating in the scavenger hunt. The Professor wailed as he didn't want to participate. On the other hands, Ike whined as he couldn't participate in the scavenger hunt. How amusing. Then, even as various expectations turned complicated, the frame of the contests were all properly filled out.

Hirata: That's all.

Hirata turned over the notebook after having finished deciding on the participation of each individual student in all contests.

Hirata: This information is top secret, so everyone, please only make note of your events and your partners. No photographs.

The notebook is passed around from person to person. Horikita leaned closer towards me as I was watching over the situation of the class.

Horikita: What's wrong, (Y/N)-kun? You looked somber than usual.

(Y/N): Many participants were chosen against their will, especially like me. I'd feel melancholy.

Horikita: Don't pout. There's nothing to be done about that. In this class, there's an overwhelming gap between students who are athletic and those who are unathletic.

(Y/N): Sigh. That's certainly true.

But the roster wasn't set in stone yet. If a more suitable participant appeared prior to the festival, I could probably switch with him or her.

...

Horikita's POV

Starting from the next homeroom, in preparation for the event, it has been decided that we'll be practicing independently. During our free period, each and every student changed into their gym uniforms, that is to say, their jerseys, and headed out towards the school grounds.

Ike: Hey, check it out.

We followed Ike-kun's gaze and stared at the main school building. Several students were watching us through the windows of their classroom.

Ike: They are from Class B, right? Guess they're already spying on us.

Yamauchi: Class A beside them is also looking at us.

Regardless of whether we're enemies or allies, to grasp our capabilities is not a bad thing for them. If we do this somewhere as conspicuous as the school grounds, being watched is also natural.

For my part, I was more worried about Class C. Not a single one of them was looking at us. It was like they were saying that Class D wasn't any threat to them.

Then, I saw (Y/N)-kun heading towards the side of the field leisurely. I walked up to him and asked.

Horikita: Are you worried about Ryuuen-kun?

(Y/N): Well, a bit.

Horikita: I really doubt that he didn't think about conducting reconnaissance on us but he's the one who rejected cooperation with Class B after all. He doesn't have any intention of seriously building up a strategy.

I paused and looked at him. As usual, his wore a expressionless face.

Horikita: Or so I would have thought if you hadn't warned me. Surely the other students must think they're safe, though.

I unconsciously glanced at our classmates, who were endeavoring to practice. I turned and looked back at (Y/N)-kun, who'd still didn't respond. Honestly, I was kind of irritated now.

Horikita: What you mentioned earlier, about Ryuuen-kun already having a strategy? I suppose this means that his plans are already in place. Reconnaissance isn't necessary for him.

He's still not respond to my question. What the hell is wrong in his head? I recollected myself and said.

Horikita: Anyone would want information on the other classes. Whose physical abilities are high or who's going to be participating in which contests. But, Ryueen-kun-

(Y/N): The important thing is not to be satisfied just with knowing that Ryuuen has a plan.

After listening to me since the beginning of the conversation regarding Ryuuen-kun and the Class C, (Y/N)-kun finally showed some responses.

Horikita: What do you mean?

(Y/N): Normally, when a person comes up with a strategy or a secret measure, they would do their utmost to ensure their enemies don't wise up to it. However, that man isn't even trying to hide that and is boldly not conducting any reconnaissance.

Horikita: It's almost like he's showing off, huh?

I would like to prod (Y/N)-kun to reveal more information, but apparently he won't budge no matter what.

With that, he turned his back at me and moved to the shaded area under the tree. I stopped him by grabbing his wrist, where our matching bracelets touched.

Horikita: Wait a minute, (Y/N)-kun. I haven't done asking-

He glanced at me over his shoulder. Somehow, his gaze was... rather cold and distant. Until now, I haven't realize that, ever since the school festivals was announced, he's being acting like that. Before, he will offered me advice and supported my plan. But now, as if there's an invisible wall separated us apart.

(Y/N): You have a company.

Horikita: Huh?

Sudou: Suzune- I mean, Horikita, do you have a moment?

Sudou-kun, who came late, called out to me. Then, (Y/N)-kun freed himself from my grip and walked away. I turned to Sudou-kun and said in a irritated manner.

Horikita: I've been warning you repeatedly but would you mind not calling me by my first name? I don't want someone I'm not close to using my first name.

Sudou-kun rubbed the back of his neck and said.

Sudou: That's... I'm sorry. What if, I get the best results out of anyone in Class D during the festival, will you let me call you by your first name?

That's absurd. I crossed my arms and looked at him.

Horikita: You working hard is a desirable thing but why do I have to respond to that?

Sudou: It just... Not too long ago, you saved me. That's why I want to do things properly.

He said with a determined look.

Sudou: I'm gonna be honest with you. I fell in love with you-

Without listening to him any further, I immediately cut him off and took a step backward.

Horikita: What!?

Sudou: -At first, at first! L-Let me finish!

I let out a sigh of relief.

Horikita: Straight to the point.

I stared at him angrily.

Sudou: Then, someone made me realized my true feelings towards you. It turned out that I genuinely adore you-in a friendly manner! Not that kind of romantically way.

He quickly explained while raising his hands.

Sudou: That's why I would like to become your friend, and called by your first name. So...

Horikita: 'I can't understand why you'd go out of your way to request something like that. But...'

I took a deep breath and said.

Horikita: Fine. If you produce the best results, I will allow you to use my first name. However, I won't be satisfied if you're just the best in our class. Show me that you can be the best out of everyone in our grade.

Sudou: R-Really!?

Horikita: However, in the event that you don't get first place, I'll forever forbid you from saying my first name. Prepare yourself.

Sudou: I-I understand. I will not disappoint you!

...

(Y/N)'s POV

I was watching Horikita and Sudou while leaning on the tree. Apparently, Sudou decided to confront Horikita regards his true feelings towards the latter. That's a good thing. At least, he looked at her from a different perspective since our conversations at the rooftop. It didn't bother me much if Sudou wants to befriend Horikita.

Sudou made a promise to Horikita that he could call her by first name if he become the first across the school year. It's just, well, the possibility of it is by no means low. As far as I've seen from students of the other classes, Sudou's potential is unmistakably top class. I can see he'll have no problem with the individual contests.

The only one who could stand against him, Kouenji, seems to have no motivation so there should be no problem there. All that's left is to see just how many records he can break in contests that require cooperation.

However, it seemed that Horikita was aware of my behaviour recently. I tried to look unsupportive so that she won't turn to me for advices regarding this sport festivals. It just a matter of time before she taste defeat due to her obstinate mindset and attitude.

(Y/N): 'I'm sorry, Suzune. Only despair will let you come to realize of your defects.'

...

Reconnaissance

(Y/N)'s POV

After a brief check inside the room, genuine practice for the purpose of determining aptitude began. Although Hirata's policy didn't encourage forced participation, roughly 90 percent of the class took part in the various tests. Only a few, like Kouenji and the Professor, sat them out.

One of our classmates, Sakura Airi, finished in last place, looking as though she was about to collapse, both hands on her knees.

(Y/N): Good work, Sakura. You were eagerly running out there.

Sakura: (Y-(Y/N)-kun, Ah... hah...

She had always been rather unathletic, but recently, she'd worked hard to contribute to the class. Unfortunately, her lack of physical endurance was still a problem.

On the other hand, as for the usually unserious Sudou, his existence right now would be noticed by just about anyone. After having mouthed off in class, he could not afford to let it end with disappointing results. He needn't have worried. When he was in top form, Sudou was unbeatable. No student in our class could stand as his equal.

If anyone could, it would be Kouenji. Before, when he faced Sudou as an opponent during swimming lessons, when he swam seriously just that once, he transcended Sudou's time. His skill was obvious, but he wasn't going to budge unless he wanted to.

Kushida: You're amazing, Sudou-kun. You're definitely the sports festival leader.

Sudou: Me? As a leader?

He appeared to be a little taken back by Kushida's word.

Hirata, who was recording everyone's scores, apparently agreed with Kushida and said.

Hirata: Of course. The sports festival is truly the place for the athletic students, after all. I believe Sudou-kun is more than qualified for that. If you're fine with it, can you accept it too for everyone's sake?

Sudou: But even so, I'm not cut out to be a leader...

Sudou, who pretty much acts alone or with a small few, seemed slightly bewildered. Then he looked at Horikita who was near him and asked her for her opinion.

Horikita: You're not the type of person to speak eloquently. As a communicator, Hirata-kun is certainly the superior choice. However, by looking at your sprint earlier as well as your other records I can understand. You're the type of person to shine while bathing in the attention of many. To tug the class along, it's probable that brute force will be necessary. I have no intention of objecting to you being named the leader.

She didn't encourage him, but she didn't reject him, either. She'd acknowledged him.

Sudou: I get it. I'll guide Class D to victory in this sports festival then!

Perhaps it could be his desperate need for her approval was foolish, but he clearly wanted to live up to Horikita's expectations.

Horikita: Don't get overconfident and sloppy, because I'll make you pay for that.

With that, she walked away and returned to practicing. Sudou wore a determined face while clenching his fists as he watched her go.

...

Sudou, who had started acting in his capacity as leader, had the students assemble on the next day and began coaching them. It appears Sudou's job on his first day as leader is to teach them to get the hang of tug of war.

He grabbed the short length of rope tightly to give us a practical demonstration. Ike and Yamauchi faced off against him.

The looks on their faces suggested that they expected to win, but when the match began, Sudou pulled with an overwhelming amount of strength. A disappointingly short time later, Ike and Yamauchi fell down and sat on the ground.

Sudou: See? You're not putting any strength into it

Ike: I don't get it. Hey, Sudou, is there some kinda trick or something?

Sudou: Power is also vital but in cases like this it's not just your arm but rather you use your hips, you know, hips.

His manner was rough, but he gave each and every student thorough guidance. There were more than a few students who aren't especially good at sports and so there were quite a lot of voices calling out to ask for Sudou's opinion. Surprisingly enough, I honestly didn't expect that even the girls would ask him for his opinion.

(Y/N): 'Well, he seems to be taking this rather seriously.'

Then, Horikita joined me as I watched over Sudou guiding other classmates.

Horikita: It's the first time his surroundings have relied on him after all. The role of leader may yet surprisingly befit him, don't you think?

Even though I tried to be unsupportive for Horikita's sake, but she's still my girlfriend. Perhaps I should not gave her the cold shoulder. Sigh.

(Y/N): I guess. I mean, Sudou really worked hard to live up your expectations.

Horikita: As for me, though... Well, I wouldn't mind praising him, but—

Then, an angry voice rang out.

Sudou: I'm telling you that's not it!

Kicking the dirt on the ground, he blew up a dust cloud towards Ike and the others.

Ike: Guh! Dude, c'mon. Stop it!

(Y/N): Of course. Attitude.

Horikita sighed while crossing her arms.

Sudou's rashness was still a problem. A leader needed to be patient, like Hirata, who always employed gentle teaching methods.

Underneath the girl waiting for Sudou's instructions, Hirata was checking their positions in order to ensure a comfortable posture and to establish a foundation in preparation for the cavalry battle.

(Y/N): Hey. How about you teach the girls too?

Horikita: I have no intention of teaching them. In the first place, I doubt there's anyone who wants to be taught by me.

(Y/N): Fair enough.

With that bold statement earlier, she started warming up by herself.

Horikita: I have my hands full with making sure I can produce results. However, (Y/N)-kun. How can you be so laid-back? Don't you think you should prepare for the events as well?

(Y/N): It looks like a tiresome work to me.

After doing some warm-ups, she looked at me while wearing a serious expression.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun... Are you hiding something from me?

I averted my gaze from Sudou and the others and met Horikita's eyes.

(Y/N): Like what?

Horikita: Your results are always mediocre after all. You're neither fast nor are you slow, inconspicuous results. I'll ask you this just once, but...are you holding back, like you did with your test scores?

(Y/N): Why would I do something pointless like that?

Horikita: The odds are fifty-fifty shot. So, do you?

I continue stared at her for a moment before replying. Her eyes were glistening, as if she was expecting something.

(Y/N): No.I apologize for partly betraying your expectations but my usual results are my ability.

She held her gaze on me for a while before turning away.

Horikita: Alright, then.

(Y/N): ...

Well, I needed to practice for the recommended-participant events I'd somehow gotten roped into. Having been urged to do so, I was about to move when Horikita once again called out to me.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun...

I turned around and faced her.

(Y/N): Hmm?

Horikita: What's going to decide victory or defeat in the sports festival is the physical ability of each class. That is correct, is it not?

(Y/N): This is a sports festival. Physical abilities are key.

Horikita: Yes. Still, that kind of thinking is limited. But something's been troubling me for a while. I might not be able to reach Class A just by improving my own skill.

It was an uncharacteristically timid remark, coming from her. It's likely proof that all her mistakes in the exams leading up to now are causing her to respond like this to this extent.

(Y/N): Then let me ask this. What needs to be done in order to produce results in this sports festival? To climb up to Class A?

As I replied with a question, Horikita closed her mouth right away. She only sends me a gaze that seems to be telling me she's asking me that precisely because she doesn't know.

(Y/N): Isn't it that you'll win if you enjoyed it? This is the long-awaited sports festival, you know. Forgetting that this is an exam and amusing ourselves is also an option.

Horikita: You promised me that you'd cooperate, didn't you? You said you'd help me reach Class A.

(Y/N): That's what I'm doing, isn't it? I will participate in the sports festival. That's cooperating.

Horikita: Are you serious?

She appeared to be a bit irritated.

(Y/N): You said so yourself, right? That what will decide victory or defeat in the sports festival is physical ability.

Horikita: But there are other aspects to the competition besides physical ability, too. Am I wrong?

(Y/N): You will learn that soon enough.

I turned my gaze towards the person walking towards us.

"Horikita-san. You're up next for three-legged race practice."

Horikita: Okay.

Horikita left. Apparently the one who will be pairing up with Horikita is Onodera. Onodera is a girl who belongs to the swimming club but according to rumors, she's also quite a sprinter.

For the sports festival, the important things are: your individual ability and cooperation with your classmate.

I wonder if Horikita will be able to make it go well. The five pairs of girls lined up in formation, then launched into the race. Horikita and Onodera weren't slow, but they weren't fast, either. They came in third. The worst team was Sakura and Inogashira, a most unathletic pair. They were slow as molasses. The Horikita/Onodera pair who shouldered the expectations of the class, in response to their dissatisfactory results, challenged it again and again but their time did not improve.

I sighed. The development I had feared will soon be at hand it seems. It's no easy matter to keep pace with Horikita, who's running at her maximum pace selfishly.

Hirata: How about we give it a try too, (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Sure.

I didn't have time to waste on Horikita, who was fighting with her partner. Actually, the three-legged race was a first for me, too.

Hirata: For now let's try running and then fix our shortcomings, shall we?

Nodding and following Hirata's instructions I tied our legs together.

It was far tighter than I had imagined or rather, it felt like I was deprived of my freedom. Besides, even though we're both males, if we're this close to each other it's slightly embarrassing. Particularly Hirata, the darling of all the Class D girls.

Hirata: Alright. Let's take our first step slowly.

I nodded and waited for Hirata's foot to move and then stepped forth to match it. And with the same rhythm, this time, I moved my free foot on the outside.

(Y/N): It's really uncomfortable.

Hirata: Ahaha. That's true. But, as you run, try matching your breathing to our movements. Okay? I'm going to start running.

Hirata said that as he picked up the pace and I too, started running to match him.

Hirata: Yep, that's it. You're doing great, (L/N)-kun.

It was probably a speed almost anyone can keep up with but being praised like that made it easier. And then as I got used to it, I realized it was something surprisingly simple to do. To properly understand your partner's pace. Then if your partner, too, grasps your pace, the next step will come smoothly.

Hirata and I ran a small lap, came back, and untied the cord. Loud, high-pitched cheers could be heard from the girls.

"As expected of Hirata-kun! So fast!"

Hirata: It's really, really easy with (L/N)-kun as my partner. Let's practice countless times then work hard at the actual event, shall we?

Yeah, he really was supportive. He'd just finished his own practice, and now he was heading off to give other students advice again. Just another day in the life of Hirata, a truly superior man.

...

Mid September. Two weeks closer to the sports festival. Horikita, Sudou and the others were putting effort into their daily training in preparation for the actual event. Sudou, having trained his spirit habitually as part of the basketball club, he proved to be tenacious. There were students among them who held back but Sudou, without being prideful about it, devoted himself to his ability and thoroughly did what he could do.

Of course, it's not like Hirata had forgotten about our cooperative relationship with Class A either. He periodically holds meetings with Katsuragi, discussing how to best fight in the actual event. For Class D that's been in hot water many times until now, this is a situation that's far too good.

Looking at the big picture, however, there were two remaining issues that I was deeply concerned about it.

First. Horikita Suzune. She could become an invaluable asset to the class, but she wasn't quite there yet. Ever since the first day, Horikita has changed her partner many times over and challenged the three-legged race but each and every time she ends up quarreling with her partners and ending their partnership. Eventually, Horikita decided to compete paired with the girl who best matched her speed, but even that had fallen apart.

I've been keeping an eye on her recent practice but I couldn't see any signs of improvement at all. It was clearly obvious that Horikita's overwhelming personality was getting in her way. I had enough of that. I decided to approach Horikita as she was warming up alone.

(Y/N): Suzune. Do you have a moment?

Horikita: What is it?

She don't even bother to look at me as she replied. Perhaps it's the fault of the stress she accumulated from the three-legged race but she's slightly pricklier than usual.

(Y/N): I think it'd do you some good to compromise a little more.

Horikita: Many people told me that. I'm simply not allowing any compromise for the sake of getting the best time. Is that not a good thing? A three-legged race is different from running normally. Even a person who's slow to a certain extent should be able to keep up theoretically.

(Y/N): In other words, you have no intention of yielding?

Horikita: Yes. I have no intention of matching with slow people.

(Y/N): But, because of that, no one wants to practice with you.

Horikita: Even if I were to yield, it'll have to be after my partner puts in effort. I cannot match up with someone who's abandoned effort from the start.

Well, I do understand what Horikita wants to say. Indeed the girls she partnered up with all suggested dissolving their partnership as soon as their times didn't end up matching. However, that is only because there is a fundamental reason behind it.

(Y/N): Step up a bit.

Horikita: Huh?

(Y/N): There's a mixed-gender three-legged race. Partner with me for that event.

Horikita: Still, your result was average. You're neither good nor bad at this. You think you can keep pace with me?

(Y/N): You never know. Can't we determine how compatible we are as partners?

Horikita sighed.

Horikita: Alright.

I crouched and tied the cord around our legs. Everyone nearby was focused on practicing, and no one paid attention to us.

(Y/N): Is the tightness alright?

Horikita: Yeah. No problem.

(Y/N): Right, then. Let's go.

For the first one or two steps, I sensed and matched Horikita as I stepped forth. However, as we picked up speed, rather than go at Horikita's pace, I started going at my own pace.

Horikita: H-Hey, (Y/N)-kun?

Despite Horikita's panic, I mercilessly went faster. She did everything she could to keep up with me, but her stamina and strength couldn't match mine.

Horikita: Ah! Y-You're... g-going too fast.

(Y/N): According to you, keeping pace with your partner isn't all too difficult right?

Horikita: That's... I know!

She was obstinate after all. I decided to shift gears. In the three-legged race, speed alone wasn't enough. The important thing was to find a tempo that suited both partners, then find your best stride.

Horikita: Tch!

Eventually, no longer able to keep up with my pace, Horikita almost collapses. I grabbed her as she stumbled, then came to a stop. She breathed raggedly.

(Y/N): Before you consider things like fast or slow, it ended up like this because you're not looking at your partner.

I crouched down and without saying anything, I untied the string around Horikita's leg. Suddenly, she stomped on my foot, like real hard. I groaned as she did that.

(Y/N): H-Hey! What's that about!?

Horikita: Be glad that I didn't break your leg.

(Y/N): I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

She let go of my foot before I attracted unwanted attentions from the others with my yelling.

(Y/N): Geez. You're really mean to me sometime, Suzune.

I muttered.

Horikita: What was that?

(Y/N): N-Nothing!

I let out a fake cough.

(Y/N): Back to the topic. I mean, the important thing is to look at your partner, to let them take the lead, is it not? In that case, you have no trouble at all to win this thing.

Horikita didn't replied as she seemed lost in thought over my advice.

(Y/N): Think about it.

With that, I walked away, while dragging my injured leg. Sigh.

Horikita's athleticism meant that she needed to discern her partner's ability level and then work with it. I don't know whether Horikita will realize this and mature but I've shown her one possibility. The rest is up to her.

Well, that's that. Kushida Kikyou was the second problem. She was something of a supporting character—working backstage, but never taking the spotlight. Although Hirata and Karuizawa often outshone Kushida, most of our classmates liked her, which gave her a level of influence even those other two didn't have.

In addition to that phenomenal communication skill of hers, she also possesses high academic and athletic abilities as well as a blessed figure.

In a sense, she's a student whose assignment to Class D in the first place is a mystery. However, I knew about the darkness within her. Not too long after starting school, I caught her angrily ranting to herself on a secluded rooftop. And, although I didn't yet know why, it was a fact that Kushida hated Horikita.

But both Horikita and Kushida were vital to Class D's improvement. Therefore, the only way to resolve the issue was to have them confront one another.

...

In the midst of the other classes moving onto reconnaissance, there were small movements in Class D too. The key to victory ultimately lay, not in the opponent's strength, but in the composition of the group-event teams.

Unless you know the contents of their participation table, which is the essence of it all, it won't lead to victory over the other classes. Of course, the other classes wouldn't just share that information. If we managed to acquire a participation table, our odds would improve dramatically.

There was one exception, and it was the bomb waiting to go off inside Class D.

Two weeks before the sports festival. I made my move as soon as classes were over. I called out to Horikita, who was packing up her things beside me.

(Y/N): Suzune, do you want to hang out with me today?

Horikita: I'm still mad at you.

(Y/N): Come on. I'd apologized over the phone, for like, a whole hour!

Horikita: Hmph.

She huffed as she prepared to exit the classroom. I quickly ran up to her and grabbed her wrist.

(Y/N): It's for Class D's sake. Really.

Horikita: Sigh. Fine. What do you want?

(Y/N): You'll understand if you come along.

Saying that, I passed in front of Horikita, who had been demanding an answer. I then called out to one other target.

(Y/N): Kushida. Do you have a minute?

I headed over in front of Kushida, who was chatting away with the girls in the class and called out to her like that.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun? What's wrong?

She glanced at Horikita, who seemed slightly uncomfortable.

(Y/N): Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?

On Saturday, which should be a day off for Kushida, I tried inviting her out for something.

Kushida: I don't have anything planned so far. I guess only as far as thinking I'd clean my room.

(Y/N): If it's okay with you, would you mind giving me some time in the morning?

I cut right to the chase. If Kushida looked as though she disliked the idea, I wouldn't press her.

Kushida: Sure thing!

However, as if to dispel such anxieties, Kushida accepted with a smile.

Kushida: You know, it's really unusual for you to invite me out, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): That may be so. By the way, Horikita will also be coming along.

Horikita: Hey—

I reined in Horikita with my hand as she voiced her complaints.

Kushida: Okay. I don't mind, but...why in the morning?

(Y/N): Including Kushida, who's familiar with information on the other classes, I want to once again conduct reconnaissance on the enemy is what I thought. I was invited to do so by Horikita but there are many things I don't know

I was being mostly honest, though the part about Horikita was completely made up. I knew Kushida wouldn't come unless I told her the truth about what I wanted. Kushida also needs to understand her role.

After finishing with the conversation, as though she were convinced, Kushida repeatedly nods.

Kushida: I might be the most suitable one for that. Yeah, roger. What time would be good? The earlier it is, the better, right?

(Y/N): Yeah. I was thinking sometime like ten o'clock. Would that be okay?

Kushida: Completely fine. Then tomorrow we'll meet up in the dorm's lobby?

(Y/N): Yeah, thanks.

As she left, Kushida waved at some girls waiting in the hallway, and they walked together toward the dorms. Horikita leaned in and whispered.

Horikita: Wait a minute. What are you planning, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Doing a little reconnaissance isn't a bad thing, wouldn't you agree?

Horikita: I don't understand the reasoning behind inviting me. If it's reconnaissance, then you and Kushida-san should have been more than enough?

(Y/N): Are you kidding? It doesn't bother you if I go out with other girl alone?

She simply crossed her arms and stated.

Horikita: Nope.

(Y/N): Hmm. Well then, Karuizawa invited me to the mall this Sunday. I should reply her that—

Before I could finish, Horikita pulled my ear.

Horikita: Even it didn't bother me, but it also didn't mean you're allowed to do that!

(Y/N): I'm just kidding! We're in the middle of the hallway, you know that!?

She let go of my ear and huffed.

(Y/N): You know that was impossible. According to Karuizawa, her reputation would plummet if she went out with someone gloomy like me.

I said as I caressed my ear.

Horikita: Oh? So you did spent time alone with her. Aren't you, (Y/N)-kun?

Her glare was so terrifying. I gulped. I shouldn't have mentioned it. Sigh.

(Y/N): A-Anyway, we're standing out too much here. Let's talk on our way back.

I quickly stepped out the corridor, leaving Horikita behind, and eventually, she followed.

(Y/N): You remember what happened to your team on the cruise ship?

I changed the subject. I took a peek at Horikita's anger expression. It seemed that she was angry about the cruise ship special test instead of what I had just told her earlier. Phew.

Horikita: Of course. Everyone discovered our VIP's identity. A humiliating outcome.

(Y/N): That's right. It became a result that normally could not have been. There is definitely a reason for that.

Horikita: I too understand that. But I don't know why, and no matter how much I think about it I cannot find an answer. I can guess at least that Ryuuen-kun was involved in it though.

It sounded as though she'd come to a dead end. Doubts and incomplete theories, unending and irritating, were probably flooding her mind.

(Y/N): It's not like I have any certainty either but I have already reached a single, complete hypothesis regarding that.

As I said that, Horikita looked at me as though she were genuinely shocked.

Horikita: Are you saying you've figured out Ryuuen-kun's strategy?

(Y/N): Somehow, but you have to forgive me regarding the incident earlier and during the practices.

Horikita: Sigh. Alright, I forgive you. So tell me already.

(Y/N): Actually, to be precise it's not just Ryuuen. There is one other person greatly involved in the outcome of that exam

We reached the main entrance and retrieved our shoes from the rack. Walking outside, we continued our conversation.

(Y/N): If you think about it, there was no way the VIP's identity could have been discovered. You and Hirata never told anyone else that Kushida was the VIP. Correct?

Horikita: Naturally.

(Y/N): But what about Kushida herself? If she intentionally revealed herself?

Horikita probably could not comprehend what I was saying for a moment there. Normally this isn't something that anyone would even think of so it's natural. There isn't a single imbecile who would reveal the fact that they are the VIP themselves.

Horikita: That's impossible, right? She'd have nothing to gain from that at all.

(Y/N): You can't say with certainty that there are no benefits, right? For instance, how about something like making a backroom deal to reveal that she's the VIP in exchange for private points from another class. Something like that.

Horikita: Even if that's possible, it would hurt Class D. And it would be very risky.

(Y/N): That risk depends on the timing, though. There are many ways to establish trust.

Horikita: Are you saying she'd betray her allies to gain a few measly points?

(Y/N): That's only Kushida knows.

That was why I'd invited Kushida. To learn the truth.

Horikita: So you brought me and Kushida-san together...to ascertain the truth?

Having come this far, finally Horikita too has reason to think Kushida has turned traitor.

(Y/N): You and Kushida seem to have some kind of connection. A shared fate, maybe.

As I looked at her to check, Horikita awkwardly averted her eyes.

Horikita: There's nothing like fate between me and Kushida-san.

(Y/N): In that case, can you say with 100 percent confidence that she wouldn't betray the class and you?

Horikita: That's...

(Y/N): If you're uncertain, you should confirm it. If we don't make sure, it'll all be over, won't it? No matter what the exam, our class has no chance of winning if there's a traitor in our midst.

The previous exam, and the exam before the previous one as well, and in this sports festival too, I understand well how simple it is for the class to collapse from just a single traitor alone.

Before we knew it, we were at the dormitory. We entered the first-floor elevator and hit the buttons for our floors.

(Y/N): You're free to choose whether or not you come tomorrow. Think about it—

Horikita: I will come tomorrow.

Without hesitating, she replied immediately. I smiled at her.

(Y/N): Alright. I'll hang out with you in your room later.

Horikita: Make sure to notify me before coming over.

(Y/N): Right, right.

I got off on the fourth floor, leaving Horikita with those parting words.

...

It was just before ten in the morning, the time I'd promised to meet Kushida. She was already in the lobby.

Kushida: Good morning, (L/N)-kun.

She smiled warmly at me.

(Y/N): Good morning, Kushida. Sorry for making such a strange request yesterday.

Kushida: No such thing. I didn't have anything planned for today either. Besides, I'm happy because it feels a little nostalgic.

(Y/N): Nostalgic?

Kushida: Well, remember how, during the first semester exams, you asked a senior student for the previous test questions? I just thought this felt kind of similar, is all

(Y/N): Is that so?

Kushida: Yep, yep.

I didn't think it was anything special but since Kushida happily nodded I decided to leave it be. Honestly, I felt as though this would've been easier if I'd brought Karuizawa or Sakura along, but if you want a job done right, find the right person to do it. Kushida was absolutely the best person for the job.

More importantly, is Horikita. It was almost ten o'clock, and there still wasn't any sign of her. Just I was about to call her, Horikita showed up.

Horikita: Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Kushida: Good morning, Horikita-san.

Kushida welcomes Horikita with an unfaltering smile. On the other hand, Horikita seems somewhat sullen. She's desperately trying to hide that though but from my point of view it couldn't have been more obvious. Kushida too, probably realized it. But what makes Kushida so amazing is that in spite of it, she is able to keep her usual attitude, without a bit of change.

The three of us left the dormitory and headed toward the athletic grounds. By ten, the grounds were already filled with students.

Kushida: Woah, they're going at it.

Out on the grounds, the thock sound of someone kicking a ball echoed through the air. The ball curved toward the goalpost. It moved in a beautiful arc, but was perhaps a bit easy to see coming. The goalie, showing sharp reflexes, repelled it with a punch.

Hirata's figure could also be seen in the midst of the match. Perhaps it's because the team consists of a mixture of 1st years up to 3rd years, but there were also students who I did not know.

Kushida: I feel kind of like a secret agent, spying on clubs to gain information about other classes. It's so exciting, my heart is pounding!

(Y/N): It's nothing that splendid though. The information we can acquire here is limited.

Kushida: But Horikita-san doesn't think so. Right?

Horikita: Information is invaluable. We don't know what might be the key to our victory.

Kushida: That's true. But it was really kind of you to do this for Horikita-san's sake, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Well, I didn't exactly have a choice. She would've given me grief if I hadn't.

Horikita: I'm impressed that you have the nerve to say that when I'm standing right here.

I gulped and ignored her frightening glare from beside and focused on the ground. It looked as though the players were setting up a corner kick. The soccer teams casually walked onto the field and got into position before resuming. We could feel that the game was about to start.

As Kushida smiles, I had an uncomfortable feeling about the state of the three of us. Surprisingly enough, the one who initiated it was Kushida.

Kushida: The one who decided to invite me out here today was (L/N)-kun, right?

(Y/N): Why do you think that?

Kushida: Well, I can't imagine that Horikita-san would invite me.

Still smiling, and after briefly looking at Horikita, Kushida turned back to me.

(Y/N): You think Horikita wouldn't invite you, why is that?

Kushida: Ahaha, that's terrible of you (L/N)-kun. You know things aren't going too well between me and Horikita-san right?

Kushida spoke frankly. Horikita listened quietly, not attempting to deny anything.

(Y/N): Honestly I still can't believe that, or rather, I'm still half in doubt.

The ball kicked from the corner flies towards a teammate waiting near the goal post. The one who skillfully matched it was Hirata. However, since aiming the shot right now proved to be too exacting, he instead passed the ball to his teammate, a Class B student we already knew. The ball sailed into the goal in a brilliant arc.

(Y/N): So, Shibata's in the soccer club.

Kushida: Yeah. Hirata-kun praises him often, that he's better than him. It seems they're close.

As expected, the well-informed Kushida appears to have heard of such things too. Once the match started up again, the ball again went to Shibata as he runs around the enemy team with agile movements.

(Y/N): He's fast.

He seemed even faster than Hirata, in terms of speed. Hirata hadn't been lying.

"Ohh, they're going at it. They're lively today as well, this is amazing!"

A tall guy in a soccer uniform walked past us.

Kushida: Good morning, Nagumo-senpai!

Perhaps she was acquainted with him, but from beside me, Kushida called out to him. On the other hand, towards the name Nagumo, Horikita gave an almost imperceptible response. Nagumo was a candidate to become the next student council president, his abilities on par with her older brother's.

Nagumo: Hmm? If I recall, you're Kikyo-chan right? You're on a date with a boy on your day off. Not too shabby.

Kushida: Ahaha, it's not like that though...I got curious and came here to watch.

Nagumo: Great. Enjoy. We don't really hold back here, so I think this is a good way to measure our players' strengths.

He winked at Kushida and headed down to meet up with the others. Apparently, he'd guessed what we were doing. The soccer club seemed excited when Nagumo joined them.

(Y/N): Is it okay for someone to be on the student council and in a club?

Kushida: It doesn't seem to be expressly forbidden but he appears to have left the club now. But even though he's quit, he's still the best so he shows up to practice from time to time and coaches them.

(Y/N): I see.

As a student swapped with Nagumo and the match resumed, in an instant, both the ball and the players all gathered around Nagumo. He's probably just that reliable as a teammate and just that dangerous as an enemy.

Hirata challenged Nagumo and tried to steal the ball. His movements were as sharp as before, but Nagumo handled him with ease. Shibata charged at Nagumo, too, but Nagumo feinted several times before slipping past. I'd thought that both Hirata and Shibata were skilled, but Nagumo was in a different league.

Passing one more person, he let loose a powerful shot from mid-distance. The ball which flew in a terrifying curve exceeded the keeper's prediction and quickly enough, he scored a goal.

(Y/N): So, the title of student council president isn't just for show, huh?

Horikita: It's just athleticism though.

It appears Horikita has no intention of honestly acknowledging Nagumo since she couldn't see the full picture regarding him. Even as I exchanged words with her, I snuck a glance at Kushida who was watching the match to peek at her expression.

She was smiling as usual and not a single trace of her true nature could be seen.

Kushida: When you stare at me like that, it's embarrassing.

Her eyes met mine, and she laughed, as though she guessed what I was thinking.

Kushida: Your girlfriend is just standing beside you, you know? (L/N)-kun.

Clearly, Horikita didn't care about her comments. Despite Horikita's presence, I decided to go for it.

(Y/N): I promise not to ask any further so can you please tell me this one thing?

Kushida: Hmm?

(Y/N): Why don't you and Horikita like each other?

Kushida: This is an unfair way of putting it.

To ask you to tell me by promising not to ask any further. Maybe my request was psychological manipulation, but Kushida understood both my tactic and my question.

Kushida: If I tell you, that's it, right?

(Y/N): Yeah, I promise.

As long as she despises the other party, it's natural to blame them instead. However—

Kushida: It's me.

Even as she turned her eyes back towards the soccer match, Kushida lightly answered like that.

I hadn't expected that. So, even though she was at fault for their bad relationship, she still hated Horikita? That was kind of a contradiction.

I'd say I'm relatively good at reading people but as I thought, I can't quite read Kushida. I was starting to think that I understood Horikita a little less, too. She had known that Kushida hated her from the very beginning .Even though we're in relationship, she never talked to me about it.

I glanced at Horikita. She merely averted her gaze and looked away. The fact that neither of them are willing to talk about the details would unmistakably have to mean they don't want the other to know basically.

(Y/N): I get the feeling that just thinking about this is a waste of time.

Kushida: Ahaha, that's right. Right now our priority is to conduct reconnaissance and gather information right?

(Y/N): I suppose...

Kushida: Ah, the player handling the ball right now is Sonoda-kun from Class C. He's quite fast, isn't he?

All the students in the soccer club were nimble. The only ones from our class who could probably hold their own were Sudou and Hirata, but even they'd be hard-pressed to keep up.

Kushida: But Horikita-san is also properly keeping our class in mind, that makes me happy.

Horikita: I intend to do what's necessary to rise up to Class A, so it can't be helped.

After a while, the soccer players took abreak. Nagumo called to Hirata. Then, perhaps because he realized we'd been watching, Hirata approached us.

Hirata: Good morning. It's unusual to see you here.

Seeing us talk from a distance, Shibata also came running over and an unusual five-person group was formed.

Shibata: Good morning, Kikyou-chan. And also— (L/N) and Horikita-chan, was it? (L/N), are you on a date with these two beautiful girls?

(Y/N): No, that's not it.

I mean, I'm just dating one. I glanced at Horikita, who looked unfaltering.

Shibata and I were acquainted, but I hadn't known that he remembered my name.

Hirata: What's up today? This is an unusual combination.

While feeling appreciative towards Hirata, who did not suspect anything strange, I decided to boldly speak the truth.

(Y/N): It's reconnaissance. We've come to mark the students from the other classes that we ought to keep an eye on.

Shibata: Ah. So, that means you've noticed Shibata Man already, huh?

(Y/N): 'Shibata... Man?'

Shibata swiftly stepped forward to show off his speed. That cheerfulness of his that made no effort to conceal his abilities. I wonder if that's because he's part of Class B under Ichinose's leadership or because it's simply his nature.

Kushida: Shibata-kun is as fast as the rumors say. Both (L/N)-kun and I were shocked.

Praised by a beautiful girl, Shibata happily rubbed the bottom of his nose with his index finger.

Hirata: We need to be especially wary of Shibata-kun. He's the fastest in Class B. Personally, I'd rather not compete against him.

Shibata: Even if you say such things, I won't let my guard down, Yousuke. Because you're fast too. How about (L/N)?

(Y/N): Well, I'm a member of the go-home-and-do-nothing club. So, take your shot.

Shibata crossed his arms and laughed.

We left soon afterward, on the pretext of checking out other club activities; that was just a cover. There was something else I wanted to know, and I had set the stage for it. How it would play out... Well, that was up to the two girls.

Horiktia: Kushida-san. I have no interest in you.

Kushida: Woah, that's a harsh word all of a sudden.

Horikita: But right now there is something I must ask you. I wonder if you could answer me?

Kushida: Between you and (L/N)-kun, I'm getting a lot of questions. Okay, what is it?

Horikita: During the shipboard exam over the summer vacation. Did you tell Ryuuen-kun or Katsuragi-kun about you being the VIP?

Wow. I had expected to her to ask straightforwardly to a certain degree but she really got straight to the point. Kushida looked shocked, but Horikita kept talking.

Horikita: It's fine if you don't answer. Because it's meaningless to dig up the past. That's why I'll just ask one thing. Is it fine if I trust you as an ally from the same class from now on?

Kushida: Of course. I want to get to Class A, alongside everyone from Class D. That's what I've said from the very beginning.

That feeling has not changed one bit, is what Kushida said.

Kushida: I don't know why you said something like that to me but I want you to trust me.

Though Kushida smiled at Horikita, she looked very serious. I heard enough, and I decided to head back to the dorm.

(Y/N): I'm a bit tired. Then, I'll be heading back. I'll leave the remaining reconnaissance to the two of you.

Horikita: Huh? Hey, wait!

She stopped me by grabbing my shoulder and pulled me closer.

Horikita: You're not going to leave me alone with her, aren't you? (Y/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Well, If you have Kushida's extensive network and connections at your disposal, you should be fine. Right?

She sighed and let go of me.

(Y/N): Call me if you have any problems.

With that, I left.

...

Raising the Curtains

(A/N: Hey guys. Sorry for the slow update. For your information, I've a lot of works to do right now and I only managed to write the draft during the weekends. Fear not, I'll catch up with the story progress as soon as possible after I'm free. Peace out!)

(Y/N)'s POV

With everyone working hard, the days passed quickly. At last, there was only one week left to go until the sports festival. Today we must submit our participation table and decide on the participants of each events. While Hirata stood at the podium, Kushida faced the blackboard with chalk in hand to record the preparations.

He spoke based on the notes containing the daily records of the class, the best pairings as discussed by the class and the order incorporating the winning strategy. Then everyone memorized their own roles in the contests and the order. Not a single student objected to Hirata's results, which were based on hard data and clear testing of people's abilities. Everything proceeded without a hitch.

I was impressed by how Hirata managed to respect everybody's individual wishes while also taking everyone's abilities into account. In the last prominent event, the relay, it's the fast students like Horikita that comprise the lineup.

However, Horikita, who sat next to me, was for some reason continuing to stare at the blackboard with an unconvinced expression.

Right after the discussion ended smoothly, Horikita stood up from her seat. As I wondered where exactly she was headed off to, it turned out to be in front of Sudou's seat.

Sudou: What's up?

Horikita: There's something I want to talk about. Can you come with me?

Sudou: S-Sure.

Sudou, having been called out like that, hurriedly stands up.

Horikita: Oh, Hirata-kun. Can I also have a moment of your time as well?

Horikita, who started walking off right afterwards, for some reason also called out to Hirata and called him towards the rear of the classroom.

Horikita: I want to discuss the participation table we decided on earlier. I'd like you to give me the anchor position in the 1200-meter relay at the end of the festival.

Sudou showed momentary confusion in response to that unexpected assertion.

Sudou: But... The anchor is usually handled by the fastest one right? Or are you uneasy with having me as the anchor?

Between boys and girls, there is a fundamental difference in regards to physical abilities. Horikita is indeed fast amongst the girls but if she were to be mixed with the boys group, then she wouldn't be able to beat even Hirata.

It's natural that Sudou, who's equal to or faster than Hirata, should be the anchor. Sudou had also obviously thought he would be doing it and probably couldn't accept it right away.

Horikita: No, that's not it. I know your abilities from seeing you practice.

Sudou: Then, why?

Horikita: I have my reasons. You're good with the starting dash, right, Sudou-kun? In that case, I thought having you be the first runner and cast aside our opponents would be a viable strategy. Starting with the second runner, we'll allow everyone to take the lane they like on a first-come-first-served basis. In case we get overtaken, it's specified in the rules that starting from the second runner onward, we are permitted to use the outer lanes to overtake them.

In other words, Horikita would like to set Sudou as the first runner for an outrun strategy.

Sudou: But...

But it doesn't seem Sudou's been convinced. In regards to this I'm of the same opinion too. Imagine if we used up Sudou's turn right at the start of the relay, our later runners would be under pressure if the competition closed the gap. On the other hand, Sudou could provide a burst of power in the relay's final leg as the anchor.

Sudou: Still, the anchor position goes to the fastest team member. Not that I'm in doubt with your ability...

Horikita: This is a meritocratic school. Let's not make choices based on assumptions or preconceived notions. The other classes should also be thinking of various strategies.

