Ryusei POV
After Hirata gave ideas to our colleagues on how we could improve the situation in our class, everyone went back to talking as they normally did... of course they did this while class hadn't started, I was returning to class as I left to go to school. bathroom.
Ryusei: "It seems like this year might be busier than I thought it might be"
While I was thinking, I see two people coming from a different direction but going to the same place as me. It was Ayanokouji and Horikita, and this leaves me a little confused because Ayanokouji had gone alone to see Chabashira-sensei, so why is Horikita coming back with him? Was she also called?
Ryusei: I see you're returning from your talk with Chabashira-sensei.
When I say this it seems to get both of their attention.
Ayanakouji: Oh, hi nogami.
Ryusei: So was there any problem with you being called by sensei?
He shook his head and said.
Ayanokouji: Fortunately it wasn't anything big, she just wanted to talk about some things.
Ryusei: I see.
I was curious about what he said but I don't want to seem like I like to interfere in people's personal matters. Then I look at Horikita and decide to ask.
Ryusei: And you Horikota also went to talk to sensei?
She looks at me with a look like I shouldn't be asking her questions.
Horikita: It wasn't a big deal, I just questioned her about my placement in Class D.
Ryusei: So you think you were placed in the wrong class.
Horikita: But of course, aren't you unhappy with your placement, Nogami-kun, especially since you were the person who got the best grade in the class?
I give her a bitter smile and say.
Ryusei: Even if I was, there's nothing I can do to change that, and besides, there's no point in me complaining about a situation I got myself into.
Horikita and ayanokouji are intrigued by what I said.
Horikita: Nogami-kun, is there anything I'd like to ask you?
Ryusei: Ask, depending on the question I can answer.
Horikita: Did you happen to get a 60 on your entrance exam on purpose?
I freeze when she says this and I get very confused.
Ryusei: How do you know I got a 60 on the entrance exams!?
Ayanokouji: Chabashira-sensei showed Horikita and me her test while we were talking.
Ayanokouji answered my question before Horikita could say anything.
Ryusei: And she can do that?
Ayanokouji: Considering she threatened to expel me, then I guess she can do it.
But I'm still confused why sensei did this.
Ryusei: Well, to answer your horikita question, yes I did it on purpose.
When I said this she was surprised, either by the fact that I got a 60 on purpose or by the fact that I admitted it without any problem or maybe both.
Horikita: Why did you do that?
Ryusei So...On the day of the test I was very tired and sleepy because the day before, instead of resting, I stayed up late solving some things (Playing video games), and as I was very sleepy and wanted to go home and sleep I simply solved the questions that would give me enough marks to pass, which in this case I thought 60 would be enough and the rest I simply answered anyway without reading the question.
Horikita: So... you finished the test quickly and got a 60 just because you were tired?
Ryusei: Yes
She admits it without any problem, but I think she was speechless why I would admit things like that.
Horikita: I see.
Horikita entered the classroom without saying anything else with me and ayanokouji entering the room right after her.
Timeskip*
After May 1st, the days passed, now Ike and other people who previously didn't care about class began to listen to the teachers in silence. but there was one who didn't change his behavior and it was sudo who continued sleeping during classes, but no one tried to stop him.
And this of course made a lot of people angry about Sudou's behavior, I wonder if he's not a little worried about the chance of being expelled because he got the worst grade in the last test.
"W-whoah!?"
Not only me, but everyone in the room hears the noise coming from ayanokouji's table, and I see him rubbing his right arm as if something had hurt him.
Chabashira-sensei: What is this ayanokouji? you suddenly shouted. Is this your rebellious age?
Ayanokouji: N-no. Sorry, Chabashira-sensei. some dust fell into my eye.
So I start looking at my neighbor who is Horikita and she had something in her hand, it was...a math compass, it seems like she was the one who hurt Ayanokouji, why did she do that?
After class ended, Ayanokouji went to talk to Horikita
Ayanokouji: Certain things have limits! It's dangerous to stab someone!"
HorikitaAre you mad at me? She asked.
Ayanokouji: You burned a hole in my arm! A hole!
Horikita: What are you talking about? When I stabbed you with the compass needle, Ayanokouji-kun?