I understood her logic, but I felt as though she was pushing a bit too hard. Actually, it didn't make much difference who the anchor was. If so, then it means there's another reason why Horikita wishes to be the anchor.

Horikita: I will definitely produce better results than in practice.

Sudou: This ain't like you, Horikita.

This proposal was a mysterious one, to the extent it made Sudou cut in like that.

Kushida: Umm... Can I say something?

Perhaps she got curious about the discussion, Kushida reservedly joined in.

Kushida: I'm sorry. I just think maybe there's some other reason Horikita-san wants to be anchor.

Horikita: That's—

Hirata: If that's the case then would you mind telling us? I don't think neither I nor Sudou-kun are rejecting it meaninglessly. But if we're going to be changing the order decided on by everyone in the class then I'd like to hear a proper reason.

Sudou: I agree with Hirata. We need a reason.

Horikita made a complicated face. But perhaps she thought the only way to obtain the anchor position was to speak the truth, she began to speak of her reason.

Horikita: It's because I think my brother...is an anchor.

Hirata: Your brother? The student council president?

Horikita: Yes. He's my brother.

It's the student council president whose existence everyone is aware of but not everyone made the connection from the surname Horikita. They also didn't really look that much alike. Everybody seemed surprised by Horikita's statement.

Kushida: So, you want to become the anchor alongside your brother, is that it?

Kushida heard her reason but just by that alone, it doesn't seem like she understood. However, Horikita did not speak any further of her personal affairs. And that's where I decided to step in the discussion.

(Y/N): A lot of things happened. I guess Horikita and her brother aren't really on speaking terms. She probably wants this opportunity to patch things up with him.

It was easy to understand, and I must praise myself for being able to add a line like that which was neither the truth nor a lie. Horikita widened her eyes and glanced at for a moment before turning back towards Sudou and the others.

Sudou: I was wondering what the matter was. So, that's it, huh? In that case, you can have the anchor position, Horikita.

Kushida: I think it's fine, too. If Sudou-kun is satisfied, then everyone else will be too, right?

Hirata: That's right. Got it, then I'll submit it after swapping Horikita-san and Sudou-kun. Will that be fine?

Horikita: Yeah. Thank you.

She said quietly.

Certainly if not for an opportunity like this, it wouldn't be possible for Horikita and her brother to come into close contact like this.

Even if she lacks the courage to make contact with him herself, if it's a contest, then they'll be forcibly brought close together anyways. However, this decision of Horikita's won't necessarily be rewarded. Just by approaching that stubborn brother, I couldn't imagine something would happen after all. Hopefully I won't have to be involved in the matter.

...

At last, the day had come. The curtains were about to rise on the sports festival, and it looked to be a long day. The entire student body, all wearing their jerseys, marched together as one. Well, we called it a march, but most people just strolled along, taking the movement just seriously enough not to disrupt the order.

Fujimaki, from the third-year Class A, gave a speech during the opening ceremony. By the way, on the outskirts of the school grounds, there weren't many but I could see the figures of spectators scattered here and there. They are probably adults who work on-campus.

Meanwhile, the teachers themselves watched us without the vaguest hint of smiles. Medical personnel could also be seen setting up some kind of cottage.

Furthermore, a cottage that could fit roughly 20 people was built and installed inside was a cooler, a water dispenser and the such.

Just like the uninhabited island, the preparations were flawless. By the way, the competing Red Team and White Team were provided with tents installed on opposite sides of the track as though sandwiching it between them. The school didn't want the teams mingling with each other, except during competitions.

For the 100 meter dash that'll be coming up first, a camera was pointed towards a point that appears to be the goal. The line between victory and defeat could come down to a hair's breadth in competitions like these.

...

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. What group are you in for the 100-meter dash, again?

(Y/N): Let's see... Seventh.

I answered while looking at the simplistic program table which had the participation order and schedule.

Horikita: Sigh. I told you not to take a nap during the discussion.

She crossed her arms and looked at me.

(Y/N): Sorry. It's a force of habit.

Horikita: Nevertheless. I'll be cheering you, (Y/N)-kun. Good luck out there, okay?

From others' perspective, Horikita had cold and temperamental exterior, but the warm and gentle side of her would depicted towards the person she truly cares about. Such a tsundere. And still, that's one of the reasons why I love her.

(Y/N): Thanks. I'll try my best not to disappoint you.

She gave me quick kiss when no one is looking before urging me to head to the field.

With that love and encouragement from my girlfriend, I headed to the track with the rest of the first-year boys. The festival ordered events such as the 100-meter dash by grade level, starting with the first-year boys and ending with the third-year girls.

Since the actual day of the event began, it became clear who would be running in which order from the other classes. From each class, the selected two making up a total of eight people lined up as one. The first-year boys formed ten groups in total. My turn, as I had told Horikita earlier, was seventh.

Sudou was in the first group. All the students of Class D watched while holding our breath. The outcome of the sports festival will depend greatly on Sudou.

As soon as the signal sounded, Sudou shot forward like a bullet. He quickly outran all the other boys, leaving them in the dust. He reached the goal with such an overwhelming lead that no one else came anywhere close. He won by a landslide.

While everyone watched, Sudou took first place, as anticipated. At the same time, the Professor who had been selected too, properly managed to secure last place as expectedas well. However...

The signal to start the next race came right away, without any time to bask in the afterglow. The signals came at twenty second intervals. Approximately four minutes would be required for all the first year boys to finish running. Since this will be repeated by boys and girls for all the school years, the 100-meter dash would be completed in about thirty minutes according to calculations.

Hirata: As expected of Sudou-kun, I guess.

Hirata, who's paired up with me, praised him as though he were impressed.

(Y/N): Yeah. Feels like the other classes were taken aback too.

We, the seventh group, also had our roles to play. Hirata, who belongs to the soccer club and is a fast runner, will have a high rank. I'd take a spot at least one place after him, so there was really nothing to be anxious about. It was just a question of how to stand out while remaining inconspicuous.

Then, The third group shuffled up to the starting point.

Ike: Look. Baldy's—I mean, Katsuragi's in the first lane.

The skinhead bathing in the rays of the sun glowed blindingly. Beside Katsuragi, a man I'm familiar with was staring at the goal point with a calm expression.

(Y/N): 'So, Kanzaki and Katsuragi would be competing against each other, huh? Interesting.'

Meanwhile, the man who's first on the list of those to watch out for, Kouenji of Class D, is also part of the third group. But, there was no sign of him in Lane 5, which he'd been assigned. However, the school did not bother searching for the missing Kouenji and instead treating it as absence, they ended up starting the match right away.

As I watched the race, I thought that the third group would be a close match, but Kanzaki was fastest. Katsuragi was by no means slow, just outclassed. Without much fuss, the race ended with Kanzaki took the first place while Katsurage took the third. As the races continued, Hirata noticed something.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun, look there.

He said, gesturing at the temporary cottage that had been erected. As I strained my eyes to look, inside it I could see Kouenji who was arranging his hair. He's already finished running, surely that's not the case. But even so, he's way too quick to withdraw.

(Y/N): He's not participating, it seems.

Kouenji had cooperated all the way up until the opening ceremonies, but in the end, it appeared that he planned to bow out of the competitions. His absence weighed heavily on both our class and the Red Team. Class A too, despite having a legitimate reason, also similarly has someone who will be skipping out on all events in the form of Sakayanagi. Assuming Class C and Class B has no absentees then the Red Team will simply have to fill in the hole left by those two people. Quite a handicap.

The rest of the competition progressed smoothly, and soon it was time for the seventh group. I went and stood in Lane 4, with Hirata next to me in Lane 5. Other than us, the other members included Class A's Yahiko but the rest are boys I'm not familiar with.

For the first ever sport festival of my life, I started off with a starting dash that was neither fast nor slow. Hirata, who ran beside me, slowly but surely passed me by and joined up with the top runners. I saw four people's backs in front of me, which meant that I was in fifth.

Initially, I was comfortable with my current position. But, I might sped up a little bit and tried to achieve higher places, for the sake of my class and Horikita. I shifted up my speed a bit and slowly ran passed the fourth runner in front of me. There wasn't a huge difference in speed between us, we all kind of clustered together.

In the end, I finished in fourth place, while Hirata took the top spot by a narrow margin.

(Y/N): 'Fourth place, huh? The position wasn't top enough to make me stand out like a sore thumb while high enough to impress Horikita.'

As we walked back to our cottage, Hirata walked up to me while panting.

Hirata: Good job out there, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Sorry for dragging the team.

Hirata: No such thing. The fourth place was high enough. It was a good match, everyone was fast too.

Despite my 'disappointing' results, he didn't blame me at all. Instead, he gave me a smile.

We hurried off the track and headed over to the tent. The next group would be starting, and we were in the way. After the first-year boys finished running the 100-meter dash, they returned to their seats and focused on watching the girls with a predatory intensity. There's also the outcome of the matches, but they probably just wanted to see the running figures of the girls and couldn't help it.

(Y/N): Hey, where's Sudou?

Ike: Toilet probably. Dude, we've got more important things to look at. Check out those jiggling boobs, man, those boobs!

(Y/N): 'Keep that to yourself, idiot.'

As much as I wanted to cheer for Horikita, I had a bad feeling about Sudou's absence.

I looked over toward the cottage to see that my intuition was correct. Sudou was approaching Kouenji.

(Y/N): This isn't looking good. I'd better stop them.

Hirata: Right.

Hirata and I ran toward the cottage, where things were apparently already heating up. His hand balled tightly into a fist, Sudou confronted Kouenji.

Sudou: Hey, you. What's the big idea, sitting this out?! Don't disregard the rest of us, jerk!

Sudou had closed the distance to the point where even now, it seemed as though he was about to take a swing, but it almost seems as though Kouenji has not even noticed his existence yet.

He's looking bold as he admired his reflection in the glass of the window. But that attitude of his only ended up adding fuel to the fire and stoking Sudou's anger.

Sudou: Looks like you ain't gonna understand unless I beat you up, Kouenji.

Hirata: That's no good, Sudou-kun. If the teachers found out—

Kouenji: As usual, you are an unsavory man. I came here because I wanted to quietly spend time alone though. As you can see, today I'm feeling ill. I declined so I wouldn't be a bother.

I understood why Sudou was shouting. Kouenji looked to be in perfect health.

It took Hirata a while to calm down Sudou's anger by asserting his absence as the leader would make an impact to our class morale. During the confrontation, I learned that Horikita had foreseen the possibility of Kouenji being a no-show from the start. She's been emphasizing to the latter since the preparation to make sure Kouenji to participate seriously in the sports festival.

(Y/N): 'Even so, I didn't know she had been working on Kouenji behind my back.'

As Hirata escorted Sudou from the cottage, I followed a little way behind while thinking.

We made it to the Red Team tent, where Sudou sat back down, clearly still irritated. Before I knew it, the girls' 100-meter dash was nearly over. The final group had just entered the track.

As Ike, who was engrossed in the girls' race, did not notice Sudou's anger, approached Sudou cheerfully and ended up getting caught in a forceful headlock by Sudou as stress relief.

It was a pitiful sight, but taking his anger out on Ike seemed to help Sudou. As Horikita's race began, he calmed down a little.

(Y/N): 'At least there's healing in watching Suzune, I guess. He had been looking up to her since the day I helped him realized his true feelings. '

If that was all it took to heal him, then I'd let him heal.

I watched over Horikita as well, before Sakura appeared next to me, completely out of breath.

Sakura: Ahh... Ahh... I-It hurts...

She must've used up all her energy when she ran. She was breathing very deeply, as though she was in a lot of pain.

Sakura: D-Did you watch my race, (L/N)-kun?

She looked up at me with sparkling eyes from behind her glasses. Unfortunately, Sakura's contest had ended while I had been chasing Sudou into the cottage and so I don't know how it went. But if I tell her I hadn't been watching then Sakura will probably become severely depressed.

(Y/N): You did well, Sakura.

I said so briefly yet I put my feelings into those words. One thing certain from the facts I understand right now is that Sakura gave it her all in the race. She beamed at my compliment.

Sakura: Th-thank you! This is the first time I didn't come in dead last.

Sakura had decisively been the slowest one in both classes and in practice but apparently it seems like she's beaten someone. Furthermore, judging from the looks of it, it doesn't seem like her opponent simply fell or something either.

(Y/N): Good for you. Be careful not to push yourself. If you get in over your head, you might fall and hurt yourself.

Sakura: O-Okay!

Sakura stood beside me, still breathing heavily, and looked over at the next race. I also focused on the other girls who would be running against Horikita. In the third lane was Ibuki Mio, a Class C student. Horikita was in the same group as her most bitter rival. What a bizarre coincidence.

Horikita did not even look at her but it seems a spark's already been lit in Ibuki. Even from afar, I could see her resolve to not lose against Horikita no matter what.

"I wonder if Ibuki-chan's good at sports?"

"Hell if I know. There's no mistaking though that Horikita's going to be the winner."

They didn't realize that Ibuki was highly athletic. Personally, I couldn't say for certain who would win. But, I would still place my bets on my girl.

At the same time as the starting signal, seven girls shot forth. Between the two I had been paying attention to, the one who had the better start was Ibuki. There had been a slight delay in Horikita's reaction and she lagged behind.

But she immediately accelerates, and with a beautiful form she catches up to Ibuki. On the other hand, Ibuki had succeeded in gaining a headstart but perhaps she got curious about Horikita, who ran beside her, as she became distracted looking back. Ibuki remained stuck in the middle of the group, neither increasing nor decreasing her distance from Horikita.

As they neared the end of the race, Ibuki's expression stiffened. As they lined up side-by-side, almost indistinctly Horikita took the lead. It was by a narrow margin, but giving off a feeling of self-confidence, Horikita ended up taking the first place.

Ibuki ran harder, fighting to close the distance between herself and Horikita, but Horikita managed to cross the finish line first. After an incredible race like that, everyone erupted into cheers.

Beside Horikita, who was catching her breath, Ibuki kicked the ground in frustration. But I feel like if she hadn't been so worried about Horikita, then then ranking may have been different. Perhaps her hyper-awareness was the reason Horikita won.

Leaving aside Horikita's evenly matched race against Ibuki, the other 4 girls excluding Class D honestly were of a pretty low level.

After the first-year students' 100-meter dash ended, we went to check the results. Athletic people like Sudou, Horikita, and Hirata had taken first place, as expected. However, the mid-tier students we'd hoped would do well hadn't performed so great after all.

Despite our good start, from now on the calculations will become more and more complicated. There are no notebooks nor phones here. Even if we verbally convey the results of the contests to a certain extent, it'll be difficult to grasp all of it. We don't know the circumstances of the other classes in detail either.

I approached Horikita, who had returned, and called out to her.

(Y/N): That was close. Good work, Suzune.

I handed her the towel.

Horikita: Thanks. Ibuki-san was faster than I expected.

(Y/N): I understand you've been reaching out to Kouenji.

Horikita: How did you— Well, It seems to have been meaningless from the start though.

For just a brief moment, Horikita looked at Kouenji, who's elegantly spending time inside the cottage.

(Y/N): It seems like he doesn't care about reaching Class A.

Horikita: If I were like Kushida-san, a person well liked by the class, I wonder if I could've moved him into action?

(Y/N): Hmm. I wonder. I don't think he's the type to comply with Kushida or Hirata's persuasion though.

Then again, the two of them wouldn't try to forcibly persuade Kouenji in the first place. As for why, even if it's only self-proclaimed, they wouldn't call someone who claims to be sick a liar.

(Y/N): To think you'd wish you could be more like Kushida.

I smirked at my remarks.

Horikita: I never hated her or anything in the first place.

After a natural conversation like that, Horikita realized she had made a verbal slip and sealed her lips tight.

(Y/N): Wait, what?

Horikita: You didn't hear that.

(Y/N): Of course I heard that.

She simply walked away while wiping the sweat with the towel. She turned to look at the third year students' race. She was concerned for our class, but most likely also worried about her brother. Of course, it's not like her brother, who's the student council president, is affected in any way by his sister's feelings.

Horikita's older brother, as part of the second group to race, naturally took first place.

(Y/N): He's as fast as I imagined him to be.

Horikita: That's because my brother is perfect. No matter what he does, he's always number one.

Rather than a boast, it sounded more like it was a matter of fact.

(Y/N): What if I beat him in the race?

I tried to pique her interest by stating an 'almost impossible' challenge, and I succeeded. Horikita turned to me while wearing raising one of her eyebrows.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun. You're joking, right?

(Y/N): I said "what if". It's not like I could really beat your brother in race.

Horikita: Hmm. I won't expected that much. You barely finished your race in fourth place earlier.

(Y/N): You were watching the whole time, huh?

Horikita: Of course. Thank god my boyfriend really took the event seriously once in a while.

(Y/N): Mostly for your sake, though.

Horikita glared at me.

Horikita: What about the class?

(Y/N): Uh, yeah. That too. Ahaha.

As all the school years finished with their 100 meter dashes, the total count began.

The first round of points for the Red and White teams were announced.

Red Team: 2011 points. White Team: 1891 points.

The competition had just begun, but the Red Team was slightly ahead.

...

The second contest up is a hurdle. It's basically an event that's the same as the 100 meter dash in the sense that it rests purely on one's speed. But then again, that's not all there is to it.

You also needed to clear hurdles while running. If you knocked down or touched a hurdle, your time was penalized. If you knocked the hurdle down, the penalty was 0.5 seconds.If you only touched it, 0.3 seconds. There were ten hurdles in all, placed at ten-meter intervals. If you knocked them all down, you'd have five seconds added to your time. It'd be completely hopeless.

In this event, it's been decided that Sudou will be participating as part of the last group.

Sudou: If you guys are dead last then I'll slap you!

"What kind of tyranny is this!?"

The unathletic students trembled at the intense pressure coming from Sudou, who was watching them with arms crossed.

Sotomura, the Professor, who just barely cleared the hurdles during practice, looked as though he was chickening out. He planned to sit out the race but was forced by Sudou to participate regardless. Well, Sudou's right. There was a significant difference between coming in last and being disqualified. If you were disqualified, you wouldn't get even one point. Participation was vital.

As expected, the Professor didn't clear any hurdles. He ended up knocking them over by hand and came in at last place. Instead, Shibata had come in first without much difficulty, and was shaping up to be Sudou's main rival. If this keeps up, then Sudou's goal of being first out of every students across the entire school year will only grow ever distant.

"Next up is the fourth group, please prepare yourselves."

Having been called out by the referee, I entered the same course from before. On the second course I could see the figure of Kanzaki.

Kanzaki: We meet again, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Go easy on me.

Kanzaki: Ichinose says you're pretty fast.

I didn't know where Ichinose had gotten that idea. I suppose she saw me running back when Sakura got caught up in that stalker incident. It's not like I was running at my top speed but from my form and such, it's very likely that she guessed my physical ability as well.

(Y/N): Didn't you see my ranking in the 100-meter dash earlier?

Kanzaki: It looks like you're not taking the race seriously.

(Y/N): There's no point I did that.

Kanzaki: The probability of it is low but it's not like doing so is completely meaningless from a strategic point of view.

It looks like Ichinose and Class B have conducted reconnaissance, observed and then made their guess. For an existence like mine, even if I took first place it's not only my rank but the process leading up to it that they'd take into account.

Kanzaki: You know, you're really calm for a high schooler. It's scary.

(Y/N): Well, please think of it as you wish.

A boy from Class C got between us, cutting our chat short. Except for Kanzaki, it doesn't seem like there are any prominent faces in the fourth group.

When the signal came, I started running about as fast as I had before. As expected, Kanzaki overtook a person but since there's only that one student running in front of me, I ultimately ended up winning a fairly respectable third place. There were a lot of variables to consider, but for better or worse, I'd been able to maintain my inconspicuous position.

As I returned to our camp after having finished with the race, Yukimura was whispering to himself with a downcast expression, probably because he ended up in seventh place in both 100-meter race and hurdles race.I didn't want to say the wrong thing, so I decided to give Yukimura space, and focused on the girls' hurdle races instead.

Horikita and Sakura. Two girls that I'm familiar with were running in the first group. Horikita, who was expecting to win, felt no pressure as she stood at the starting line. On the other hand, although it sounds bad when I put it into words, Sakura, whose expectation is zero, appeared nervous.

Hirata: Hey, um, Horikita-san. This matchup isn't very good, don't you think?

Horikita: Is that so?

Hirata, who knew the other classes well, said so after seeing the pairing. The contest will begin soon after.

Hirata: In Class C, the ones said to be the fastest are Yajima-san and Kinoshita-san from the track and field club and they're here.

Horikita: I see.

Hirata: Winning might be difficult.

Hirata turned out to be right. Horikita threw everything she had into the race, but the two from Class C got ahead of her, and she ended in third place.

Hirata received that result and turned to face me. It's not an eye contact made in response to Horikita's defeat. It's because he felt a strange sense of unease with the pairings in this race. Of course, I felt that as well.

...

(A/N: I almost finished the draft of the next chapter, so I might update the story in a few days. So now I'm gonna hit the hay XD)

Bleak Situation

(Y/N)'s POV

The next competition was capture the flag. Though simple, it was still a fierce and slightly dangerous event.

Before the match, Sudou was trying to inspire the Class A and D guys assembled in front of him. However, they were facing off against the guys from Class B, led by Kanzaki and Shibata, and from Class C, led by Ryuuen. In the Class C's team, there's particular formidable individuals, such as Sakazaki and Komiya, who were both involved in the quarrel with Sudou a while back, and there's also the brawny half-Japanese half-black student named Yamada.

Whether there are plenty of or not enough students in each class, right now there's nothing to do but fight after taking our current forces into account. The rules of the match dictate that the group that makes two captures wins. During their discussion earlier, Katsuragi and Hirata have decided that their classes will be alternating between offense and defense. For now, the Class D students would take the offensive role first, while Class A students prioritize to protect the flag.

The offensive team, led by Sudou, were well-prepared and waited in the front line while the defensive team, led by Katsuragi, were checking their defensive formation over and over again to build up an iron-clad defense.

Naturally, blatant acts of violence like punching and kicking are prohibited but a certain degree of entanglement would probably be overlooked by the school.

Ike: Ugh. I'm starting to feel a little scared. This is the first time I've played capture the flag.

(Y/N): Well. This is a first for me too.

Ike: Seriously, dude!? We're doomed!

While we talked, the signal went off. Sudou charged in headfirst, ahead of everyone else. Soon the more assertive players followed right after him.

Ike: This is bad. C-Come on! I don't want to get killed by Ken for dragging the team down.

Ike, Yamauchi and I, the ones not suited for conflict, followed slowly behind the more proactive group. Much like us, the coalition force of Class B and Class C has also divided its classes up cleanly between offense and defense. In the first round, it seems like it's going to be Class B defending the flag on their side.

It was forbidden for an attacking team to come into contact with the other side's attacking team. The rules stated that the offense had to focus as much as possible on capturing the flag.

As the offensive team advances, A number of students on the defending team surrounded our main force, Sudou.

Sudou: Hey you guys, follow quickly! I'll clear the way for you!

However, the latter was unfazed and shouts out to the advancing group following from behind him without looking back. Of course, it wasn't that simple. As the situation grew increasingly chaotic, the players kicked up dust to cloud the air. I relied on the Class B students to overcome that situation without being useful nor a hindrance.

Sudou: Shit. Just how many of you are gonna come after me?!

Three or four male students pushed back at Sudou with their bodies and even his strength was surpassed. The advancing group got cut off just as they were on the brink of breaking through. Class D's problem was that, despite Sudou's offensive and penetrative powers, no one else could claim to be particularly strong.

On the contrary, the Red Team's flag, which Class A had been protecting, looked slightly askew. The opposite offensive group was full of violent people like Sudou. And there's one Yamada guy too. If we have a scuffle against each other, it's clear who has the advantage and who's at a disadvantage.

We needed to do something. But, our crucial player, Sudou was completely overwhelmed by four or five people. He can't do a thing. Our advancing group was completely locked down. Despite Sudou's valiant effort to reach for the opposition flag, but cruelly enough, the whistle rang. In the end, the White Team managed to get the first point.

Sudou: Ah, come on! What the hell are you guys doing!? Put your backs into it!

Glaring at the cruelly toppled flag, Sudou turns his wrath towards the Class D that could not mount an offense.

Hirata: There's no use complaining. They won the first round. Next time, let's make sure to protect our flag properly.

Gently patting Sudou's shoulder and once he had calmed down, Hirata sets the fallen flag back up.

Sudou: Tch. All right, this time we're definitely gonna protect our flag. Right, everyone?!

"Y-Yeah! We got it!"

Class D also lacked things like unity and motivation. Meanwhile, Class B was completely united. The students were highly motivated, so they made formidable foes.

Sudou: (L/N), don't let the flag go down, even if you die! You're still ranked number two in the class, you know that?!

(Y/N): Uh, sure.

Sigh. Apparently, he had forgotten about the rooftop incident. I supposed that I was ranked right below Sudou in terms of strength meant that I needed to protect the flag alongside him. I couldn't slack off with him watching.

The second round was about to begin.

"Here they come!"

Without a doubt, the powerful Class C students geared up to launch their attack. Ryuuen laughing fearlessly from the rear. As if he were a general commanding his troops in battle, he gave the order to charge.

Screams rose up from the Class D students all over the place. The defending students making up the outer wall are slowly diminishing in numbers.

Class C repeatedly used elbow strikes that almost wandered into foul play territory and in no time, they broke through to the inner wall. Katsuragi from Class A had also advanced to where he could nearly touch their flag, but I wondered if he'd make it in time.

I heard an agonized cry from Sudou, who was supporting the already-tilted flag. In the chaos, someone had attacked Sudou directly. Judging by how angry and pained he sounded, it probably hadn't been just once or twice, either. The Class C students took the advantage of messy and chaotic situation to deliver low blow to us, the defensive force. Well, a few of Class C students launched their attacks towards me. I evaded most of their attacks, while I deflected the rest of them without attracting much attentions.

In the end, Sudou collapsed and without its support, the flag collapsed as well after kicking up a cloud of sand. In the blink of an eye, the outcome was decided.

Sudou: You bastard. That was foul play!

Ryuuen: Hmm? So you were there? I didn't notice.

Wearing the smirk on his face, Ryuuen pulled the flag up without any hesitation. Sudou tried to chase after him but it seems his back is still hurting quite a bit as he wasn't able to stand back up. With that, The Class D and Class A coalition suffered a great defeat.

(Y/N): Hey, is your back okay?

Sudou: Tch! That bastard... I'm gonna punch his lights out if I run into him again!

Sudou's anger seemed greater than his pain. Looks like he's fine, though.

Sudou: Ahh! This is pissing me off! To think I was planning on winning every contest!

From the irritation he felt towards Ryuuen, he turned towards the disappointing Class D and Class A and blatantly voiced his displeasure. Since Class A also heard it, a few of them returned the glare. Katsuragi stopped them before they could retort.

Katsuragi: I apologize that we weren't of much use.

Hirata: Me too. It's also because we couldn't protect it properly. Let's try hard next time.

Only Katsuragi and Hirata calmly accepted the outcome and for now we decided to disband and return to our own camps.

...

As I stepped into our class tent, Horikita pulled me to the side with a worried look.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?

(Y/N): I'm fine. Thanks. Although, Sudou took the most damage out of all of us.

Horikita: Sigh. I'd still can't believe that Class C could stoop so low.

(Y/N): I'm sorry that we didn't win the game.

Horikita: It's okay. You guys tried your best, though. The defeat were mostly because of the dirty plays by the Class C.

"Next up, the first-year girls' ball toss event. All players, please be prepared."

The referee gave an announcement through speakerphone.

Horikita: I'm heading out. I'll definitely win back our team points.

(Y/N): Good luck.

With that, Horikita headed out the field with other first-year girls. As for us, the first-year boys got ready for the tug-of-war event afterwards.

I walked up to Sudou as the latter greeted me.

Sudou: How much of a gap between the teams do you think there is now?

(Y/N): I don't know. It's just begun, there's no use in thinking about it.

Perhaps he couldn't stand the fact that he lost since, Sudou was fidgeting while he watched the girls' match.

Sudou: It'll be good if the girls can win, at least.

Because we were some distance away, we couldn't clearly discern how the ball toss would end. All I could think was that it looked like a close battle. The game finished soon afterward, and the teacher in charge counted up the points while clearing away the balls.

"With the fifty-four points total, the Red Team wins."

Thanks to the girls, the disappointing results of the boys' capture-the-flag match was cancelled out. The relief we felt at that announcement was transient, as the referee called out to us and began explaining tug-of-war to us.

Sudou: Alright. Let's do this!

Ike: Hey, Ken. Is your back alright?

Sudou: No problem. My body's tougher than others after all. Besides, there's nothing I can do even if it hurts anyways.

Even as we were worried about him, Sudou stood up with vigor. The rules for tug-of-war are extremely simple and about the same as capture the flag.

Hirata: If we can make a comeback in tug-of-war, then we can overturn the team competitions. Besides, in tug-of-war, there's no physical contact. That means both sides have to rely purely on their own strength. It shouldn't turn into an absurd brawl.

Hirata, who always fretted over Sudou and his surroundings, called out to him like that. Sudou nodded in response.

Sudou: He's right. That's why we can't lose.

A pure test of strength; our power and wits against theirs. Which side will triumph?

As the four classes gathered in the middle of the ground split up into two, they were divided between the left and the right camps. Katsuragi drew near Hirata and whispered something quietly into the other boy's ear.

Katsuragi: Just like we discussed, we'll use our strategy to beat them in a single stroke. Got it?

Hirata: Yeah. I understand. Everyone get in position.

We'd come up with a strategy under their leadership, like we did for capture the flag. After Hirata gave us instructions, Class D took our positions on the field. The strategy itself is extremely simple and consists of just 'lining up based on our heights'. By doing so it allows us to uniformly and orderly apply our strength properly to the rope.

However, a problem emerged for the Class D and Class A coalition before any of that. Contrary to Class D, who were attempting to line up as such, almost half of the boys in Class A made no move at all.

"Hey, Katsuragi-kun. I'd rather you not arrogantly take charge forever"

Such a voice could be heard and without even having to look.

Katsuragi: What do you mean, Hashimoto?

The student named Hashimoto took a step forward. He's a tall, aloof man with his long hair swept behind the back of his head. He had a meek expression on his face but his eyes were those of someone mocking his opponent.

Hashimoto: Exactly what I said. It's your fault that Class A is in a slump now. Are you sure this strategy will let us win?

I couldn't imagine that he was acting alone. The timing was too strange. While our allies focused on Katsuragi and Hashimoto, I looked back towards our camp and searched for Sakayanagi. Sakayanagi, who'd been observing from the very beginning, wore a thin smile. It could only mean one thing.

She instigated this whole thing. I wonder if it means she's only intending on crushing Katsuragi, her opposition. But this is far too inefficient. This is eerie in a different sense from Ryuuen.

The referee approached us, looking as though he was about to give us a warning. Hashimoto gripped the rope as though he had arrived at the designated position.

Hashimoto: Then, shall we? It'd peeve me if we make them think we're lacking in unity as you said.

For now, Class A's civil war seems to have simmered down. At any rate, everyone followed Katsuragi and Hirata's orders, and lined up in order of height. Sudou was the furthest back.

On the other hand, since the Class B and Class C coalition are not cooperating, they ended up dividing their forces up cleanly on basis of their class. Class B took charge at the front of the rope, but they chose the strategy opposite ours, lining up with the tallest in front. Since Class C had lined up completely at random, their lineup would just fall apart.

Just then the signal went off, and we immediately pulled on the rope.

"Heave ho! Heave ho!"

Then, with a shout that seemed like routine, the D/A coalition that has achieved basic cooperation with one another pulled on the rope with vigor. At first it seemed as though we had reached an equilibrium but after a few seconds, the flow changed to favor us in one go. Before long, along with the signal, the D/A coalition's victory was conveyed.

After that, Shibata confronted Ryuuen with their discontent. The latter ignored the former and issued directions to the scattered Class C, adjusting them so that they stood in order of height. We now formed a perfect bow shape.

After Shibata shook his head in exasperation, he encouraged his comrades in Class B and grasped the rope.

Sudou: This one's in the bag. With an arrangement like that, they can't possibly win.

Katsuragi: We can't say that for sure. Everyone, don't let your guard down. The next round won't go the way it did before.

As the signal went off, the D/A coalition pulled, just like we did the first time. However, facing a resistance that was clearly different from before, we start to lose their bearings bit by bit. No matter how hard we pulled, the rope didn't budge.

Ryuuen: Hey, you lot better persevere. If we simply lose then I'll have you lynched.

Suddenly, we felt an intense surge of power come from our opponents' side, starting to drag us over the line. I could hear pained cries from Ike and the others holding the rope in the rear. I'd also happen to be pulling without letting up but just as expected, the resistance is completely different from before. Not long after that, we were dragged forward little by little, until we lost.

Just because they dominated the first round, there were harsh words coming from students who believed that the cause of their defeat in the second round came from within. They tried to look for the offender among each other. Seeing the situation, Katsuragi immediately stepped up and calmed both the classes.

He realigns everyone again after handing out accurate advice as well as reprimands. Once both sides were ready, the crucial third round began.

"Heave ho! Heave ho! Pull!"

Just like the second round, the result wasn't decided right away. The white flag swayed at the center line without moving.

Sudou: Keep on the momentum, guys! We're going to win this!

At his words, everyone started working together in unison. No matter how strong the other side is, victory or defeat isn't decided purely by strength alone when it comes to tug-of-war. The white flag began to lean slightly towards the D/A coalition's side.

Suddenly, the incredible resistance we'd been facing vanished, and everyone on our side tumbled over backward. The match ended with us being unable to stop our own momentum and falling one after another.

Not quite understanding what had happened, starting with Sudou, most of the students began to show their anger while still collapsed. Judging from the results, it's clear that the situation was caused by our opponents letting go of the rope.

"What the hell? What is wrong with you guys!?"

Perhaps this situation was also unexpected for Class B, as a few of their students had also fallen. Eventually, attention was directed at the class where no one had fallen, the Class C.

Ryuuen: I decided to give it a rest since I thought we couldn't win.

It appears near the end, Ryuuen and the rest of Class C all let go of the rope at once.

Ryuuen: Good for you, picking up such a trashy win. It was quite fun seeing you all groveling.

Even as he lost the match, Ryuuen laughed while looking like he enjoyed the match more than anyone else. If you look at this situation alone, you wouldn't be able to tell which one's the winner here. We'd finally won a team competition, but Ryuuen managed to put a damper on it.

With the tug-of-war ended, we all went back to our tents with dissatisfaction.

...

Next up is the obstacle course race. Thanks to Sudou's death threat, everyone in our class ran as hard as their lives depend on their results.

Ike: Hah... Hah... Man, I did my best and I'm still only got sixth place.

Ike breathes heavily as he fell on his knees. He probably dreads the prospect of Sudou coming back.

Ike: What place did you get, (L/N)?

(Y/N): Barely got third place.

Ike: Woah, seriously dude?! God damn lucky.

Well, it seemed like invoking Sudou's ire would be a hassle. That was why I decided to put in a little effort.

Hirata: It looks like Sudou-kun will be going up against Shibata-kun.

(Y/N): Hmm. Looks like it.

Shibata was doing light warm-up exercises as he waited for his race to start. Sudou had a formidable opponent. Shibata, who's said to be the fastest runner in Class B, he's sure to put up a fight for first place. In the two contests leading up to this, he's taken first place in both.

As the referee gave the signal, both Sudou and Shibata got off to a good start. They were neck and neck as they headed toward the first obstacle, the balance beam. Despite Sudou's physical size, he was able to cross the narrow balance beam faster than anyone else, with Shibata behind him.

Sprinting a short distance immediately after, they crawled through the net that had been placed on the ground. Sudou, who advanced like a wild beast, only looking ahead of him. And Shibata, who seemed to be having fun chasing after him. The last obstacle was a sack race. Everyone jumped in their sacks and started hopping. Sudou managed to clear the race with dexterity that belied his large frame, but Shibata was closing the distance between them.

Hirata: This is the most intense match of the day.

(Y/N): Agree.

Sudou managed to stay ahead, and in the end, was the first to cut through the tape at the finish line. I suppose going all out had its effect on him, since even from a distance, I could tell that Sudou was breathing hard.

Sudou and Shibata were both evenly matched when it comes to speed. No, just like Hirata said, if it comes down to speed alone then Shibata may have been the superior one. Depending on the contest and the timing, I guess Sudou isn't invincible either.

However, dropping Shibata down to second place after he had secured first place twice in a row was a good sign for Sudou, who's aiming to be the best amongst our school year.

...

We didn't even have time to rest as we had to prepare for the three-legged race. On the other hand, the obstacle course race for the girls had turned stormy from the very first round. Horikita had endeavored earlier to compensate for the results as she separated herself from the Class C duo right away from the start.

Hirata: Looks like she's in the same group as Yajima-san and Kinoshita-san again.

(Y/N): 'Somehow, I felt uneasy about the match...'

When the race started, Kinoshita had dashed forward, bolting straight toward the balance beam. She made it there first and put a lot of distance between herself and those behind her. Yajima was now in second place. Horikita followed in third.

After passing the balance beam, the gap had shrunk to the point they were almost lined up beside one another.

Hirata: Looks like there's a chance for her, this time.

Nearby, Sudou's also cheering Horikita on as well. By the time they had crossed through the net, Horikita had taken the lead at last.

However, Kinoshita is also a fast runner. Taking advantage of the distance between obstacles, she closes in and shortens the gap. Then she takes second place back for herself. Yajima wasn't about to be thrown out of first. Horikita sprinted forward with everything she had to try and steal second place.

Horikita ran at top speed for the final fifty meters of the race. However, she must have been concerned about Kinoshita closing in on her, because she repeatedly glanced over her shoulder. In the very next moment, both Horikita, who had been attempting to outrun Kinoshita, and Kinoshita who was in pursuit, ran into each other and both collapsed.

Ike: Woah!? Hey, something big just happened!

I was too far away, so I couldn't tell who had run into whom. Perhaps they weren't able to stand back up immediately, since they were both desperately tried to get back on their feet amidst the clouds of dust.

Although they kept going, the incident affected them. In the end, Horikita finished in an unbelievable seventh place. Kinoshita ended up getting last place due to significant pain in her leg, which rendered her unable to continue to run.

Horikita had placed first, then third, and now seventh. We had no choice but to say that it'd been an unfortunate accident.

(Y/N): ...

Hirata: What's the matter, (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): If this 'coincidence' were to occur again, then I may no longer be able to write it off as a mere 'coincidence'.

I brought up the subject I didn't broach earlier on with Hirata.

Hirata: You think so, too? I'd say the others are also starting to realize that. This doesn't bode well.

Unfortunately, his assessment is spot on.

(Y/N): If there are any students that have caught onto this, can I leave you to care for them?

Hirata: Of course. That's my role after all. But isn't there something we can do?

(Y/N: It'd be great if there is.

I felt relief seeing Hirata accept the task without a hint of discontent and so I headed over to my girl, who seemed dissatisfied.

(Y/N): Does it hurt?

Horikita was in pain when she entered the tent but immediately hide it away when I approached her.

Horikita: A little. But not to the extent of affecting the contests. If I rest up a bit I'll be fine.

She put on her usual strong face while answering me, but she was having a difficult time just sitting down.

I sighed and kneel down beside her. Steeling myself against incurring her wrath, I tried touching the part where I believe the injury lies.

Horikita: Ow!

(Y/N): This isn't going to affect the competition, huh?

I frowned and looked at her. She returned my gaze before looking away.

Horikita: It's fine. I'll just have to bear with it.

(Y/N): You shouldn't push yourself too hard, Suzune.

Horikita: I know that. But currently the class was in dire situation, I couldn't afford to burden the whole team right now. At least I could garner some points if I participate instead of withdrawing.

To be in a position of so much responsibility could be hard. Especially for people like Horikita, who took pride in their ability to produce results.

I took her hand and placed on my other hands.

(Y/N): Sigh. I guess there's no stopping you, isn't it?

Horikita: You should know me better than anyone, (Y/N)-kun.

She caressed my hand and reassured me.

Horikita: I will be fine. Don't worry about me.

(Y/N): Still, why you keep looking back during the race?

Horikita's expression shifted as I mentioned the incident earlier.

Horikita: That girl's a sneak. It's like she was looking to hurt me.

(Y/N): What?

Horikita: While she was running behind me, she called my name over and over. Of course I thought it was strange. But soon after I turned back to look, we collided with each other and rest went exactly as you saw it. It looked like an accident, but if so, then why was she calling my name? Honestly, I can't keep up with this. To think that we're still in the middle...

Now that I think about it, Horikita would be the third person to be injured. One second-year had fallen during the race, and had to withdraw because of the pain, but that at least had seemed to be an isolated incident among the upperclassmen.

Horikita: Anyway, you'd better get going. It'll be bad if someone seeing you holding my hands. You wouldn't want anyone expose our relationship, right?

(Y/N): Ah, of course.

I let go of her hands and stood up.

(Y/N): Well, I'll do my best for the upcoming events, but don't push yourself too hard, okay?

As she nodded at my response, I left her and started preparing for the next competition, the three-legged race.

Hirata: Hey, how's Horikita-san doing?

(Y/N): Not gonna lie, but it seems pretty serious. It looks like it'll affect the subsequent contests.

Hirata: That's a severe turn of events.

While we tied the string for the three-legged race, we exchanged such little interactions. Not too long after, the three-legged race began for the first-year boys.

Because a three-legged race meant two people per team, only a scant four teams could run at once. Sudou, who's in the group starting ahead of us, bottled up his anger and started. He's partner with Ike, and despite the lack of athleticism from the latter, they still managed to nab the first place in their group.

Hirata: Wow, Sudou-kun can be incredibly reliable, can't he?

(Y/N): Actually, I feel bad for Ike. But he should be satisfied from having taken the first place.

Hirata: Ahaha. Right, then. It's our cue.

Along with those words, Hirata started. Fortunately, there were no notable people running in the same group as us.

Since we were compatible as partners as well, similarly to Sudou, we ended up with the ultimate result of first place.

"Kyaaaa! Hirata-kun's so cool!"

However, it was painful to listen to all the girls cheer only for Hirata. Sigh.

Next came the first-year girls' three-legged race. Horikita, who was learning to compromise, and Kushida, always willing to compromise, were paired and set to go for the second round. Their relationship was especially awful, but maybe a desire to win would bridge that gap.

They had a promising start as second place. Not a bad start and cheers began to rise up.

Sudou: Go, Horikita!

Sudou, who had secured first place, began to cheer for Horikita. He had been trying so hard to earn Horikita's approval ever since. Well, I can't complain much if this help Sudou to become a more reliable person.

However, Horikita and Kushida slowed down, and their ranking dropped. Before we knew it, two girls from Class A took first place. They were beautiful young women with the same haughty aura as Horikita. The Class C team, which included Yajima, came second.

(Y/N): Something's wrong.

Sudou: Huh? What is it?

(Y/N): Horikita's movement were... rigid.

Sudou: Now that you mention it, you're right.

Horikita had always pulled her partner along by force during practice but in the actual event, it appeared as though Kushida is taking the lead. As I suspected, the pain in her leg is affecting her.

She was desperately pushing herself to keep up, but her body just couldn't handle it. Eventually, the other teams started to overtake them. Even though they ran the best they could, but they came in at last place. Our victory was, once again, far out of reach.

...

A ten minute break took place, and people either headed for the toilet or off to get a drink of water.. Saying she'd be heading over to the infirmary to apply a compress, Horikita headed into the school building.

I didn't go anywhere, and instead remained in our camp while observing the other classes. It was possible to pick up all sorts of information just by observing from afar. Class A was especially interesting, as I'd suspected.

The twisted relationship between Katsuragi and Sakayanagi was highlighted. Anyone can see with their naked eye that they're clearly divided between two factions. Perhaps neither side has any intention of getting along with the other, since there's barely any contact between them. It is by no means strange for a class to have two appointed leaders. Even in our class, while having Hirata as the primary one, there's still Karuizawa and Kushida and in this case, even Sudou is leading the class. However, I could tell that there's blatant antagonism between Class A. But, at the very least, Class A probably wasn't scheming to get in our way or anything.

On the other hand, I wouldn't have been surprised if Class C was plotting to disrupt us somehow. I looked towards the opposing camp. There, as though they were serving a king, male students were clustered around Ryuuen, who was at their center. Even in this sports festival, he's fighting with the intention of closing in on and hurting the other classes mentally and has damaged them that way.

Then finally, I wonder how Class B is doing, having to fight against a formidable enemy like Class A while having to work together with Class C, from which a betrayal is possible. Ichinose and her group, who are always cheerful and optimistic and seek to fight fair-and-square. At a glance, they hadn't changed their usual behavior. Watching their smiles and happy gestures, it basically seemed as though they were genuinely enjoying the festival.

...

After our short break, the contests ran in reverse order. It was time for the first-year girls' cavalry battle. This would be yet another showdown between the D/A and B/C coalitions.

The rules for the cavalry battle are the same for both boys and girls and have a time limit. It's a mechanism set up such that scores are allocated based on the number of enemy horsemen defeated and the number of allied horsemen remaining after a period of three minutes. Four horsemen make up one team.

Four students from each class were horsemen, which meant it was an eight-versus-eight battle. Extra students were kept as reserve units, to be substituted as needed. One horseman is worth 50 points and each class has one horseman designated as the general and the general horseman is worth 100 points. You can acquire these points even if the opponent is still standing so as long as you can steal away their headband.

Horikita had been chosen to jockey for Class D. Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondou were supporting her. They weren't bad at all. Mori, Kushida, and Karuizawa were the other jockeys.

The problem here is Mori's horse, which is composed of unathletic students. If we're targeted, there is a high possibility that she'd be the first to go down.

Once the start signal is given, the horsemen from Class C and Class B quietly begin to close the distance. Amongst them, as I thought, the one overflowing with motivation was Class C's Ibuki. Ibuki, who happens to be the jockey, issued orders and headed towards Horikita without hesitation. No, it's not just Ibuki.

Ike: H-Hey, dude! What the hell?!

Ike, who had been watching, cried out and beside him, I could see Sudou clench his teeth.

Class C did not attack their other enemy, Class A, at all and did not pay any attention to Class D's general nor the other horsemen either. They only surrounded Horikita's horse. Their objective was all too clear.

(Y/N): 'They are targeting Suzune, huh?'

Outnumbered numerically, the only thing we could count on would be backup from Class A but perhaps they intend to profit from our fight, since Class A only performed feints and showed no signs of openly participating in the fight.

Karuizawa and her horsemen rushed to Horikita's rescue first. Shinohara hurried over to support Karuizawa. However, the one who got in their way was Class B's general horseman, Ichinose.

Now they were on a collision course: Karuizawa versus Ichinose.

Ichinose went for a direct attack, but her movements weren't sharp. Karuizawa managed to react well and launch a counterattack. It was a contest of unity versus maneuverability, and looked as though it would drag on for a while.

The audience cheered. As Karuizawa's group made their move, a horseman's headband was snatched off. Horikita's, as I'd expected.

She was attacked simultaneously by four horsemen and no longer able to avoid their persistent attacks, she was finally crushed. She fell off her horse quite flashily and is now collapsed on the ground, trying to raise her upper body back up in frustration. However, in a situation like this, not even Sudou would have stood a chance of winning. Class A and their lack of defense were responsible for her defeat.

In any case, it's no use crying over spilled milk. Horikita's defeat marked the onset of a melee. Having lost a horseman and having Class B pursue them on top of it, Class D's unity wavered in an instant. Some players fell off their horses, while others had their headbands snatched. Their resistances were futile. After that, Classes B and C attacked the remaining Class A units and completely wiped them out. Our opponents had only lost a total of two horsemen, but the A/D coalition had suffered a great loss.

Biting back her frustration, Horikita returned to our camp. Sudou calls out to her immediately.

Sudou: Don't worry about it. It was hopeless anyways, it's the others' fault for being too slow with their support.

Horikita: That doesn't change the fact that I lost. Their momentum completely overwhelmed me.

(Y/N): Under those circumstances, no one could even stand a chance.

Sudou: Well, I'm gonna prove you wrong, (L/N). I'll go on a rampage and make up for this as well.

Sudou coolly said that. Normally words like this wouldn't even reach Horikita, but in her weak state right now, they seem to have resonated within her.

Horikita: I'll be expecting that from you. You too, (L/N)-kun.

Sudou thrust his fists to his chest while I nodded.

Sudou: Alright, let's go guys!

The former then turned to face the boys and gave them a shout. I took a quick glance at Horikita before joining the team.

The boy's cavalry battle began. I took the role of a horse on the right of my unit. Sudou was squarely in the middle, and Miyake was on the left. Hirata was our jockey. Thus, our class's strongest unit was born, a warrior without peer, capable of achieving victory even if our allied horsemen were defeated.

When the signal went off, Hirata gave the order. Class D's horsemen joined Class A's. We'd inevitably end up forming a massive cluster. They did abandon Class D to its fate during the girls' match but surely simply losing isn't what Class A wishes for either.

Following Katsuragi's orders, eight horsemen from the D/A coalition assault the enemy team.

We fell during capture-the-flag before an overwhelming power but this time, things are going differently. Three horsemen from Class B and Class C combined have already been beaten by Sudou, showing an overwhelming difference in power. Riding that wave, Katsuragi and the other Class A students succeeded in taking down Shibata and Kanzaki's horse despite losing three of their own.

Eventually, Ryuuen was the sole remaining enemy. Both Hirata and Katsuragi's units had survived, and one additional Class D horseman remained. We had a chance.

Sudou: Yeah! It's three on one now, right? We got this!

In this case, no. We don't. Ryuuen understood Sudou's personality, and took full advantage of it. He understands well the fact that Sudou always had a bullish personality and is quick to fight. As a result, a three on one scenario turned into one on one fight. Even Sudou was barely matched his strength against the half-Japanese guy, Yamada Albert, Hirata tried his best to snag away Ryuuen's headband. But strangely, he was unable to snatch away the headband as it slipped out of his hand, not once but twice.

Taking advantage of Hirata's bewilderment, Ryuuen deeply gripped the headband. And forcefully. When he pulled back, the headband fell from Hirata's head all too easily. The referee then called us to leave the field. Sudou, looking wild and unruly, glared at Ryuuen. I pushed him, directing him to leave the field.

Now that Sudou's withdrawn, Katsuragi's unit joined the remaining Class D horsemen to start a two-against-one strategy. However, when they grabbed Ryuuen's headband, things played out in a similar way. They couldn't pull the headband off. Yahiko's headband, along with Class D's headband, were both stolen away. Despite only utilizing minimal movements, Ryuuen demonstrated marvelous strength and survived to the very end.

Sudou: Tch! He's the only one I absolutely didn't want to lose to! Pull yourself together, Hirata!

Hirata: Sorry, Sudou-kun. That headband was strangely wet and so I couldn't quite pull it off. I thought it was sweat at first but that feels a bit off.

Hirata said that and showed us his hands. When I touched his fingertips, I realized he had some kind of clear and sticky fluid stuck on his fingertips.

(Y/N): That's not sweat.

Sudou: Wait, that means... That bastard!

After confirming it by touching it with his own fingers, Sudou approached Ryuuen.

Sudou: That's a foul play! You slathered your headband with something!

Ryuuen: I don't know what you're talking about. If there's anything on my headband, it's probably just hair gel. Don't be a sore loser.

He could say it came from his hair when he put on the headband. Perhaps it's because he had been swinging it around after his victory or perhaps it's simply because he'd wiped it on the ground but rather than being drenched, the headband in Ryuuen's hand was only dirtied. It seems the evidence has been erased.

(Y/N): Sudou, we're gonna causing an uproar here. Let's head back to our tent.

We couldn't prove that Ryuuen had coated his headband in anything. In truth, Ryuuen probably had used hair gel.

Karuizawa called out to me once we came back from our cavalry battle.

Karuizawa: Hey, (Y/N). Isn't this bad?

(Y/N): What's bad— Wait. Why'd you call me by my first name?

Karuizawa: Why? Well, I call Yousuke-kun by his first name, so I thought I'd try using yours.

(Y/N): 'Well, if Suzune know that, I'll never hear the end of it. Besides, where's the honorific? Where's the -kun?'

Karuizawa: More importantly, it's about Horikita-san. Isn't she having a hard time for quite a while now? Even during the cavalry battle just now, she was a mess. Even if I try and follow up for her if it's like that, it's just absurd.

Horikita was in a bad way, and not just in the team contests. Her rankings had fallen greatly across every event. The reason was clear: the fall during the obstacle course had injured her right leg.

Karuizawa: Well, I don't intend to blame her though. Her opponents are just too much.

Like Karuizawa said, it's not like it's Horikita's fault. Each and every time she keeps running into difficult opponents. No matter what contest it may be, if she keeps having to face students who happen to be the best in their clubs, then naturally winning would prove difficult.

But this is far too biased to write off as a mere coincidence.

(Y/N): It can't be helped. She's being targeted after all.

Karuizawa: Targeted? So, it's not accidental that she keeps facing all these incredible students?

There was just one person who might order such a thing: Ryuuen Kakeru. He's progressively prioritizing attacking Horikita over leading Class C to victory.

(Y/N): He's definitely harassing her.

Karuizawa: Someone's harassing Horikita-san? But, why though?

(Y/N): Not just Horikita. They seem to know all our strategies for the competitions, and the composition of all our teams.

Karuizawa: The class's information... The list on the participation table was leaked?

(Y/N): That's right. They handed all that information over to Ryuuen

Karuizawa: That sort of thing... If I recall, Horikita-san's opponents were always Yajima-san and Kinoshita-san. Does this have something to do with the traitor you were talking about earlier?

I nodded.

Karuizawa: And you know who that is?

(Y/N): Sorry to disappoint you, no.

Leaving aside the 'who' for now, what's important is that the class's information is being leaked.

Our order of participation in the contests that we agreed on, with Hirata being first on the list, as well as our strategies, all of it is known to Ryuuen. Based on that information, he did two things.

One is to feed weak students to the talented students like Sudou and Hirata. And then he forces unathletic students like Ike and Yamauchi to compete against students who excel in sports beyond the shadow of a doubt in order to rack up wins that way.

The other is his targeting of Horikita. But that has nothing to do with leading his class to victory. He himself, for the sole purpose of crushing Horikita, is sending out powerful pieces to attack and crush her. And, in truth, Horikita had been crushed. She'd completely lost face.

These strategies indeed reveal the peculiarities of the man known as Ryuuen Kakeru. He intended to let us know that he's screwing with us.

Karuizawa: So, aren't you gonna help her?

(Y/N): How would I do that?

Karuizawa: Well... I don't know. She's your girlfriend after all. I thought you might come up with something.

She turned away as she said that.

(Y/N): Wait, how did you—

Karuizawa: I'm not blind. I've been watching you ever since the cruise ship exam. Of course I'll found out about it.

(Y/N): So, you're stalking me?

Karuizawa: Ah, no no no! I'm not a pervert! Why would I stalk someone gloomy like you, huh?! It's not that you're my type or anything!

She was flustered and waving her hand in denial.

(Y/N): Sigh. Anyway. To answer your question earlier, the participation table for this sports festival has already been set. There's nothing we can do about it.

Karuizawa: But, Class D might lose like this.

(Y/N): I suppose.

Karuizawa: Isn't there anything we can do?

(Y/N): You should ask Hirata about that.

Karuizawa: That's... true, I guess. But, somehow if it's you, I thought you'd be able to think of something...

She crossed her arms and looked away.

(Y/N): Well, what do you think of Horikita?

Karuizawa: What? I don't like her. She's conceited and impertinent. N-No offense, by the way.

(Y/N): None taken. But, you're still worried about her.

Karuizawa: Maybe I saw her as being similar to me.

Targeted, taking concentrated fire and forced into distress. So she's projecting her old, bullied self onto her.

Karuizawa: Sigh. So there's no way for us to win, after all.

(Y/N): Not to worry. Everything so far has been going according to plan

As I said that, Karuizawa brought her fist downed against her open palm.

Karuizawa: Aha! I knew it! You did think of something. So? How do we win?

(Y/N): Win? I don't have any intention to win. Right now what's truly important is that we do nothing.

Karuizawa: Ehh?

Karuizawa opened her mouth agape when I answered like that.

(Y/N): For this sports festival, just do what you can. By doing that, it'll prove beneficial later.

Karuizawa: What do you mean by—

I was trying to think up a way out of this incessant questioning when I heard a very angry roar.

Sudou: I'm seriously going to beat the crap out of that jerk!

Sudou, bristling with all the aggression of a demon, was storming toward Class C.

The continuous provocations he received during the team competitions, and Ryuuen's statements that seemed to be targeting Horikita. All of that appeared to have been for the sake of causing Sudou to go on a rampage now.

Hirata immediately stood in his way to stop him but he forcefully shoved Hirata.

Hirata: Calm down, Sudou-kun. I understand what you're saying, I do think he's been cheating. But isn't that difficult for us to prove?

Sudou: I'm the leader here! So, listen to me Hirata!

Hirata: I'm not denying that you're the leader. Considering this sports festival, there's no doubt that you're the leader. But I want you to look around. Just how many people right now acknowledge you as their leader?

Sudou looked around.

Starting with Ike and the others, who cowered before his anger, most of the students kept their distance from the irritated Sudou. They didn't want to suffer his wrath. Even Horikita looked at Sudou with worried exasperation.

Currently, Class D was swimming in fear and discomfort.

Sudou: I'm desperately trying for the sake of the class.

Yukimura: Is that really so? Rather than wanting the class to win, isn't it just that you want to show off? Isn't it just that you want to show us just how amazing you are? At the very least, I think so.

Out of the blue, Yukimura interjected cuttingly.

Yukimura: Your emotions are completely out of control, and they're making all your decisions for you. If you're going to pretend you're the leader, then you need to act like it and help all of us.

Sudou: Shut up.

Hirata: I feel the same way too, Sudou-kun. It's precisely because we're relying on you, Sudou-kun, that I want you to see the bigger picture. And I want you to respond to the feelings of all your comrades.

Sudou: Shut up!

Hirata: I know you can do this, Sudou-kun. That's why—

Sudou: I said, shut up!

SMACK!

Just as I thought a dull sound like that rang out, Hirata, who had been standing next to him, was shoved from behind and had collapsed onto the ground. Sudou, his eyes bloodshot, didn't appear to realize the mistake he'd just made.

However, by beating Hirata up, Sudou's already bathing in attention regardless of whether it's wanted or not and the teachers are eyeing him as well. Despite it being a class's internal affair, if violence is involved, it won't end with just a warning.

Chabashira: What's going on?

Chabashira-sensei approached Hirata, who still lay on the ground. When she saw how enraged Sudou looked, it was pretty easy for her to deduce what'd happened.

Chabashira: Did you hit him?

Hirata: No, that's not it. I just fell down on my own.

Chabashira: I hardly see it that way.

Hirata: Well, you'd be wrong to think he hit me. Look, I fell, so there shouldn't be a problem.

We cannot afford to have both the fact that Sudou punched and Hirata was punched come to light. Hirata made the right call. After a slight delay, Chabashira-sensei delivers her judgement.

Chabashira: If the victim says that nothing happened, then there's no problem. However, I can tell there's something going on here. For now, keep your distance from one another. Then I'll be filing a report to my superiors. As a preventive measure.

Hirata: There's no trouble here. But I understand.

Thanks to Hirata's calm response, nothing came of it. Hirata took his distance to stay out of Sudou's field of vision.

On the other hand, Sudou was no longer able to suppress his rage and kicked a pipe chair near him with all his strength.

Sudou: Do whatever you want. Go ahead and lose, you small fries. This sports festival thing can go to hell.

For a moment,Sudou looked at Horikita, who had been watching the whole thing but he averted his eyes. Sudou left and started walking back towards the dormitory.

Karuizawa: T-This is bad, (L/N).

(Y/N): It doesn't concern me.

Kouenji is absent due to ill health. And now Sudou's walked out on us. Rationally speaking, Class D's situation can be summed up as a shamefully terrible one.

I walked up to Hirata and checked on him.

(Y/N): Are you alright, Hirata?

Hirata: Yeah, I really got it good though.

Fortunately, it seems like only the inside of his mouth is a bit cutup and no large and visible external injuries occurred.

Hirata: But what do we do now? This is bad...

(Y/N): I wonder...

...

Despair

(Y/N)'s POV

While Class D dealt with its own problems, the second-and third-year students' cavalry battle proceeded. Horikita kept staring at her brother, whom she couldn't approach.

Sudou didn't return to camp even after the cavalry battles ended and the final event, the 200-meter dash, began. The school will continue on with the contest, paying no mind even if one or two students happened to be absent. The absentees will simply be disqualified and will not be able to obtain points. The rules were clear.

Beneath us, Ryuuen approached.

Ryuuen: Hirata, what happened to Sudou?

Perhaps Ryuuen had been observing Class D from a distance, but he spoke as though he were there close by when everything went down.

Hirata: Something came up and Sudou-kun's taking a break. He'll be back soon

Ryuuen: Kuku. I don't think you should be saying baseless things like that.

Having his named called for the second race, Ryuuen entered the course.

Hirata: You've taken first place in all the individual competitions so far, right, Ryuuen-kun?

Behind his back, Hirata called out to him while silently displaying his fighting spirit.

Ryuuen: What's wrong with that?

Hirata: In terms of the participants this time, you're likely to take first place. It appears Ryuuen-kun's quite lucky.

Ryuuen: Heh. Luck's on my side after all.

Hirata: I don't know how much longer your luck will last, though. Anything can change.

Ryuuen: Huh?

Hirata: What I mean by that is I know what you're thinking.

Ryuuen laughed scornfully as though saying he had no idea what he's talking about. Hirata then continued.

Hirata: The fact that you've obtained the list on Class D's participation table as well as the fact that you know the physical abilities of Class D's students in detail too. And I also understand that you intend to make use of that. We're not idiots. We have a few tricks hidden up our sleeves.

Ryuuen: Ooh. I'd be scared if that weren't such an obvious bluff. Look at how far apart Classes C and D are now. Doesn't it fill you with despair? Regardless of whether you knew the truth or not, you should've at least tried to trick us.

Hirata: I just have one thing to say to you. Before the day ends, I'm going to show you something interesting.

Ryuuen: Something interesting? Then I'll be waiting in anticipation.

Ryuuen didn't sound fazed in the slightest. He probably had no reason to be, considering that he went on to handily take first place in the 200-meter dash.

(Y/N): So there's a little over an hour until Sudou's next match, huh?

The dash continued for the second-and third-year students, followed by a fifty-minute break. If Sudou fails to return by then, it'll be checkmate. With our ace gone missing, there's no winning chance for our class. There's only one person in this class capable of forcing him into action.

After I placed third in the 200-meter dash, I waited for her to finish her own race. I wondered if Horikita understood just how vital her role was.

(Y/N): Suzune. Do you understand the gist of Sudou's situation?

Horikita: His leadership was questioned and he came to realize what a disappointment he is before running away.

(Y/N): Roughly speaking. That's true...

Horikita: And? You're not going to ask me to bring back Sudou-kun, are you?

(Y/N): If you knew what I'm thinking, then don't ask unnecessary question.

Horikita: I don't get it. There are other people you could rely on. There's no way I could possibly bring him back, right?

Is she seriously saying that? She hasn't realized at all yet that she's the reason why Sudou's trying so hard in this sport festivals.

Horikita: Besides, I'm not exactly in a position where I can worry about the others.

She was indeed suffering. She had a lot to deal with on her own. I understood her feelings. Besides, pretty much no one wanted to go find Sudou. They'd abandoned him, although they knew that he could save us in the sports festival. Everyone's trust in him had evaporated.

Well, it's time for me to play the role of a bad guy now.

(Y/N): You know what? You cannot take care of your classmates, you cannot take care of yourself, what are you even worth then? You're just a burden.

Her eyes widened when I gave her the deepest cut.

Horikita: W-What are you saying? I'm sorry I got hurt, but I had bad luck. Aren't there things you just can't do anything about?

(Y/N): Bad luck? So you don't see your injury, as well as Class D's current state, as anything more than a coincidence. Proof that you haven't realized anything.

She clenched her fists as she's trying to refute back.

Horikita: Don't mock me. Of course I understand the seriousness of the situation. The information on the participation table's list had been leaked to Ryuuen-kun. And the fact that the fault lies with a traitor from within the class. But it can't be helped, right?

(Y/N): What else have you noticed?

I continued spoke in a cold tone and expressionless face.

Horikita: What else? I don't know the details of it, but Ryuuen-kun provoked Sudou-kun?

(Y/N): That's right. He attempted to thoroughly crush Sudou, the key player of our class. No matter how much information he's obtained, Sudou's still invincible as far as individual competitions go and he's a powerful presence in the team competitions as well. So, Ryuuen needled and provoked him on purpose, until he got Sudou to drop out.

Sudou ceased to be an asset and because of his rampage, Class D's morale has plummeted.

Horikita: Yes. That's why we're in this current situation.

(Y/N): Anything else you had noticed?

Horikita: Wait, you can't mean... You want to speculate?

I gave her a silent response.

Horikita: Yes, I certainly do. I guess he told Kinoshita-san to trip me. But it's hard to blatantly, deliberately cause injury—

If I felt like it, I could have offered her evidence that it was indeed intentional. But that's not important. And instead, I said.

(Y/N): How long do you intend on being useless, Suzune?

Unless I took drastic measures, Horikita Suzune would never wake up.

Finally, she snapped and yelled back.

Horikita: What's the matter with you!? You should offer to help instead of adding insult to injury. I thought you're my—

(Y/N): That doesn't matter. I called you useless because you are useless.

Horikita: How dare you!? I'm confident that in both written exams and physical abilities, I'm superior to those worthless people over there. In the first place, since the information leaked, isn't it already too late? Not just me, but just about anyone would be left unable to do anything in this situation. Would you mind giving some basis?

I was unfazed by her outburst and continued replying in a cold tone.

(Y/N): If you were an ordinary student, it would be fine for you to say that. But that's not the case, is it? If you're aiming for Class A and intend to raise your comrades up to the same then it's about time I tell you about the necessity of cultivating a mindset that can see the bigger picture.

Horikita: That's why I'm telling you to show your basis!

The classmates around us turned to look for a moment to see what's going on.

(Y/N): 'The information on the participation table's list had been leaked', 'Ryuuen provoked Sudou', 'It might have been that the injury was intentionally caused'.

I summarized Horikita's word and threw it back to her.

(Y/N): Certainly, just like you said, it's a situation where you cannot do anything about it. Why— Because you didn't do anything about it. And as long as you don't do anything about it, it'll continue on forever. Do you intend to complain again when Ryuuen pulls something off brilliantly once more?

Horikita: That's... But, I...

(Y/N): You can either prioritize improving your own ranking while Sudou remains absent, or you can let your ranking plummet while Sudou returns and helps pull the class forward. Which of those best serves Class D?

She opened her mouth but no answer coming out from her.

(Y/N): It's a rhetorical question. You aren't nearly as valuable as Sudou right now. Get a hint already that you're an absolutely useless student. Sudou's methods are clumsy but he's contributed more during this sports festival than anyone else. And he had been eagerly trying to win. Is it really okay for you to give up on him just because you claim you can't afford to care about other people? You're going to let him sit this out?

If I say this much, Horikita should be able to understand too. Even if what I said hurt her, she needed to wake up. It pained me to say this, but I wanted her to acknowledge exactly what she had to do from this point on.

(Y/N): It's something obvious even an elementary school student should be able to answer right? That this one act would lead to the start of our counterattack.

Ryuuen strategically crushed Sudou. Then all we have to do is strategically call Sudou back. It's a simple matter.

(Y/N): If you're aiming for Class A, there's a limit to how much you can do on your own. As a matter of fact, right now you're in a situation where you cannot do anything on your own. You'll surely encounter more and more of such exams. At such a time, the man known as Sudou Ken will definitely become a valuable asset. In order to make use of it, what is it that you ought to be prioritizing right now? Is it to pray that your injuries heal here? That's not it, right?

Horikita: I-I...

I then took the silver bracelet that I brought from my locker during the break. I showed her the bracelet and said.

(Y/N): I'll let you think about it. And before you do, don't give me back the bracelet.

I then dropped the bracelet on the ground and walked away.

That's right, there's nothing else after this. I'm neither going to offer her a strategy to win against Ryuuen nor tell her the way to pull through it. Right now, what Horikita needs is defeat and healing.

As I walked away, I glanced back and saw Horikita kneel down on the ground and took the silver bracelet that I threw on her both hands.

(Y/N): 'The sports festival's outcome now depended on you, Suzune.'

If my words hadn't reached her, it was game over.

...

Horikita's POV

I headed towards the infirmary inside the school alone, feeling a sense of loss after (Y/N)-kun verbally demolished me. I didn't expect the person I loved to act in that manner and speak out. It hurts, my heart hurts. Thank god I was able to hold back myself earlier. I'd been so shocked, I couldn't give him a satisfactory answer either.

No, that's not it. (Y/N)-kun was right. He was absolutely right. I wasn't able to retort.

Either way, what I ought to be doing right now is to do something about this leg of mine that I can't move the way I want. Treatment is necessary if I am to go after Sudou-kun. There were emergency first aid personnel stationed on the grounds but wanting to avoid standing out to the best of my ability, I had chosen the infirmary inside the school.

When I got to the infirmary, I saw that someone else was already there. Of the three available beds, one was curtained off. I couldn't see who was in it.

Horikita: How's my condition, sensei?

During the intermission before the lunch break, I had the emergency first aid personnel apply taping but its effects were minimal. After inspecting my leg, the nurse looked up.

"I've said this earlier too but participating in any further competition will be difficult."

Although it was diagnosed as a sprain, it's neither getting worse nor better. Currently I'm capable of barely running. But at the very most, I can only manage running. I cannot muster up the strength needed to win in a contest.

"Do you still plan to take part in the recommended-participant events?"

Horikita: I was planning to. But I think I'll be bidding farewell to any participation. Because I can see if I participate with my leg in this condition, I'll only be liability for the class.

"That is a wise decision."

Fortunately, I have a great sum of points I obtained from earlier exams. Even if I abstained, by paying compensation, I can make up for it. That was no small expense, but if it would raise our class's chances of victory even a little, then I had to pay it. My dream of running alongside my brother would end, though.

At this point, fretting over personal matters like that is meaningless. The important thing is who to entrust the substitute role to.

Horikita: Thank you very much.

Having received treatment, I gave my thanks and left the infirmary behind. I headed towards the main entrance so as to return to the grounds. In the window, I saw my limping reflection. Feeling pathetic, I bit my lip.

I tried my hardest to appear calm and collected, so that others wouldn't notice my pain. When I was just about to go back outside, Kushida-san ran up to me in a panic.

Kushida: I'm glad I was able to find you, Horikita-san. Umm, there's something I'd like to talk about.

Horikita: What is it? I have business to attend to later so I'd like you to keep it short.

After Kushida-san looked around, she whispered in my ear.

Kushida: Umm... you see, it seems Kinoshita-san, who ran into you and collapsed, suffered a serious injury. Right now, it looks like it's bad enough that she can't even get up, that's why... well, Kinoshita-san wants to talk to you, Horikita-san.

Hearing those words, I couldn't conceal my surprise. Certainly she did seem injured but to think such a thing happened.

Horikita: Where is she?

Kushida: This way.

After that back-and-forth, Kushida-san led me in the direction of the infirmary.

...

When I returned, once again, to the infirmary, Chabashira-sensei was there inside the room. The nurse in charge of the infirmary opened her mouth.

"Good. I was just saying that you'd barely missed Horikita-san."

Chabashira: I sent Kushida to go call you but it looks like she found you right away.

Standing beside me, Kushida-san was listening in on the teachers' conversation with a slightly uneasy look.

Horikita: What is this about?

From the bed walled off by the curtain I saw earlier, I could hear a girl's sobbing. Chabashira-sensei parted the curtain slightly. Behind it was Kinoshita-san from Class C, who is lying on top of the bed. Immediately shutting the curtains again, I was called out into the corridor.

Chabashira: Kinoshita fell on the obstacle course this morning. Do you remember that?

Horikita: Of course. She bumped into me.

That incident ended up throwing a wrench into my sports festival.

Chabashira: Well, Kinoshita says that you deliberately knocked her down, Horikita.

Horikita: Wait, what? It was completely by accident.

I'd been about to say that it was part of Ryuuen-kun's strategy, as (Y/N)-kun stated. I believed that (Y/N)-kun was completely right, but we had no proof.

Chabashira: I'd like to believe that as well but the situation isn't looking good. Kinoshita has testified that during the middle of the race, you kept on repeatedly looking back at her. For verification, we checked the video footage and you indeed checked Kinoshita's position twice.

Horikita: That's because she's the one who repeatedly called out my name. That's why I looked back.

Chabashira: However, even if that happens to be the case, there's still a huge problem. She said you forcefully kicked her in the shin. In fact, she was absent from all subsequent contests and when we had a teacher take a look at Kinoshita's injuries, they seemed to be pretty severe ones. They believe those were caused intentionally.

Horikita: It's also just as groundless if I claim the severe injuries were inflicted accidentally when we fell. I didn't do anything.

Chabashira: I believe you're innocent, but as long as we have no proof one way or the other, we must consider the matter.

This whole thing's idiotic. If this drags on, the student council will hear of it. My brother would hear about the incident. He'd feel irritated and ashamed of his idiotic little sister. However, since I was innocent, I had no choice but to plead that innocence.

Horikita: If your purpose in calling me is to confirm the truth, then I have said it. I'll repeat, I didn't do anything. I have some business to attend to from now, so would you mind if I excused myself?

I needed to find Sudou-kun as quickly as possible and bring him back. As I turned my back, Chabashira-sensei called out to me from behind.

Chabashira: Kinoshita won't accept that. She's saying she'll report this to the school. Judging from her testimony and the footage, it doesn't seem like we'll be able to close this case. Looking at it from her perspective, it's as though she had been forced into accepting this situation after all. It'll also put Class C through a tough time since they'd have lost Kinoshita. You do understand what this means, right?

Horikita: It's a case of the Devil's Proof, isn't it?

Chabashira-sensei was saying that, if it was impossible to prove my innocence, I'd need to prepare myself.

At that moment, I heard the sound of footsteps in the hallway. That person made a beeline for the infirmary. Putting his hands in both pockets, he acted like he owned the place.

Ryuuen: Looks like things have gotten really serious.

Horikita: Ryuuen-kun...

Why was he here? Shaking away my confusion, I feigned calmness. But as though he had seen through it, he laughed sneeringly and stopped in front of us.

Ryuuen: I came here after Kinoshita asked for me. To think someone would have deliberately caused that injury of hers.

Saying that, he passed by us and entered the infirmary. We too, followed him in a panic. Entering the infirmary, Ryuuen brushed off the teacher's attempts at stopping him and opened the curtain veiling the bed in which Kinoshita-san is receiving treatment.

Ryuuen: Hey, Kinoshita. You all right? Looks like you've had a rough time.

Seeing Ryuuen-kun, Kinoshita-san openly trembled in fear.

Ryuuen: I hear you've injured your leg? Show me.

He said that before he pulled Kinoshita-san's leg out from beneath the sheets. Under Ryuuen-kun's hand was Kinoshita-san's painful-looking leg wrapped up in bandages.

Kinoshita: Sorry. I tried my best, but...my leg just won't listen. T-That's why— Argh!

Ryuuen: Don't blame yourself, Kinoshita. I know you tried to participate in the three-legged race.

Horikita: We ran into each other by accident, Kinoshita-san. Why are you saying that I made you fall?

When I questioned her with a slight glare, Kinoshita-san averted her eyes. Ryuuen-kun then stood in front of her.

Ryuuen: According to what Kinoshita's been saying, you fully intended on making her fall. You deliberately did it, didn't you?

Horikita: Stop joking around. You think I'd do something like this?

Ryuuen: You can never tell what someone will do. Besides, look at the facts. Kinoshita, who happens to be better than you at sports, sustained serious injuries and had to withdraw. Meanwhile, you continue taking part despite your injuries. I'm not supposed to find that suspicious?

I understood all too well the significance of losing a teammate. But, after hearing the eloquent speech Ryuuen had prepared, my doubts about him only grew. What did he stand to gain from having Kinoshita-san run into me, when she had a higher chance of winning the race to begin with?

No matter how hard I thought, I couldn't find any benefits in such an ineffective plan.

Ryuuen: What are you thinking about so quietly?

Ryuuen-kun bends forward as though peering at me while keeping his hands inside his pocket.

Ryuuen: Well, even if we have our little back-and-forth it won't do us any good. Right, Kinoshita?

In the middle of it, Ryuuen-kun forcefully urges Kinoshita-san to speak.

Kinoshita: Horikita-san... When I fell, you said...that I definitely wouldn't win.

Horikita: I said no such thing. Why are you lying?

Chabashira: Horikita, you were only looking back during the incident with Kinoshita. Why exactly is that?

Horikita: I admit I was looking back. However, it's only because she called out my name many times over from behind me. At first, I ignored her. But clearly things seemed strange and so I looked back.

Chabashira: Is that so, Kinoshita?

This time, Chabashira-sensei asks Kinoshita-san rather than me.

Kinoshita: I never called you, not even once.

When Chabashira-sensei tried to confirm it, rather than admit it, Kinoshita-san denied it.

Ryuuen: The person in question herself is denying it, sensei. Besides, even if Kinoshita happened to call Suzune's name, what's wrong with that? That doesn't constitute foul play. It was probably a cry of desperation, born from a desire to win.

This argument is going to endless if this keeps up. There's no mistaking the fact that these two must have conspired together.

Kushida: Umm... Kinoshita-san, Ryuuen-kun. I think it's unfortunate that things turned out like this but I don't think Horikita-san is the type of person to deliberately injure her opponent like this.

Having listened to both sides, Kushida-san spoke up as though shielding me.

Ryuuen: What's done is done. She bumped into Kinoshita deliberately. It's an open-and-shut case. There's no room for any further debate, so let's report this to the higher-ups right away.

Kushida: That's... Would you let me talk things over a little more with Horikita-san, please?

Kushida-san begged Ryuuen-kun as though making an appeal. I'd like to tell her that's unnecessary concern but as for me, I'd rather not help out with anything that could cause this story to spread. Even though I feel like I'm trapped in a spider's web right now, I can't help but struggle desperately.

Ryuuen-kun seemed to be slightly in thought, then he made this proposal.

Ryuuen: I don't have time to leisurely talk this out. The recommended-participant competitions are coming up right after lunch. I'll be competing in those, so I'd like to finish this. But, I don't mind if we can strike a quick and easy deal.

Horikita: Strike a deal?

Ryuuen: I'm talking about you shouldering any losses incurred by Kinoshita and Class C.

Horikita: That's not funny, I don't even have to listen to this.

If so, the amount of compensation to be paid won't be cheap. Besides, I'd end things on a bad note.

Ryuuen: Then we're done. You won't strike a deal but you're telling us to not report this to the bigwigs. That's too selfish of you, Suzune. This won't fly.

Kushida: Wait. What exactly should we do?

Ryuuen: At least one of you has a good grasp of things. Let's see. If you hand over a million points, I'll have Kinoshita withdraw her complaint. That way, we can prepare a substitute for the recommended-participant events, and Kinoshita will receive some incidental income. Simple, right?

Horikita: Don't be ridiculous. I haven't done anything. I don't need to hand a single point over.

Ryuuen: Then go ahead and prove that, Suzune. Lay it all out in black and white for us. We can prove that we aren't lying. Let's have the Student Council President-sama deliver his judgement.

Ryuuen-kun knew about my relationship with the president, my older brother, and was provoking me. I absolutely couldn't do anything to trouble my brother. If the rumor spread that his little sister deliberately hurt someone, it would do immeasurable damage to his reputation.

It was a dirty trick, but there was no way out of it. The timing with which they'd sprung their trap. Not immediately after Kinoshita-san injured herself but rather the fact that they had her lie down made it seem more truthful. It means they did not file a complaint immediately after falling but challenged the next contest as well.

In other words, she tried to endure it, that she tried to bear with it made it seem more truthful. But ultimately unable to cope with the pain, she withdrew and afterwards, she quietly opened up about me having intentionally made her fall before feigning fear at further retribution from me.

Everything they'd done had been meant to trap me, as though they were weaving a net to catch me in.

The situation had already passed the point of no return. That it's a mistake I made the moment I decided to carefreely approach this sports festival.

The longer this went on, the worse things would get. But I couldn't break.

I had to choose. I could pursue the truth, disputing Ryuuen-kun and his lackey's claims. Or I could compromise right here. I wanted to do the former, but I had no evidence to prove the truth. I would only be wasting time and everyone's trust.

I had to strike a deal with Ryuuen-kun right here.

Ryuuen: Well, it seems that Suzune isn't going to make any compromises. Very well. Kinoshita, we're going to report this to the teachers, then to the student council.

While distorting her face in pain, Kinoshita-san raised her upper body.

Horikita: Wait...

That word clearly reached Ryuuen-kun. They stopped walking.

Horikita: If I pay you, you'll make it so this issue never happened, right?

Ryuuen: So you're admitting that you committed foul play in order to win?

Horikita: No, I'm not a liar. This time, your strategy beat mine. That's all.

Ryuuen: Well, did you hear that, Kinoshita? She doesn't think she's done anything wrong at all. Can you forgive her?

Kinoshita: Absolutely not.

He gave a devilish smile while manipulating the situation back and forth alone as though to play with my heart.

Ryuuen: Hehe. Well, then too bad. The same conditions won't apply now. If this is to be the second round of negotiations, then naturally the conditions will change.

Just how much did Ryuuen-kun intend to torture me?

Ryuuen: How about you get down on your knees and beg? Maybe then my feelings, and Kinoshita's, will change.

Chabashira: Ryuuen. This is going too far.

In response to Ryuuen-kun, Chabashira-sensei, who had been a spectator, opened her mouth.

Ryuuen: Teachers should stay out of this. It's a problem between students.

Ryuuen-kun, who showed no fear even against teachers, said so as a follow up.

Ryuuen: Well, I won't force you to make a decision right away. A teacher's eye is also on us. That's why I'll hear your answer once the sports festival ends. Will you kneel before me and offer a million points, or will you let the school deliberate? Which will you choose?

Then he added this as well.

Ryuuen: Don't think that this ends with the sports festival, either. I'm not done with you. Kushida, bring Suzune to me after the festival.

Saying that to Kushida-san, Ryuuen-kun and Kinoshita-san both left the infirmary. Having been left behind, I stood while feeling a sense of loss.

Kushida: Are you okay? Horikita-san?

Horikita: I'm fine. More importantly, how many minutes has it been. Sensei, how much longer is the lunch break?

Chabashira: It'll still be going on for about twenty minutes. You haven't eaten yet right? Better get it over with quickly.

I didn't have the time to sit down and eat now. I had to find Sudou-kun as soon as possible.

Horikita: Excuse me.

Hurriedly, I left the two of them behind as I left the infirmary.

...

I rushed through the entranceway and headed outside. Despite the pain in my leg, I ran everywhere, looking for Sudou-kun. I ran past my older brother and his secretary along the way. Honestly, I wanted to talk to him, but as a Class D disgrace, I didn't have the right. I cast my eyes downward and walked away in other direction. My brother wasn't going to stop for me, anyway.

When only ten minutes remained, I returned to the field. Maybe Sudou-kun had come back after all. Because he has always tried his best to take top place amongst our school year. I prayed for that to be so.

Horikita: As I feared, he didn't come back...

Then, he... (Y/N)-kun... appeared right before me. I wonder if he's just finished eating his lunch.

(Y/N): You're breathing quite heavily.

Horikita: I'm looking for Sudou-kun. He hasn't shown up even once here?

(Y/N): Nope. Does this mean you want to talk to him?

Horikita: It's because he's a valuable asset for Class D. Besides, even if I didn't want to, I'd end up realizing it.

(Y/N): And that means?

He appears to be interested in the changes to my mental state but right now it's pointless to tell him about Ryuuen-kun. Our relationship's strained right now. I wouldn't want to bother him with that. I certainly don't want to add any more burdens into our relationship. I'd better keep that embarrassment between Kushida-san, Chabashira-sensei, and myself.

Our break was nearly over, but no one had seen any sign of Sudou-kun. Class D was in dire straits already, but in Sudou-kun's absence, our defeat became a certainty.

(Y/N): Do you have any idea where Sudou might be? Time's running out.

Horikita: No, not yet. But the places he could go to are limited. If he doesn't want to be seen, then the possibility that he's returned to the dormitory is high.

(Y/N): Is your leg alright?

Horikita: I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt, but it's not like I can't run. Will you come along?

(Y/N): No. I'm participating in scavenger hunt later.

Horikita: I see. Good luck, then. (Y/N)-kun.

Couldn't bare to look into his eyes anymore, I swallowed the pain and started walking.

...

The afternoon contests should be starting right about now on the school grounds. At last, I've found the red-haired student sitting on a sofa in the dorm's lobby.

Horikita: Sudou-kun.

I called out to him with a gentle voice so as to not startle him. Sudou-kun put some slight distance between us before turning back to look at me.

Sudou: H-Horikita.

The reason he's surprised by my appearance is probably because he simply didn't expect me to show up here.

Sudou: Why are you here? Don't tell me you came to persuade me to go back?

Horikita: Do I look like the type to come all the way here to persuade you?

Sudou: It... doesn't seem that way to me. Then why? Did you come here to scold me again?

Horikita: I wonder. I'm also at a loss for words.

When I finally found Sudou-kun, I felt as though I couldn't say anything. I think back on why exactly I went to such lengths to look for him.

Horikita: If you withdraw, Class D will stand no chance.

Sudou: I suppose so. Matter of fact, aren't they in trouble right now?