Ayanokouji: You're holding a dangerous weapon now.
Horikita: So just because I'm holding something means I stabbed you?
Ryusei: Hahaha!
I laughed softly but it was loud enough for both of them to hear.
Horikita then looked at me with a neutral look and spoke.
Horikita: If I were you, I wouldn't laugh nogami-kun, because you could have been pierced by the compass instead of ayanokouji-kun.
Ryusei: Ah so you admit it was you, don't you, and why would I have been pierced instead of ayanokouji?
Horikita: Because I saw you also getting sleepy even for a few moments.
Ryusei: "So she noticed, it's a good thing that ayanokouji was also sleepy, he'll know how much it hurts to be pierced by that."
Horikita: Be careful, if they see one of you two napping, it would undoubtedly cause us to lose points.
Ryusei: For the record, I wasn't so sleepy that I dozed off.
Horikita began to take action within class D. Her protests with the school went nowhere.
When everyone got up to go to lunch, Hirata started talking.
Hirata: The intermediate test that Chiyabashira-sensei mentioned is coming soon. Remember that if you fail, you will be expelled. Therefore, I think it would be a good idea to form a study group.
Hirata is taking action to help our colleagues not fail the test.
Hirata: If you neglect your studies, you will receive low grades and be expelled on the spot. I want to avoid that. However, studying will not only prevent expulsion; This might help you earn points. If we receive high grades, our class evaluation will likely increase. I asked some of the students who got good grades to help prepare a study plan. So I would like people who are worried about their grades to join the group. Of course, everyone is welcome to participate.
Everyone was paying attention to Hirata's words... of course with the exception of Sudou who still refuses to cooperate.
Hirata: Starting today at 5:00 pm, we plan to study in this classroom for two hours a day until test day. If you want to join us, please come whenever you want. Of course, it's okay if you have to get out of the way. That's all I have to say.
As soon as he said that, several of the students with failed grades got up and went to Hirata.
Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi were the only ones who didn't go to Hirata. Ike and Yamauchi hesitated for a moment, but in the end, they didn't approach him.
Don't tell me these two didn't go to Hirata for help because of their popularity because if that's the case, they're dumber than I thought.
I went to look at my cell phone to see something before going to lunch.
Horikita: Are you free during lunch? let's have lunch together?
I look up from my phone and see Horikita inviting Ayanokouji to lunch, and that surprises me because she's never expressed wanting to have lunch with anyone before, what is she planning?
When I was about to leave, Horikita started talking to me
Horikita: Don't you want to come have lunch with the two of us, nogami-kun?
I look at her confused.
Ryusei: Huh? Are you inviting me to lunch too?
Horikita: Yes, would you like to join me and ayanokouji-kun.
She's definitely planning something but she's paying and I'm not someone who would turn down a "free" meal.
Ryusei: If it's okay, I'll accept lunch with you two.
Going with ayanokouji and horikita, I went to the cafeteria and chose my meal and as soon as we got our meals, I chose a seat and sat with horikita and ayanokouji and started to enjoy my food.
Horikita: What's wrong, ayanokouji-kun? Won't you eat?
Horikita asked ayanokouji he was just looking at his meal.
Ryusei: "He's hesitating to eat because he knows Horikita is acting different today, well I just want to enjoy my meal and also know why she invited me"
As soon as he started eating his meal, horikita started talking.
Horikita: I know this is sudden but I want to talk to you two about something.
Ayanokouji and I just stayed silent.
Horikita: Since Chabashira-sensei's warning, fewer people have been arriving late or speaking during class. It wouldn't be wrong to say that more than half of the reason for our points being reduced has been eliminated.
Ryusei: That's true, that was actually a rather simple problem to solve.
Horikita: The next step is to improve our chance of scoring high in the intermediate exam. Hirata-kun started taking measures to that end earlier."
Ayanokouji: Study groups, huh? Well... I suppose a study group could certainly help. However-"
Horikita: However, what? It seems like you are implying something. What is the problem?"
Ayanokouji: Nothing. Don't worry about that. I have to say, it's unusual to see you so concerned about others."
Horikita: I really can't imagine failing a test. However, it is true that some students in this world can do just that."