Horikita: Yes. We're at the very bottom of the rankings. To turn things around, we need to take first place in all the recommended-participant events. Even then, we won't make the top spot.

In our class, there are those who excel at sports much like Sudou-kun himself but overall, there are places where they prove themselves inferior to him in this sports festival.

Sudou: And after I carried everyone on my back. That Hirata...

Horikita: He's not at fault simply for stopping your rampage. On the contrary, you should be grateful to him. If you had, by any chance, raised your hand against Ryuuen-kun, you might've been disqualified from the sports festival itself.

Sudou: I just couldn't stand being on the losing side of it. What he did was against the rules.

Horikita: You may be a bit of a problem child, but you certainly gave it your all today.

Sudou hadn't acted like himself. That alone was a miracle. For his classmates' sake, he'd been as good a leader as he knew how to be. He was hot-headed, as usual, but at the root of that was a desire to win.

Horikita: That said, there's still a lot you need to work on. The fact that you're here alone right now is proof.

Sudou: What's the supposed to mean?

Horikita: If you were someone people could trust in and rely on, then rather than me you would surely have a lot of classmates here instead. To convince you to come back.

Perhaps that angered Sudou-kun once again, he gave the table a light kick.

Horikita: That's the problem right there. You try to bully your way through Class D. The midterm exam, the incident with Class C. Snapping and going on a rampage this time around. It's because you keep doing things like that that no one will follow you.

Sudou: So you're seriously going to preach to me. Spare me, Horikita. I'm really pissed off. I do think I've done something bad but I can't hold myself back either. That's why it can't be helped right?

Horikita: I thought you said you were going to carry everyone in the class?

Sudou: I never said that in the first place. The other guys begged me to, right?

Horikita: But even so, since you've accepted, there's a certain responsibility you bear.

Sudou: That's—

Sudou-kun does want to make things work, he wants to stay here at this school and contribute to the class. There had to be a reason he was the way he was. Unless I found the source of that problem, he would be trapped in an endless cycle.

Even if he wanted to be alone, I couldn't leave him. Right here and now, I would make myself understand him.

Horikita: During the events, I can tell just by looking at you that you hate losing when you're good at something. But is that all there is to it?

If he simply doesn't wish to lose to anyone at sports, then it wasn't necessary for him to accept the role of leader. Sudou-kun shouldn't realized too that they'd struggle when it comes to team contests. Something else was going on here.

Sudou-kun appeared lost in thought for a moment, then replied.

Sudou: Maybe I just wanted to see how it felt for people to pay attention to me and give me some respect. I guess I wanted to show all the people who made fun of me. Pretty lame, right?

Once he had regained his calm, he realized both his own desires and the fact that he abandoned them all without being able to fulfill them and he forcefully scratched his crimson dyed hair.

Sudou: And with this I'm also a complete pariah, huh? Well, that's fine. It just means I'll be going back to how it was like in middle school for me.

Horikita: ...

Listening to those words from Sudou-kun, I fell silent. Now then, I wonder if all my preaching will reach his heart. I was argued down by (Y/N)-kun, lost to Ryuuen-kun and my brother abandoned me too.

I felt I had no right to reprimand him.

I'd always considered him beneath me, but now I felt as though that wasn't true.

Sudou-kun was clumsy, the type of person to act impulsively. He had a volatile personality. But, if I changed my perspective, I could see that he had also been fighting all alone. The fact that he'd had the courage to confront his loneliness meant he was far superior to me.

While feeling anxiety that my words won't reach him, I sincerely tried to squeeze out those words. I continued the conversation that was never my forte.

Horikita: You know, it's strange. My feelings are basically the same as yours.

Sudou: Huh? What do you mean?

Horikita: The desire to be respected by someone. The desire to continue fighting on your own. I'm the same.

He and I are similar. In the sense that we both carry a certain contradiction yet continue fighting against that solitude.

Horikita: When I think back, there were signs. During the midterm exams, I felt irritated at the students who couldn't study, you included. I got angry when they couldn't do something so obvious. I didn't want to work with them at all. But in the sports festival, you performed impeccably. You did a lot to carry our unathletic classmates.

Academics and sports. Different as they were, the principles at the heart of both were the same. What I had felt towards Sudou-kun and the others in those days, Sudou-kun is strongly feeling that now.

Sudou: Then you understand my feelings. Right now, I want to be alone.

Horikita: And I truly, truly want to leave you be. But if we lose you now, Class D's defeat will be set in stone.

This isn't just about Sudou-kun's personal problems. It'll have a significant impact on the class's chances of victory.

Sudou: You abandoned the class, though, just like me. Right? So, you don't got any right to lecture me.

Horikita: No, I suppose not.

No matter what I said to him, he wouldn't respond. Perhaps I was incapable of getting him to open up. The bell rang, signalling the end of the lunch break. The signal that the afternoon contests will be starting. This confirms that Sudou-kun won't be making it in time for the scavenger hunt.

Sudou: Go back, Horikita.

Horikita: No. Not unless I bring you with me.

Sudou: Then do as you wish.

Horikita: I'll wait here. Forever.

Sudou: Do what you want.

The elevator door closes shut. Up until the very end, I did not avert my eyes from him.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

Hirata: Well, that was unfortunate. Just a bit more, and we might've beaten Class B.

(Y/N): Yeah.

We prepared a substitute for the four-way tug-of-war in Sudou's absence but we were still soundly defeated just now. We challenged them believing in the slim possibility of success. But we lost. We had plummeted down to the bottom.

As a class, we had decided to re-evaluate our coordination but it was Hirata who, more than anyone else, received the most damage. He'd shouldered the burden of paying for the substitutes, which cost him a lot of points. We were in a desperate situation, and Sudou—our ace—was still absent.

Hirata had paid three times so far, twice for Sudou and once for Horikita, who'd also planned to participate in the four-way tug-of-war. It wasn't cheap by any means.

If he has to pay for the next one as well it would come to a total of 500,000 points. No matter how many private points he's saved up, it's still overspending.

The only competitions that remained were the mixed-gender three-legged race and the last event, the 1200-meter relay. Hirata tries calling out to see if there's anyone interested in participating. But before he could, Kushida came running over.

Kushida: Um, Hirata-kun, would you mind if I helped, too? I'd like to participate in the three-legged race. Of course, I'll pay the points for it. Is that okay?

Hirata: Ehh?

Kushida: I can't let Hirata-kun be the only one bearing the burden. Besides, I also want to try my best to contribute for Horikita-san and Sudou-kun's sake as well.

Hirata: Since you're pretty good at sports, Kushida-san, your offer is welcome.

Kushida: Thanks. I'll go tell Chabashira-sensei that I'll be participating in Horikita-san's place then.

Saying that, she ran off.

Hirata: Now for a guy. I'll ask around.

(Y/N): Hey, Hirata. Could I go in as Sudou's substitute? I'll pay the points. I can't guarantee I'll be much help, but I'll try.

Hirata: Well... Yeah, sure. I don't mind, of course, but...are you okay with that?

(Y/N): It feels awkward having you bear the burden alone. Besides, I'm feeling a bit anxious about the next exam. I'd like to secure at least one point.

Having received permission, I immediately went after Kushida. I cut into the conversation she was already having with Chabashira-sensei.

Chabashira: So, (L/N), you're going to be Sudou's substitute?

(Y/N): Yes.

Chabashira: This is unusual, considering you like playing spectator.

Kushida: So (L/N)-kun's going to be replacing Sudou-kun. I'm looking forward to it

(Y/N): Likewise. I'm not very fast so you'll have to forgive me for that.

Kushida: I think rather than speed, the three-legged race puts more emphasis on coordination though.

While having that conversation, we made preparations right away for the contest.

Ichinose: Yoo-hoo! (L/N)-kun! Oh, Kikyou-chan, too. Looks like we're competing in the same group, huh?

Ichinose came up to us while saying that. Both her and Shibata, that is.

Kushida: Oh, wow, real tough opponents! To think the two of you are teaming up...

Ichinose: That's true for Shibata-kun but I'm not that special you know? To tell you the truth, someone else was supposed to participate in this three-legged race, but I guess she sprained ankle before lunch. Looks like quite a lot of people are getting injured this year.

Apparently Class B has their own absentees. So this pair is an improvised one.

Ichinose: Hey, Shibata-kun, Is it okay if I tie the cord now?

Shibata: Okay.

The Class B pair cheerily tied their legs together.

(Y/N): Well then, I suppose we should... Um, would it be okay if you tied us up? It'd be weird for a guy to do that.

Kushida: That's fine. But how strange, when you practiced with Horikita-san, you were the one who tied it right, (L/N)-kun?

Wow, she really had been observing the class like a hawk.

(Y/N): She's...well, an exception. I can't act the same way around other girls.

Kushida: Ahaha. Are you saying Horikita's special to you, then? Hmm, it's true that the two of you are close ever since the summer vacation.

As Kushida said that, she crouched down and pulled the cord around my leg.

(Y/N): Kushida.

Kushida: Wait just a bit longer, okay? I'll be done tying in a bit.

Replying in a cute voice, Kushida tied the string beautifully. I decided to abruptly interrupt Kushida.

(Y/N): It's you, isn't it? The traitor who leaked Class D's participation table to Class C.

Kushida: Come on, (L/N)-kun. What's the matter with you? Even as a joke, that's a cruel thing to say.

(Y/N): I saw it. You snapped a picture of the participation table we drew up on the blackboard with your phone.

Kushida: That's just a record so I don't forget. It'd be a big problem if I forget my own turn after all.

(Y/N): To only memorize one's own turn through writing it down by hand. Wasn't that the consensus?

Kushida: Really? Sorry, I forgot. Look, I understand what you're getting at, but I'm not the culprit, okay? I don't want to suspect any of my classmates, either.

Having finished tying the string, Kushida slowly stood back up with her usual smile directed at me.

(Y/N): In that case, how about we check with Chabashira-sensei? I'm sure she can tell us whether any students specifically asked to see the participation table after we submitted it.

Kushida: ...

Kushida closed her mouth and for the first time, her smile disappeared. In other words, it's an implicit answer that meant an affirmation. However, she smiled deeply again right away.

Kushida: Hee hee. You really aren't an ordinary person, are you, (L/N)-kun?

Kushida laughs. It was a face I had seen before, the dark side of Kushida.

Kushida: It can't be helped if the cat's out of the bag. That's right, I leaked the information on the participation table.

(Y/N): You admit it then?

Kushida: Yeah. It'd have been surely exposed either way if you had asked Chabashira-sensei. It was only a matter of time. Besides, even if I told you the truth, (L/N)-kun, I'm confident I won't be exposed. You haven't forgotten, have you? My uniform that you touched? If that's revealed, it'll become a big deal you know?

(Y/N): I have no intention of exposing you. I just want to know. During the exam on the cruise ship, we ended up with the results we did because you had Ryuuen tell all of the students that you were the VIP, right? Then you asked Ryuuen for a favor in exchange for that information.

Kushida: And that favor would be? Do you know what I wanted to accomplish so badly that I'd even betray the class for it?

(Y/N): It's what you asked me about before, isn't it?

Kushida: Ahahaha! Yes, that's it. As expected of (L/N)-kun, you really figured it out.

(Y/N): I'd like to hear it from your own lips.

Kushida: I wanted to expel her. Expel Horikita Suzune. That's what.

(Y/N): I just couldn't figure out the reason why you're so persistent when it comes to targeting Horikita though.

I had wanted them to resolve this matter between themselves before the sports festival but things didn't pan out that conveniently.

Kushida: Sorry but I'm going to get Horikita-san expelled. No matter what you say, I won't change my mind on this.

(Y/N): Even sabotaging Class D?

Kushida: Don't get me wrong. Once she's gone, I'll unite everyone, and we'll work toward reaching Class A together. I promise you that.

Apparently, getting Kushida to stop is impossible. She's committing this act of treason with that sort of strong resolve. If necessary, she'd likely approach even people like Katsuragi, Ichinose or Sakayanagi.

Kushida: Ahh. I changed my mind about something. That's the fact that you, (L/N)-kun, are now on my list of people to expel, since she's special to you so much, In other words, after the two of you have been eliminated, I'll aim for Class A.

She still wore that gorgeous smile. Her expression was almost dazzling.

(Y/N): I see.

I remained my best poker face regardless her attempted taunt.

Kushida: Horikita-san's taken a real beating in this sports festival. It's too bad you couldn't save your special someone, isn't it?

(Y/N): 'I wasn't so sure about that.'

With that conversation done, we ran the three-legged race, silent hostility in the air between us.

...

(A/N: Hey! The upcoming chapter will mark the end of LN vol.5 story. During the weekends, I managed to write the draft for both this and the next chapter. What can I say? I got writer's high XD. I will release it two or three days afterwards. Thank god that my works had been lessen now. I finally get to enjoy my free time. Peace out!)

The Turning Point

Horikita's POV

Roughly an hour has passed since Sudou-kun left. If the programme has progressed smoothly then they should be on the cusp of the final contest right about now. The hole left behind by Sudou-kun isn't small by any measure. I can imagine Hirata-kun and the others putting up a good fight but I can't expect much in the way of results.

I was helpless. I could do absolutely nothing except stand around in a pointless daze. I then brought out the bracelet that (Y/N)-kun... threw it on the ground. I wiped off the dirt on it and looked at my reflection on the shiny silver ornaments.

Horikita: 'I looked pathetic... This must be how (Y/N)-kun felt about me.'

Come to think of it, (Y/N)-kun had been exceptionally cold towards me ever since the beginning of the sport festivals. He must've realized something's wrong with myself. Instead, I was blinded by my self-righteousness attitude. I couldn't see the bigger picture of the whole incident. That's why I was easily trapped by Ryuuen-kun's well-spun spider web.

Sudou-kun may be reckless, but he's the person who tried his very best to lead Class D to emerge victorious in this event. Both two of us were practically the same. Sudou-kun's trying to gain attention and earn some respects from the others, he want to show to everyone that he can be as reliable as Hirata-kun in this sport festivals. As for me, I've been trying so hard to gain my brother's acknowledgement. I thought that, if I could participate in tons of competitions, he would stop and look at me. In the end, both Sudou-kun and I are just pursuing the same thing, approval.

Horikita: 'Sigh. I'd disappointed him... Not only (Y/N)-kun, but Sudou-kun, everyone in Class D, and brother.'

I then kept the (Y/N)-kun's bracelet back into my pocket and continued to wait for Sudou-kun. I believed Sudou-kun would come back. Despite the fact that Class D's defeat was practically set in stone, I wanted to do whatever I could. That's all there is to it. And then, that feeling paid off.

Sudou: D-Did you seriously stick around?

Horikita: You finally came back, Sudou-kun.

I maintained my composure but deep down inside, I was glad. Really glad.

Sudou: Isn't it already over? The sports festival, I mean.

Horikita: Perhaps. But if we go back now, we may still be in time for the last competition.

The outcome for the Class D is bleak. My injury, Kouenji-kun's absence, and Sudou-kun withdrew halfway through it. All leads to the current situation for the Class D. But even so, if I could bring back Sudou-kun and catch up with the last event, there's still a turning point for Class D.

Horikita: Since you've come all the way back here, I assume this means you feel like going back to the competition?

Sudou: Nah. I just came here to check if you're still here or not...

Horikita: I see. I've been sorting out various thoughts in my head while waiting an hour for you. What kind of person I am, what kind of person you are... Actually, we're similar, after all. You and I.

Sudou: We have nothing in common. You and I are just too different.

Horikita: No. You and I are similar. The more I think about it, the more I feel that way.

This isn't a lie. These are words from the bottom of my heart.

Horikita: If there is a difference between us, it would be that the acknowledgement we crave either derives from a single person or from a group of people. You already know a bit about the student council president, right?

Sudou: Uhh, yeah. That guy who's always putting on airs right?

Horikita: He's my older brother.

Sudou: Ahh... Wait, you said something about having quarreled with him, right?

As Sudou-kun starts thinking back on it, I began speaking about my brother with Sudou-kun as though I were monologuing.

Horikita: My relationship with him is far from good. My outstanding brother dislikes being associated with someone as incompetent as me. That's why I tried my best to become someone talented. I put everything I had into trying to achieve that goal, from academics to athletics. Even now.

Sudou-kun listened attentively without interrupting. I paused for a moment before continuing.

Horikita: In order to catch up with him, I've been running straight ahead, not caring what anyone else thinks of me. I thought that it was fine. Because I believed as long as I am talented, then eventually my brother would acknowledge me, or care about me. Which is why I told you that I wanted the anchor position in the relay. So that, and I thought, my brother might call out to me or cheer for me. Now that I think about it, I was foolish.

By confronting Sudou-kun's weakness, I'd also confronted my own.

Sudou: But, even you're trying so hard, he really doesn't acknowledge you? Not even a little bit.

I smirked and shook my head.

Horikita: Sadly, no.

Sudou-kun awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and stared at the ground.

Horikita: But, I finally realized now. No, it was (Y/N)-kun who helped me realized that.

Sudou: (L/N)...?

I nodded.

Horikita: Yes. I want to make it to Class A to earn my brother's respect. That hasn't changed. (Y/N)-kun helped me realized the methods I've been using to achieve that are wrong. I'm not alone. That for the first time, by having allies, I may be able to get closer to that peak.

I finally understand. Why (Y/N)-kun keep turning me down whenever I asked for his help. If I keep relying on (Y/N)-kun to bail me out from every troubles, I'll never realize my shortcomings. I'll never see the bigger picture. I'll never grow up.

A person couldn't survive alone. They must walk that path with someone else. This sports festival has proved to be a trial for Class D and yet it's become something to be thankful for.

Horikita: I said that you'd continue to act violent. And so I turned my back on you. But that wasn't the case. That wasn't the right answer. If it ever seems like you'll stray from your path again, I'll be there to pull you back onto it.

I looked him right in the eye and didn't avert my gaze

Horikita: That's why until we graduate, please lend me your strength. I too, promise to lend you my strength to the best of my ability.

Sudou-kun looked me back in the eyes and seemed to be lost in thought. Then, he let out a small chuckle.

Sudou: Heh... (L/N), that bastard. He gave me a punch right into my face again.

Horikita: Huh?

Sudou: Well, do you remember that before the sport festivals begin, I said that someone made me realized my true feelings towards you, right?

I happened to recall back the preparation day where I'll allow Sudou-kun to call me by my first name if he became the best amongst the whole students in the school. At that time, I wasn't gave it some thought much.

Sudou: Truth to be told, it was also (L/N)'s effort. The day before summer vacations end, I was about to further advance my relationship with you by asking for your phone number. Then, I stumbled upon (L/N), who was just finished visiting you. At that instant, I felt that my world's crumbling around me.

Honestly, I was shocked at Sudou-kun's revelation. Not even (Y/N)-kun told me about that before. Sudou-kun's eyes are determined, it doesn't looks like he's lying. Maybe because I opened myself to him, so he decided to tell me his internal struggles as well.

Sudou: I don't know what to do, other than calling (L/N) to the rooftop. I told him everything, what I saw, how I felt, everything. And then, he eventually found a way to let me perceive my true feelings towards you, Horikita. That wasn't love, it's admiration. That's why I seek for your approval in the first place, during the preparation of the school sport festivals.

Horikita: That's why, huh...

Sudou: Man, the burden and the stress from carrying the Class D caused me to forget the real reason why I've been trying so hard at the sport events. After (L/N) went through the trouble to open up my eyes...

Sudou-kun balled his hands into fists forcefully and hit himself on the forehead with them.

Sudou: I'll work with you, Horikita.

He said so as he took a step towards me.

Sudou: After all, it was you and (L/N) who acknowledged my existence outside of basketball. That's why I want to reply to those feelings of yours. As well as (L/N)'s. I owed you two.

I could feel myself beaming with a natural smile towards those words of his. This feeling, it's unlike the others that I've felt before. It was kind of similar to love that I have for (Y/N)-kun, and yet different. It wasn't friendship either. It was something else.

Embarrassing as it still felt to admit to myself, I now had an ally. That was different from (Y/N)-kun, or my brother. What I lack. Something I surely am in shortage of.

However, I wonder if I've taken that small first step.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

The last event of the sports festival, the 1200-meter relay, was about to begin. Tensions are running high for everyone other than Class D.

Hirata: The final event, huh? We'll have to prepare two substitutes for this one, too.

Sudou: Hah, hah. Sorry, kept you waiting!

Just as the situation of Class D looked hopeless once again, a breathless Sudou came back, with Horikita arriving soon after.

Hirata: Sudou-kun, you came back!

Sudou: Sorry, it took me some time to take a dump.

He had a bright and cheerful look on his face. However, quite a lot of students turned to look at Sudou coldly. Sudou took their stares head-on.

Sudou: Sorry. I punched Hirata and crashed our morale because I lost my temper. It's my fault that Class D is about to lose.

Before anyone could blame him, Sudou said that and gave a deep bow. If Sudou had been the way he was just a while ago, he wouldn't have done such a thing even as an act. So, it must be Horikita's doing.

Sudou: I want to apologize to you, too. Hirata, Kanji, Yukimura. It was my fault that I've didn't realized my mistakes after I did something wrong.

Sudou once again bowed deeply to Hirata, Ike, and Yukimura. Hirata not even mad at Sudou in the first place as he laughed cheerfully, Ike and Yukimura looked perplexed at first but then apologized to Sudou as well. One apology led to another. The tension amongst the class had been reduced significantly.

Sudou: If you haven't decided on the substitute for the relay then please let me run.

Hirata gently pat his shoulder and said.

Hirata: Of course. There's anyone other than Sudou-kun we could leave it to. Right, everyone?

Both guys and girls would run the final 1200-meter relay. From each class, the runners must be evenly balanced between male and female. Three guys and three girls from each class had to participate and each must run 200 meters.

Horikita: I'm sorry, but may I ask for a substitute runner? I wouldn't run very well with my leg like this.

After Sudou's case wrapped up, Horikita requested that with an apologetic look on her face.

Hirata: Are you okay with that, Horikita-san? You really wanted to be in this relay, after all.

Horikita: Yes, it can't be helped. I don't want to drag the class down with my selfishness.

In this somber and grim meeting, after Sudou had done so, Horikita also gave a deep bow.

Having heard that, Hirata nodded and decided that Kushida would be participating in her stead.

She'd craved the anchor position, reached for it, because she envisioned herself running alongside her brother. But, she gave up the anchor position to be with her brother on the field. She chose it for the sake of the Class D.

After this lesson, I'm glad that both Horikita and Sudou had matured and became quite candid. They made a complete change on the attitude. They'll prove to be reliable assets for the Class D to reach the Class A.

Then, with Sudou as the first one on the list, there's Hirata, Miyake, Maezono, Onodera. The five of them with Kushida as Horikita's replacement took on the challenge with that lineup.

Hirata: As for Miyake-kun's substitute...

Apparently, Miyake had injured his leg during the 200-meter dash, so his substitution was inevitable.

In order to let her realized her insufficiency, Horikita had suffered a lot. I'd probably hurt her feelings earlier when I lectured her about her inadequacy. Sigh.

Perhaps it's time for me to make amends for my actions.

I then raised up my hand and said.

(Y/N): Then would it be fine if I ran, Hirata? Of course, I'll pay the points for the substitution.

Everyone looked surprised as I said that, including Horikita. Hirata seemed relieved and smiled at me.

Hirata: Of course, (L/N)-kun. I've been watching everyone. I think you will do well.

That was all it took to shut down dissenting voices. Hirata's words had weight.

With that, the list of runners from Class D's complete. After discussion, Sudou would go first. Hirata, sufficiently speedy himself, was second. After that, the three girls, including Kushida, will have their turn and in the end, it'll be my turn. We'll be going in this order. I talked to Hirata earlier to make an arrangement to entrust me with the role of anchor.

The chosen elites assembled in the middle of the field. Horikita's older brother, and that second-year student Nagumo, were among them.

Before we, the first-year students joined the field as well, I went and visit Horikita, who was sitting by herself near the side of the tent.

(Y/N): Hey, Suzune.

Horikita: (Y/N)-kun.

She looked right into my eyes. Her eyes looked different than the times we spoke earlier. Now, it was filled with resolves and determination. I kneel down beside her.

(Y/N): Looks like you had changed.

Horikita: Yeah. I'd finally understand my inadequacies. It's like you said, there's certainly a limit of what I can do alone. To reach Class A, I need allies.

I smiled and patted her head gently.

(Y/N): I'm glad. I promised that I'll be with you as you strive to reach Class A.

Horikita: Thank you.

She smiled back at me.

(Y/N): Speaking of which, do you remember when I asked you, that, what if I beat you brother in the race?

Horikita: Ehh?

She blinked twice at my question.

(Y/N): Well, to answer your question. I wasn't joking.

Without waiting for her to respond, I stood up and exited the tent.

...

Hirata: I'll leave it to you, Sudou-kun!

Hirata shouts and in the same vein, Kushida and the other runners also send shrill cheers flying Sudou's way. Sudou, looking determined, enters the course. The first-year students appeared to be in a slightly advantageous position, since Class D had the innermost lane. They'd arranged it so that the third-year Class A students were in the outermost lane.

As excitement peaked, the last relay finally began.

Of course, Class D no longer has any chance of winning the sports festival but if we can obtain victory here, it may alter future events drastically. They must have had such a premonition.

The instant the signal sounded, Sudou got off to a strong start. His starting dash had the best time of any I'd seen thus far. He launched himself forward with such momentum that, after his first stride, he managed to pass eleven people.

Shibata: That was amazing!

Even Shibata, spectating from beside me, gave his praise. Sudou ran at an overwhelming pace. When he finished his leg of the relay, he'd secured an advantage of at least fifteen meters.

Sudou: It's up to you, Hirata!

Class D brimmed with excitement. Sudou passed the baton to the next runner, Hirata. The hybrid type man who excelled at both studies and sports. He shone brilliantly even here.

One after another, the other students followed in tow but the gap that had formed could not be bridged and our planned lead was maintained all the way up to Onodera, who would be running third.

New students ran one after another. By the time Onodera passed the baton to our fourth runner, Maezono, our lead was almost gone.

However, such happenings are an inherent part of the sports festival. A girl from Class A of the 3rd years who was fourth to be handed the baton, stumbled and fell. This created an opening for the second year Class A runner to widen the gap between them.

By the time Maezono passed the baton to Kushida, our fifth runner, Class A had overtaken Class D, and we'd fallen to seventh place.

I thought we'd at least aim for the winners' podium but the fight appears to have become a difficult one. The first-year students just couldn't compete at the same level as the seniors. Class B of the first years alone only managed to hold onto third place with effort.

The ace of Class B who could gather attention to himself in a single stroke, Shibata, seems to be acting the role of the anchor and just like me, he took up his position and awaited his turn.

Nagumo: Looks like we win this fight, President Horikita. If possible, I'd have liked to run against you.

Glancing at the approaching top runner, a student from Class A of the second years, Nagumo laughed.

There was a thirty-meter gap between him and the third-year Class A student in second place. A distance at which those equal to one another in ability can never win.

Nagumo: Guess this is the dawn of a new era, eh?

Manabu: You're seriously gonna change the school?

Nagumo: All I'm going to do is help make this school the ultimate meritocracy, no more no less.

Nagumo said so as he slowly started to walk forward. He started on an approach run to receive the baton closing in. Not too long after Nagumo nabbed it, Shibata also received his baton. Shibata, with fiery eyes, started running as though chasing after Nagumo.

Due to the students between us leaving, for just a moment, I made eye contact with the older Horikita.

Manabu: To think that you're the anchor.

(Y/N): Well, your sister was originally slated to be in this position. I'm just running in her stead.

Horikita had probably dreamed of having a conversation with him, or at least telling him what she felt.

Manabu: I've been watching your class and up until a while ago, I thought of you guys as a hopeless class. But in this final relay, I don't feel any of that from you guys. What happened?

(Y/N): I wonder? If anything's changed, it would be your sister. Thanks to her, our class will become stronger.

Manabu: I see.

No surprise. He only replied briefly with that usual, composed expression of his. As the older Horikita glanced at his approaching teammate, I stopped him with my words.

(Y/N): By the way, I kinda made a promise to your sister.

Manabu: Doesn't concern me.

(Y/N): Well, it sounds a little bit far-fetched. But, my promise is, I'm gonna beat you in this race.

Manabu: What?

(Y/N): You heard me, I'll race against you seriously. If you give up your chance at second place in order to race me, that is. I'll show you exactly what kind of person I am.

In response to my unexpected provocation, the older Horikita stopped entirely and turned to face me.

Manabu: Interesting. Yet, I thought you hated standing out. You amused me.

He didn't seem as though he was going to move at all. His team's fifth runner passed him the baton, looking perplexed, but the older Horikita took it and stood completely still.

Naturally the spectators who had realized this bizarre situation turned their eyes towards the older Horikita. One after another, other runners passed the third-year Class A, and he just stood there.

Finally, Kushida approached me at full speed. She'd be here in seconds.

(Y/N): Oh, and I'll just say this before the race.

Manabu: What is it?

As the two of us started on our approach run, I said this one sentence.

(Y/N): Good luck, you'll need it.

For just an instant, I felt that the older Horikita, who had disappeared behind my field of vision, wore a thin smile.

Finally, the baton passed to me.

Kushida: (L/N)-kun!

I accepted the baton Kushida handed over and as the opening act, I dashed forth at full throttle.

Well, for the first time, I'm taking this seriously in my whole life. The situation is completely different compared to when I had continued running indifferently in that cold, inhuman room. For the first time, I've the urge to win, just for her sake.

That's right. I didn't care about catching up to and overtaking the runner in front. All that mattered right now was competing against the man next to me.

We ran at full speed, almost as though we were cutting through the wind, and closed the distance between us and the frontrunners.

"W-What the hell!?"

As he was overtaken, the student gave a dumbfounded shout but he was left in the dust. The sound of the winds had completely cut off all the cheering sounds. The adrenaline in my body exerted its effectiveness. Almost like an athlete got into the zone.

Suddenly, as I ran beyond the first curve, the runner in front of me were staggered as we approached and fell down. Instinctively, I leaped over him and landed perfectly without decelerating.

(Y/N): 'That was close.'

As the older Horikita and I approached the last curve beyond the straight line, he managed to keep up with my speed and decided to give a final sprint.

(Y/N): 'Hmm. Suzune wasn't lying about his ability. Well, that means I could accelerate even further without hesitation.'

I shifted up a gear and sprinted even faster. When the two of us approached the finishing line, cheers that resembled angry bellows rang out throughout the grounds.

...

Karuizawa: Y-You're surprisingly super fast...

After the contest, Karuizawa said that to me while averting her eyes from me.

(Y/N): Really? I thought it just my opponent was slow.

Karuizawa: No, no. Are you really saying that after seeing everyone's reactions?

(Y/N): Well, I think luck was one of the factor that I won.

That's true. I had defeated Horikita's brother in the race. Well, I wouldn't exactly said that I won by a landslide. But, a win is a win. Most importantly, I had fulfill my promise to Horikita. And at the very least, I'd probably gathered the whole school's attention during the final competition.

Sudou: Man, (L/N)! You're damn fast! You've been holding back until now, haven't you?

(Y/N): Running is about my only forte after all. But I seemed to overdo it. I guess I'm all fired up during the final relay.

And not just Sudou, but also several students who were surprised by my run came over to me and called out.

Horikita: That still doesn't explain it. That speed, I mean. You liar.

Slightly dragging her foot behind her, Horikita came over. She used her hand as though it were a blade and stabbed me in the abdomen.

(Y/N): Ow, it hurts!

Since Horikita came over to me, Karuizawa took her distance from me so as to not be a disturbance. From afar, Sakura was also looking at me but since there's a crowd around me, she did not approach

While I was rubbing my pain spot, I leaned in and whispered.

(Y/N): I gave my all in this race for your sake, you should treat me better.

Horikita: If you had run like this from the start, then things would've been different. But why did you suddenly get serious? Now you'll be basking in attention.

She's right. Unlike Hirata, Shibata, or Sudou, I'd held back until now. Still, I could also cover it up by claiming that it was just part of Hirata and Horikita's strategies. It's particularly effective against someone like Ryuuen, who likes to outplay people.

(Y/N): Sigh. Looks like they're going to be announcing the results soon. Let's go.

The results would be announced during the sports festival's closing ceremonies. All the students looked toward the gigantic electronic scoreboard.

On the electronic notice board, we were divided up between the Red Team and the White Team and the tallying of the numbers began. The numbers began to rise.

In the end, the winning team is...

"The Red Team wins."

The competition had been incredibly arduous, but the Red Team D/A coalition appeared to be victorious.

"Next up, we will announce the overall points for each class."

The board divided the twelve classes into three categories, and it displayed the overall points for each class all at once. We didn't really care about the details of the second- and third-year scores. What was crucial for us was Class D's position.

1st Place: First Year, B Class
2nd Place: First Year, C Class
3rd Place: First Year, A Class
4th Place: First Year, D Class

As expected, we lost. It's great that the Red Team won but apparently we first years have been quite a liability. I suppose it's an inevitability, having twoabsentees in the form of Kouenji and Sakayanagi ended up being a major factor in it.

However sadly enough, despite having won as part of the Red Team, Class A only placed third in terms of overall points and so that's a minus 50 points for them. Because Class D had come in last place, we faced a 100-point penalty.

Due to the White Team having lost, Class C will also have 100 points subtracted. As Class B won the first place in terms of overall points, they'd gain 50 points and lose 50 points due to the White Team's loss.

None of the classes had really won.

Everyone was thoroughly exhausted and overwhelmed. Even though we'd tried our best, our class points had decreased. Of course, students who won out individually will be able to supplement any future exams with this so I won't go as far as to say it was all pointless.

As for the first-year MVP, Sudou didn't win it. Instead, the MVP was Shibata Sou, from Class B. Well, it was expected as well. I mean, Sudou was being absent in some events and our class lost in the final event. These two factors contributed the most on why Sudou didn't win the first-year MVP.

I looked over and saw Horikita was talking to Sudou while the latter continued staring at the scoreboard in frustration. Too bad that Sudou couldn't call Horikita by her first name. But, maybe she could compromise and allow him instead. Who knows?

As the all of us prepared to head back towards the school, a calm, composed girl approached us and said.

"Sorry for interrupting, but do you have some time to spare?"

She was one of the Class A's students, I saw her before in the chivalry battle earlier.

"After this, after you've finished changing that is, would you accompany me for a bit?"

(Y/N): Why me?

"Because I have something to talk to you about. At five o'clock, at the front gate."

With that, she walked away without paying me any more attention.

Sudou: Woah, (L/N). Wh-what's going on?!

(Y/N): Beats me.

Ike: Dude. Maybe after seeing you show off as the anchor, fell in love with you at first sight.

He nudged me with his elbow. As I felt an intense glaring behind my back, I gulped and muttered.

(Y/N): I hope not...

After I changed into my uniform in the locker room, I returned to the classroom. Horikita, now also clad in her uniform, entered the classroom slightly later than I did and sat next to me.

(Y/N): Just so you know, I'm gonna reject her confession.

Horikita: I don't think there's ever going to be a confession anyway.

(Y/N): Then, what was that intense glaring earlier?

Horikita: I don't know what you're talking about. You must've imagining things.

(Y/N): Denial...

She sighed and averted her eyes.

(Y/N): Ahem. After I've done meeting this girl, how about we had dinner at your place. I'll cook.

Horikita: I suppose. But there's a lot of problems I need to take care of. I guess, first of all, I have to get down on my knees.

(Y/N): On your knees?

That word which suddenly came out concerned me but Horikita didn't really try to expand on that.

Horikita: It's something that has nothing to do with you. Thank you for today.

...

Horikita's POV

(Y/N): On your knees?

Looks like I blurted it out accidentally. I couldn't let him know about the deal between me and Ryuuen-kun. I don't want (Y/N)-kun to worry about me. I can deal with this by myself.

Horikita: It's something that has nothing to do with you. Thank you for today.

He looked at for a while before standing up.

(Y/N): Alright, then. Wait here for a while, I'll be back soon after meeting with this girl. Then we'll walk back together.

Horikita: Actually, I... Well, I have some trifling matters to take care of.

(Y/N): Huh. I'll wait for you, then.

Horikita: Sure, I guess.

He then left the room along with the other students. One by one, and before I knew it, I was the only person left.

As for why I've stayed behind, I don't even need to say the reason. I was prepared to respond to Ryuuen-kun.

Throughout this sports festival, I had been made to dance in the palm of Ryuuen-kun's hand the entire time. It was too late by the time I had become convinced of that. With no planned countermeasures in place, I was thoroughly defeated.

But, somehow, I felt cheerful. I also felt as though I'd been thoroughly crushed. I understood that I was much, much more pathetic that I'd imagined. I guess I should thank Ryuuen-kun as well.

As Kushida-san returned to the classroom after finishing her business, we then exited the classroom and went to appointed place.

...

Ryuuen: So, you came after all, Suzune.

Horikita: I'll be damned if I run away here. Of course I'd come.

Ryuuen: Your heart's in the right place. You've become a finer woman than you were before.

I'm not pleased one bit even if he praises me in such a manner.

Horikita: Before we talk, why don't we put an end to this ridiculous charade, Kushida-san?

Kushida: Huh? What do you mean?

As the setting sun colored the school building, I stared directly at her.

Horikita: Well, it doesn't matter now whether you're the traitor who leaked the information of our class to Class C or not. Don't you think it's time we cut to the chase and confront each other?

Kushida: I don't understand what you're trying to say, Horikita-san.

Horikita: Way back at the start of our semester, I didn't recognize you. But afterwards... I remembered.

I looked Kushida-san square in the eye as I spoke. If she was working with Ryuuen-kun, she'd continue to conspire against me. The only reason she hadn't yet acted more directly was that she thought she didn't have to.

Horikita: Kushida Kikyou-san, you attended my junior high. And just like how you are in Class D right now, you were a student everybody trusted in. But-

Kushida: Can you cut it out? Stop reminiscing about the past...

Right in front of my eyes, for the first time, I saw her change expressions.

Horikita: So, you finally revealed your true self, huh?

She smirked and crossed her arms.

Kushida: Well, since you kept begging me so much. And I'm tired to keep up with this fake smile after all.

Ryuuen-kun listened to our conversation with a smile as though he were enjoying it.

Kushida: You understand what I'm after, right? You know what I want to do?

Horikita: To expel me from the school.

Kushida: Bingo! That was too easy to guess, right?

Horikita: Aren't you taking quite a large risk, though? I mean, wouldn't it have been just fine to ignore me? You know full well I don't involve myself with other people and that I don't stick my nose where it doesn't belong, don't you?

Kushida: For now. But there's no guarantee for the future. In order for me to be me, I need to make everyone who knows about my past disappear.

Horikita: Since Ryuuen's seen your true face, does that make him your prey, too?

Kushida: Depending on the circumstances, that may be so.

She walked past me and stood next to Ryuuen-kun.

Kushida: Let me just say this, Horikita-san. I will expel you. If I need to make a deal with the devil to do so, so be it.

Ryuuen: I think the time for talk is over. I'll go ahead and clear this up but Kinoshita running into you was a complete accident. There were no ulterior motives or malicious intentions behind that.

Horikita: Perhaps so. There's no evidence, so it was obvious that I'd be framed as the aggressor.

To prove your innocence, you'll need a fair amount of resolve and power. In this case, I just need to admit it honestly.

Horikita: But I'll also add this. That this incident was something you masterminded. You ordered Kinoshita-san to make sure I took a fall. I'm sure of it.

Ryuuen: You're a delusional woman, Suzune.

Horikita: I don't care even if it's just my delusion. But I'd at least like to hear about it.

Ryuuen-kun laughed as if he was enjoying himself.

Ryuuen: Before the sports festival, I had Kushida get her hands on Class D's complete participation table. I put the right people in the right places to ensure good match-ups, and took the wins. Of course, that's not all, I had also thoroughly researched Class D on top of that too.

Horikita: But, in order to crush me, you utilized two of your aces and one of them even had to withdraw after being injured. That's baffling.

Ryuuen: I wanted to crush you. That was reason enough. I had no interest in winning the sports festival.

Horikita: But your strategy relied on luck. Good for you, when you ordered Kinoshita-san to make me fall and she acted on it, you were saved by two coincidences. One, I was too injured to continue and two, Kinoshita-san was severely injured after she fell on her own. Both of those aren't things you can simply aim to pull off.

That was where my world had fallen apart. If Kinoshita had only been slightly injured, the situation wouldn't have gotten this serious.

Ryuuen: Your injury was coincidental, yes. But, do you think Kinoshita's injury was really an accident?

Horikita: What?

Ryuuen: Sure, she fell down. But of course, serious injuries aren't so easily sustained. That's why I had her pretend to be in pain and drop out of the sports festival. Before she got medical treatment, I injured her myself. Like this.

He stomped on the floor with all his strength.

BAM!

The sound echoed unnervingly through the hall.

Horikita: Y-You actually injured her...? But how could she simply accept that?

Ryuuen: With the power of money, of course. Terrifying, isn't it?

From the bottom of my heart, I found his thoughts and his execution of them to be terrifying. If it's for the sake of winning, then there's nothing he wouldn't do.

But I was shocked that he'd speak of that so openly.

Horikita: Is it fine to go on and on about this just because I asked?

Ryuuen: What?

Horikita: If I happened to be recording your confession, what would you do then?

As I asked that question, I pulled out my phone.

Ryuuen: Did you come up with that bluff just now?

Without answering his question, I fiddled with my phone and played it back from a specific point.

"Before the sports festival, I had Kushida get her hands on Class D's complete-"

Horikita: If you file a complaint against me, or demand points or such, then I'll fight back with this evidence. If that happens, I wonder which one of us will be in trouble?

Ryuuen: Heh. Hahahahaha!

Ryuuen-kun suddenly burst out in laughter.

Horikita: What so funny?

Ryuuen: Well, in that case, I'd just have to hand over the original recording. Then there would be no problem at all.

Laughing fearlessly, Ryuuen retrieved his phone.

Ryuuen: Do you know what this is? The full recording- No, it's visual footage.

He said so as he pointed the camera on the back of the phone at me. Insurance that's more reliable than audio.

Ryuuen-kun had already imagined that I'd try betting everything on one final move. It means things won't go that easily... is what it is. My last hope had ended up misfiring.

Ryuuen: Abandon your pride and get on your knees, Suzune.

Kushida-san also smiled boldly now.

Horikita: Tch. I understand... I admit-

Ding!

Just I was about to kneel down, a strange sound came from Ryuuen-kun's phone, which was right in front of me.

Ryuuen-kun's face stiffened for a moment. He started to fiddle with his phone without sparing me a glance. Mixed together with a variety of other sounds, I heard a recording.

"Listen up, you lot. To set a trap for Class D's Horikita Suzune. What we need to do to crush her. I'm going to offer you that strategy. I'll show you something interesting-

In the recording, he went into detail about what he'd so proudly explained to me just moments ago.

"Run against Suzune during the obstacle course, and collide with her. Do whatever it takes to knock her over. Afterward, I'll injure you myself and get you some money from her."

That voice was saying that. I have no idea what exactly is going on.

Kushida: W-What's going on, Ryuuen-kun? What's with that recording?

Kushida-san too, seemed unable to comprehend the situation and so she requested an explanation from Ryuuen-kun.

Ryuuen: I see. I see, I see. I see now! Heh heh! Isn't this interesting? Do you know what this means, Kikyou? This person made not only you guys, but also me, dance in the palm of their hand. This person predicted everything, including your betrayal and Suzune's debasement. Hahahaha! This is interesting!

Calling it a masterpiece, Ryuuen-kun swept his hair back and gave a belly laugh.

Kushida: The betrayal was already assumed from the start? Who could possibly be capable of something like that? Could it be (L/N)-kun? I didn't know he was that fast after all.

Ryuuen: I won't draw any conclusion now. Someone managed to get this recording without leaving a trace behind. Suzune, and also (L/N), and depending on the circumstances, even Hirata may have someone pulling their strings. I'm going to investigate this thoroughly.

There's no mistaking it. I don't know how he did it, but he used someone from Class C in order to record Ryuuen-kun's strategy. That alone, I'm sure of.

During the relay, him competing against my brother is also extremely inexplicable. It's unlike him since he prefers to remain inconspicuous.

The mastermind had to be (L/N) (Y/N)-kun. Seeing how Ryuuen-kun was unable to narrow it down to (Y/N)-kun alone, it would mean he's been setting traps behind my back.

Ryuuen: I couldn't get Suzune on her knees, but I accomplished half of what I wanted to. A good show.

Kushida: W-What if they threaten you with the recording? Is is fine to leave it just like that?

Ryuuen: If it's their intention, they probably would've already. Let's go.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

I was following the girl that requested to meet with me earlier, to the third floor of the special annex. I was typing a message on my phone while we're on the way. I sent the message afterwards and as we arrived, she told me to wait here and disappeared into a corner.

(Y/N): What exactly-

Without answering me, she then went over to a corner in the corridor and quietly whispered.

"Can I go back now?"

"Yes. You did well, Masumi-san. I'll be counting on you again."

Masumi: Of course.

The girl named Masumi quietly nodded and left.

The person behind the voice slowly revealed herself. Carrying a cane in one hand, she looked at me with a cold smile.

(Y/N): Sakayanagi.

Sakayanagi: That last relay drew quite a bit of attention, (L/N) (Y/N)-kun.

(Y/N): What do you want? If at all possible I'd like to wrap this up quickly, I've got someone waiting for me.

Sakayanagi: After seeing you run, I remembered something. I called you here because I wanted to share the shock I felt with you.

(Y/N): I don't follow.

Propping herself up with a cane, Sakayanagi stood right next to me.

Sakayanagi: It's been a long time, (L/N)-kun. Approximately 8 years and 243 days.

(Y/N): Actually, I don't even know who you are.

Sakayanagai: Fufufu. I suppose so. After all, our acquaintance isn't a mutual one.

What exactly is this about? I decided to wrap things up and started to walk in the opposite direction.

Sakayanagi: White Room.

When those words pierced through my ears and reached my brain I unconsciously stopped walking. They cracked my composure.

(Y/N): You...

Sakayanagi: Why looked surprise? This is a nostalgic reunion and so I thought I just had to greet you.

Reunion? I definitely haven't seen her before, she truly is a girl who doesn't have a place in my memories. I had met Sakayanagi for the first time at school. There was no arguing with that fact.

Sakayanagi: Understandable. Because you don't know me after all. But I do know you, as well as your 'friend'.

In that instant, I'd finally realized. She definitely isn't bluffing. She really know about the White Room. She really did know me.

Sakayanagi: So it was you after all. The island, the cruise ship, and Class D's expulsion uproar. You were pulling the strings behind the scenes during all that. The defective products of the White Room.

(Y/N): What are you talking about? There are lots of smart people in my class.

Sakayanagi: Either way, now that I know who you are, I suppose it doesn't really matter who anyone else is.

I needed to be calm. I needed to get through this without panicking.

Sakayanagi: Rest assured. I've no intention to expose you at present.

(Y/N): Wouldn't it be easier if you did?

Sakayanagi: I've found little pleasure in this boring school life and I don't want anything to get in my way. I certainly hope that your 'friend' would attend to this school as well. So that the perfect person like me could bury the both of you together. Oh, well. I guess a flawed genius like you could entertain me, too. (L/N)-kun.

Flawed genius, huh?

(Y/N): Suit yourself. But, I'm not going down without a fight.

I was about to walk away. And then...

Clack. Her thin cane clattered against the floor.

Sakayanagi: Oh, one more thing. 'That man' is still trying to learn how far you can go. You'll certainly intrigued him with your performance on the last relay earlier.

(Y/N): So, after I've been isolated from the outer world, he still kept his eyes on me, huh? He expelled me before. Now, why would he'll be interested in an imperfect product?

Sakayanagi: I wonder? Statistically speaking, you interested me as well. I hope that you won't disappoint me, (L/N)-kun. Fufufu.

With that, she walked away and disappeared around the corner.

...

Flashback.

We, the children of White Room, were unable to live a normal life or grow up properly compared to every student who are not from that facility would. We were stripped away our emotions and basic reasoning and judgement. Just like one day, one of the children fainted due to excessive indoctrination. None of the other children expressed their concerns, except me.

(Y/N): Hey, should we tell the adults?

Then, the person next to me replied. He's a boy with brown hair, brown eyes, and a fair complexion.

"Why bother? Sooner or later, he'll be gone anyway. The weaklings like him doesn't have the right to belong here."

(Y/N): I mean, why shouldn't we look out for each other. We're in the same boat, after all.

The boy then looked at me with a blank expression.

"Feelings are unnecessary. It's just a hindrance to restrain us to perform the best of our abilities."

We were acquainted ever since I arrived, that's why I won't be surprised anymore by his wild remarks.

(Y/N): Even so, I'd still consider you as my friend.

"That's absurd. I don't recall labelling myself as your 'friend'. Quit calling me that."

(Y/N): Try and stop me.

Flashback end

I was still standing at the third floor of the special annex, reminiscing the past.

(Y/N): Well, there's no point remember it now.

I took out my phone and checked the time as I exited the complex.

...

Horikita's POV

Horikita: Sigh. It's been a long day.

I exited the school after confronting with Ryuuen-kun and Kushida-san. It was really exhausting.

Then, I noticed that (Y/N)-kun was leaning on the gate while playing with his phone. He's probably waiting for me. He noticed me as I walked up to him.

Horikita: Sorry for having kept you waiting.

(Y/N): No problem. Have you finished with your business?

I nodded. He then lower his gaze and looked at my leg.

(Y/N): Does it still hurts?

Horikita: A little bit. But I'll be fine after resting a few days.

Without further ado, (Y/N)-kun then walked in front of me and turned his back at me. He then kneel down, as if gestured me to hop on his back.

(Y/N): Come on, I'll carry you back.

Horikita: You're kidding, right? Besides, what if other people saw us?

(Y/N): Don't worry. No one will see us. I'm sure most of them went back and rest instead of wandering around the school complex.

I was hesitating at first, but then I put my bag down and placed both of my arm to cling on his shoulder before hopping on his back. He then took my bag along with his and walked.

It was the first time since someone other than my brother to carry me in piggyback style. I admitted I was a bit embarrassed, but it kinda nice.

(Y/N): Hey, sorry for being cold to you during the sport festivals.

(Y/N)-kun apologized without looking back. This time, his tone's warm and gentle.

Horikita: It's alright. This time, we were defeated soundly. But I feel like I grew today. I never imagined a day would come when failure would nourish me, but... that's really how I feel.

(Y/N): That's good, right?

Horikita: Mm hmm. This class is going to get stronger. Then we'll definitely climb the ranks to the upper classes.

(Y/N): Wew. Your optimism is kind of freaking me out.

I then pulled his ear with one of my hands.

(Y/N): Ow ow ow! I'm sorry! We're going to fall!

I let go of him and huffed. (Y/N)-kun then letting out a fake sob. I decided to ask him about the incident earlier when I confronted Ryuuen-kun and Kushida-san.

Horikita: It was you, right? The person who sent that message.

(Y/N): ...What message? I don't know what you're talking about.

Horikita: Denial...

He didn't respond and sighed instead. I could felt his warmth as I laid my head on his back.

Horikita: Thank you for everything, (Y/N)-kun.

I closed my eyes and smiled.

(Y/N): You're welcome.

Horikita: I love you...

(Y/N): Love you too.

We then headed back to our dorms as the sky was ablaze with the fire of the setting sun.

...

(A/N: That, ladies and gentlemen, the end of the LN vol.5. Cheers!)

Paper Shuffle

(Y/N)'s POV

Flashback

(Y/N): He needs help! Why don't you adults do something about that?

"Return to your room. Don't make me repeat myself."

(Y/N): But—

"You there. Tow him away."

(Y/N): Hands off. I can walk. Tch.

...

"That kid. Looks like he haven't completely indoctrinated. And his emotional outburst are getting more frequent."

"Yes. You're right. By any means, he should be expelled from here long time ago. I wonder what the director is thinking."

"I heard that this kid's abilities are almost on equal term with the director's son. The data showed some significant results too."

"For now, just enhance the indoctrination process. If the problem still appeared to be unsolvable, we will solve it by ourselves."

...

Flashback end

(Y/N): Ouch!

A book fell on top of my face and snapped me back to reality.

Horikita: What are you doing?

(Y/N): The book... fell down.

I said while rubbing my injured nose.

Horikita: Unbelievable. How can you doze off while reading just like that?

She sighed while browsing her phone. Currently, I was hanging out in Horikita's room. I was laying my head on her lap and enjoying the one novel that I borrowed from the library until my thought was strayed away by the recent incident with Sakayanagi. That conversation between two adults was the last thing I heard before I was taken away. Until now I hadn't recall back any events that happened during my stay in the White Room. Probably the memories are starting to emerge from my subconscious mind after talking with Sakayanagi. Well, that's nothing much I can do about it anyway. So I keep it to myself without showing any signs.

(Y/N): I can't help it. Your lap pillow is comfortable.

She blushed slightly and looked at me.

Horikita: T-That's because you keep begging me for it.

(Y/N): And you comply to my request.

Horikita looked away and huffed.

(Y/N): Are you mad?

Horikita: Do I look mad to you?

(Y/N): Well, there's something blocking my view. So I can't see your face—

Without waiting for me to finish my sentence, Horikita jabbed me in my ribs with much force than usual. Immediately, I got up while using my hand to pressure the sore spot.

(Y/N): I'm kidding! Y-You hit harder than usual.

Horikita: That was unnecessary comment.

(Y/N): My bad.

I tried to change the subject while relieving my pain.

(Y/N): Anyway, the student council will hold an election tomorrow.

Horikita: Yes. I'm aware of that. We, as the first-year students have to attend the ceremony as well.

(Y/N): Sigh. This gonna be a long day.

Horikita: And you gonna fall asleep during the whole speech, am I right?

(Y/N): Heh. As expected of my girlfriend, you do understand me.

...

The sports festival ended in mid-October, around the time of year when it started getting chilly.

On the next day, the school held a general election to decide who would be in charge of the next student council. Immediately after the election concluded, the school ushered in the handover ceremony of the student council. That event was significant, with the entire student body assembled in the gymnasium.

"Now, here are some final remarks from president Horikita of the student council."

The moderator stood aside as Horikita Manabu slowly took the stage and approached the microphone. Once, the younger Horikita would have shrunk back in fear at the sight of her brother. But now, as she watched over her brother's resignation, she was staring at him with a firm look.

Following the older Horikita's speech, he returned to his original position as the moderator welcomed the next student council president, Nagumo Miyabi from second-year Class A to the stage.

Nagumo walked onstage and stood in front of the microphone. Ichinose, a first year, was among the student council members who watched him attentively.

I wasn't paying much attention to the speech as the drowsiness started to take over me. After only god knows how long I slept, the ceremony ended uneventfully and all students went back to their respective classes and resumed their lessons. And us, the first-year students were about to continue our second semester of the year.

...

First, I would like to point out that my surroundings began to change little by little. Class D had made it through major events like the uninhabited island and the sports festival, and slowly but surely, we were coming together as a class. People's friend circles gradually expanded, and they began to show marked academic improvement.

The gradual change of our class was ll thanks to Sudou Ken. After the sport festival, he didn't turn back to his usual lazy and short-tempered attitude. Instead, he began to take notes and pay attention in the class. This was because it's necessary for him to get his studies in order for the sake of Horikita, who he admired and the future of the class. Perhaps she checked in on him once in awhile.

Sudou was maturing, and people's opinions of him began to improve. However, he wasn't the only one changing. I saw it in myself, too.

Whether that was a good or bad thing remained to be seen.

Horikita: Looks like your dear friends Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun haven't been hanging out with you that much ever since the sport festival.

As I was sorting out the situation, I was called out to from the seat beside me.

(Y/N): Hmm. Actually, it was more like they'd completely cut me out.

Horikita: Not surprising. I mean, they used to think you are the same low level as them, so they gladly hanging out with you. Then, they discovered that you were actually hiding remarkable physical ability.

(Y/N): That's not true. It's only that my feet are a bit faster, at best. I told you that.

Horikita: But your footwork is fast, especially for a student. It's very fast. Besides, they probably noticed that you scored much higher than average when you measured your grip strength. You should know right? People have a basic tendency to hate others for being excellent, and your situation is that you've been hiding your excellence.

I know such a thing goes without saying. However, I also have to admit that I don't have a clear understanding of what counts as average.

(Y/N): I suppose that telling them I was "just running a little bit fast" wasn't enough.

Horikita: Maybe.

She got up from her seat after putting away her stuffs and left, her long hair swaying as she exited the classroom. She told me earlier that she's going to stay at the library for awhile. We couldn't walk back together as our relationship wasn't disclose to the public. Only a few person, such as Hirata and Sudou know about the relationship and they promised to keep quiet about it.

As I saw her off, Karuizawa, who was still in the classroom, threw an indescribable glance in my direction. However, as our gazes met, she cast her eyes away again. There was obviously some kind of meaning behind this look, but she followed Horikita out of the classroom without revealing anything in particular.

(Y/N): What's that supposed to mean...? Well, whatever.

As As I was thinking about what to do, an unexpected visitor appeared beside me.

"Hey, (L/N)-kun."

I didn't know Satou's first name. She was the same kind of fashionable girl as Karuizawa. She is a very nice girl who had been friendly with Ike and Yamauchi in their group chat in the past. I also participated in their group chats, but we had almost no mutual interests. Although she was a classmate, she was one I barely spoke to.

Right now, Satou seemed to have been waiting to get me alone. She glanced around the room as if anxious.

(Y/N): Uhh. Can I help you?

In the face of strange circumstances, I can only ask such questions.

Satou: Well, yeah, actually. I guess.

She wasn't making herself quite clear. Unfortunately, I couldn't speculate on the content.

Satou: Umm, it's like this. Can I borrow some time? I have something to say.

This was strange.

(Y/N): Yeah, sure. What is it?

Satou: Well, it just... It's a little inconvenient here, is it alright if we go somewhere else?

Before I could answer, though, she got up and walked out of the classroom. Getting curious of what Satou might want to say to me, I followed behind.

Sakura: Ah...

As I was about to leave the classroom, Sakura made a sound as if trying to say something, but nothing came out and she ended up turning away.

Satou and I went into the passage that led to the gymnasium. It would probably be crowded after lunch, but since everyone was off eating right now, it was an ideal place to talk. She clearly didn't want anyone else to witness this.

Satou stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder.

Satou: I'm going to ask you something a little strange... (L/N)-kun, are you going out with anyone?

(Y/N): ...Eh?

Satou: Well, literally, I'm asking you if you have a girlfriend. Do you?

Ahh. So that's what she wants to talk about. The answer of her question was "yes". Though, I refrained myself from saying that as it would reveal my relationship with Horikita. But I don't particular like the idea of lying about my relationship. It felt damn dishonest. But, what choice do I have.

(Y/N): I don't.

Satou: Hmm, I see... Can I take that as though you're looking for a girlfriend?

She didn't ask it like she was making fun of me, or inquiring out of pity. Actually, she had a small smile, as if she was happy. So, either Satou herself, or a friend of hers, seem to think that I'm decent boyfriend material. Why all of a sudden at this point in time?

Perhaps this had something to do with my performance during the final event of the sport festival?

Satou: If you're okay with starting out as friends, then... Well, how about we exchange phone numbers?

I scratched my head while searching for an answer. As an honest man, I should reject her proposal right here right now. But, I can't find any reason to refuse her request to exchange our phone numbers other than telling her the truth. As of now, I'm only being asked to exchange phone numbers. And there's nothing wrong than adding a new friend. So I guess it's okay.

(Y/N): Sure. I guess...

Satou: Okay, got it.

The mobile phone shows the completed contact registration page.

After I put Satou's number in my phone, there was a strange feeling of tranquility in the air.

(Y/N): Umm.If I may ask, why are you suddenly asking me for my contact information?

Satou blushed and averted her eyes

Satou: Why? W-Well, it's just... the sports festival, the relay. Should I say you were very cool? Or should I say you've been so close-by, and I haven't noticed you at all? I thought the best guy in class was, you know, Hirata-kun. But since he's Karuizawa-san's boyfriend, there's nothing I can do about that, right?

As she finished saying this, she looked up at me, and awkwardly adjusted what she had said.

Satou: Uh, I'm not saying I think you're worse than Hirata-kun or anything like that, (L/N)-kun. To be honest, after I got a closer look, you seem to be more handsome than Hirata-kun. You also look really reliable and gentle. S-so, anyway, that's...

Perhaps the feeling of shame had swelled up in her, as the I couldn't hear the last part very well, and Satou inevitably left like the wind. I stood completely still, unable to wrap my head around what had just happened.

What was I even supposed to do about this? I only considering her as a classmate, no more no less. Well, the whole thing was on me. It was my fault that I led her to think that I'm single right now. And as a good boyfriend, I should be honest and tell Horikita about this. But, the pain from her jab still swelling on my body...

No, wait. She didn't say she wanted to be with me or that she liked me. I was just asked about my relationship status and was asked for contact information. That's it! Even if I assume her intentions a bit, I was only asked to become friends with her and to exchange contacts. But, Horikita doesn't like me to hang out with other girls that much...

While I was returning to the classroom and pondering about this complicated situation, I bumped into Katsuragi and Yahiko from Class A.

We exchanged a few words regarding the recent sport events and Ryuuen. Talking to other guys was much easier than talking to girls. Considering this, I feel like an idiot for struggling to make more friends. Before we all parted ways, he kept telling me to warn Horikita about Ryuuen. I promised I'd tell her. Ryuuen was certainly Class D's enemy.

...

That night, after I hung out the phone call with Horikita, Karuizawa called immediately afterwards. We had exchanged contact information before, but I was still a little surprised to hear from her for the first time.

Karuizawa: I have something to ask you.

(Y/N): ...Hello to you too.

Karuizawa ignored my greeting and continued.

Karuizawa: Satou-san confessed her feelings to you, didn't she?

I became tongue-tied at the unexpected question. How could she know that?

Karuizawa: A lot of girls in class already know.

Good lord. I'm gonna pray that it doesn't reach to Horikita.

(Y/N): Who told you that?

Karuizawa: Satou-san herself, obviously. I was told in advance that she was planning to confess to you today.

Was this like insider trading or something?

(Y/N): Ahh. Is that why you looked over at me earlier today?

Karuizawa: You noticed?

(Y/N): Doesn't matter. Besides, why do you care if someone confess to me?

Karuizawa: B-Because, right now, you're dating Horikita-san, right? People don't like their significant other to do something wrong behind their back. It annoyed me by just thinking about it.

(Y/N): Why does this concerns you anyway?

Karuizawa: It's... whatever. What I want right now is your answer.

As if this wasn't nerve-racking enough already.

(Y/N): Well, you don't have to worry about it.

Karuizawa: So, does that mean you're planning to accept the confession?

(Y/N): I didn't say that.

Karuizawa: You are saying it alright. Since you don't outright deny it you know. I can't believe you, cheating on Horikita-san behind her back. I thought you're not like the other guys who only think of naughty and perverted stuff. But I was wrong about you. Hmph, pathetic.

Her ideas jumped in an exaggerated way. This is like a parent feeling so proud of their child winning for first place in a sporting event, that they proclaim to other parents that their child is ensured to become an Olympic athlete in the future.

And, is it just me or Karuizawa's so talkative today?

(Y/N): That's absurd. Why do you think I accept her confession?

Karuizawa: Then, prove it. Explain to me the reason for your refusal.

(Y/N): I have a girlfriend already.

Karuizawa: ...Right. Good call.

(Y/N): Plus. It wasn't even a real confession. All she said was she just wanted to be friends and we exchanged contact information.

Karuizawa: I see. So, it was like that.

And why do I bother to talk to Karuizawa about this stuff?

Karuizawa: Hmm. Well, I suppose we can leave things at that for today.

Karuizawa's attitude was very lofty. Since I had her on the phone right now anyway, I decided to confirm something.

(Y/N): Manabe and those other Class C girls haven't tried anything with you since we were on the cruise ship, have they?

Karuizawa: Well, yeah, it hasn't been an issue. At least for now.

Karuizawa's voice got low. She didn't want to think about that incident.

(Y/N): I think I have taken the appropriate countermeasures. In the event something does happen, let me know instantly, even you've been violently threatened to stay quiet. I'll fix the problem right away.

I heard Karuizawa hold her breath over the phone. Perhaps I had been too bold.

Karuizawa: I understand. What else should I say? If I'm not useful to you, it will become very troublesome for me.

(Y/N): ...

In order to survive in this school, Karuizawa must hold on to her current status no matter what. To do that, she had to conceal the truth of her past. However, it is impossible for the girls from Class C to understand the entire situation in the first place.

The problem was Ryuuen pulling the strings from behind the scenes. I might have to confront him at some point, and that time was most likely nigh. We all know that.

Karuizawa: Anyway, back to our earlier topic. What do you plan to do about Satou-san? And are you going to tell Horikita-san about that?

(Y/N): I'm taking a reserved attitude with it. As for Suzune, I think I will tell her at the day she's in pretty good mood...

Karuizawa: Huh. A guy like you are afraid of Horikita-san?

(Y/N): Hey, you don't know how scary she is when angered.

Karuizawa: Sigh. Fine.

Karuizawa seemed mollified.

(Y/N): Karuizawa.

Karuizawa: What?

(Y/N): Make sure to erase records of our calls from your phone.

Karuizawa: Yeah, I've already been doing that. Emails, too.

(Y/N): As expected. Alright.

Even without instructions, Karuizawa seems to be doing a good job.

Karuizawa: If that's all, I'm going to hang up.

(Y/N): Sure.

I added in this statement to end the conversation and hung up the call.

To be honest, I wanted to say one more thing, but decided not to. Talking about what was to come would just put pressure on Karuizawa, anyway.

I didn't want to tell her about the potential danger we faced. Not yet.

...

A few days later, a heavy atmosphere hung over the class. The feeling wasn't disappointment so much as nervousness. It was filled with just the right amount of tension.

The first to take this in was Class D's teacher, Chabashira-sensei.

Chabashira: Please find your seats. All of you seem to have made plenty of preparations.

As soon as she walked into the classroom, the atmosphere quickly grew heavier and became more dignified. Compared to before, the class we presented her with looked natural. In this respectful atmosphere, Chabashira-sensei didn't hide her surprise.

Chabashira: My, my. You all look so serious. It's hard to imagine you're Class D.

Ike: That's because today is when you announce the results of the mid-term exam, right?

Ike spoke with a slightly nervous look on his face. Chabashira-sensei responded with a sly smile.

Chabashira: That's exactly right. And you lot know the rules. The school will expel you immediately if you fail the midterm or final exam. If you received a failing grade, you'll need to prepare for the consequences. So now I'm going to post the midterm exam results. Read carefully.

The reason why she reminded us is precisely that this warning is genuine. If someone was unable to accept their scores and reacted violently, the school wouldn't hesitate to respond harshly with ample evidence from the cameras watching the students installed in every classroom.

Chabashira: A score of forty or higher is considered a passing grade for all subjects. Anyone with a score under forty will face expulsion.

The threshold for passing the midterms was almost the same as it was for previous exams, but the situation was a little bit different.

Chabashira: The scores announced from now on will also reflect your results at the sports festivals. In terms of results, those who achieved high scores and found success at the festival attained a score exceeding 100 points. In these cases, the score will be treated as a full score.

On the other hands, the school would deduct ten points from the midterm scores of the ten students with the lowest sports festival results.

The students watched attentively as the test results were slowly posted onto the board. However, Horikita showed no impatience for seeing the scores.

"W-What the— No way!"

The ranking of the results began with the lowest score. Many students naturally expected to see Sudou's name at the bottom of the list, but instead, the first name posted was "Haruki Yamauchi" along with his grades in various subjects. The next was "Ike Kanji" , followed by the others.

Yamauchi: What?! Dude, did I seriously in the last place?

Fortunately, he was over 40 points in every subject, with his lowest score just barely passing with 43 points in English. His average score didn't even reach 50 points. But he's safe, for now.

Sudou's results were more surprising. Until today, he'd always ranked at the very bottom of the class, but now he'd moved up significantly, going to twelfth from the bottom, with an average score of fifty-seven points.

Sudou: Alright! I beat my personal best! Woo-hoo!

He jumped up from his seat excitedly.

Horikita: That score isn't worth making a racket over. You've only been saved due to the sports festival.

Sudou: R-Right.

Sudou sat back down, looking despondent at Horikita's rebuke.

(Y/N): The effects of the study group are outstanding. I mean, look at Sudou's English test.

Horikita: He could score better if you join the study group and help with the tutoring.

(Y/N): It's bothersome. I'm not particular good at English. And I doubt he'll let me teach him instead of you.

Horikita sighed and crossed her arms.

Horikita: True enough. However, Sudou-kun was lucky that this midterm test was made up of relatively simple problems.

(Y/N): You might be right.

This midterm exam was no doubt a little bit easier than the usual exam. I mean, even elementary school children could answer the questions. But still, the study group held by Horikita certainly paid off. Look at Yamauchi for instance, even finished last, he'd managed to pass the exam. But Sudou had taken things a step further, giving up his free days to study one-on-one with her. That's why we didn't spend some times together as she wants to help Sudou in his study. Well, I don't think I should worry about that or anything. Maybe. Of course I'm not jealous!

Horikita: You're averaging sixty-five points again. When are you going to get serious?

(Y/N): Huh. I tried my very best already.

Horikita: Do you seriously think that you can fool me? I know you're hiding your true ability.

(Y/N): I certainly hope so.

She sighed at my respond and shook her head.

Horikita: You're playing dumb as always. Honestly, I can't listen to you anymore.

(Y/N): Come on, don't be mad. I promise you that I will score better next time.

Horikita: You better be. Or else, you know the consequences.

I gulped and looked away.

(Y/N): ...Don't remind me of that.

At any rate, because the test problems had been simple, there were a few perfect scores among those students at the top of the class.

Chabashira: As you can see, the number of people who've dropped out due to this exam is zero. Everyone overcame this exam without any issues. Well done.

Chabashira-sensei had never shown us this side of her personality until today. Quite a few students seemed hesitant to believe that it was genuine.

Horikita: Being praised by you makes me feel uncomfortable.

Her remarks made me smirked a little. Although it was wonderful that no one had failed, she understood that Chabashira-sensei wasn't the type to end on a positive note. The gentler Chabashira-sensei acted, the creepier we all felt.

Chabashira: Vigilant as always, huh? Horikita. Fine then. I will cut to the chase.

She then slammed her hands on the podium stand and looked at the class. The loud sound managed to catch a few students by surprise.

Chabashira: As I'm sure you all know, there will be an eight-subject quiz next week as part of the second semester's final exam. I think some of you have already started studying for the exam, but I'll remind everyone again.

Ike: Huh?! And I was just recovering from the midterm! Another test?!

The cold season has begun, and students who aren't adept at studying will only continue to suffer from here. There will be a swift barrage of tests in the near future that students will not be able to escape. In particular, the interval between the second-semester exams is a short one.

Chabashira-sensei took her eyes off Ike and continued.

Chabashira: There will be one hundred questions on the test, making for a total of one hundred possible points. However, the questions will be on a third-year junior high school level. That is to say, this quiz will serve as a means for us to confirm whether you remember your foundations or not. It won't affect your grades actually.

Ike: Oh! That's great!

Chabashira: However, Of course I'm going to tell you that this quiz is certainly not meaningless. Why? Because the results of this quiz will have a large influence over the upcoming final exam.

Should I say "duh" or something? Of course. Nothing could be simple at this school.

Chabashira: The school has decided that this next quiz's results will help determine which students to partner in class.

Hirata: Partner?

Hirata expressed his doubt over the word that seemed the most out of place.

Chabashira: That's right. The pairing created from the quiz will share the same fate and challenge the final exams together. There will be eight subjects on that exam, each worth a total of one hundred points. Four hundred test questions, fifty for each subject. There are also two possible ways for you to fail that exam. If your pair scores under sixty in even one subject, then the school will expel both students. The sixty-point total, by the way, refers to the partners' combined score.

So even if one of two students get a score of zero on one subject, as long as their partner gets a sixty, neither of them will be required to drop out. That's relatively simple way to understand this. But, there's still a second method of failing left.

Chabashira: Additionally, the new criteria that you'll have to overcome to avoid expulsion is a cumulative score requirement. That being said, even if you get sixty points or more in each of the eight individual subjects, failing to meet this overall score requirement will mean expulsion.

Hirata: Is it based on the collective total between both members of the pair?

Chabashira: Yes. In previous years, the overall score was around seven hundred points, but it's subject to change.

For seven hundred points, since there are sixteen total subjects between two people, it will be necessary to achieve a minimum average of 43.75 points on each subject. Even excellent students like Horikita or Yukimura could be at risk, depending on their partner.

Chabashira: The final exam will be held over two days, with four subjects per day, and I'll let you know the subjects' order. In the meantime, take a good care of yourself. In the event that someone is absent due to poor health, the school will investigate the absence's legitimacy. If it's confirmed to be unavoidable, the student will receive points based on a rough estimate of what they would've earned given past test results.

We couldn't avoid taking this exam. The school was telling us that caring for our health was another test of ability.

Chabashira: Still, you're starting to look a little bit like a true student of this school. In the past, you would have screamed when you heard the rules of this exam.

Ike: Well, we've gotten used to it.

Chabashira-sensei smirked at his respond.

Chabashira: Well said, Ike. However, there are probably quite a few of you who feel the same way. Therefore, I'm going to give you all a single piece of advice. It's best not to think that you've mastered everything about this school just because you've gotten past the first semester of the first year. In the future, you'll face countless exams far more difficult than those you face now.

"P-please don't say such horrible things, sensei."

One of the girls said, frightened by her advice.

Chabashira: Well, it's the truth. And this special test... commonly known as 'Paper Shuffle'.

(Y/N): 'Paper Shuffle? What does she mean by that?'

After that, Chabashira-sensei gave us some ample warnings to prevent students from panicking and making mistakes. However, the pair system was still a real problem

Chabashira: Oh, and one more things. The school will ask you to consider this final exam from yet another perspective.

Hirata: There's one more thing we have to do?

As the class was slightly upset, Hirata responds as if to summarize the situation.

Chabashira: Yes. First, the school will ask you to create your own questions to appear on the final exam. They'll use the questions you come up with for one of the other three classes. This is to say, you will have to launch an 'attack' against one of the other classes, and the class that intercepts this attack will have to 'defend'. The school will compare your class's overall score to the overall score for the class that received your test questions. The class that scores higher will take points from the losing class. Fifty class points, specifically.

I began to get a grasp on the situation. So basically, pairs needed to score above seven hundred points in aggregate or be expelled. Furthermore, as a class, we have to achieve an overall score higher than the classes that we're competing against.

For the sake of understanding, let's say that Class C attack Class D, while Class D attack Class A. If the total points of Class D is higher than Class C, it means Class D successfully defend against Class C and the class will gain a total of fifty class points that deducted from the Class C as a result. Same goes to the situation if Class D successfully carries out their attack on Class A, the class will gain a total of one hundred points.

Chabashira: To assure you lot, the teachers will evaluate the questions you create. If they exceed what you have been taught, or cannot be answered with the information provided, they will be revised. We'll ensure that each class submits fair questions and answers.

Hirata: But still, creating four hundred questions, huh? That'll make for a pretty tight schedule.

We had about a month left until the test. A single person would have to come up with ten to fifteen questions per day to get them done in time. Although we could put several people to work devising questions, that would cause some variation in quality. If we had to make any revisions after submitting the problems to the school, we'd need to work quickly.

Chabashira: You may consult teachers and students from other classes, and you can use the internet. There are few restrictions. As long as the school accepts the questions, we don't care about much else.

(Y/N): 'There's a hella lot of rules this time.'

Horikita: So, our final test will obviously include questions from another class, right?

Chabashira: Exactly. Each class will choose another class to compete against, and I will report that request to my superiors. If another class makes the same choice, representatives will draw lots. In turn, if there is no overlap, your nomination is accepted and that's the class you'll be writing questions for. I'll hear your nomination the day before the quiz next week. You should think carefully about your decision until then.

The final exam is usually about facing the school, but this time it's essentially a one-on-one fight with another class? In this way, complex mechanisms are involved in this exam, in addition to what exactly the point boundary for each pair is.

Chabashira: That's all for the preliminary explanation. The rest is up to you.

Chabashira-sensei summed it up this way, and with that, today's class came to an end.

...

'X'

Horikita's POV

Horikita: We're going to have a meeting, (Y/N)-kun. Can you please get Hirata-kun for me?

(Y/N): Sure.

Immediately after I said that, he went over to Hirata-kun's place. As for me, I went to Sudou-kun's place. I thought that ever since the school festival ended, he started to change into a more reliable person. I can see that, because he started to take the class more seriously. Not only his academics had improved gradually, but his manners and etiquette as well. I'm glad that (Y/N)-kun convinced me not to give up on him. He really could become one of the important assets of Class D.

Horikita: 'As expected of (Y/N)-kun, he knew it all along right from the beginning.'

When I approached Sudou-kun, he was just finished packing his stuffs.

Horikita: Sudou-kun, are you free right now?

Sudou: Oh, Suzune. Are we going to have tutor lesson again this afternoon?

Horikita: No, I think we should put a hold on it. We're having a meeting afterwards, regarding the new special exam. I would like you to join us in the discussion as well.

He looked a bit puzzled when I asked him. Well, that was expected as well. I mean, this is the first time that I ever include him as one of my 'friends'.

Sudou: Uh... Sure. But I should answer the call of nature first.

Horikita: Okay.

With that, he gave me a nod and walked out from the classroom. Answer the call of nature? Since when he learn this kind of fancy words...

I then returned to my seat and (Y/N)-kun did the same too.

(Y/N): Hirata's on his way.

Horikita: Same with Sudou-kun.

(Y/N): Huh, I'm surprised you actually invited him.

Horikita: Well, I think it's time for him to step up and contribute to the class, particularly in academic aspects.

(Y/N): It certainly true that his grades had improved.

Horikita: So, what do you think?

(Y/N): I think maybe two or more months, he could even surpass—

Horikita: No, not that. I'm talking about the exam.

He then let out a long sigh.

(Y/N): It's just like Chabashira-sensei said. This exam will be difficult. The bar is high, and the partner system makes it worse.Add to that the fact that another class is going to write the test for us, and we can predict that the degree of difficulty will effectively double. It will be particularly challenging if we're up against a class that makes their questions more challenging than they need to be. Depending on how the question's worded, even something straightforward could appear unsolvable.

Horikita: That's true. This time, it's not just about studying. We have to be creative.

Simply tutoring the weaker students among us wouldn't be enough. Ideally, we would look to grasp the weaknesses of other classes, but it's doubtful that they would readily reveal those to us. Still, we'd overcome trials based on intelligence and teamwork before. We have to stay optimistic.

(Y/N): I feel as if Chabashira-sensei was hinting at something.

Horikita: Well, I'm aware of that. This school loves to hide hints in everything they tell us. The three key points Chabashira-sensei made were that the short test won't affect our grades, that the criteria for the combined scores hadn't been decided yet, and that they'd determine our partners after the short test.

As soon I finished explaining what I understand to (Y/N)-kun, he then rested his head on his hand and smiled at me. That made me blushed a little.

Horikita: W-What so funny...

(Y/N): What a perfect, concise breakdown.

Horikita: I-I merely stating the facts!

(Y/N): Then, why are you blushing?

Horikita: I'm not.

I averted my gaze away from him. I have to stay calm and regain my composure.

(Y/N): Now I'm smiling for another reason... Which is, why are you so cute when you are blushing?

Horikita: I-I...

His teasing always made my heart leaps. Just as I'm thinking about something else to say, Hirata-kun approached us.

HIrata: Thanks for waiting. Oh... Am I interrupting?

Horikita: 'No, no, no! Not you too, Hirata-kun!'

(Y/N): Relax. We're good.

Hirata: Ahaha. Alright then. This is to discuss our plans for the final exam, right?

I nodded while trying to hide my reddened face. Then, Hirata-kun called over Karuizawa-san. Though she glared at us as if it was a huge bother, she came.

Horikita: Ahem. If it's alright with you, I'd like to start right away.

Karuizawa: Huh? Wait, right here? No way. If we're talking things over, we might as well go to Pallet. Right, Yousuke-kun?

Karuizawa-san clasped Hirata-kun's arm and pulled to indicate her presence. Pallet was a cafe on school grounds, one that mostly catered to girls. During lunch breaks and after class, it often overflowed with people.

Horikita: Yousuke-kun...?

Karuizawa: Is that a problem? You call your boyfriend by his first name, too. Right?

Horikita: No, but... Nevermind.

Hmm. I thought (Y/N)-kun told me that their relationship was fake. But I decided not to pry into this unnecessary matter anyway.

Horikita: We don't know where the enemy might be watching us from, but... Well, it's fine.

It would be unwise to antagonize her right now. I'd better comply to her request. I can also felt that (Y/N)-kun's casting his gaze on me, for some reasons.

Kushida: Excuse me, but would it be all right if I joined you, too? Is that okay...?

(Y/N): Well...

Horikita: Of course. You understand our class very well, Kushida-san. Besides, I'd like to hear several people's opinions.

(Y/N)-kun widened his eyes when I agreed to let Kushida-san to come with us. He must've a lot of questions to ask right now. So...

Horikita: Could you three head over to Pallet first? I have a few things to take care of.

The three of them agreed without any particular objection, and left to the cafe. More and more students left the classroom as well, and eventually, only me and (Y/N)-kun remained in the class. Save for Sudou-kun who hadn't return from the lavatory.

I then turned to (Y/N)-kun. Before I could say anything, he already started talking.

(Y/N): Is it alright to let her join us?

It's true that Kushida Kikyou was a valuable asset, but she also hated me. I couldn't say for certain that she wouldn't try to sabotage us.

Horikita: What am I supposed to do? Refuse her right in the spot?

(Y/N): Well, that's true...

Sudou: Sorry to keep you waiting, Suzune.

Sudou-kun said that as he coming up to us.

Horikita: Never mind that. The venue for the discussion has changed. Hirata-kun and the others are waiting for us at Pallet.

Sudou: Okay, sure. Uh... Sorry, but would it be okay if I peeked in on my club? The upperclassmen asked for me to be there. It should be over in, like, twenty or thirty minutes.

Horikita: I don't mind. Come and meet with us as soon as you're done.

Sudou-kun flashed a smile, grabbed his bag, and hurried out of the classroom. I then picked up my own bag and stood up.

(Y/N): Well, good luck with everything. I'm going back to my dorm.

He threw his bag over his shoulder and began walked away. I then grabbed his wrist and stopped him.

Horikita: Hold on a second, mister. You're coming with me.

(Y/N): Huh?

Horikita: As an intermediary between Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san, you are indispensable.

(Y/N): Well, I thought Sudou can fill my shoes.

Horikita: What?

What on earth is he talking about? Of course Sudou-kun couldn't— Ah, I see. So that's what's going on, huh?

I crossed my arms and slowly walked to the front of (Y/N)-kun.

Horikita: Oh, is somebody jealous?

I gave him a playful smile while tilting my head. (Y/N)-kun turned his head away and avoid my gazes.

(Y/N): No. I'm not jealous.

Horikita: Well, you're proving my points.

(Y/N): Of what...?

He said meekly, much to his annoyance. God, now I know why (Y/N)-kun love teasing so much.

Horikita: Ara~ Your expression's cute when you're denying your feelings.

(Y/N): So, now you're getting back at me for the teasing earlier?

Horikita: Well, yeah. You could say that.

It's true that after the school sport festival, I've been spending a lot of times to help Sudou-kun in his study. Maybe because of that, we couldn't spend times frequently like we did before. That's what lead to (Y/N)-kun's jealousy. Even he acted like he's okay with it, but I know he actually cared about that. I mean, if other girls are getting close with (Y/N)-kun or even confess to him, I'll get jealous, too. But, compromise is important in the relationship.

I slowly walked towards (Y/N)-kun and put both my hands on his shoulders and leaned closer.

Horikita: Look. I'm sorry that I'm spending more time with Sudou-kun in his study than with you. But, I promise you after confirming he's good on his own, I will make up for the lost time, okay?

(Y/N): Sigh. I suppose...

Horikita: Good. Now, let's go.

I smiled at him before letting go. We exited the empty classroom and headed to the hallway.

...

(Y/N)'s POV

Well, after Horikita's teasing, she managed to convince me to come along to the meeting.

(Y/N): Back to the matter at hand, why are you and Kushida on the bad terms anyway? When did you two start fighting?

Kushida showed no favoritism toward anyone, and treated everybody in class equally, so I wanted to know why she held such animosity for Horikita alone.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Horikita went quite stiff.

Horikita: Where would you like me to start?

(Y/N): From the beginning. Because all I know is that the two of you are not on good terms with one another.

And the dark side of Kushida. I want to know more about that. However, I have deliberately neglected to mention this because I don't know what Horikita knows or plans to say.

Horikita: I really don't know much at all about Kushida Kikyou. When did you first meet her?

(Y/N): On the bus.

Horikita: That's right. Like you, the first time I saw Kushida-san was on the bus on the day of admission.

I remembered that an elderly woman on the bus had been forced to stand because there weren't any open seats. Kushida had asked if someone would give the old lady a seat, a good deed in and of itself, a faultless act of kindness. At least that what it looks like.

(Y/N): Did she hate you because you didn't offer the elder lady your seat?

Horikita: And you didn't offer your seat, too. So did Kouenji-kun.

(Y/N): Ah, right. Good point.

Horikita: I didn't know Kushida-san at the time. No, I did not remember it exactly.

(Y/N): So, you knew each other before you met at this school?

Horikita: Yes. We attended the same junior high, but it was in a completely different prefecture. She probably never dreamed that there would be people from the same place as her.

(Y/N): I see.

As I heard this, it solved a great mystery. Before I met them, the bond between Horikita and Kushida had already begun.