Ryusei: Sudou and the others, you mean? Unforgiving words as always, I see.
I say while eating, listening to Horikita's every word
Horikita: I'm just telling the truth.
There were only two options for students who wanted to study, either go to the library to look for books that could help you study a certain subject or be taught by other students, after all we cannot leave school so without contact with people outside of school and without taking courses .
Horikita: I'm relieved that Hirata-kun set up a study group. However, Sudou-kun, Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun didn't participate, right? That worries me.
Ryusei: What surprises me is the fact that they didn't agree to go to the hirata study group, because those three had the lowest grades in the class, so they should have taken advantage of that chance.
Horikita: So, in other words, there remains a high probability that these three will fail. In order to reach Class A, we need to avoid demerits and build toward a positive evaluation, correct? I think it's very likely that good test results will help with this.
Ayanokouji: What if you also have a study group like Hirata? So we can help Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi?
Horikita: Of course. I have no objection to that. You probably find this surprising, don't you?
Ayanokouji: Well, everything about your behavior so far has been surprising.
Ryusei: I agree with him, I didn't expect this attitude from you.
Although I think she's doing this more for her own benefit than actually wanting to help, I wonder why she's so cold towards people.
Ayanokouji: Well, I understand that you want to move up to Class A. However, I honestly never thought that you would use such a common method as teaching them. After all, this type of person hates studying. You kept your distance from the other students from day one, right? I'd guess that someone who considers friends unnecessary could easily bring people together."
Horikita: That's why I'm asking you. Luckily, you two are friends with them, right?
I smile and say.
Ryusei: So that's why you invited us to lunch, right, although I already suspected.
Horikita: So you didn't think I really just wanted to have lunch with you two?
Ryusei: Horikita, I've been your classmate for a month, do you really think I wouldn't suspect your invitation when you avoided interacting with people throughout April?
I say to horikita as she looked at me and then she turns her head and says.
Horikita: Anyway, it will be faster if you convince them to go. It shouldn't be a problem since they are your friends, right? Here, just bring them to the library. I can help you study."
Ayanokouji: This is crazy. Do you think someone like me, who is living a harmless life, could do this?
Horikita: It's not a question of 'can do' or 'can't'. Just do it.
She looks like an owner ordering her dog what to do.
Ryusei: I personally have no problem helping you, but next time act like a normal person and ask.
Ayanokouji: I refuse, it's your freedom to aim for Class A, but don't involve me in your plans.
Horikita: You ate the food I paid for you, right? Lunch, The special dish. A wonderful, delicious meal.
Ayanokouji: I simply received the honest goodwill of another human being.
Horikita: Unfortunately, this was not done willingly. I had an ulterior motive.
Ayanokouji: Sorry, I didn't hear a word you said. Here, take a few points, on my own. Now we're even.
Horikita: I refuse to stoop so low as to accept handouts.
She really doesn't want to give up on having Ayanokouji's help, I want to see where this goes.
Ayanokouji: You already have nogami's help, why do you want my help?
Horikita: Two people helping me will be faster than one.
Horikita: Besides, you owe me this help, after all I still haven't forgiven you for conspiring with Kushida-san and inviting me for false reasons, right?
Ryusei: Huh? like this? what happened?
Horikita: Ayanokouji-kun and kushida-san tried to trick me, inviting me to go to the pallet for false reasons just so that kushida-san could try to befriend me even though I already thought I wasn't interested.
Saying it like that, it seems like it was something really bad but it wasn't a big deal, at least in my opinion, why does she avoid people so much?
Ayanokouji: You said you wouldn't blame me. Bringing this up now is unfair.
Horikita: I said that to Kushida-san, but I don't remember saying that to you.
Ryusei: Wow, you play dirty huh horikita.
Ignoring what I said, horikita just continued looking at ayanokouji.
Horikita: If you want me to forgive you, work together with me.
Ayanokouji: I can't guarantee anything. Are you okay with this?
Horikita: I believe they will find a way. Here, this is my phone number and my email. If something happens, contact me.
Horikita gives a piece of paper to me and another to Ayanokouji and it contains her phone number. And it's surprising that the first number of a girl I get is Horikita's, and that doesn't count my sister and Honami, after all, my sister is family and I've known Honami since I was little.