Horikita and I didn't head straight for Pallet. Instead, we spent time wandering around school, taking a detour. The farther away from the café we went, the fewer people were around.

(Y/N): What was Kushida like in junior high?

Horikita: Who knows. Like I just said, she and I didn't interact with each other. However, I can say that she was just as popular there as she is here, if not more so. In retrospect, she was certainly the centerpiece of her class during all kinds of events back then. She was a popular person, who was kind to everyone and always left a good impression.

The two seemed to have crossed paths, but in fact, they didn't. I can't solve the mystery of why Kushida was so disgusted by Horikita. The answer is probably hidden in the follow-up to this topic.

(Y/N): And, I don't think she hates you just because she can't be your friend.

It's not just a question of whether or not she can make one hundred friends. Even if it's Kushida, nobody had the means to become friends with the entire school population.

Horikita: You're right. The crucial part comes next. However, please keep in mind that this is nothing more than a rumor. Only Kushida-san herself knows the full truth.

Horikita got to the point and began to speak seriously.

Horikita: Something happened as graduation was approaching near the end of February where a class broke apart.

(Y/N): It wasn't the flu, was it?

Horikita: No. Apparently, a certain female student triggered an incident that destroyed her class. They didn't recover until graduation.

(Y/N): I don't even need to ask who that female student is, right?

Horikita: It was Kushida-san. But I don't know the details. The school completely buried the incident. If it became public knowledge, their credibility would take a hit.

(Y/N): Do you remember anything, even if it's just a rumor?

I wanted to know what kind of situation it was. Horikita spoke as if remembering the past.

Horikita: As soon as the incident came to light, some students from my class were talking about it. So many rumors floated around. Someone was being bullied, or they were doing the bullying. I even heard rumors about violence, though the details were vague. But then the rumors stopped in the blink of an eye. No one wanted to talk about it.

There had to have been some form of external pressure.

(Y/N): In any case, if the information is this limited, you not knowing that Kushida was the cause of the class's collapse can be excused. I doubt you were very interested in things like that at the time.

Horikita: Exactly. I knew I wanted to come to this school, so I was utterly focused on preparing. I didn't care that much about anything else.

To be expected. Even if her school's ratings dropped, she would have been confident enough in her ability to get in.

I put my hands on my chin and thought. I couldn't imagine the Kushida I knew doing any of that. If the rumors are accurate, it would be understandable that she could not spare anyone who knew the truth. If this were to come to light, I have no doubt that Kushida's current position in the school will come to an end.

(Y/N): To summarize, there was an incident caused by Kushida, and we don't know the specifics of what happened. But Kushida herself doesn't know that you don't know the specifics. She thinks that since you are from the same middle school, you should know the details to a certain extent.

Horikita: She isn't exactly wrong. I do know that she caused the incident.

She sighed. I began to see under what conditions Horikita had been placed.

In short, Kushida's one-sided misunderstanding and hostility is the cause for all of this. For Kushida, keeping her past hidden is important enough to her that she is willing to go to all of this effort to hide it completely. Even if Horikita said she didn't know about the incident, Kushida wouldn't believe her.

Horikita: But then again, I don't understand.

(Y/N): Hmm? About the incident?

Horikita: Yeah. It's just all so weirdly mysterious. How does a class with no problems collapse all of a sudden?

(Y/N): Kushida was the trigger, which means that she may have caused the class to collapse on her own. How serious a thing does a student have to do to cause that?

If it was simply a matter of bullying, it wouldn't be able to cause an event of that magnitude. If that were the case, I would only be able to remove one or two people from the class, at most.

Horikita: I think so too. Honestly, I can't imagine.

(Y/N): Actually, there is. One deadliest weapon in the world, the one that Kushida can manipulate. Think about it.

Horikita: As I've said before, violence is the deadliest weapon a human being can wield. No matter how clever a scholar or exalted a politician, in the end, they will fall in the face of powerful violence.

(Y/N): You're not wrong. That said, it's impossible for Kushida to force everyone into desperation with violence. That would be an incredibly huge event. What if there's something else that doesn't lose out to the unique intensity of violence and can instead compete with it?

Horikita: Do you have something in mind?

(Y/N): Lies. People are natural liars by birth. Anyone can lie. Depending on the time and the place, a lie can do more damage than simple violence.

Statistics clearly show that people lie two or three times a day. At first glance, it may seem impossible, but the definition of a lie is broad.

Horikita: Lies... You might be right.

Lies were incredibly powerful. A single lie could even drive someone to their death.

Lies, violence. Doesn't matter. I don't know what weapon Kushida will use, but she does have a high chance of breaking up our class. If Kushida was also a victim of a class break-up, she wouldn't be so hostile towards Horikita.

Horikita: Kushida-san told me that she'd use any means necessary to get rid of anyone who knew about her past. She's already formed an alliance with Ryuuen-kun to entrap me. She won't stop as long as I'm here, even if Class D suffers.

(Y/N): So, it means she has made the conscious decision to break up the class for the sake of hiding her past.

Horikita: I have no doubt.

Since she has already made such a declaration to Horikita, it would be for the best to take her threat seriously.

Yet, even though Kushida had declared war, she'd wanted to work with Horikita and Hirata today, but it was likely a hostile act. She was probably trying to gather information.

Still, even if she was a spy, we needed Kushida. She'd built up significant goodwill in Class D. If we started treating her like an outsider, the other students wouldn't trust us.

(Y/N): Let me confirm one thing, Suzune. What are you going to do about Kushida?

Horikita: I still think my best option is to talk to her. Am I wrong?

I stayed silent for a while before answering.

(Y/N): I might be jumping too far ahead, but if we're going to reach Class A, we might need to give up on Kushida.

After I say this, Horikita glared at me with an angry expression.

Horikita: You mean we should get Kushida-san expelled?

I nodded quietly. Strike your enemy down first; that was basic strategy. However, Horikita looked particularly displeased.

Horikita: I didn't expect you to propose something on the level of getting her expelled ourselves. When I decided to let Sudou-kun fail months ago, you were the one who convinced me to help him instead. And I understood. We couldn't turn our backs on a person with something to offer. In all honesty, if I had given up on Sudou-kun back then, the outcome of the sports festival would have been even grimmer than it ended up being. Plus, you could even see the improvement that Sudou-kun made during the midterm exams. Am I wrong?

The once-solitary Horikita had changed greatly. I was surprised to see such a radical transformation in her.

(Y/N): As long as you're at this school, Kushida will keep getting in your way. In this way, the unity of Class D and the institution of the school system itself will collapse. Are you sure you won't regret letting her stay?

In response to my opinion, Horikita did not appear swayed at all. On the contrary, it seemed as though her own stance on the matter solidified even further.

Horikita: She is very skilled. It's needless to say that she has the ability to get others to work together, but she's also quite adept at observing the abilities of others. If she were willing to work together with us, she would be a really strong addition to Class D. This is my responsibility. I can't just abandon her. I'm sure she'll understand.

I sighed. It seemed that I couldn't convince her after all.

(Y/N): Alright, then. I'll stand by and watch.

If you show me such a firm will with your eyes, I'll also want to believe in the possibility of getting along together.

Horikita: Thank you.

We had talked for a long time and almost made a full lap around campus. We would arrive at Pallet shortly.

Horikita: You promised me that you're gonna keep it secret right?

(Y/N): Yeah, sure.

Before I could walk in, she stopped me.

Horikita: Now that I told you everything I know about Kushida-san, would you please answer a question of my own?

(Y/N): What is it?

Horikita: What do you do to Ryuuen-kun at the sports festival?

(Y/N): I only influenced what happened at the end, that's all. I told you before, right?

Horikita: You said you recorded the whole conversations of Ryuuen-kun had with the others from Class C. But how? You don't have a deep enough connection with someone who would expose Class C, do you?

(Y/N): I have my ways. I used what I had at my disposal.

Of course, Horikita didn't know about the trouble Manabe and her friends had caused Karuizawa back on the cruise ship.

Horikita wasn't fully convinced, but she decided not to pry further. And I thank her for that.

Horikita: Regardless, if you hadn't done something... I would...

I gently pat her head and reassured her.

(Y/N): Hey, I won't let anything bad happens to you. I promised, right?

Horikita: Yeah, thank you.

She gave me a warm smile. I let go of my hands before I started to attract some attentions.

Horikita: Sigh. But, are you sure you're okay with being this conspicuous? Because of this incident, Ryuuen-kun should now be entirely convinced that there is someone in Class D working behind the scenes. Logically, you're still a candidate on his list. I think the peaceful days that you like so much are going to be in jeopardy.

She is right. The situation is not what I was expecting. But that wish is hard to imagine now anyways. Chabashira-sensei had vaguely threatened to expel me, plus there's Sakayanagi who knows my past. Ultimately, no one knows what will happen in the end.

(Y/N): Well, I don't regret it. I knew that's gonna happen sooner or later when I decided to help you.

Horikita: Nevertheless, we're going to see through this together.

I gave her a smile before we walked into the cafe together.

...

Karuizawa: Ah, mou! Where did you go? You're late!

As soon as we arrived at Pallet, Karuizawa glared at Horikita and immediately started complaining.

Horikita: My apologize. We'll start right away. After all, Hirata-kun has club activities to get to.

Horikita sat down after setting down her bag on the floor. Karuizawa sighed before sitting down as well.

With the two of us now present, the group at the table consisted of Hirata, Karuizawa, Kushida, as well as Sudou.

Horikita was right that there wasn't much of a grace period before club activities. It was already 3:50 in the afternoon, and clubs convened at 4:30. But Hirata seemed to be looking forward to this meeting, he was very calm and maintained his usual smile.

In the following discussion, we had figured out that how to partner selection for the final exam works. Based on what Chabashira-sensei had told us earlier, she said that, only one or two pairs were expelled in past years. The groups are decided based on the results of this 'Paper Shuffle' test.

For instance, the student with low scores will not paired with another student with low scores. Instead, the group was balanced out as the student with low scores paired up with the student with high scores. That being said, the most dangerous groups are the students with average score. They were on the edge of passing and failing the exam. One wrong step and the class will bear the consequences.

After we had discussed the importance of the short test, we move on to which class that we should attack on. Hirata had listed out the worst possible scenario that our class could've been. Despite we don't know much about the abilities of the other three classes, but all of us still agreed to attack the Class C. It would be the proper choice to shorten the gaps between our classes.

We disbanded a little after 4.00. Hirata and Sudou both left to participate in their club activities. Karuizawa followed Hirata to the field. The only ones left behind were Horikita and myself, as well as Kushida.

Kushida: Then, I will go and ask our seniors about the rules of the upcoming quizzes and report to you my findings.

Horikita: We're counting on you.

Kushida did not say anything further and left as expected. Then, Horikita turned to me.

Horikita: What are you planning to do, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Sleep.

Horikita: Seriously...

She sighed.

(Y/N): I mean, there should be no problems if I leave it all to you and Hirata. To be honest, this development is almost perfect and was handled impeccably.

Horikita: So far. But to tackle this final exam, we need to be able to take it head-on.

(Y/N): True. We'll get nowhere if the entire class doesn't put in the effort to improve their academic ability and moving forward. If necessary, I can adjust my score and team up with anyone according to your wishes.

Horikita: I know I can always count on you.

She smiled.

(Y/N): Of course. Just don't set me up as a leader or such.

Horikita: Because you plan to act the mediocre student as long as possible, right?

(Y/N): Heh. As expected of my girl.

...

3rd Person POV

Meanwhile, in a different classroom, the atmosphere was quite cold and strained. The assembled Class C students appeared greatly intimidated by the person standing at the podium before them.

Ryuuen Kakeru. The leader and the dictator of Class C. Standing beside him was Yamada Albert, Ishizaki, as well as other students proficient in martial arts.

After the sport festival, he confirmed that there's a mastermind working in Class D's shadows. He referred that mysterious person as 'X'. And from the message that X sent to him, there's a traitor among the Class C's students.

To find out who's that traitor, Ryuuen pretended to check everyone's phone. In the meantime, he observed their facial expression. Eventually, he found out that the traitors were led by Manabe Shiho.

After being called out by Ryuuen, Manabe couldn't hide it anymore and confessed. They came clean everything with Ryuuen, that, they picked on Karuizawa, and were threatened by unknown person. Ryuuen then carefully filtered out the possible candidates that could be X. But due to (Y/N) hid his identity well, there wasn't any direct evidences that would point to him.

Ryuuen had come this far, it made senses to go further. If he couldn't lock on who the hell is X, then he made his next move by targeting the person related to him instead.

...

Study Sessions

(Y/N)'s POV

After our homeroom class began at 6 p.m., Chabashira-sensei left the
classroom immediately. Hirata, glancing sideways at the perplexed students, stood and went up to the podium. The atmosphere suddenly became much tenser.

Hirata: Ahem. For today's homeroom, I would like to hold a meeting for tomorrow's quiz. I've received Chabashira-sensei's permission. But before that, Horikita-san, would you please?

As if waiting for Hirata's words, Horikita got up quietly and stood next to Hirata. The sight of Horikita and Hirata stood together had the class befuddled. Even I felt weird to see the two of them in solidarity.

Horikita had always fought alone. However, after the failure she suffered at the sports festival, she understood the limits of fighting alone, and it was as if she was reborn into a different person.

Horikita took a deep breath before starting to speak.

Horikita: First of all, I would like to apologize to you all.

I thought she would start talking about the final exam right away, but she didn't. There seems to have been something smoldering in Horikita's heart for several weeks now.

Horikita: My poor performance during the sports festival was nothing but disappointment. Even though I always act tough in front of everyone, in the end, I achieved nothing for Class D. Please, allow me to apologize.

After saying so, Horikita bowed her head deeply. Naturally, this display shook many students. Onodera, who had become a little estranged from Horikita after the three-legged race, quickly spoke.

Onodera: I-It's not like only Horikita-san's sole responsibility for the loss. Please, you don't need to lower your head.

Sudou, who had been trying so hard for Horikita's approval, stood up for her as well.

Sudou: That's right. We came and fought together as a team. Even we lost, it's not only your responsibility alone, but all of us as well.

Huh. I'd never imagined Sudou would say something like that. But still, most of the classmates nodded in agreement. Looks like the class had really became mature.

Horikita: Regardless of whether we won or lost, a humble attitude can make any outcome acceptable. But that's not the case here. At least, my contribution to the sports festival had barely any positives.

She looked over at Sudou for an instant. By giving him that look, she implied that the one thing she'd gained was becoming Sudou's ally.

Horikita: But that's the end of the apology. Now, I would like to fully commit to challenging this next quiz and the final exam. Unless we all come together as a class, we won't get through this challenge.

One of the students raised her hand and asked.

"Even so, do you have a plan or something? Like, I mean, we don't know how the school choose the pairs, do we?"

Horikita: In fact, we do. The rules for how partners are chosen have already been made clear. If we handle things right, each student could feasibly end up with their ideal partner. Hirata-kun, if you would.

Hirata nodded and wrote out the rules of how the pairing works on the blackboard.

Basically it's the same conclusion that we came up during our discussion before in the Pallet. Only this time, we had confirmation about it. Thanks to Kushida for confirming our hypothesis with the seniors.

In case you guys forgot, by looking the class as a whole, the person who achieved the highest score will be pair up with the one with the lowest score. The pairing will then continued by choosing student with second highest score and the one with second lowest score, and so on.

Horikita: That's the principle how the pairing works. Pretty simple, isn't it?

"Woah! You're right!"

"That's how they choose the partners, huh? Seems pretty obvious."

"That's amazing, Horikita-san!"

The students were all amazed.

Horikita: However, we must tread lightly. As usual, there are always exceptions. Due to this, I'm going to start explaining the strategy for reliable and precise pairings.

She explained a lot of things to the class. Well, I'll just list out the important parts.

First of all, it's impossible to cover up every low-scoring grade students with the high-scoring counterparts, as the students with their results below average had already covered up more than half the class. As for the solution, Horikita asked the top ten highest-scoring students of our class to achieve as highest as possible. At the same time, the top ten lowest-scoring students should simply just score zero mark for the test. With this method, the optimal balance for the final exams should be automatically achieved.

The same goes for the rest of the class as well, students that score above average should score as high as they could, as for their counterparts, they just have to score one mark, that's all.

The important thing was to ensure that the students who scored zero points and those who scored one point weren't paired. The students with differences in academic ability must be paired up as much as possible.

(Y/N): 'Overall, that's a good plan. Hopefully, the result comes out to our expectation.'

...

And... It does.

The short quiz ended without incident. The results were announced the very next day. Class D had previously sat all its exams while lacking any kind of cohesion, but we were so united this time that it felt almost too good to be true.

At the same time, our nomination to attack Class C wasn't conflict with any other classes. Put differently, this battle is in the form of Class C versus Class D, and Class B versus Class A. That's an ideal match-up for us.

Chabashira: Then, I will announce the pairings for this semester's final exams.

The results of yesterday's quiz were posted and it went as follows: Horikita Suzune and Sudou Ken, much to my annoyance, I had to comply it. Sigh. After them are Hirata Yousuke and Yamauchi Haruki, Kushida Kikyou and Ike Kanji (Geez, what a lucky duck), Yukimura Teruhiko and Inogashira Kokoro... and so on.

The pairings were almost as what we had expected. As for my partner, she was—surprise, surprise— Satou Maya.

(Y/N): 'You gotta to be kidding me...'

Satou noticed that she was paired with me, and looked in my direction with a smile. I nodded back to her.

Well, I didn't select Satou deliberately, since the students with average scores are likely to score outside of the predicted results. A result like this can be said to be just right. Furthermore, Satou could potentially fail the final exam. I have to keep my scores high up from this point onward, which isn't much of a stretch. Not gonna lie.

Horikita: Looks like you paired up with Satou-san, huh? You should be fine.

(Y/N): I guess so.

Actually, I haven't speak to Satou after her confession. This definitely gonna be awkward for me. I should break it to her, regarding the confession. Well, there's another thing that bugs me.

I sighed and before I could say anything else, Horikita spoke up.

Horikita: Just so you know, it's not my intention to be paired up with Sudou-kun. The school system choose randomly, you know that.

(Y/N): Huh, I didn't say anything yet.

Horikita: Well, I know what you going to say after listening to that grudging sigh. I know you too well, (Y/N)-kun.

She smiled and rested her chin on hand while giving me a side-glance.

(Y/N): I-I...

Damn! I lost. I couldn't counter back her arguments.

Horikita: Your expression. How cute. I really starting to like teasing you now.

Veins formed on my forehead as I turned away from her. Somehow, I'm getting a different vibe from Horikita just now.

After the pairing results announced, Horikita decided to hold two study sessions per day, with each sessions will be about two hours. Horikita and Hirata will each lead a session in turn. While Hirata have club activities, so he will be leading the second study session.

During lunch, they discussed the study sessions' format until they nailed down the finer details. Kushida would attend both sessions and adopt a unique role, tutoring the students who were worried about whether they could reach fifty points.

Horikita: As for you, (Y/N)-kun. It's up to you whether you want to join the study session or not.

(Y/N): You definitely know my answer, right?

Horikita: I expected as much. Just keep your scores high and that's enough.

Then, Miyake Akito approaching Horikita and asked.

Miyake: Excuse me, may I talk to you for a minute?

He came over with a nervous, sorry-looking expression. Miyake was with Hasebe, a beautiful girl who was a frequent topic of discussion amongst the boys. These two normally kept quiet and rarely interacted with anyone. It was unexpected for them to approach Horikita.

It turned out that both them are partners. The funny thing is, there was almost no difference in academic ability between them. They were both exceptionally average. The answers that Miyake and Hasebe got right and wrong on their sheets were extraordinarily similar. In fact, they were so similar you might think the same person took both tests.

Based on their problems, it would be ideal to teach lessons one-on-one. But that would definitely mess up the other study sessions. Kushida had offered them to join her study group. But, Hasebe was not comfortable to attend study group with a lot of people, and Miyake didn't feel like to study in a group full of girls. So, both of them rejected Kushida's offer and left classroom.

Horikita couldn't force anyone to study. If a student didn't participate of their own free will, it would be nearly impossible to get any results. It would probably lower the serious students' morale to boot.

Hirata: What should we do? If we can, I think it would be better to follow up with those two.

Horikita: That's true. If only we had another tutor...

She glanced up at me, I shook my head in discreet.

(Y/N): 'Not a chance.'

I mean, it's not like I could really communicate well with Miyake or Hasebe, right? Her glance then turned into a glare, but eventually leave me alone.

Yukimura: In that case, I'll take care of it.

Yukimura inserting himself casually into our conversation.

Hirata: That's great, Yukimura-kun. Thank you for your cooperation. But are you fine with this? I thought that you didn't care for this kind of interaction.

Yukimura: Well, that's the problem. I think it would be tricky or impossible for me to try to convince the two of them. I want you to come up with a way to convince the two of them to come to my study session.

That was a small price to pay, under the circumstances.

Horikita: Of course, I'll think of something.

With that, Yukimura left the classroom as if nothing had happened. Then, Horikita turned to me with expectations. I know that look from anywhere.

Horikita: Can I count on you for that task, (Y/N)-kun?

(Y/N): Huh? What task?

She crossed her arms and glared at me.

Horikita: You and Yukimura-kun were roommates back at the cruise ship. I thought you might have broken the ice with him. It may be difficult for you to communicate with Miyake-kun or Hasebe-san, but with you as the middleman, I think it'll be easier for us to communicate with them.

(Y/N): Hmm...

Horikita: You don't have to teach them. all you need to do is to mediate them into studying with Yukimura-kun, that's it.

She made it look simpler enough, but in fact, it didn't. I sighed and nodded.

(Y/N): I'll see what I can do.

Horikita: Thank you.

She then gave me a warm smile before continuing the discussion with Hirata and the others.

...

After school, I started to take action immediately. I spoke with Yukimura and then got in contact with Miyake. We all agreed to hold a study group. I had asked Hirata in advance and got prior consent from the two of them.

As soon as class ended, Hasebe vanished from the room.

(Y/N): Hey, where's Hasebe?

Yukimura: Did she run away?

Miyake: Hasebe isn't that kind of girl, perhaps she left ahead of us.

Miyake seemed to understand Hasebe quite well, and wasn't especially worried. For the time being, we headed towards Pallet which was the planned meeting place for the study group. Then, in the middle of the corridor along the way, we came across Hasebe.

Yukimura approached her angrily and said.

Yukimura: Why did you head out without us?

Hasebe: What? Should I say that I don't want to attract attention? It's a little inconvenient for me to stay in class.

She answered him ambiguously. Yukimura seems to have taken it personally.

Yukimura: Are you saying you would hate to be seen talking to us?

Hasebe: That's not it at all. There are a lot of reasons.

Miyake: Don't sweat it, Yukimura. Hasebe's just like this.

(Y/N): Come on, now. The seats will all be taken while we stand here and talk.

I understand Yukimura's feelings and that he's getting irritated, but we should put that aside for the time being. In fact, now that school has ended, students would start to gather at Pallet.

Yukimura quickly regained his composure and took the lead. Eventually, we managed to secure four seats and reorganized the situation.

Yukimura sat next to me, with Hasebe across the table. Miyake sat next to Hasebe. Despite the awkward atmosphere surrounded the four of us, the gathering managed to happen.

Hasebe: I... Uh... I'm counting on you, or whatever.

By being the only girl of our group, Hasebe broke the silence.

(Y/N): Same here. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Then, Hasebe immediately raised her hand, but slowly.

Hasebe: So you can talk after all, huh? (L/N)-kun?

(Y/N): ...Seriously?

Hasebe looks up at me as if intrigued. It's apparently incredible that I was talking and speaking to them.

Hasebe: Well, how do I put it... I didn't have any impression of you at all. Are you the type of student who isn't even noticed when you're absent?

Miyake: But, the way he ran as the anchor at the relay race was awesome. Because of that, (L/N) became the center of attention of the school.

Who would have guess? That both Miyake and Hasebe are friendly and talkative. Perhaps, they felt much comfortable and more prefer to be in a smaller group instead of large group of people.

And so, the study group went smoothly. Miyake and Hasebe opened up to me and Yukimura. They asked us a lot of questions that they have problem understanding with. Before we start the study group, Yukimura was skeptical about my academic ability and convinced that I hid away my true ability. Of course, I denied all his claims, hopefully I was able to persuade him.

During the study, I felt as if someone was watching me. Then, after the first hour study session passed, Miyake and Hasebe excused themselves and went for coffee refill. I, too, told Yukimura I was going to toilet and walked away. That, actually was an excuse. The real reason is too confront the stalker who was watching ever since we sat down. I walked up to the stalker's table and sat beside her.

(Y/N): Hey, Sakura.

Sakura: Whaaaaaa!?

Sakura jumped a little in her seat and looked up fearfully.

(Y/N): Why are you surprised?

Sakura: H-Huh?

(Y/N): I thought, you were checking us from time to time?

Sakura: Uhh... T-That was... I'm sorry...

Since Sakura didn't have the confidence to carry out the lie from the beginning, she immediately confessed.

(Y/N): You don't have to apologize.

I then cast my gaze on the table where Yukimura was still sitting alone, marking some notes on Miyake and Hasebe's test papers.

(Y/N): Do you want to join us with the study group?

Sakura: Eh!? Wh— Why did you ask?

(Y/N): Well, I can see your study materials inside your bag.

She doesn't strike me as the type who prefer to study alone in a place that crowded with people. So, I pretty much guessed that right.

Sakura: Oh no...

She panicked a bit and attempted to close her bag, but it was too late. That reaction itself was just like saying yes.

(Y/N): Well, why not sit with us? I'll ask everyone else.

Sakura: B-But... I've hardly ever spoken to any of them...

Sakura couldn't get close to our table because she wasn't good at coming in contact with other people. I understood this much even though she didn't say it.

(Y/N): It's up to you to decide what to do. It's not totally up to me. We have to consider how Yukimura, Hasebe, and Miyake would feel.

Sakura might be dejected to hear me say that, but her passivity could be bad for her. If I wanted her to step up and grow, the best plan of action was to keep my distance and watch over.

(Y/N): It's okay if you want to think about it. We'll probably be here for another hour.

Although it seems a little cold, I left Sakura after saying only those words. Even though the cafe was crowded, if I was to spend too much time next to Sakura's seat, I would soon be spotted by Hasebe.

I casually returned to my seat. Yukimura only glanced at me and said nothing in particular. After about two minutes, Miyake and Hasebe returned.

Miyake: What a long wait. So, have you finished going over everything yet?

Yukimura: Not yet. Just a little longer.

Hasebe: Oh, that reminds me. There's something I wanna ask you, (L/N)-kun.

Miyake: Stop it, Hasebe.

Hasebe: Come on, it's fine. It's not like it's the end of the world if someone hears.

(Y/N): What is it?

I said as I sipped on my latte.

Miyake sighed in defeat and Hasebe proceeded to ask me the question.

Hasebe: (L/N)-kun, are you going out with Horikita-san?

I spilled out my latte as soon I heard the question.

Yukimura: What the hell you're doing, (L/N)?! My clothes are stained!

(Y/N): Cough, cough... I'm sorry, Yukimura.

Yukimura stood up and stormed off towards the direction of the bathroom, while I was cleaning the mess that I caused.

Hasebe: Huh. Based on your reaction, looks like I hit the bull's eye, right?

She gave me a sly smile.

(Y/N): Of course not. Who told you that?

I couldn't afford to let any more people know about our relationship, definitely not in the time like this!

Hasebe: Well, there's rumor going on in the girls' circle. That you and Horikita-san kinda had a thing or two.

(Y/N): Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not going out with Horikita.

Hasebe: Then, what was that about?

(Y/N): I just choked myself when drinking latte. You happened to ask the question at the same time. That's all.

Hasebe: Hmm. Kinda suspicious, don't you think?

She turned to Miyake.

(Y/N): Sure, several people came to us and asked, but we really not seeing each other. Besides, It's not like Horikita and I are always together or anything.

Hasebe: That may be true. But they say that rumors about love are only half false, you know.

For a solitary girl, Hasebe really seemed interested in romance. Then, Yukimura came back to our table after cleaning himself. He shot me a glare before sitting down. I raised my hand in apologetic way before we continuing our study session again. The study went uneventfully. Although, I felt like the members of the group started to warm up with one another.

Yukimura: Well, that should be it for today. I plan to hold the first study session the day after tomorrow.

Yukimura summed up the first session. As we got up to leave, I realized Sakura still hadn't come over to talk to us.

...

Before I was going back to my dorm, I strolled leisurely by the mall while minding my own business. And then, I was stopped by a female adult. She looked like a promoter or something, as she handed me a flyer. I took it and read the title.

(Y/N): Firework festival?

"That's right. There'll be a firework show in the open area beside the mall. So bring your friends or girlfriend and come enjoy the fireworks!"

I quickly read through the contents. Looks like the mall will clear up the corridors and allow the stands to be set. Since we can't leave the school compound, it would make sense that they tried to duplicate the festival atmosphere in the mall.

"Here. Take these tickets. You can redeem it at the clothing shop to try on free kimonos during the whole festival."

She handed me couple of tickets.

(Y/N): Thank you.

I took the tickets and the promoter walked away to serve other customers.

(Y/N): Hmm... I guess I will tell Suzune after the exam. Since the festival will be held after the test anyway.

I folded the flyer and kept inside my pocket along with the tickets and continue strolling around the mall.

...

Horikita: This is very useful information. We definitely want to attempt to see what type of questions the school will be accepting.

It was already late when I had gotten back to my dorm room. I immediately contacted Horikita as soon I reached my room. The goal was to convey Yukimura's information to Horikita and ask for further instructions moving forward.

Horikita: Hirata-kun and I are already making progress coming up with questions, but I'd like to know just how far we can go. I'll share the information with you. It's great that everything seems to be going well, but can we be confident that Kaneda-kun will be creating the problems for Class C?

(Y/N): There's no way to be sure. But considering the questions that Kaneda might come up with is only one way to tackle the questions during the study sessions.

Horikita: I suppose. If this exam is full of difficult problems, even we might have to try our best to get at least eighty points or above.

If it ends up being more difficult than a test given by the school, then there will be a limit to how high we can score on it.

Horikita: By the way, how did the study group go today? (Y/N)-kun.

I told her what had happened, though I did exaggerate a little.

Horikita: Hmm. It looks like you managed to make friends with the two of them, huh?

(Y/N): Well, I don't know...

Horikita: That subject aside, it's quite the coincidence, isn't it? I mean, the questions that they both get correct or wrong. Almost as if looks like a similar person doing both tests.

(Y/N): I know, right? I will keep my eye on them as much as possible.

Horikita: Please do. Oh, there's one more thing. On the days when Yukimura-kun's study group doesn't meet, would you please come to mine?

In the Class D, Horikita bears the heaviest burden out of all of us. Not only she had to maintain her grades, she need to help out in the study session to help the students with low scores. Not to mention, she had to come up with exam questions for the Class C, while keeping the exam questions from leaking to the 'traitor' in our class.

I don't have the reason to reject her. In fact, I want to share her burdens.

(Y/N): Sure thing. I'll attend your study group.

Horikita sighed heavily.

Horikita: Thank you, (Y/N)-kun. But you don't have to tutor them, just keep an eye out and make sure everybody studies properly.

(Y/N): Of course. Leave it to me.

The phone call stayed silent for a few seconds. Then I spoke out.

(Y/N): What about Hirata's study session?

Horikita: That's fine. The night session is much better than the day one. Though compared to the boys I'm dealing with, some of the girls are the issues in that group.

I guessed that some girls only showed up at the sessions to be around Hirata and didn't mind that Karuizawa was there. That had to be an interesting dynamic.

Come to think of it, Sudou's name hadn't come up as one of her complaints.

(Y/N): Has Sudou been behaving himself?

Horikita: Yes, he's working seriously. Although his level hasn't quite reached a middle school student's yet.

I smirked a little. Study content aside, he seems to have been putting in the effort to improve his attitude.

(Y/N): Keep up the good work, Suzune.

I spoke in a mild-mannered way.

Suzune: Of course...

She seemed tired. Just I was about to hang up the phone, a question suddenly came across my mind.

(Y/N): What about Kushida?

Horikita: Hmm?

(Y/N): Has nothing changed with her?

Horikita: Certainly. I think she will be able to help out to the best of her abilities. She has also promised to attend the study sessions every day.

That's not what I wanted to ask about, but from Horikita's point of view, she doesn't seem to have anything in particular to say on the topic. After all, it was only the first day of the study sessions, so she shouldn't have had an opportunity to get to the bottom of it. From my point of view, though, we simply couldn't kick back and casually watch this problem develop.

(Y/N): Have you started creating test questions?

Horikita: Of course. I'm doing it right now. As a basic guideline, I plan on incorporating the opinions of Hirata-kun and Yukimura-kun to create the questions.

(Y/N): It'd certainly be difficult to rule out any possibility of leaks if we factored in Kushida.

Horikita: Well, I can't really deny that, but she can't act carelessly herself either. I think that as long as we avoid asking for her help with the questions, she won't end up doing anything out of line.

This was only mutual speculation. The actions Kushida would take moving forward are something that neither of us can predict.

(Y/N): The lifeline of Class D is depends on these questions and answers.

Horikita: I'll keep things locked down. But that alone won't solve the issue, will it?

(Y/N): I'm not worried about the process of making the questions, it's what comes after when we make the proposals to the school. As long as the questions and answers are confirmed with Chabashira-sensei the day before the final exam, there's still a chance that the questions will be leaked to the Class C.

During the sports festival, Kushida had used a technique like this in order to look at the participation table. It was more than likely that Ryuuen would make a similar request of her again.

Horikita: That is to say, there is no way out of this other than by talking with her.

(Y/N): Even then, what are you going to do if the information leaks out to Class C?

Horikita: I don't want to think about it.

She quickly replied.

(Y/N): ...Suzune. This is about all of Class D. No matter how much we study, if our opponents get a hundred points across the board, we have no hope of winning.

Horikita: I know that... I'll deal with it. Now the time already past 10 p.m., I would like to come up with at least one more question before I go to bed. Can I hang up now?

(Y/N): Sure. Don't overtire yourself, Suzune. Rest up as soon as possible, okay?

Horikita: Okay. Sleep tight. (Y/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Love you.

Horikita: Love you too.

With that, we ended the phone call. I found that the battery was low, so I plugged it into a charger attached to a socket on my bed.

Horikita said she was working on countermeasures, but I didn't know how well they'd go. I wasn't criticizing her strategy to persuade Kushida directly, but rather, didn't have much to say about it. It's just hypothetical, but if I'm going to win Kushida over to my side, I should be using the kind of threatening behavior that I did with Karuizawa. No, I'd would have to do more than that to bring Kushida to her knees.

I shook my head.

(Y/N): 'No. I'm tired of using people as tools or such. I shouldn't have this kind of unethical thought like I was before. Not anymore.'

I laid down and sighed.

(Y/N): What should I do...?

Unfortunately, I can't think of any other means right now.

After I had turned off my phone and rested for while, an email arrived. It was a message from Ryuuen.

After the sports festival, I'd asked Manabe and her friends for Ryuuen's email address and sent him a message. I hadn't received a response until now. From the notification on my lock screen, the message reads,

"What are you?"

(Y/N): Human, duh.

I'm using an anonymous account. Even I respond to Ryuuen, he couldn't trace my email. He should be able to understand such a thing, and was probably the game that Ryuuen was playing.

I decided to ignore the email and go to bed.

...

(A/N: Hey, sorry. I have family matters to be taken care of. That's why the update become slower.)

Deal with the Devil

(Y/N)'s POV

I kept waking up during the night. Overthinking was part of the reason that keeping me up, while the other reasons were the 'fond' memories of the White Room that I had been trying to disregard. After an agonizing sleepless night, I woke up tiredly and attended the class. I managed to take a quick nap in between the classes.

After the last session of the day finished, I let out of tired sigh and stretched myself. Horikita spoke to me while packing up her stuffs.

Horikita: I can't believe you sleep for a whole day. Have you been staying up late after we talked last night?

(Y/N): Well, more or less. I just couldn't sleep.

Horikita: I told you that if you keeping taking nap during classes, you're gonna mess up with your biological clock. It's a vicious cycle.

(Y/N): I'll... keep in mind.

I pinched my nose bridge and quickly put away my stuffs.

(Y/N): Hey, I want to return the novel that I borrowed from the library. Mind if I head there first? It's gonna be crowded soon.

Horikita: Sure, go ahead. I'll catch up with you.

I waved at Horikita before exiting the classroom. Then, I stumbled into Satou as soon as I walked out from the classroom.

Satou: H-Hey, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): 'Oh great...'

I pinched myself on the side and put up a neutral face.

(Y/N): Satou.

Satou: Where are you going, (L/N)-kun?

She said meekly while rubbing her hands nervously.

(Y/N): Uh... To the library?

Satou: Oh! You're attending the study session, right? May I join, too?

She didn't give me a moment to answer before posting another question.

(Y/N): Um, I don't mind actually. But you should ask from Horikita or Kushida, they are the ones tutoring after all.

Although, I don't think the two of them will reject her request. Given the current circumstances, they should be happy.

Satou: Okay, then. I-I'll see you at the library.

She bid me farewell before skipping into the classroom in a carefree manner.

(Y/N): Sigh. I should head to library soon.

...

The library bustled after classes ended, absolutely full of students. Although it was crowded, it was quiet. Most students were completely immersed in studying.

(Y/N): Huh. I wonder if Suzune managed to secure the seats earlier for the study sessions.

I scanned my surroundings. Although more than half of the seats are empty, that doesn't mean you can sit anywhere you'd like. It seems to be a common phenomenon in every school, where the space available to the upperclassmen is separate from the underclassmen. It had become an unspoken rule that the seats next to the windows with the nice view, and the seats in the cafe near the free drinks were priority seats for the senior students. In this territorial division, first-year students were only allowed to use the noisy area near the entrance.

I went to the counter and spoke to the receptionist.

(Y/N): Excuse me. I would like to return these.

I handed the borrowed books to the receptionist. After completed the procedures, I went over to the novel section of the library and borrow some new books. It had became a weekly routine for me.

I picked up some few good books from the shelves while browsing the selections of interesting novels. And then, I came across with a certain interesting book.

(Y/N): Fate, huh?

Well, judging the appearance of the book cover, it certainly not the same 'Fate' that I accustomed with. On the other hands, this book a bit worn and the corner of it turned slight yellowish brown. I'm surprised that this book was put at the light novels area.

(Y/N): 'Let me guess, there will be an obsolete story cliché where the boy and the girl reaching for the same book in this fateful encounter.'

Heh. Who am I kidding with? That couldn't possibly happens in real life.

I laughed at myself internally and reached for that book. At the same time, a hand appeared from the left side of my views and our hands touched when we grabbed the same book.

(Y/N): ...Eh?

The voice beside let out an 'eh' sound just like me. Based on that, I pretty sure it's a girl. We quickly retracted our hands. I turned and looked at that girl. She has a long silver hair that extend till her mid back, with black ribbons tied behind it. I stared into her violet eyes as if it's captivating me before she started to speak out.

"Um, y-you could have the book."

(Y/N): Ah, it's okay. You could have it. I was just going to take a look at the cover only.

"Oh, well. Me too, actually."

(Y/N): A-Ahaha. What a coincidence.

She giggled softly.

"It sure is."

I took a glance at the books that she's holding. Looks like she's a novel reader like me.

"I see you choosing The Kudryavka Sequence, it's one of the Classic Literature Club series. Right?"

She's referring to the book that I held on my hands.

(Y/N): Oh, that's right. I kinda like this series. Have you read it before?

"Yeah. It's a timeless classic. I think you'll enjoy reading it."

(Y/N): I got a feeling that I will. Oh, sorry. I haven't introduce myself. My name is (L/N) (Y/N).

"Ah. I have heard of you. The first-year student Class D that outshone the president of the student council in the relay event."

(Y/N): Geez. They were exaggerating. I was just lucky.

She giggled again.

Hiyori: Where's my manner? My name is Shiina Hiyori. I'm from first-year student from Class C.

I maintained my composure even though I was shocked when she revealed herself as the member of Class C.

Hiyori: I often come to the library by myself to borrow a few books for my literature reading, since no one in my class is into literature.

She said sincerely while giving me a smile. I don't know if she's trying to reassure me that there's no one else from Class C beside her came to the library. Or she just simply trying to make a small talk. Still, that makes me a little bit less tense actually, but I'm not completely letting down my guard yet.

(Y/N): I see. Well, most of my classmates aren't into literature as well.

Aside from Horikita, I couldn't think of anybody else, though.

(Y/N): The book you have there. What's that book about?

Hiyori looked at the first book she held on hand and said.

Hiyori: Oh, it's a compilation of short stories, ranging from old medieval poetry to futuristic dystopian setting.

(Y/N): Huh. You don't strike me as a type who liked those kind of genres. Ah, no offense. Sorry.

Hiyori: None taken. I love reading. Might as well try this book. Out of those stories, I found that... this title's interesting.

She opened the book and pointed the title of the stories at the catalogue. I leaned closer and took a look.

(Y/N): 'Thanatos's Temptation'... I think I heard that before.

Hiyori: Yeah. I heard that someone write a song based on this story.

(Y/N): Wow, really?

Hiyori: Mm hmm. That got me wonder what kind of story is this that. So I decided to try reading that, along with the other stories.

She chuckled softly.

(Y/N): Do you think you can borrow me once you finished reading it?

Hiyori: Sure thing. In fact, I can introduce you to some of the books that I find them interesting.

(Y/N): Oh, I like all kind of genres. Please do.

We spent some times talking about literature. Even though we had just met a few minutes ago, but we'd still conversing like a friend. The thought of her as an enemy of my class had been toss behind my mind.

Hiyori: Ah, I'm sorry. I have to go now. It's nice to meet someone who loves literature as much as I do.

(Y/N): Same goes to you.

Hiyori: I hope we can meet again sometime.

(Y/N): Depends on that.

I pointed at that 'Fate' book on the shelves.

Hiyori: Hehe. You're right. Good bye, (L/N)-kun.

She waved goodbye before walking away. I sighed.

(Y/N): It's sure nice to have a casual conversation with someone from other classes without worrying about the class standing once in a while... Oh, well.

I took out my phone and looked at the time.

(Y/N): Hmm. I wonder where's Suzune?

I said that while putting it back to silent mode before putting away while walking to the counter with my books.

...

Satou: Wow. Everyone looks so serious. They're really studying.

Satou entered the library, followed by Horikita, Ike and Yamauchi.

Horikita: The library's a pretty normal place to study, actually,

I walked towards the group and greeted them. Satou seemed happy when she saw me coming. Horikita, on the other hands, turned to Ike and Yamauchi and said.

Horikita: Alright, you two. Spare me from the commotion like the one you made yesterday. Today you might not just get away with a warning; there's a chance that you'll be kicked out of the library

Ike: Y-Yeah. We got it.

Horikita went ahead to secure us a seat while admonishing the two problem children, Ike and Yamauchi. I still scanned around the library for Class C students, not that I don't trust Shiina's word, I just want to make sure. We wanted to avoid being near Class C students as much as possible.

(Y/N): What are you doing, Suzune?

Horikita: If it's the thing you're concerned about, (Y/N)-kun, you don't have to worry about it. I've already taken countermeasures for that.

Looks like she'll be meeting with someone. Then, someone in our line of sight moved in the area used by first years. A student who spots Horikita stands up and waves at us, beckoning us over.

It's Ichinose Honami, a girl from Class B. Eight other Class B students, four guys and four girls, hung around Ichinose. Based on Horikita's expression, this didn't seem to be accidental. She came over as if to introduce herself.

Horikita: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Ichinose: Oh no, not at all. We just got here ourselves.

Horikita turned to me and said.

Horikita: I met with Ichinose-san yesterday and suggested we form a joint study group. Since we aren't competing with Class B in this exam, I think that we can help each other out a bit.

(Y/N): Oh, I see.

Well. Every silver lining has a cloud, as they say. Ike and Yamauchi, who'd managed to keep calm up until now, suddenly jumped. Horikita glanced at them. They were terrified like like a frog being watched by a snake.

Though, I wonder why Ike and Yamauchi suddenly become so excited? If you're going to study together with the girls from Class B, it's understandable that they would be overjoyed about it.

Ichinose finally spotted me and greeted.

Ichinose: Oh! (L/N)-kun, you came, too!

(Y/N): Yeah, well. Please take care of me.

Ichinose: Likewise.

The library is a quiet place, but it's not like we're unable to have a conversation. Of course, it's still necessary to speak in a low voice. Since Ichinose had managed to secure good seats in the corner of the room, our conversation also wasn't very noticeable.

However, Horikita had actually thought to create a joint study group. The final exams are likely to be more efficient if it's based on the premise of actually working with each other. The more varied perspectives, the more creative test questions.

But at the same time, we will also be facing some risks of information getting leaked by students in Class B who are associated with students of Class C. Of course, Horikita understood this point. She probably chose to bring us together because the benefits outweighed the risks.

Satou: Let's sit here, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Uh... okay.

Satou beckoned for me to come over, and just as she requested, I sat down in the seat next to her. With Horikita seated beside me, Ike and Yamauchi were sitting on her other side, while Ichinose and her groups seated opposite from us.

Ichinose: Heh. What's going on, Satou? You're sitting awfully close to (L/N)-kun.

Satou: It's only natural, isn't it? Since we're partners.

To avoid looking inept in front of Ichinose, I took out my textbooks and notes after I got to my seat. Even if it's just a formality, I probably still needed to study.

Satou: Hey, (L/N)-kun, what would be the best way for me to prepare?

(Y/N): Err... I don't know. Why don't you ask Horikita?

Horikita: Is this not a good opportunity? You're partners, after all. Why don't you take care of Satou-san, (L/N)-kun?

She drawled. Geez, thanks a lot.

(Y/N): There was only a slight difference between my test scores and Satou's, so there's probably nothing I can teach. Besides, I wanted to get some tutoring myself.

I quickly responded.

Ichinose: I see. In that case, I'll tutor you both.

Satou: Let's work hard together, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Ah, okay...

Sigh. What have I gotten myself into?

The really troubling study group seems to be about to begin. This hunch almost came true.

Satou: Say, (L/N)-kun. You're always so calm, and you kinda give off this feeling of maturity. What were you like back in junior high?

During the study sessions, Satou drew closer to me, looking into my eyes. Her uniform was slightly unbuttoned, and I caught a glimpse of her cleavage.

(Y/N): 'Oh boy.'

I wasn't sure whether she noticed, but her breathing was a little heavy. I averted my gaze away.

(Y/N): I didn't particularly stand out. Not very different from now. Maybe that's why people say I'm gloomy.

I tried to distance myself from Satou by passing off my past as something boring. It's not only that Satou have a crush on me, but instead that there were several uncomfortable pairs of eyes that are looking at the two of us. Ike and Yamauchi, in particular, glared incredulously at me. Horikita spared me a glance and we made eye contacts. I sent a SOS signal to her. But instead, she turned away and continued teaching Ike and Yamauchi.

(Y/N): 'Oh, come on... Save your boyfriend!'

Satou: Well, I don't think you're gloomy, (L/N)-kun. Ah, should I say that you feel pretty cool or collected?

(Y/N): No, I don't think so...

No matter what I said, Satou interpreted it as interesting. In which case, I'll need an escape plan to get out of this situation. Finally, unable to withstand Satou kept badgering me, Horikita pulled me away from her and said.

Horikita: I'm sorry. This is a study group. Focus on tackling the questions that you don't understand instead of wasting your time on unnecessary matters.

Satou: O-Oh... sorry.

(Y/N): Okay...

She scolded both of us while in fact she's indirectly reprimanded Satou for badgering me. Wew, that's subtle.

Ike: And since when you two getting along, huh?

Ike spoke out while looking at use with eyes full of suspicion.

Satou: We're partners. It's only natural, right?

Horikita then turned to Ike.

Horikita: Ike, why don't you study, rather than concentrate on things you don't understand?

Ike: Tch. I know that.

Ike seemed very dissatisfied, but he hastily began to prepare to study.

Ike's discipline. The gift that kept on giving.

...

The study session wrapped up without any issues, and all of the students began to prepare to go home.

Ike: Finally. I'm beat!

Students like Ike beamed in delight at being finally freed.

Horikita: Don't forget that there is another study session tomorrow.

Ike: I know that. Isn't it okay for me to be at least a little happy? I worked hard!

As fast as rabbits, Ike and the others left the library.

Kushida: Then, goodbye. Horikita-san as well, Goodbye.

Kushida bid both Ichinose and Horikita farewell before leaving the library with a few other girls in tow. She did these short exchanges and left without incident. At the moment, there wasn't anything conspicuous about Kushida's approach. It seemed that both she and Horikita were checking each other out.

Horikita: Ichinose-san, can I ask you a few questions?

Ichinose: Hmm? What is it?

Horikita: I'd like for it to just be between you and me if possible. It should only take a few minutes.

Horikita set her sights on the Class B students who were looking to return with Ichinose.

Ichinose: A few minutes, huh? Alright. Sorry, everybody, but could you please wait for me in the hall?

The students from Class B seemed willing to accept it. Ichinose then agreed to stay behind. All of the students in Class B and Class D finished up their work and left.

(Y/N): Should I stay?

Horikita: It doesn't matter either way. Do whatever you want.

Hmm, are you trying to implement reverse psychology to make me stick around? Because you succeeded.

Ichinose: So what's the story?

It feels strange for two people to be alone like this despite the fact that I was also present. Ichinose and Horikita, two people with opposite personalities, stood shoulder to shoulder.

Horikita asked Ichinose a series of questions, like would you unconditionally willing to help someone that hated you, or helping people from the other classes. To be honest, it's just Horikita trying subtle approach to ask for Ichinose suggestions about her current situation, without directly stated it. After listening to Ichinose's advice and suggestions, it seemed that Horikita had finally came up with a conclusion.

Horikita: Thank you for answering my silly questions, Ichinose-san.

Ichinose: No problem. Well then, I'll see you tomorrow.

After Ichinose had left the library, there weren't very many students left. There were a few third-year students, as well as some who were librarians.

Horikita: Let's head back, (Y/N)-kun. I still have things to do.

(Y/N): Although this just repeat confirmation, what are you going to do about Kushida? The way you're talking just now, it sounds like you have a plan.

Horikita: She's special. I'll have to be extra careful.

(Y/N): Special? What kind of special?

She stopped on her tracks and took a deep breath.

Horikita: I've been thinking about several things. About what kind of school life Kushida Kikyou would have if I hadn't chosen to come to this school. Everyone in class would've trusted and leaned upon her. She could have studied and played sports without any concerns. She would've carried on like that until graduation.

(Y/N): Hold on. You can't blame yourself for that.

Horikita: Of course, none of this is my fault. It's just bad luck that I ended up at the same school with her.

(Y/N): Hey, because of that, we met. I wouldn't say that's a bad luck.

Horikita smirked and replied.

Horikita: Hmm. I wonder?

(Y/N): Sigh. Well, back to the matter, I have a suggestion actually.

Horikita: And what's that?

(Y/N): I feel like I've found a piece of the puzzle for your reconciliation with Kushida.

Horikita: I'm listening.

(Y/N): Ichinose is a good person. Whether or not she is purely a good person is another matter. So, why not get a good person to mediate between you two? Honestly, having a one on one conversation with her won't get you what you want. And if we ask someone from Class D, Kushida would never reveal her true nature.

Horikita: I can't deny it. But even so, I don't think this is the right solution.

(Y/N): I didn't say that this will resolve everything. It's just a piece of the puzzle, a fragment that helps lead to the solution. Right now, you two aren't even able to open up discussion. If Ichinose mediated, you could probably have an actual conversation.

Horikita thought for a minute and shook her head.

Horikita: I'm not going to get her involved in something like this. I'm going to take care of this issue with Kushida-san myself.

Well, that didn't sound like a terribly good idea.

...

After we got out into the hallway, an unexpected person was waiting. She waved and smiled, and ran over as soon as noticed us. Horikita wasn't surprised. Instead, she approached her and responded positively.

Horikita: Kushida-san, I've kept you waiting for a while.

Kushida: It's alright, there's still some time left until the appointed time. What were you talking about with Honami-chan just now.

Horikita: Just a trifling topic. Nothing important.

Kushida: I'd still like to know. Is it something you can tell me?

Her tone and smile remained the same, but I could feel a heavy pressure that seemed to be directed at Horikita.

Horikita: Sure. After all, it's completely unrelated to you. I asked her about what could be done to treat everyone equally.

Horikita began to naturally recount the conversation that she had with Ichinose, making slight changes where necessary.

Kushida: Oh...?

Horikita: I'm not going to beat around the bush about who it was about. I had been referring to you, Kushida-san.

Kushida: You see, Horikita-san. Maybe I can't really get along with you, but I'd rather you not share such a story while (L/N)-kun is present.

The true meaning of Kushida's words was that she didn't want Horikita to increase the number of people who knew her secret.

Kushida: Or perhaps... that (L/N)-kun and Ichinose-san now know something?

She glared at us. Horikita, however, didn't flinch.

Horikita: I'm sorry, (L/N)-kun. Could you please head back without me?

I met her gaze and sighed.

(Y/N): Well, looks like I'm being the third wheel here.

I waved at Horikita and Kushida before making my way toward the exit. After changing my shoes, I leaned on the wall outside and pulled out my phone. Shortly after, I got a call from Horikita, as expected. I quickly answered it and listened.

Then, a muffled voice came through over the phone. It seems that she had put her cell phone in her pocket and dialed me directly.

Horikita: We attended the same junior high. Because I know about your past, you want to get me expelled.

Kushida: What short notice, why bring up the past so suddenly? I don't like that topic.

Horikita: I don't like it, either. But we can't avoid it.

Kushida: Let's see, after all, we hardly ever have the chance to be alone. But you're certainly right, I do want you to disappear from this school, Horikita-san. This is indeed because of the fact that we came from the same school, and that you know about my past.

Horikita: I've thought about it many times. I did hear about the incident, but it wasn't interesting to me as I didn't have any friends back then. All I ever heard were rumors, not the truth.

Kushida: But there's no guarantee you don't know, is there?

Horikita: Yes. That's the reason why this issue we have has yet to be buried. No matter how much I deny it, you won't be able to ignore the possibility that I'm lying to you. I imagine that you'd like to have me kicked out of school because you can't forgive me for knowing that there was an incident at all.

The other end of the cell phone went silent.

Horikita: How about we place a bet, Kushida-san?

Kushida: A bet?

Horikita: From that day until now, I've been thinking about it. Thinking about what to do to coexist with you. But I concluded that, no matter what I do, it's impossible.

Kushida: I think so too, Horikita-san. It wouldn't be over unless one of us disappear.

Horikita: That's why, I'm placing a bet with you.

Kushida: Huh?

Horikita: If I score higher than you on the upcoming final exam, you'll cooperate with me from now on without any hostility. I won't expect us to become friend, I just hope that you won't continue to interfere with me in the future. That's it.

Kushida: That's ridiculous, Horikita-san.

Horikita: I understand your concerns. So... Let's determine the winner based on one of the eight subjects. You're free to choose whichever subject you're best in. If your score is higher than mine, I'll drop out of school. That's my offer.

(Y/N): 'Wait, what?'

Horikita offered an unbelievable bet. It would be hard to establish the bet if the two people had a dramatic difference in ability. However, everything changes if the bet includes Horikita willingly deciding to drop out of school. If Kushida lost, she wouldn't need to drop out. She'd just have to stop getting in Horikita's way. On the other hand, if Kushida won, Horikita was done for.

Kushida: This also might just be a mere verbal agreement. You could lose and then just treat the bet as though it had never happened. Of course, I also might not keep my end of the agreement. Can we really establish this bet based on just trust alone?

Horikita: To make things official, I intend to involve a reliable witness.

Kushida: Witness?

Horikita: If you would, brother...

Kushida: Huh?!

Kushida sounded really surprised when he showed up.

Horikita: I'm terribly sorry to ask this of you, brother. But I absolutely need your help.

Color me surprised. The witness turned out to be Horikita Manabu. He is both the former student council president and the elder brother of Horikita Suzune.

Manabu: Long time no see, Kushida.

Kushida: ...Likewise.

Manabu: I was just called in as a simple witness. Don't bother me with details.

Kushida: Are you alright with this, Horikita-senpai? If your sister lose the bet, she—

Manabu: Doesn't concern me.

Wow, I could feel the coldness over the phone.

Horikita: I also swear that I will not say anything to anybody in the case where I lose. I would never do something to taint my brother's reputation.

Kushida: ...Are you serious, Horikita-san?

Horikita: I'm not the kind to wait around for people to strike.

Kushida: Alright. I'll play this game with you. The subject that we'll compete over will be mathematics. The terms of the bet are just as Horikita-san had said earlier. If our scores end up tying, is it okay to invalidate the whole bet?

Horikita assents to this, and the bet was confirmed in front of Horikita's brother. There was no way to back out of this for either of them.

Manabu: I will fulfill my role as witness. If one of you decides to break the agreement, you better be prepared.

Even after retiring as student council president, Horikita's brother still held a great deal of authority. At least until Horikita's brother graduated, Kushida would have to keep her end of the bargain.

There's a brief silent over the phone, they probably waiting for older Horikita to walk away before continuing.

Kushida: I'll be looking forward to the final exams, Horikita-san. Give my regards to (L/N)-kun, too.

Horikita: Why mentions him all of the sudden?

Kushida: It doesn't matter anyway. I won't violate our bet's terms, so you can rest assured. Besides, he has already seen a little of my bad side.

After being sharply reprimanded, Horikita's anxiety and restlessness were transmitted to me over the phone.

Horikita: To answer your question, yes. I told (L/N)-kun.

Kushida: I know. For some reason or another, I knew this after looking at you. Moreover, are you also using your cell phone right now? I've tried calling you many times already, so it's almost as though you've been in the middle of a call for this entire discussion.

It wasn't just intuition, Kushida had both the proof and the conviction to go on the offensive.

Kushida: Care to join us, (L/N)-kun?

The voice of Kushida came from afar. I put my phone away and sighed. Well, looks like I have to bring back my old self to confront with this devil.

...

I put my hands in my pocket while walking towards Horikita and Kushida.

Kushida: Heya, (L/N)-kun!

Although she had a cheery expression, I couldn't tell what her true feelings were. I walked up to them and stood beside Horikita.

Horikita: I'm at a loss, Kushida-san. Your insight and ability to act on it are amazing.

Kushida: But, really, I'm merely observant.

(Y/N): Alright, let's cut to the chase, shall we?

The both of them looked at me in shocked. Possibly because of my tone.

(Y/N): On account of I learned about your true nature, you want to expel me as well, right? I'll join the wager. If Horikita loses, I will drop out, too.

Horikita: Wha— You can't be serious?! This has nothing to do with you.

Kushida: Ahahahaha! You really do me a favor by jumping into the gamble. Of course I accept it.

I raised up my index finger.

(Y/N): On one condition. That, I want you to tell me the specifics of this junior high incident.

Kushida: That's—

I didn't hold back with Kushida. It doesn't matter even if she becomes upset.

(Y/N): I have the right to ask. You're acting on the premise that Horikita knows the details of the incident. And you want to get me expelled from the school, even I claimed to be not know about any of the details. In that case, it wouldn't be any different for you to just explain it now. As long as you win the bet, both Horikita and I will drop out, and you don't have anything to worry about.

My tone was cold and icy. Horikita looked like she wanted to interject but she didn't say a word and kept her head down. She had seen this side of me before. But not for Kushida.

(Y/N): Tell me why it's worth taking this gamble.

Kushida: A-Are you sure about this? You won't be able to turn back if I tell you, you know?

Even though her voice was clearly shaking, she remained calm composure.

(Y/N): That's a rhetorical question.

She gulped and took a deep breath.

Kushida: Fine, then. (L/N)-kun. Is there anything that you're good at that you can't risk losing to anyone?

(Y/N): I'm just an ordinary person. No talents or such. If I have to choose, I guess I run a little faster than average.

Kushida: Then I wonder if you can understand. Do you know that kind of feelings when you feel the value of yourself that others can't have? Like, scoring the highest on a test or getting first place in a race, you get the limelight.

Of course I understood. People naturally desired the approval of others. No one hates being praised or respected by friends or family, and working hard to be praised is a justifiable motive. A basic and indispensable part of human society.

Kushida: I think that I'm probably addicted to that feeling. I can't help that I want to stand out, I want to be praised, I want to be recognized. It validated my existence and made me feel alive. Of course, I know my limit. No matter how hard I try, I can't be number one in schoolwork or sports. Being in second or third place can't possibly satisfy my desire.

Inferiority complex could be dangerous. It's one of roots that leads to psychological distortion.

Kushida: So, I thought I'd do something that no one else could, that is, be nicer and kinder than everyone else. Thanks to this, I was able to become popular. Someone who's liked by both boys and girls. I was relied on, and I felt the pleasure of being trusted.

(Y/N): 'So this is the source of Kushida's gentleness, huh?'

Horikita: Isn't it painful to keep doing things you don't want to do? If it were me, I think my heart wouldn't be able to keep up, and end up breaking down.

It's understandable that she would ask this. Kushida has been constantly doing things that are often impossible to do.

Kushida: It's painful. Of course I'm suffering. Every day I accumulate so much stress that I feel like I'm going to go bald. I've pulled out my hair and vomited all because of the anxiety.

Due to Kushida wasn't genuinely kind to others from the bottom of her heart, she kept enduring all kinds of pressure inside her. She had to find an emotional outlet for her to relieve her stress. And there's the most simplest way to let it all out.

(Y/N): Let me guess, you confide your accumulated stress through internet.

Kushida gave me a weak smile.

Kushida: That's right. My blog saved me. I could tell it all my most painful secrets. Of course, the anonymity protected the parties involved. I wrote the facts just as they were, and it made me so happy when I received encouragement from people I didn't even know. But one day, my blog was accidentally discovered by a classmate. Even though I had changed the names of the characters, it was impossible not to notice that the content was based on real events.

(Y/N): That's how the incident started, right?

Kushida: The next day, my posts were shared with the entire class. Everyone condemned me. Up until that point, I had been a huge help to everyone, but as a result of this, everyone's attitude toward me suddenly changed. It's selfish, right? Over thirty students decided I was their mortal enemy that day.

Horikita: How did you get through that situation? By resorting to violence, or with lies?

This was the mystery that Horikita and I had talked about before and couldn't come to a conclusion over.

Kushida simply shook her head.

Kushida: Neither. Instead, I just preached the truth. I exposed the secrets of all of my classmates. Things like who someone hates, or who someone thinks is disgusting. I exposed the truths that I didn't even write on my blog.

After all this time, the weapon used by Kushida was 'truth' all along. The that can be acquired through the accumulation of trust. Its strength feels small, but it's a powerful double-edged sword that can be used at the cost of losing trust.

Kushida: At that point, my classmates stopped being angry at me and started hating each other. The boys got into fistfights, the girls pulled each other's hair and shoved each other over. The entire classroom descended into complete chaos. It was all truly amazing.

(Y/N): So, that's how it happened.

Kushida: Because of everything I exposed, the class could no longer function. Of course, the school rebuked me, but all I did was write anonymously on my blog. Besides, I was just telling the truth to my classmates, so the school was unsure of how to issue any punishment.

She spoke quietly, but every word carried unspeakable weight.

Kushida: Now, unlike back in middle school, I don't know much about the others in Class D. Despite this, I still have the 'truth' to make a few people fall apart. This is my only weapon right now.

This was a threat. She means that if we tell anyone, we have to be aware of the consequences. All she would need to do is use the truth, and she could cause a rift in Class D which had just begun to unite together. If this happened, the progressive atmosphere in the class would probably disappear.

(Y/N): Do you want to remain as you are right now?

Kushida: This is what makes my life worthwhile. I love being respected and noticed by everyone. When people trust me with their secrets, I feel something beyond my wildest imaginations.

Knowing the anxiety, suffering, embarrassment, and hopes that people held deep within their hearts was Kushida's forbidden fruit.

Kushida: It's a dull past, right? But for me, it's everything.

(Y/N): It sure did.

Kushida's smile disappeared. Having now revealed her past, we became her true enemies. From now on, she would pursue victory without the slightest bit of sympathy.

Kushida: Don't forget. If I score higher in math, the both of you will drop out.

(Y/N): Of course. I hope you'll uphold your bet as well.

Say nothing further, Kushida left to return to her dorm.

(Y/N): For a moment, I felt sympathy for her.

I shook my head.

Horikita: To think that you agreed to involve yourself in the gamble as well, are you an idiot?

She chopped my head with her hand.

(Y/N): Hey! That's hurt.

Horikita: You could risk to get expelled, you know?

(Y/N): Well, it doesn't matter as long as we stay together. What's the point of me being in this school without you by my side, nagging at me.

She pouted angrily at me. I patted her head and kissed her forehead.

(Y/N): Besides, I believe you won't lose.

Well, I went along with the bet because I had some ideas of my own.

Horikita: Even you knew it was dangerous?

She's talking about Kushida's involved with Ryuuen.

(Y/N): I think you considered that before placing a bet with Kushida.

She sighed and crossed her arms.

Horikita: Well, I'd doubt that Ryuuen-kun will comply with Kushida-san. Think about it. Does Ryuuen-kun really wants me to drop out?

Ryuuen wanted to entrap Horikita, but he wasn't trying to get her kicked out of school. He hoped to see her brought low, and her expulsion would end those aspirations. Besides, he still doesn't know the truth about me. Would he rule out the key figure working behind Horikita?

(Y/N): But what if she lies to get the answers?

Horikita: Ryuuen-kun would see through something like that. If Kushida-san asked for the math answers specifically, he'd want to know why.

But even so, there's no absolute guarantee. She might successfully deceive Ryuuen. Although I would like for her to consider it, it would be hard on Horikita to be that demanding.

(Y/N): Looks like you have faith in Ryuuen, huh?

Horikita: I don't. This is a dangerous bet with no absolute guarantee. There will always be danger. It helps to have things you're willing to put on the line.

For Horikita, it should have been unexpected for me to join in on the bet. However, it seems that this is how Horikita had planned on dealing with Kushida. She made it credible by bringing in the former student council president as a witness, and she promised to drop out of school on her own accord while promising not to tell anyone about her past.

(Y/N): Either way, there's no way out from here. If we gonna do this, we absolutely have to win.

Horikita: Naturally.

...

A Group of Loners

(Y/N)'s POV

Days flew by until the time came when Yukimura started up the fifth study session. We had previously met at Pallet, but today we agreed to meet at the cafe inside Keyaki Mall. Pallet was expected to be extremely packed, as all groups had suspended activities in order for students to concentrate on the final.

Yukimura: Sure enough, it's noisier than I expected.

Yukimura was surprised by the number of students inside the cafe. We managed to secure our seats, but the cafe was nearly full. Study groups encompassing all grades were starting around us.

(Y/N): Do you think we should change to a more quieter place?

Yukimura: You're right. We should have done this either in library or at the gym. No one's using it right?

Hasebe: Nah. It's easier to do it here. I doubt that the library isn't full of students either. Right, Miyacchi?

Miyake: Yeah. And I don't want a stuffed robotic bear catch us by surprise us if we study at the gym.

That sounds familiar. But I'm gonna disregard it.

Yukimura: Well, you're the ones studying here, so if you say you can concentrate, I'll believe you. I have prepared the materials for today.

As they were handed notebooks crammed with liberal arts questions that targeted their inadequacies, the two of them prepared apathetically.

Hasebe: Geez. You went a little too far on the questions. You're ruthless, Yukimuu.

I was sure this was torturous for her because she didn't particularly enjoy studying, let alone studying her weakest subject. Miyake, on the other hand, appeared to be about to puke. While reading the notepad, he kept his hands over his tummy. I casually smirked as it didn't went unnoticed by Hasebe. She pointed at me and said.

Hasebe: Hey, why does (L/N)-chi don't have to do these questions? It's sooo unfair!

(Y/N): (L/N)...-chi?

Yukimura, as if waiting for Hasebe to ask that, pushed his glasses up his nose bridge and said.

Yukimura: Of course I have. Here you go, (L/N).

He then handed me a notebook similar to the one that were given to Hasebe and Miyake.

(Y/N): Wait, what?

Yukimura: Your grades are adequate, but your partner is Satou. To avoid being kicked out together, you'll need to thoroughly prepare and review.

(Y/N): No, actually—

With her bangs dangling, Hasebe's head droops like a ghost. She clutches my hand, as if attempting to drag me to the bottom of a well. Then, she slowly approached and whispered.

Hasebe: Come on, do it with us, (L/N)-chi. We shall die together.

Miyake let out a sigh and turned it into a weak smile.

Miyake: Just give in to her, (L/N). Or you will never hear the end of it.

Hasebe: Hehe... Welcome~~

(Y/N): 'I'll be damned...'

I was dragged away by a chilling creepy voice and swallowed up by the darkness of liberal arts questions.

...

I was capable to finish the liberal arts questions given by Yukimura as soon as possible. Then again, I'd kept dragged on purposely so that Yukimura finally convinced that I'm mediocre in academics. During the study sessions, Hasebe attempted to peek on my answers and was often caught by Yukimura. Time passed slowly as Hasebe began to gossip to dissipate the boring atmosphere.

Hasebe: Hey, do you know the guy from Class C called Yoshimoto-kun, Miyacchi?

Miyake: Yoshimoto Kousetsu? Sure, he's in the archery club same as me.

Hasebe: RIght. I heard that he started going out with a second-year, you know?

Miyake: I hadn't heard anything about that, but I was just thinking that he's been in a hurry to leave early during club activities for some strange reason. So that's what it was.

When you were in your thirties, a year or two of age difference didn't matter much. However, even dating someone one grade above you was difficult for high school students. As they completely absorbed in their conversations, Hasebe and Miyake slowly diverged from studying.

Yukimura: Hey. Less talk, more work.

Hasebe: I know. We're just chatting while taking a breather.

She didn't seem to be bothered by Yukimura's words.

Yukimura: Sure. A 'breather'.

Hasebe: Is that sarcasm? Actually, don't answer it. I'm gonna get a refill.

Miyake: You're going to add extra sugar? I'm astonished you can drink anything that sweet.

Hasebe: Well, I struggle to understand why anyone would drink their coffee black.

(Y/N): 'There's nothing wrong with both cases, I guess.'

Hasebe tried to stand up with her empty plastic cup, but she stumbled over the backpack at her feet and the cup in her hand fell to the ground. My eyes unconsciously followed it as it rolled, until it stopped rolling by a particular student's feet.

Hasebe: Ah, I'm sor—

Hasebe started to apologize, but the cup was then crushed under foot, so she swallowed the words before they came out.

Ryuuen: My, you seem to be enjoying yourselves. Mind if we join?

(Y/N): 'Well. It's been a while.'

Hasebe: Why you—

Hasebe immediately strengthened her guard and looked at the group in front of her sharply. It's a reasonable reaction. Ryuuen was wearing an arrogant grin. The perennial trio of goons, Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondou, stood behind him. Then, there was also one girl with them, standing beside Ishizaki. I think I've seen her before.

Hasebe: Hey! Why did you step on my cup? It wasn't an accident, was it?!

Ryuuen: It rolled to my feet and I thought you'd tossed it. I stepped on it to save you the effort.

He laughed as he kicked the crushed cup back toward Hasebe. A small amount of the leftover liquid spilled onto the floor.

Miyake, watching in silence, stood up slowly.

Miyake: Hey, Ryuuen. Knock it off.

Ishizaki: Huh? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?

As if to say that Ryuuen didn't need to bother with him, Ishizaki went forward and grabbed Miyake by the collar of his shirt.

Miyake: I wasn't talking to you. Lackeys should mind their own business, Ishizaki.

Miyake was unmoved and knocked away Ishizaki's hand.

Ishizaki: You bastard—

As they were arguing while attracting the attention of other patrons, I sighed and my eyes met suddenly met with that girl's. I remembered I've met her in the library before. Shiina Hiyori. She gave me a smile as our eyes met and I nodded slightly in response.

Ryuuen: Enough chit-chat. I have no business with you. I'm interested in those two.

Ryuuen said so as he shifted his line of sight from Miyake over to Yukimura and me.

Ryuuen: Did you received my gift?

Naturally, Yukimura couldn't understand what he was talking about.

Yukimura: What on earth you're talking about?

Ryuuen fixed his gaze on me. The "gift" was without a doubt the email he'd sent me the day before.

(Y/N): Beats me.

I pretended I didn't know. Ryuuen had turned to really harsh tactics. I had no reason to answer his queries and dig my own grave. Even if I pretended to be more skeptical, he'd be unable to draw any conclusions. This is due to the fact that no matter what happens, it will remain a grey area.

Ryuuen: How's that? Did you catch onto anything, Hiyori?

Ryuuen glanced at Hiyori.

Hiyori: Well, there's no telling at this stage.

A lot of the students working under Ryuuen were terrified of him, but Hiyori was completely calm. She kept looking back and forth between Yukimura and me. Although, her gaze lingered particularly longer on me than Yukimura. I remained my stoic face. Then, she turned to Ryuuen.

Hiyori: Both of their faces leave a weak impression, so I'll probably forget them immediately.

Hmm?

Ryuuen: Hehehe. Don't say that. These are our future friends, after all.

Hiyori: Let's see... Yukimura-san, (L/N)-kun, Kouenji-kun. I'm sorry, who was the other guy again?

Ishizaki: It was Hirata.

Hiyori: That's right, it was Hirata-san. Why are faces and names so hard to remember?

I couldn't read Hiyori at all. I was concerned that even Ishizaki was being this polite around her.

Ryuuen: As expected, the only one you'll remember is Kouenji.

Hiyori: Well. He's very unique, so he's easy to remember.

As a result, Ryuuen suspected Hirata and Kouenji as well. Despite the fact that Kouenji was not a team player at all, Ryuuen was understandably wary of his abilities. However, if Ryuuen realized what a natural-born freak Kouenji was, I had a feeling he'd never consider him a suspect.

Miyake: What the hell is wrong with you, Ryuuen? We're busy, so if you want to sort something out, let's do it quickly.

Ryuuen: Nothing. I just came to say hello. But I'll tell you something. We'll be seeing you again real soon.

Miyake: What does that mean?

Ignoring Miyake's question, Ryuuen left the cafe with his entourage. As everyone returned to their studies, the cafe, which had been wrapped in stillness for a short while, regained its life and reverted to its normal state.

However, Hiyori remained, still watching us.

Under such circumstances, there's no way that we could successfully concentrate on our studies. Irritated, Hasebe spoke up.

Hasebe: What is it? You're being a distraction by hanging around here.

Hiyori: Just a moment, please.

Hasebe: Huh? Look, I'm telling you that you're distracting us, so just go away. Understand?

Hasebe, who had her cup crushed just earlier, was in a foul mood.

Confronted by the rowdy Hasebe, Hiyori answered with an odd smile. She grabbed her bag at her feet and walked over to the cafe's checkout.

Hasebe: What was that about?

Yukimura: Who knows. I don't quite understand what's going on, and I don't want to know.

Yukimura appeared to be unable to comprehend Hiyori's actions and became lost in thought for a brief moment. As though he couldn't come to a decision, he decided to disregard the situation entirely.

Miyake: I believe she's Shiina Hiyori from Class C. I've seen her before.

Hiyori placed an order at the register, then returned with two cups.

Hiyori: If you don't mind, please accept this.

Hasebe: What do you mean? Why are you giving it to me?

Hiyori: It's quite all right. You needn't be so wary of me. Please allow me to apologize on Class C's behalf. I went ahead and took the liberty of adding some sugar. Do you mind?

Hasebe: Is that so... Huh? This is totally delicious! It's like, exactly the same as what I was drinking earlier!

Hiyori: The cup that was crushed earlier had a lot of sugar collected in the bottom, so I figured that you like your coffee sweet. I'm glad I didn't make any mistakes.

Hasebe: It tastes as though you used the same amount of sugar as me. Is it coincidence?

Hiyori: I estimated how much sugar you put in at first by the amount of undissolved sugar in your last cup.

Hasebe: Whaaat?! You can do that?!

(Y/N): You're surprisingly perceptive.

Hiyori turned to look at me and smiled.

Hiyori: Well, that's what people mostly said to me, despite how I look.

(Y/N): ...

She then looked at us.

Hiyori: This is— You guys are holding a study session, right?

Hasebe: Girls like you just totally sap my energy.

Hasebe had been irritated until just now, but she had become entirely overwhelmed by Hiyori's inscrutable pace. From Yukimura's point of view, he didn't want to risk giving Hiyori any extra information, so he quickly covered up everyone's notes.

Hiyori: By any chance, do you think I'm a spy?

Yukimura: We don't have to think. Of course we're suspecting you.

Hiyori: I wouldn't, if I were you. I generally keep my distance from Ryuuen-kun.

Yukimura: Didn't "Ryuuen-kun" called you by your first name?

Hiyori: I personally requested to accompany them, because I'm interested in Class D.

The three of them couldn't understand the reasoning behind Hiyori's statement and tilted their heads to the side. Of course, I imitated them, pretending to not understand the situation.

Hiyori: Eh? You guys don't know? It's a hot topic in Class C. There's a mastermind in Class D who's hiding their true ability. Apparently, this tactician has contributed significantly to Class D's successes, from the island test to the cruise ship and sports festival.

Hiyori speaks a truth that most of Class D hasn't been able to figure out. Of course, there were question marks hovering over Hasebe and the other's heads.

Yukimura: Do you mean Horikita?

Miyake: Yeah. I can only think of Horikita-san.

Hiyori: It's apparently someone other than Horikita Suzune-san.

Hiyori cut them off from coming to that conclusion.

Hiyori: (L/N)-san, I hear that you spend a lot of time with Horikita-san.

(Y/N): Well, you're not wrong. It hasn't been like that recently, but I guess I've spent a lot of time with her compared to anyone else.

Hiyori: You do sit right next to her, don't you?

Hasebe: Still, there's hardly anybody smarter than her.

Miyake: Yeah, essentially all of Class D's strategies are things she comes up with.

Hasebe and Miyake conveniently agreed with each other at a good time, adding credibility to my statement. I wouldn't need to confirm or deny anything about the two of us spending time together. It was important that I appeared like a typical Class D student right now.

Hiyori: I see. You all have the same kind of evaluation of her.

Yukimura: Can you stop getting in our way by bringing up such inexplicable things?

Yukimura spoke up, having been affected by Hiyori's unusual atmosphere over time. It appears that he's unable to bear the thought of having his study time reduced any further.

Hiyori: I apologize. I'm disturbing your studies, aren't I?

Yukimura: Yes, you're exactly right. You are.

Hasabe: Wew. You don't have to be so harsh, Yukimuu.

Yukimura: If you have no complaints about failing and dropping out of school, then by all means, have a good chat. I'm going home.

Hasebe: Ah, please forgive me. I'd like you to keep tutoring me.

Hasebe bowed her head. Hiyori apologetically rose from her seat and said.

Hiyori: I'm so sorry. It would be dangerous for you to neglect to study desperately for the exam.

Was that a jab at the slackers? Despite the fact that I received the idea that Hiyori was naturally aloof, I wasn't sure if she could be trusted.

Hiyori: Let's discuss about it after the final exam is finished.

Hiyori picked up her cup and made to go.

Hasebe: Oh, thanks for the coffee, it was a real treat.

Hiyori: No no, it was nothing special. Goodbye then.

After showing up with Ryuuen, she left alone with that. She could have come here as part of Ryuuen's scheme, but I couldn't be sure. Hiyori's action piqued my interest, so I decided to keep an eye on her for the time being.

...

With more and more study sessions held by Yukimura, the members of the study group were gradually became more closer. At one point, we started to call one another by our given names when we first having an ice-cream together at the convenience store before. Also, Sakura had followed us around every time we had a study session. Then, she finally took courage to join us in our study group. Which, annoyingly, they decided to name the group after me. Of course, I dismissed them. It sounds ridiculous.

As the group was officially established, we began to make plans together, including Airi. Originally formed to provide support for Haruka and Akito, the group's scope gradually expanded. Haruka guided the group in an indirect way by starting a group chat called A Group of Loners, that sounded stupid, however accurate. During the times when everyone wasn't together, communication increased dramatically. Because none of us has many friends and we spend a lot of time alone, our group chat talks were lively and frequent.

Haruka: Do you all want to go to the movies together for a change of pace after studying tomorrow?

(Y/N): Huh? You're talking about that new movie?

Haruka: Yup! I heard it's coming out tomorrow. Exams are going on now, so getting tickets is unexpectedly easy.

Keisei: Taking a break seems like a good idea to me. I presume I'm invited when you say "you all."

Haruka: Of course! You're part of the group, Yukimuu. But I guess I did ask everyone pretty suddenly. If you don't have time tomorrow, we can wait until after the exams.

If there's a shortage of people, it appears that she intends to postpone it. It doesn't look like Akito has seen the messages yet, but if he had, he'd probably choose to go along with her. Both Keisei and Airi haven't given their answers yet. I then took the initiative and replied.

(Y/N): I'll join you tomorrow.

It occurred to me that I never went to a movie with other people except with Suzune.

Huh...? Suzune... That's right. She's my girlfriend after all. Perhaps I should stop refer her as Horikita and call her by her given name from now on. Yup, that's it. I should have done it by long time ago.

Then, after I sent the message, Airi responded a few seconds later.

Airi: I want to go, too.

Keisei: Well, If Akito goes, I'll go too.

With this, other than the absent Akito, everyone agreed to attend. Akito opened the group chat a few minutes later, and sent his own response.

Akito: Sounds good to me. Can you reserve our tickets?

Haruka: Yeah. I'll collect the points from all of you later. Thanks everyone.

The group chat then died off. She had probably switched her screen over to the browser in order to make reservations.

Airi: I'm looking forward to the movie.

A personal text came from Airi.

(Y/N): Likewise.

Airi: Please take care of me tomorrow, (Y/N)-kun. Good night.

Airi ended our brief conversation with a polite message.

It appeared that I was forming a social life of some sort. It felt different from the kind of excitement when I'm with those three idiots, or Hirata, or him.

Just I was about to hit the sack, my phone rang. Suzune called. I answered the phone while laying on the bed.

(Y/N): Hey ya, Suzune.

Suzune: Hmm? Seems like someone is in a good mood.

(Y/N): Well, pretty much. So, what's up?

Suzune: The library study groups are nearly finished. I'd like to make some final exam preparations after tomorrow's session. Is it possible for you to accompany me? It would be extremely helpful if you could also inform Yukimura-kun.

(Y/N): Tomorrow... huh?

Suzune: Are you busy tomorrow?

(Y/N): Well, truth to be told. Our study groups decided to take a break by going for a movie after study session tomorrow.

Suzune: Ah, I see. That's why you sounded happy over the phone.

(Y/N): Um... Yeah.

I let out a weak laugh.

Suzune: Well, the day after tomorrow is fine either. But Thursday is the limit. The questions are almost complete, but I think we need to change some of them.

(Y/N): Ah, tomorrow works. I'll talk it over with Keisei. Is it okay if we're late?

Suzune: Keisei? So you guys are close enough to call each other by first name.

(Y/N): Well, sort of.

Suzune: Seems you're making good progress in making friends, good for you.

(Y/N): I'm getting a sarcastic vibe here.

Suzune: That's your imagination.

I swore I could heard Suzune smirked on the other side of the phone.

(Y/N): Nevertheless, We should also get in touch with Hirata and Karuizawa ahead of time, in case.

Suzune: You don't need to worry about the other two. I already talked to them.

Apparently, I wasn't the only one who had become closer to others. Suzune seems to have succeeded in bridging the gap between herself and the students in her study groups. At the very least, I'd be happy if she got along with Hirata and Karuizawa.

We chatted a little while before she decided to turn in. I hung up the phone, and a moment later I received another text. Things are really coming up tonight.

This time the message wasn't from Airi, though, but from Karuizawa.

Karuizawa: What you stated earlier, I've confirmed it. Someone told me today that a girl was asking about how much sugar Hasebe-san had put in her cup. Apparently, Hasebe-san puts a ton in, so people had noticed

That's exactly what I expected. Hiyori was quick-witted rather than extraordinarily insightful. She'd feigned to have extraordinary abilities of perception in order to surprise us.

(Y/N): Right. I think Horikita is going to contact you tomorrow. We have arranged to start a meeting at around 8 p.m..

Karuizawa: Eight at night? Isn't that pretty late?

(Y/N): I have some prior arrangements. I'm going to see a movie after the study session.

Karuizawa: A movie? Is it that new one, by any chance?

(Y/N): That's the one. Regardless, I have a favor to ask of you during the meeting.

Karuizawa: Zzzz. What?

Karuizawa received specific instructions from me. She sent me an irate response after she finished reading everything.

Karuizawa: Isn't this just another troublesome errand? What's the point?

(Y/N): I will explain to you tomorrow.

Karuizawa: You could have do this by yourself, you know?

(Y/N): Nope. I don't think I could risk that. Anyway, it's better for you to carry out the plan.

Karuizawa: Fine. Whatever. See you tomorrow.

(Y/N): Have a good night.

Before I put away my phone, I saw that Karuizawa's status indicating that she's typing something. I waited for a moment, but eventually her status changed to offline. Maybe she had typed something but deleted it afterwards. Well, if it wasn't anything important, I began to delete our conversations as usual before I hit the hay.

...

Classes during tthe next day felt surprisingly long. Maybe it's because I've gradually begun to look forward to the movie. When school was done and after our study session, I headed toward the movie theater with Keisei and the others.

While on the way to the movie theater, I chatted with Suzune via messaging.

(Y/N): Maybe tomorrow we could see this movie again.

Suzune: No. I have a lot on my plate right now. I couldn't afford to spare some times for leisure. Plus, you might've spoil the movie for me.