Horikita then left, leaving just me and ayanokouji.
Ryusei: How about we do this like I talk to ike and yamauchi and you talk to sudou?
Ayanokouji: No problem with me.
...
After classes ended I went to talk to ike and yamauchi. So I get up from my seat and head towards the two who are about to leave.
Ryusei: Hey you two.
I call them and they start paying attention to me.
Ike: Oh, hi nogami.
Yamauchi: What happened?
Ryusei: So I wanted to know what you guys plan to do regarding the midterm exam? since you seem to have no intention of participating in the hirata study group.
Yamauchi: We plan to study the day before the exam.
Ryusei: This is a bad idea, you should join Horikita's study group, she is willing to help you two who don't want to join Hirata's group.
Ike: I'll pass, studying isn't my thing.
Yamauchi: Me too.
Ryusei: Do I have to remind you that if you fail you will be expelled, you are aware of that right?
Ike: If the last one hadn't been a surprise, I would have gotten at least 40 points.
Ryusei: Look, if the problem is that you don't trust Horikita to teach you, I'll also be there and I can help.
Ike: Look, a high school student's free time is precious, you know? I don't want to waste my time studying.
Yamauchi just nodded in agreement with ike as they left.
Ryusei: "But that won't do any good if you guys get kicked out."
Then I left the room too and saw ayanokouji alone.
Ryusei: So sudou agreed to go to the study group?
Ayanokouji: No, he said he will study the night before the exam.
Ryusei: As if that would work, considering he doesn't pay attention and sleeps through class!
I speak angrily because I don't believe that the three of them will risk studying a day early and could end up being expelled and instead of trying to ask for help to study, they prefer to focus on other things that are not so important.
Ayanokouji: Horikita won't be happy if we tell them we can't convince them to go to the study group.
Ryusei: Yeah, I know, but how do we get the three of them to go to the study group?
Ayanokouji: How about we ask Kushida to help us with the three of them?
I'm thoughtful about what he said.
Ryusei:"Kushida isn't it? I think she would be a good option after all, ike and yamauchi are madly attracted to her, I think if she asked they both might reconsider joining the study group, but what about sudou, would it be that if kushida asked him Will you come in too?" I thought while ayanokouji just waited for a response from me.
Ryusei: I think it's worth trying, as she's very charismatic, maybe she'll ask three to join the study group.
As I said that, we both went to Kushida who was alone about to leave the class, Ayanokouji was hesitating to talk to her, probably thinking about how she should approach her, so I decide to go ahead and ask with him following me.
Ryusei: Hi kushida, could you give some of your time? I would like to talk to you about something.
Kushida: Oh, hi nogami-kun, ayanokouji-kun, of course I can talk to you.
The three of us went to a more private place to talk and ayanokouji and I explained the situation to her, about Sudou and the others and the study group created by Horikita.
Ayanokouji: I was thinking you could use this study group to get closer to Horikita. What do you think?
He didn't tell me anything about that part,But I'm not going to say anything about that
Kushida: I want to get closer to her but I'm not worrying about that right now, you know? After all, it's natural to help a friend in need.
Ryusei: Are you really okay with this? No one wants to force you to do anything, so if you don't want to help, that's okay.
Kushida: Oh, sorry. I didn't hesitate because I didn't like the idea. I hesitated because I was happy.
Kushida leaned against the wall, kicking it gently.
Kushida: It's cruel to expel people because of bad grades. After everyone became friends with great pain, isn't it sad that we have to say goodbye? When Hirata-kun decided to start a study group, I felt great admiration. But Horikita - san has observed her surroundings better than me. She saw Sudou-kun and his friends after all. It seems that Horikita-san is starting to think of her classmates as friends. I will do everything I can to be helpful!
She seems like she's being genuine in her intention to help those three.
I smile and tell her
Ryusei: Then I'll trust you. You will be a great help!
Kushida: Ah, but I would also like to ask a favor? I would like to join the group too.
Ayanokouji: Ha? Do you also want to participate?
Kushida: Yes, I also want to study together with everyone.
Ryusei: Well, I don't see any problem with you participating too.
She then simply gives a happy smile and says
Kushida: Well then, when can we start?