(Y/N): Hey, I pretty much know how to keep my lips sealed. Unlike some people.

Suzune: I doubt that.

(Y/N): Alright, fine. How is the preparation go?

Suzune: I have complete the draft for the questions. We'll discuss further in detail tonight with the class.

(Y/N): Alright. I'll text you after the movie. Love you.

Suzune: Love you too. Enjoy the movie.

With that, I put the phone back to my pocket.

Airi: Umm... (Y/N)-kun...

Airi, who was walking beside me entire times finally decided to speak up. While we're heading to the movie theater, she kept glancing at me and muttered something. Probably my name, if I'm not mistaken.

(Y/N): Yeah?

I doubt she could saw my messages with Suzune. I made sure she couldn't.

Airi: Uh... I-It feels exciting going out with everybody, isn't it?

(Y/N): It does. It's not a bad feeling.

Airi: Ehehehe... (Y/N)-kun.

(Y/N): What's the matter?

Airi: Huh? What do you mean?

(Y/N): You called my name, right?

Airi: D-Did I call for you!? I-I'm sorry, it's not like that at all!

Hmm. Strange. Anyway, we arrived at Keyaki Mall and headed straight towards the cinema. Haruka had ordered the tickets in advance, so she handed them out to everyone one by one.

(Y/N): That's everyone. Let's—

Satou: (L/N)-kun!

(Y/N): 'Oh, hell no.'

I turned and saw Satou Maya approached us while called out to me.

Satou: Are you by any chance going to the movies right now? Ah! That super popular one!

She spoke excitedly after seeing the movie ticket in my hand.

Satou: To tell you the truth, I came here to see it, too. So did Karuizawa-san and the others.

Behind Satou, a crowd of girls approached the theater.

(Y/N): I-I see... Were you invited by Karuizawa?

Satou: Nope. When I mentioned to Karuizawa-san that I wanted to go to the movies during our study session, she agreed, so we decided to go together. Let's go watch it together because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

(Y/N): O-Once-in-a-lifetime...? Hey—

Without letting me finish my sentence, she grabbed my arm with both hands.

Airi: Fuwaah?!

Behind me, Airi makes a sound somewhat similar to a scream.

(Y/N): K-Knock it off.

I tried to pull myself away from her. But her grips tightened.

Satou: Eh? How come~? What does it matter?

Satou spoke casually, but her face was a little red. It seems like she's trying hard to overdo it.

Karuizawa: Eh~ What a coincidence, Miyake-kun, Yukimura-kun and (L/N)-kun. Hasebe-san and Sakura-san as well.

Karuizawa spoke, giving off a bit of a condescending attitude.

(Y/N): 'No no no. That wasn't coincidence at all. You did this on purpose!'

Akito: Why are we standing here? Come on, let's go inside. (Y/N).

Akito suddenly appeared from our behind as he put his arm over my shoulder and forcefully separated me and Satou as our group entered the movie theater.

(Y/N): Wew. Thanks for the save.

Akito: Don't mention it.

The five of us queued up to buy popcorn and drinks before we went inside the theater. We'd reserved the five seats farthest to the back and right. Satou, Karuizawa, and the rest of their group appeared to be concerned about what to buy at the shop and hadn't come in yet.

Airi: Um, (Y/N)-kun...

Airi quietly murmured in my ear from the seat next to me as I sat in my seat. I didn't think she needed to speak so gently when the other students surrounding us were chattering.

(Y/N): What is it?

Airi: (Y/N)-kun... Well... Recently, you has been getting along really well with Satou-san, right?

Given what had recently occurred, it would be impossible not to believe this. However, if I don't flatly refute anything when it isn't true, it'll be difficult to put a stop to it if the rumor spreads.

(Y/N): It's just a misunderstanding. Satou and I were paired for the finals so we've studied together a couple of times.

Airi: B-but, people don't usually walk a-arm in arm, do they?

(Y/N): I was being forced to. You saw that, right?

Airi: Ah. I-I guess so. Besides...

Huh? There's still something else?

Airi: B-between you two, is there anything...?

(Y/N): No.

I straight up giving her the answer without waiting her to finish the question.

Airi: O-Oh... Phew...

(Y/N): Not convinced?

Airi: N-not at all. Sorry. I'm asking you all kinds of strange things... Did I make you uncomfortable?

(Y/N): Well, that's fine. If there's something you are worried about, you can tell me any time.

Airi: L-leave it to me! I will properly keep my eye on you, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Erm, thanks?

What's with that? Well, I didn't want to burst Airi's bubble, so I swallowed the words that I wanna ask. Nothing special happened after that, so I enjoyed the movie in peace. Well, the movie indeed is... unique.

...

It was beyond 8:00 p.m. on Thursday night, and our test was on the following week. The stores were shutting, so everyone from Class D congregated in a karaoke area. You may hold a meeting there without fear of being overheard. Although it would have been preferable to conduct this in someone's room, none of us were interested.

Karuizawa: Hey, can I sing?

Hirata: Wait, Karuizawa-san. That's not what we're here for today.

Karuizawa: Even though there's karaoke right here?

Hirata: Since you said that you didn't want to go to the dorms, we came here. Isn't that right?

You don't know who's watching or listening in a cafe or cafeteria elsewhere on campus.

Karuizawa: Yeah, fine. But, come on, isn't it kinda stupid to go all the way out to a place that has karaoke and not sing.

Suzune: Just enjoy the food and drinks and deal with it.

Karuizawa had ordered plenty already. Her own personal drink, as well as junk food such as potato fries and drinks for everyone else, sat on the table.

Karuizawa: Then let's sing a duet together after the meeting's over, Yousuke-kun.

Hirata: Yeah. It might be a good idea to take a breather after the meeting is adjourned.

Hirata's singing, huh? That would be the first time, I think.

Suzune: Right. I'm going to start.

Suzune simply ignored the two of them and began the meeting. At first, she summarized the result of our study sessions. Most of the problematic students, especially Sudou and the gangs, had grown significantly compared to where they started from. They weren't expected to fail in the upcoming exam. Then, Suzune and Keisei exchanged the results of the study groups. Akito and Haruka were reluctant to keep up with Keisei's pace at first, but they improved gradually from when they had started. I can attest to that. With that, the discussion went well.

(Y/N): Like I said, I have no concerns about anyone failing.

Suzune: Looks like it.

Kushida: Oh, I'm glad. I'd absolutely hate to lose someone from Class D, so let's all overcome this together!

Karuizawa: Something like that. Speaking of which, are we really okay?

After hearing Kushida's thoughts, Karuizawa asked an unsettling question.

Karuizawa: Look, I hate the idea of having fewer classmates. But this test always gets someone kicked out, right? So, like, there's no guarantee Sudou-kun and I won't fail, right?

Kushida: I can't really guarantee you it, but—

Karuizawa: Then don't say something like that so rashly in the first place.

The relaxed atmosphere of the room gradually began to tense up.

Karuizawa: Kushida-san, I feel like you've been paying lip service to us for a time now.

Kushida: E-Eh? just want everyone to pass the exam safely...

Karuizawa: It's got to be nice, right? I'm referring to being smart. You have no idea what is going to happen to me.

Hirata: Calm down, Karuizawa-san. You studied hard in your group.

Even with Hirata backing her up, Karuizawa seemed entirely unconvinced.

Karuizawa: I've wanted to say this for a while now. Kushida-san, aren't you behaving a little bit goody-goody?

Kushida: E-Eh? Really?

As things get heated up, I took my drink and casually sat back. Suzune noticed my behavior and leaned closer.

Suzune: It almost too strange for Karuizawa-san to be enraged by that. Is it your doing?

She whispered.

(Y/N): Huh? I didn't do anything.

Suzune: Sigh. I hope you know what you're doing.

As if she knew what I was thinking, she gave up on pursued further.

I took a sip of my drink and suddenly, Karuizawa reached out and picked up the grape juice that she had barely touched, and proceeded to pour it out onto Kushida with all her might. The juice and all of it's staining properties, soaked into the chest of her blazer.

(Y/N): 'Think of it as an insurance.'

...

After Karuizawa making quite a scene, Hirata managed to calm her down and Karuizawa apologized to Kushida. In this situation, an angry response wouldn't be abnormal, however, Kushida was entirely calm, and forgave Karuizawa. Karuizawa apologized once again to Kushida, who responded with a smile as if say to forget about it. However, this doesn't mean everything has been resolved.

Suzune: Kushida-san, do you have a spare blazer that you can wear to school tomorrow? All good?

Kushida: Ah, no. My first blazer got damaged, so this was the only one I had left.

When we initially started at the school, we were given two blazers apiece, but accidents happen, and students grow out of their uniforms. In the Keyaki Mall, there was a store that specialized in student uniforms. Tailoring garments, on the other hand, required time and cost a lot of points.

Sudou: Isn't there a laundromat? I can bring it with some clothes I've soiled during basketball practice. If I hand it over to them today, you should be able to get it back by early tomorrow morning.

Kushida: I didn't know there was a dry cleaner. That sounds like a good solution.

Kushida heeded Sudou's advice and figured out how to address the problem. Karuizawa listened to his suggestion and made a proposal of her own, as though she realized she could do more to help.

Karuizawa: Although it doesn't work as an apology, please allow me to pay the cleaning fee.

Kushida: Really, don't worry about it, Karuizawa-san.

Karuizawa: I insist. Should I say that I won't be able to feel at ease, can't I?

Kushida: Is it really okay?

Karuizawa: Yeah. Please let me do this much.

Thus, the situation found a point of compromise due to Karuizawa offering to pay the cleaning fee.

As I watched the whole things unfolded, things began to stir to the direction where I want them to be.

...

INTERMISSION

Author: Well, long time no see, guys. As far as you guys concerned(if there are any), I'm still alive XD.

(Y/N): No kidding. I thought you went missing or something.

Suzune: Yeah. (Y/N)-kun about to break the fourth wall and search for you.

Author: Really? Nah, you can't. There's no 'Breaking the Fourth Wall' trope in the story.

(Y/N): Or can I?

Author: Wait, what?

Suzune: Heartwarming reunion aside, where were you this whole time?

Author: I'm here all the time.

(Y/N): Yeah, right. I bet you goofed off somewhere.

Author: As expected of (Y/N), I knew you would said that. But no, as I said before. I have a lot of works to do since last October. Gradually, I lost my motivation to write the story.

Suzune: Sigh. And yet I thought you would be different than (Y/N)-kun, but you sounds exactly like him.

(Y/N): I'm gonna pretend I didn't heard that.

Author: Anyway, I will still continue to write the story. But when the update will be is unclear. Hopefully my motivation won't run out sooner than before. Peace out.

...

From Hunted to Hunter

3rd Person's POV

In a quiet, empty library, on the second floor, there's a petite teenage girl with lilac coloured hair sat alone on the armchair. She was looking up the content of a book while researching the unsolved chess puzzle on the table in front of her. Then, another figure emerged from the shadow and approached that girl.

Her thigh-length purple hair stopped flowing as soon as she stopped her footstep.

The petite girl started questioning her without looking up from the chess board.

Sakayanagi: Well?

Masumi: As per requested, I managed to get the contact info of that person.

Sakayanagi: Good, good.

Masumi: If I may ask, won't that violate the school regulations? As we're forbidden to—

Sakayanagi: Fu fu fu. Don't you worry. I'm certainly have my way around it.

She closed the book with a hand before placing the final chess piece to corner the opposite's King.

Sakayanagi: I wonder if he remember me as well?

...

(Y/N)'s POV

Currently, I'm walking towards the dormitory after the chaotic meeting earlier. There was a sizable crowd blocking the lobby when I reached the entrance.

(Y/N): What's the ruckus?

I took a step forward before a familiar sound called out to me.

Sotomura: Ah! (L/N)-dono! Over here!

Normally, I would straight go back to my room. But now, I'm quite curious what causing such scene. I walked up to the Professor.

(Y/N): What's going on?

He pointed at the two persons confronting each other, both that I recognized. The leader of both Classes B and C, Ichinose Honami and Ryuuen Kakeru.

Ryuuen: Well, let's see how she prove it? How about it, Ichinose?

Ryuuen smirking at Ichinose while holding his phone.

Ichinose: Ryuuen-kun, no matter what I say right now, you're not going to believe me, are you?

Ryuuen: That's correct. After all, it's up to the school to determine whether or not you're getting into trouble.

Ichinose: I suppose that's true. Everyone, please accept my apologies. But don't be concerned. I'll go to the teachers tomorrow and show them that it's just Ryuuen-kun's misunderstanding.

Ichinose stands up for herself with a dignified appearance.

Ryuuen: Oh? And how exactly do you plan on proving that?

Ichinose: I'll go through everything in great detail. I'll tell them how I got my points and how much I have. Will you be satisfied if I do that?

(Y/N): 'Ah, I remember now. What the whole commotion was for. '

While walking back from the karaoke, I suddenly received a message via phone notification. The message read,

"First-year Class B student Ichinose Honami may be collecting points illegally. —Ryuuen Kakeru"

Perhaps it slipped away from my mind. Well, I'm kinda curious how much Ichinose had been collecting her points ever since that day.

I quietly made my exit from the scene by taking the stairs up to my room.

The next day, Ichinose followed through on her promise. The school issued an official statement stating that no fraudulent conduct had occurred. They exonerated her of any culpability. Which surprised me, because I happened to see before that Ichinose easily had more than a million personal points. She should've accumulated even more by now than she had before.

...

As we continued to cram for the forthcoming tests, time passed. The barrage of arduous, never-ending work that students had to undertake had a negative impact on their emotions. The final exam was less than three days away when December arrived. We'd be off for the weekend the next day, with our final exam on Monday.

To be honest, the exam wasn't especially troublesome. In terms of the Class D students, we were more united than ever before. Sudou and the other slackers gave it their all. Ryuuen and Kushida were the problems.

They've undoubtedly begun to move beneath the water's surface, and I have a general idea of what they'll do.

Ryuuen has two objectives: defeat Class D and find the mastermind hiding behind Suzune. That limited his strategies if he wanted to win in overall points. He could only get Class C to study more diligently or devise extraordinarily difficult test problems, both of which were fairly common techniques. We'd be good even if they studied extra hard, as long as they didn't get over Class D. But, in any case, I had no idea what their plan was.

Suzune: Penny for your thought?

(Y/N): Hmm? Oh, sorry.

Suzune, who was standing at the bottom of the stairs, gazed up at me. I dashed down the stairs after her. She was holding a thick manila envelope crammed with the questions she and Hirata had spent the last month slaving over. Suzune kept the contents of that envelope as private as possible because it held Class D's fate. She wouldn't even show the questions to me. In the end, she was the only one who knew everything about them.

(Y/N): What's the odds?

Suzune: It's difficult to say. I hope you're not setting your expectations too high. After all, the school has been making significant changes to the questions as well. However, there's no denying that we've completed the most challenging part of the exam thus far.

She exuded confidence, suggesting that she'd done a good job. The problem was what was going to happen next. How would we safeguard these inquiries?

We came across another student in the corridor on our way to the staff room.

Ryuuen: Yo, Suzune.

Ryuuen was there with a fearless smile, holding the same brown envelope as Suzune.

Suzune: Is this a coincidence? Or an ambush, perhaps?

Ryuuen: It's inevitable. I've been waiting for you to come.

Suzune: An ambush, then.

Suzune gave a disgusted sigh and proceeded to walk past Ryuuen.

Ryuuen: Isn't it also the case that you're submitting your test problems at the last minute? Let's do this together.

He said while holding out his envelope.

Ryuuen: Anyone may try to look at this, so I understand your apprehension.

Suzune: Oh? So you're worry that there's some traitors in your class?

Ryuuen: Heh. No fool would ever dare to betray me.

Suzune: Yet you waited until the last minute to submit your questions.

Suzune used an aggressive approach to return provocation for provocation. Ryuuen should find this incredibly enjoyable.

We walked on and he proceeded to follow after us. During, he deliberately trying to being provocative, but Suzune ignored him completely.

As soon as we arrived at the staff room, Suzune called Chabashira-sensei. Similarly, Ryuuen called Sakagami-sensei, who appeared first and took the manila envelope from Ryuuen.

Chabashira-sensei arrived shortly after and took Sakagami-sensei's seat. She appeared to already know why we were there, and her eyes was fixed on the manila envelope. She ignored the presence of Ryuuen, who was standing off to the side.

Suzune: These are the final questions, sensei.

Chabashira: Right. I'll hold on to them.

Ryuuen watched over the conversation with an eerie smile.

Suzune saw her teacher's hand ready to receive the manila envelope and paused for a moment.

Suzune: Before that, may I ask you one thing, sensei?

Chabashira: Yes?

Suzune: These questions have to do with whether Class D won or lost. It's the same coin on both sides. At all costs, we must avert a leak. Could you kindly not show these papers to anyone else after I hand them over to you? Including myself.

Chabashira: You want me to turn down absolutely anyone who asks to see them.

Suzune: Would that be a problem?

Chabashira: That isn't the problem. I appreciate your concern about information leakage, and the school has no authority to deny your request. There are, however, some restrictions.

In short, Chabashira-sensei reminded her something about the conditions and accepted the request eventually.

Chabashira: As I already stated, I will comply with your request. However, in the event of unforeseen situations, I'd like to add one clause to our agreement. I'll reveal information to people who ask to see the questions as long as they have your consent, Horikita. Is that all right?

Suzune: That's okay. However, please consider my presence to be another requirement.

Chabashira: Yes, of course. After all, someone could claim to have your approval while lying about it. If someone comes seeking for the answers to the questions, I'll tell them everything you said. I can't lie as a teacher.

Suzune exhaled deeply, relieved. Something had finally clicked. This strategy was flawless, and it should've prevented underhanded tactics like the ones we saw at the sports festival. It wouldn't be allowed if someone sought to pay to see the questions.

However, something felt off to me. The plan is too perfect. There's no loopholes everywhere...

Chabashira-sensei took the test questions carefully and gestured for us to leave. Still, something about Ryuuen's steadfast demeanour bothered me—something about the fact that he didn't look flustered in the least.

(Y/N): 'I see. So that's the reason.'

Suzune: Let's go back, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): 'No, it's not over yet. Notice it, Suzune.'

Suzune started to walk away, then immediately stopped dead in her tracks.

Suzune: Chabashira-sensei. You said that you wouldn't lie, didn't you?

Chabashira: That's correct. As a teacher, I'm expected to do so.

Suzune: Then I'd like to know if the questions and answers I just submitted to you would be accepted.

Our teacher became quiet.

Suzune: Allow me to restate that. Have you accepted any other test questions yet?

Chabashira: My response is that the school has already accepted and completed the review of Class D questions.

So we were told. The truth of this situation was pointed out to us.

Suzune: D-Does this mean someone else submitted the questions and answers?

Her thoughts and feelings couldn't catch up with the conversation.

Chabashira: Correct. The school won't use the questions you just handed me.

Suzune: Please revoke the acceptance right away. The correct questions can be found right here.

She pointed to the manila envelope.

Chabashira: Horikita, I'm afraid I've already finished going over another student's questions. That student had the same concerns as you had. They also asked me to keep the answers to the questions a secret. This student said that if another student turned up selfishly and wanted to change the questions, I should just accept the new questions and keep them. They also wanted me to tell them who had asked for the questions to be swapped subsequently.

Suzune fell limp on the spot.

Suzune: What in the world... Please, who is that student? You can tell me, right?

Chabashira: Kushida Kikyou.

The answer was self-evident. Suzune had hoped to stop Kushida from betraying her. Kushida, on the other hand, had struck first. Because of our understanding of her past, she took bold, drastic measures.

The deadline is the end of today. According to Chabashira-sensei, if we wish to change the test questions, we should require Kushida's presence. But, she definitely wouldn't agree to that. Furthermore, there's about two hour before hitting the deadline, which at 6 p.m. It's over for us.

Ryuuen had been watching the entire conversation, laughed raucously at our despair.

Ryuuen: This is already checkmate, don't you see? The questions that you struggled so hard to come up with are completely meaningless!

Suzune: Did you instigate this? You're the one who instructed Kushida-san to turn in the questions, aren't you!?

Ryuuen: Oh, I don't know. It's not like I know anything about Class D, right?

Suzune raised her voice as she responded to Ryuuen's obvious lies.

Suzune: I can't stand for this conversation to be eavesdropped on any further by this outsider!

Ryuuen: Oh, so scary. I suppose I'll head home obediently. I'm looking forward to the results of the exam. Ku ku ku.

After watching Ryuuen left, Chabashira-sensei turned and faced us.

Chabashira: Aren't you going to find Kushida?

Suzune: No. It's pointless gesture.

She's right. Even if we manage to find Kushida, the odds of her complying with us are nonexistent.

Suzune: Did Kushida-san instruct you to not show the exam questions?

Chabashira: No, I haven't received an instruction like that.

That wasn't a surprise. Rather, it's more like a reaffirmation of what we already believed.

Suzune: Please, show them to me.

Chabashira-sensei showed Suzune the test questions that Kushida submitted. After only a brief glance, one thing became apparent.

(Y/N): It's... surprisingly hard.

Suzune: Yeah. They are.

Kushida's questions did not appear to be any easier than Suzune and Hirata's. These were extremely well-crafted problems. In fact, you'd never believe Suzune didn't come up with them because they were so well-structured. Kaneda had a good chance of making them because Ryuuen was involved.

However, it didn't matter how difficult the issues were if you knew the answers ahead of time. Class C would receive high grades if everyone in the class shared the answers.

Still, the most important thing at hand here is the bet Suzune had proposed. If Kushida and Ryuuen had conspired, Kushida would have gotten Class C's test questions in exchange for her assistance. Kushida would almost certainly have gotten a perfect mark on her math exam if that had happened. Suzune would have to drop out of school if she answered even one question wrong.

Suzune: Is there nothing more that can be done?

It looked as if she was out of options. I crossed my arms and sighed.

(Y/N): 'It's a lost cause, huh...'

And then—

Chabashira: It's all right, Horikita. Ryuuen left.

Huh?

Suzune: Sorry. I wanted to be extra cautious in case something went wrong, so I kept up the act.

Suzune, lifting her head. She didn't look depressed at all.

My eyes widened when I realized what's going on.

(Y/N): You anticipated that?

Suzune: Yes. I couldn't let myself be defeated again like I had been at the sports festival. I immediately consulted Chabashira-sensei when the final exam's details were announced. Two requests were made by me. One, that I alone submit Class D's usable test questions, and two, that Chabashira-sensei act as if any other questions provided are acceptable.

In other words, Kushida was misdirected into believing that her exam questions were accepted.

Suzune: They must be convinced that the exam questions were changed. If they aren't studying for the exam, there may be dropouts in Class C.

I never thought that she would make such a brilliant counterattack, I didn't even expect anything close to this.

Chabashira: Nevertheless, this is a daunting situation. Until now, I have never heard of a request like this. Even from the Class D I've been placed in charge of. I didn't expect my class to be so cautious and deceptive of each other in a school system like ours. deception. However, you won't always take the day, Horikita. If there are traitors like this among your classmates, you're doomed to fail.

Chabashira-sensei was absolutely correct. Even Class A, which is currently split between Sakayanagi and Katsuragi factions, would never undertake such a thing. This meant dealing with Kushida had to be done with caution.

Suzune: I understand. However, this ends with the final exam.

I could feel her determination to bring this conflict between classmates to an end.

Chabashira: Really? In that case, I look forward to it.

Suzune breathed a sigh of relief as she observed Chabashira-sensei return with the manila envelope inside. She dropped her head and apologized to me once the two of us were alone.

Suzune: Sorry for keeping quiet about this. (Y/N)-kun.

(Y/N): No, no. That's okay. Although, I'm quite surprised. To be honest, I wasn't aware of this at all.

Suzune: Well, Ryuuen-kun has already knocked me down a few times. I figured it was past time for me to learn.

(Y/N): Heh, you've really grown.

Suzune: Truth to be told, the surprised expression you made earlier was a sight to behold.

She said while smirking.

(Y/N): Argh... Kinda feel like I'm getting a taste of my own medicine.

Suzune: And now you know how I feel all these times. Come on, let's not linger in here any longer. We have some revisions to do.

(Y/N): H-Hey, wait!

She gripped the corner of my blazer and pulled me out of the staff room.

With that, not only Suzune had annihilated Class C's decisive chance of triumph, but also putting Class D in the lead. Suzune's ultimate challenge, though, remained.

All that's left now is to beat Kushida's exam score.

...

The first half of the final exam starts today. Each pair's needed overall score was calculated to be 692 points. It's less than we anticipated, but we can't afford to be reckless.

The tests for four subjects that are given on the first day of finals: Japanese, English, Social Studies, and Mathematics. Which means, the fates of Suzune and Kushida will also be decided today.

I ran across Satou as I walked down the corridor to the classroom, who appeared to be waiting for someone. For better or worse, the person she was expecting appeared to be me, as she approached me.

Satou: Good morning, (L/N)-kun. The exam is just around the corner, isn't it?

She took a deep breath and sighed.

(Y/N): Yeah. Let's do our best together.

Satou: T...Togeth— I mean, yes. Of course!

She seemed getting pumped up, for some reasons. Then, having arrived at school, Karuizawa saw Satou and called out to her.

Karuizawa: Good morning, Satou-san.

Satou: Oh! Good morning, Karuizawa-san.

Karuizawa: By any chance, did you already have arrangements with (L/N)-kun? It's unusual to see the two of you together.

Satou: N-Not at all. We just met up by chance.

Karuizawa: Is that so? Well, why don't we grab a drink at Pallet together before we head to class.

Satou: Sure. Well then, I'll see you later, (L/N)-kun.

She spoke a bit bashfully as she turned away from me. I nodded in response and saw Karuizawa glanced at me for an instant before heading off together with Satou.

(Y/N): Hmm. So they were on good terms.

Hirata: I suppose Karuizawa-san can be quite the jealous girl, surprisingly.

(Y/N): Eh?

Hirata: Good morning.

He greeted as he walked over.

(Y/N): Good morning. What did you mean by that, just a second ago?

Hirata: I've spent a lot of time together with Karuizawa-san while playing the role of her boyfriend. I've faintly noticed that she has started to pay more attention to you, (L/N)-kun. Even though we both know you have a girlfriend.

(Y/N): Umm... Perhaps she trying to keep those unwanted attractions away from me?

Hirata: Ahaha. Look at you, being popular with girls.

(Y/N): Don't make fun of me please.

That said, the two of us started towards the classroom.

Hirata: By the way, there was something I wanted to talk to you about, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): Yeah?

Hirata: Do you know Shiina Hiyori-san?

(Y/N): She's a Class C student, right? We met the other day when they showed up at Keisei's study group.

Hirata: They came to mine as well. It appears that Class C is looking for the mastermind working within Horikita-san's shadow.

(Y/N): It seems so.

Hirata: (L/N)-kun. You're the person they're looking for, aren't you?

(Y/N): Huh?

Hirata: Of course, I wouldn't tell anyone else. I'm sure you've had something planned in mind. You've already saved Class D several times.

(Y/N): Is that so? I'll take your words as a warning then.

Hirata: So, you don't deny it?

(Y/N): It's pointless. You wouldn't believe me even if I did.

Hirata: Maybe so.

(Y/N): I'm not trying to be a hero. I just want to be a normal student and enjoy school life in peace.

Hirata: Then I assume that you probably had a reason for doing what you did at the sports festival. But was that a safe thing to do? Class C has started making their move. If it turns out that you need my help, I'll gladly cooperate.

(Y/N): Well, thanks, I guess. I'll come to you if I need to, though.

I appreciated Hirata's offer, but it just isn't necessary at the moment.

Hirata: No problem.

We made our way into the classroom. I stood back and watched Sudou and the other boys, noticing that they didn't look as they had during prior exams. They properly used their time to evaluate final details instead of huddling and cramming in a frenzy. Almost half of the students were completely focused on the material.

Hirata: This is quite the difference, right?

(Y/N): You could say that again.

We both go separate way and when I approach my seat, I noticed that Suzune was reading a book instead of studying.

Suzune: Have you prepared yourself?

(Y/N): More or less.

I lowered my head and read the title of her book.

(Y/N): And Then There Were None, huh? Well, let's hope there are more than 'none' left when this is over.

Suzune closed her book and hit my head with it.

(Y/N): Must you? I'm just trying to lighten up the mood.

Suzune: Nobody is going to disappear. It goes without saying that you and I won't as well.

(Y/N): Hmm. You have a look on your face that says you'll win no matter what.

Suzune: Naturally. I've prepared to take first place in our grade this time.

(Y/N): It'll be difficult if the questions in Class C turn out to be quite simple.

Suzune: I'll win despite that. It keeps me motivated.

(Y/N): Wew. You almost made me wanna compete with you as well.

Suzune: Oh? I'll accept your challenges.

(Y/N): No thanks. I'm fine. I should just stay low as mediocre student.

I really looked forward to this. Let's see how far Suzune can reach with her unshakable confidence.

...

When the bell sounded to signify the start of the test, everyone began to gather their study materials. We had to put anything we didn't need for the exam in the lockers at the back of the room. Writing utensils were the only things we were allowed to have. We had to request new supplies from Chabashira-sensei if our pencils broke, ran out of lead, or we used all our erasers.

Chabashira: We'll begin your final exam right now. The first subject you'll be putting to the test is modern Japanese. You are not permitted to turn your papers over until I give you the go-ahead.

She walked around and placed the exam sheets on each desk one at a time. After that, she told us about the rules for the conduct of the exam as she finished handing out the exam papers to everyone.

None of the students were whispering to each other anymore. Everyone's attention had been set on their exam sheets. Shortly after, the next bell rang, announcing the beginning of the exam.

Chabashira: Begin.

As soon as she spoke, everyone turned the exam over at the same time.

I immediately skimmed the questions from beginning to end, attempting to evaluate if my classmates would be able to answer them. It was a harsh lineup, but it wasn't unbeatable. We'd predicted quite a few questions with near-perfect accuracy, so all we had to do now was stay calm. Keisei's predictions were spot on.

Out of all students, Akito and Haruka need to be careful as this proved to be the hardest subject for the two of them. They had to give it their all and ace the humanities like it was their life on the line.

As expected, Suzune immediately picked up her pen and answered the first question. I twirled my pen around my thumb and thought how much should I score. I'm not worry about Satou, as she showed much enthusiastic compared to other students when it comes to study group. She probably could score higher than Ike and the gangs. Still, I need to compliment her score with a suitable score of my own.

This time around, individual scores won't inadvertently raise the classes failing line. After considering, I decided to score around 60 points basis.

Before I start answering, I raised my head and checked Kushida's reaction. Despite the fact that the exam had begun, her arm did not appear to be moving. She went over the questions numerous times, as if she was double-checking something. She took two or three minutes to double-check everything before starting to answer the exam questions. As a result, the stressful exams went on past the first, with no opportunity for relaxation or frivolous talk.

However, there was a slight incident during the fourth exam, the Math subject. When Suzune and Kushida's direct confrontation would be decided.

It was immediately after we turned our exams over after the start signal.

Kushida: Why...?

Kushida's voice leaked out despite her attempt to suppress it.

Chabashira: Something's wrong, Kushida?

Kushida: N-no, I'm sorry. It's nothing.

Our classmates expressed their concern for Kushida, whose voice leaked out for a moment, but she started on the questions immediately anyways. Her unrest was an unimaginable appearance compared to Kushida's usual composure.

Suzune continued to answer the questions without being distracted by Kushida's agitation. This was a true, fair fight now, and it was incredibly compelling in its simplicity.

Knowing that all goes without a hitch, I rested my chin on my hands and proceeded to take on the exam.

...

Suzune: Fuwaah...

Suzune sighed and slowly looked up at the ceiling of the classroom.

(Y/N): You doing a good job out there. Thank you for your hard work.

Suzune: Same goes to you. I've never thought of studying as a pain , but for this exam, I studied more than I've ever done before.

(Y/N): So, what score do you expect to obtain for math?

Suzune: A hundred. That's what I'd like to say, at least. I can probably only say I got 98 points for sure because there was one portion where the question appeared confusing. A couple moderately challenging questions were thrown in for good measure.

(Y/N): 'Oh, that question.'

Suzune: I'm confident that I passed this test. I believe I got near-perfect marks in the other three subjects as well.

(Y/N): Good for you. I, for one, just hoping that my score is able to complement with Satou's.

Suzune: I believe you could. She made remarkable progress during the study group. If all goes according to the plan, she could manage to score 50 points, at least.

Well, that's reassuring.

Sudou: Suzune. There's something I wanna to tell you— Oh? Am I interrupting you guys?

With his bag in hand and a tired expression, he approached Suzune.

Suzune: Not at all. What's the matter?

Sudou: It's about today exam... I'm not sure if I hit the 40 points mark in every subject. I wanted to apologize. I'm sorry.

Suzune: That's not too bad. You did well considering what was on the test.

This exam was more difficult than usual, so getting lower scores is inevitable.

Sudou: I see. I'll try harder next time, I promise.

Suzune: And I trust you. Well, if there's nothing else, go home and take a break. You guys earned it.

Sudou: Oh, you're not going back?

Suzune: There's something we have to take care of, so no.

Sudou: Ah, okay then. I'll be on my way now. Don't wanna be the third wheel, haha. Let's go, Kanji, Haruki.

(Y/N): 'Huh? So you can tell you're being the third wheel. That's a surprise alright.'

After those three guys left the classroom, I turned to Suzune.

(Y/N): Assuming we all can estimate our respective scores, what are you gonna do with Kushida?

Suzune: Nothing important. Just, there's something I want to confirm with her, that's all.

It would be some time until we received our test results, but I was convinced Horikita Suzune won. That was clear just from looking at Kushida, who got up and quickly left the classroom.

Suzune: I wonder what's wrong with her?

(Y/N): She's probably realized that she scored lower than she expected to.

Suzune: I hope so. However, he's also pretty whimsical, after all.

(Y/N): Ryuuen? Are you worried about him?

Suzune: In the event of he gave her the answers, there's a possibility that she'll score perfectly on the exam. In which case, my only options would be to lose or to draw. You and I would also have to voluntarily drop out.

(Y/N): Yeah. Like that would ever happen in the first place...

Suzune: What?

(Y/N): Nothing.

Suzune spared me some confused look before running to catch up with Kushida, and I followed her from behind. As she stepped into the corridor, she called out to Kushida, who slowly stopped walking.

Suzune: Kushida-san.

Kushida: What is it, Horikita-san?

Her face was tired and weary.

Suzune: Do you have times to spare? I'd like to confirm with you on something. However, because there are people in the area, how about we go somewhere else?

Kushida: It depends on what you want to talk about, but this location may be an issue.

Suzune: Before you make your decision, keep in mind that (L/N)-kun will be accompanying us. You don't mind that since he's been dragged into this too, do you?

Kushida didn't say anything, but she also didn't refuse. She nodded as she checked the time on her phone. She'd most likely made plans to meet someone else thereafter.

There were still a lot of students in the school. To be on the safe side, we moved to the special building.

Kushida: The thing you want to confirm with me is, of course, our bet on the final exam, right?

Suzune: Yes. Despite the fact that the results haven't been released yet, we should be able to estimate our scores rather accurately.

Kushida: Yeah... I did.

In this bet, Suzune gambled her future at the school, whereas Kushida gambled a substantial amount of her dignity. Whatever the form, it is impossible for her to not have kept track of how many points she will get.

Suzune: I'm confident that I'm able to score at least 98 points. What about you?

I simply leaned my back against the wall and observed Kushida's reaction. She wasn't surprised to hear Suzune's results. No, it's as if she already knew.

Kushida: The outcome is clear even if we don't wait for the results. I couldn't have scored better than 80. No, probably not even 80. You won the bet, Horikita-san.

Suzune: I see.

Since Kushida's score was lower than she expected, Suzune felt a little puzzled.

Kushida: Don't worry. I'll fulfill my promise.No matter how much I hate it. Do you want it to be in writing?

Suzune: There's no need. Let's just start by trusting each other.

She held out her hand as she spoke. She wanted to come to an agreement with a handshake. Kushida's eyes were blank as she stared at Suzune's outstretched hand.

Kushida: I hate you, Horikita-san.

Suzune: I know. But I think I can work hard to change that.

She received her emotions head-on.

Kushida: It seems that I'm starting to hate you more and more.

She walked right past Suzune without taking her hand.

Suzune's outstretched hand grasped at the air in vain.

Kushida: I won't interfere, but I will never cooperate with you. Don't forget this.

Suzune: Is that so? That's a same.

Kushida: Don't forget, Horikita-san. The only condition is to refrain from getting in your way. That's all.

While her gaze was weak, the darkness of her eyes gazed up at mine.

Suzune: That's—

Kushida left right away. She acted as if she didn't want to look Suzune in the eyes for another second. Suzune was no longer in her sights, but it was possible that it would be my turn next. There had been no mention of leaving me alone in the bet's conditions.

(Y/N): Well, that's that, I guess.

Suzune: I should've thought this through more carefully.

She said so as she's feeling guilty for dragging me into her mess.

(Y/N): No worries. One way or another, we both know she wouldn't keep her promise forever.

Suzune: Sigh...

Kushida expectation for a peaceful future was shattered by our presence. For the time being, the best I could hope for is a temporary ceasefire.

...

After we returned to Suzune's room, we set down our bags on the ground and sat by bedside.

Suzune: That's quite a day.

(Y/N): To be honest, I don't think I break a sweat today.

Suzune: Of course not. Mr. Mediocre-student. You hardly do anything this time.

(Y/N): Heh, you're right. So let me compensate you by letting me massage your shoulder, how about it?

Suzune: Y-You're not going to do any pervert stuffs, are you?

She looked slightly blushed as she gradually distancing herself.

(Y/N): I promise.

She hesitated for a few seconds.

Suzune: F-Fine, I'll allow it. If I catch you touching places other than shoulder, I'm going to break your hand.

(Y/N): I'll try not to. Ahaha.

She huffed before turning her back against me before moving her long hair away and revealed her shoulders. I gently placed my hand on her shoulders and started massaging.

Suzune: Sigh... It does feel good.

(Y/N): That's kinda disappointing. I was hoping to hear some moan—

She gave me a cold, piercing glance over her shoulder.

(Y/N): Nothing, nothing!

I continued the massage in silent.

Suzune: Actually...

(Y/N): Hmm?

Suzune: No. It's okay.

(Y/N): What is it?

Suzune: I was just wandering what do you want to have for dinner today, but I realized that you haven't contribute much in this final exam. So, you don't get to choose.

(Y/N): Hey. That doesn't seem fair.

Suzune: Well, put some efforts in massage and maybe I'll reconsider it.

She said so with a smirk. I let out a deep sigh.

(Y/N): 'I don't think she was going to ask me what's for dinner in the first place, but rather, what have I done behind her during this whole Paper Shuffle test.'

Presumably that I actually 'did' something behind the scene, but it turned out to be fine without my interference. Suzune managed to see through Kushida and Ryuuen's conspiracy, and forestalled them. So, I decided to go along with Suzune's plan instead. In the end, I indeed done nothing.

Well, not entirely nothing. Remember the scene caused by Karuizawa during the meeting at the karaoke area? Not because I want to erase my fingerprints on her blazer or anything, but to make sure whether she had more than one blazer or not. Once I learned that she don't have a spare, it would be easier for me to plant the cheat sheet on her. Of course, this is just an insurance for certain unforeseen circumstances.

Also, using the identity of 'X', I proceeded to trade information with Ryuuen. To ensure things went according to Suzune's plan, I offered Ryuuen three options. First, he could choose to ignore my plan and let Kushida win. However, Ryuuen wanted to avoid Suzune being expelled at all costs. So that's a no-go.

Second, he could've kept his test questions and let me expose Kushida's cheating with the evidence that I had it planted before the exam. This will get her kicked out of school. Under no circumstances Ryuuen would let me have my way, the odds of him choosing this option are practically zero.

The third option, which he eventually chose, was to change out the exam questions and let Suzune win the exam.

In the end, this exam became a head-to-head duel between Class C and Class D, that no one knew the questions came up by the opposition class.

However, there's only one inevitable problem...

An image file was attached to the last message sent by Ryuuen. There's no text. It's a single photograph alone that says it all.

It's a declaration of war. Sigh. I know that this will come sooner or later. Well, I'm tired of being the hunted anyway. And I don't intend to break my promise with Karuizawa either, I'm intended to protect her till the end. It's time for me to play the role of the hunter in this game.

(Y/N): 'Come at me with everything you got. I'll destroy you in your own game on your own playing field.'

...

(Y/N): I'm heading down to the convenience store to pick up somethings. You want me to buy anything?

Suzune: Oh, wait.

She rushed to table and pulled a paper from the drawer and wrote something. After that, she walked up to me and handed me a list of things.

Suzune: Here. I will pay you back later.

(Y/N): Don't worry about it. My treat.

Suzune: Well, I don't like the idea of being treated over such petty expenses.

She crossed her arms and said.

Suzune: Now, go. I'll have dinner ready by the time you come back.

She gave me a quick peck on the lips before pushed me out of her room, literally.

I sighed and looked at the list of items.

(Y/N): That's... quite a long list, alright.

Then, I went to the convenience store and buy my own things before looking for the items on the list that Suzune gave. For God know how long, I managed to acquire all the items she requested as some things were unavailable in the convenience store that I have to rush to the Keyaki Mall to look for them.

As I was on my way heading back to the dorm with bunch of shopping bags, I was approached by two female students, from Class A. Clearly, they were looking for me. As I recall correctly, one of them is the leader of Class A, Sakayanagi Arisu.

Sakayanagi: We meet again, (L/N)-kun.

(Y/N): To what do I owe you the pleasure?

Sakayanagi: Nothing much. It just happened to be coincidence that we met each other.

(Y/N): I highly doubt it.

Sakayanagi: Fu fu fu. Cautious as ever. Looks like you haven't changed much since your stay at White Room.

I've shown no expression towards her. Her follower, Masumi Kamuro, stood behind her quietly.

Sakayanagi: Speaking of which, there's someone I would like you to meet.

(Y/N): Not interested.

Sakayanagi: I'm sure you are.

She grinned sweetly and walked past me before entering a nearby dark alleyway. Her follower do the same as well. Seems to gesture to me to follow them too. I let the curiosity get the best of me and decided to walk into the dark alleyway.

After making sure we're out of hearing ears, Sakayanagi stopped her track and turned to face me. When she did, she handed me a phone. I reached for the phone and noticed that it looked different from the one that is given to every student body in this school.

I looked at the screen and saw an Unknown Caller ID had just called in as soon as I received the phone. I then answered it.

(Y/N): Hello?

...

...

Then, the voice from the other side of the phone sent chills down my spine.

"Long time no see, (Y/N)."

After regained my composure, I let out an amused laugh and said.

(Y/N): Long time indeed, my friend.

...

(A/N: Rejoice, folks! CotE anime is getting season two!!! Hopefully they won't mess up like they did in season 1, tho. Anyway, I'm still glad the anime got second season *sob*. Now, that just left NGNL, hopefully there's some good news about it. Peace out.)