Ryusei: if everything goes well, tomorrow.
Kushida: Really? so I think I have to talk to everyone by the end of today, I'll contact them later, ok?
Ayanokouji: Do you want me to give sudou and the others' contact details?
Kushida: It's okay. I already have their contacts. The only ones I don't have are Horikita-san's, hers and Nogami-kun's.
It's quite surprising that she managed to get the contact details of almost all of our colleagues, as I thought there would be some who wouldn't give it to her because they were perhaps reserved.
Kushida: So, can I have both of your phone numbers?
Ryusei: That's fine with me.
Ayanokouji: No problem.
After she got our contacts she left, so I turned to Ayanokouji and said
Ryusei: Well, I'll text Horikita about what we have planned as soon as I hear back from Kushida.
Ayanokouji: Good luck with that.
Ryusei*mumbling* I'll need it.
...
I was relaxing in my room lying on the bed while watching a movie, until my cell phone rang because of a new message, it was from kushida.
[Kushida: Yamauchi-kun and ike-kun said ok~
Ryusei: That was quick! but also predictable after all those two are madly attracted to kushida.
Then came another message.
[Kushida: I just contacted sudou-kun, and I think he'll agree too.
In the end it was a great idea to ask Kushida for help, now I send a message to Horikita explaining about how she was working with Kushida, that Ike and Yamauchi agreed to come and how Kushida would also participate in the study group.
Just as I was about to get up to go take a shower, I heard my phone ring, so I picked it up and saw that it was Horikita calling me, so I answered the call.
Ryusei: Hello.
[Horikita: I didn't quite understand the message you sent me.
Ryusei: What part didn't you understand?
[Horikita: The part where you said Kushida-san was helping. This is the first time I've heard this.
Ryusei: It was ayanokouji's idea and I agreed because I thought that with her by our side, those three could join the study group and that's what happened. Kushida did it, sweated it out and the others will see tomorrow.
[Horikita: I don't remember giving you permission to do that. Her grades aren't even red.
Ryusei: I simply didn't ask, I did what I thought was best so I could be more successful in calling those three.
[Horikita: I'm still not satisfied with it. Shouldn't you have done this after asking for my approval?
Ryusei: I don't understand why you don't like kushida so much? However, it is to ensure that no one fails. Or do you want to try to gather all the failed students yourself?
[Horikita: Well...
Horikita is a very proud person, so her simply agreeing to certain things will be difficult, but even she has to agree that Kushida helping us is a positive thing.
Ryusei: And besides, you know we don't have time, right? It would be easier for us to take advantage of opportunities and make sure those three don't fail.
Horikita: Okay. We cannot do anything without making a sacrifice. However, Kushida-san will only help reunite the failed students. I can't agree with her participating in the study group.
Ryusei: Oh my god, stop being stubborn, the only thing Kushida asked in exchange for helping us was to also participate in the study group.
Horikita: I won't accept her participating in the study group. That won't change.
Ryusei: You understand that your decision could end up causing Sudo and the others not to participate in the study group, since they accepted it because of Kushida and if they see that she's not there they might end up not even wanting to participate anymore.
Horikita just stayed quiet.
Ryusei: *Sigh* Why don't you like kushida so much? I know you don't want anything to do with Kushida but she never did anything against you and so why are you so against her presence in the group?
Horikita: Don't you feel uncomfortable when you're next to someone you hate?
Ryusei: Huh?
Does Horikita hate Kushida? Or is she saying that Kushida hates her?
Horikita: Sorry, reviewing the test material is taking longer than I expected. I'll end the call here. Goodnight.
Ryusei: Good evening.
Ending the call, I just sigh and send a message to Ayanokouji explaining the situation and asking him to talk to Kushida, because now I just want to rest.
Timeskip to study group day*
After the end of the class, Horikita, Ayanokouji and I went to the library to wait for Sudou and the others, and Horikita still hasn't spoken to me or Ayanokouji, she seemed to be in a bad mood although she didn't show it much.
Horikita: Will everyone gather for the study group?
Ryusei: From what Ayanokouji told me, Kushida will bring them.
Horikita: Kushida is bringing them, huh. Did you tell her she can't participate?
Ryusei: I didn't say anything, I asked ayanokouji to talk to her about what we discussed yesterday. Before ayanokouji could say anything, we saw kushida.
Kushida: I brought them~!
Ike: We heard about Kushida-chan's study group. I don't want to give this up quickly after school. Please take care of us.
Hearing what he said made me very angry, because before he had said that he didn't want to waste his time studying, I know he is saying this because Kushida is here but it still makes me angry.
Ike, Yamauchi and Sudou. However, there was an unexpected visitor. A boy named Okitani.
Ayanokouji: Okitani, did you fail, too?
Okitani: Oh, uh, no. I was worried because I was really close to failing... can't I get in? It's a little difficult to join Hirata-kun's group.
Okitani looked at us with slightly red cheeks. Slender frame, blue hair and a short hairstyle.
Kushida: It's okay if Okitani-kun joins, right? Kushida asked Horikita
If I'm not mistaken he had scored 39 in the last test, apparently he is really worried about failing the test unlike the other three.
Horikita: If you're a student worried about getting red grades, then that's fine. But you have to take it seriously.
Okitani: O-ok.
Okitani seemed happy to have someone helping him and I'm happy that horikita decides to not only help those three but also anyone who needs help.
Horikita: Kushida-san. Ayanokouji-kun didn't tell you? You are-
Kushida: To be honest, I'm also worried about getting bad grades.
Horikita: You... didn't receive a bad score on the last test.
Kushida: Well, that was luck. There were many multiple choice questions. So for about half of them, I guessed. In fact, I barely passed.
Kushida poked his cheek while saying "Ehehe".
Kushida: I think I'm more or less on the same level as Okitani-kun, if not worse. So I want to join the study group to avoid a bad grade. Okay, right?
I couldn't help but laugh a little, Kushida seems to have invented a good excuse for Horikita to accept her to join the group.
Horikita: Okay.
Horikita willingly accepted Kushida's participation.
Kushida: Thank you!
Kushida bowed to Horikita with a smile.
Sudou: Below 32 is a red mark. So 32 points is also a low grade?
Ike: If it's 'under', then 32 points is safe. Sudou, can you do this?
Horikita: It doesn't matter anyway. My goal is to make everyone here get at least 50 points," Horikita said.
Ike: Geh, isn't this too difficult for us?
Horikita: It's dangerous to only aim for the minimum. You guys who aren't even on the brand are really worrying.
In Horikita's strong argument, the group of failures reluctantly agreed.
Horikita: I managed to summarize most of the topics that will be covered in this test. I plan to fully cover these topics over the next two weeks. If you have something you don't understand, please ask me.
Sudou: Hey, I don't even understand the first problem."
Sudou frowned at Horikita.
"A, B, and C have 2150 yen collectively. A has 120 yen more than B. After C gives B 2/5 of his money, B now has 220 yen more than A. How much money did A originally have?"
When reading the question I see that this question involves a system of equations. For a high school student, it should be a free point.
Horikita: Try using your brain. If you give up at the beginning, you won't get anywhere.
Horikita "asked" Sudou to try and try a little harder
Sudou: Look, I don't even know how to study.
Horikita: How did you get into this school then?
The school does not decide on admissions solely based on academic scores, otherwise Sudou would never have been accepted. Sudou was probably accepted because of his high physical ability.
Ike: Ugh, I don't know either.
I wonder how it got into their heads that they would be able to study on their own when they didn't understand anything that Horikita summarized.
Horikita: Okitani-kun, do you know how to ask this question?
Okitani: Um... A B C equals 2150 yen and A equals B 120...
Okitani did better than the other three and seemed to understand the subject better, he started writing the equations.
Kushida was looking over his shoulder.
Kushida: Un un, that's right, that's right. And then?
Kushida is certainly bold. Even though she said she was worried about getting a red grade, she was teaching Okitani
Horikita: Honestly speaking, this problem can be easily solved by first and second year elementary school students. If you fail here, you won't be able to do anything."
Sudou: We're elementary school students, so...?
Sudou was angry with what Horikita said, and I honestly don't blame her for saying that after all he expected high school students to at least know how to learn certain subjects in elementary school.
Okitani: As Horikita-san said, it's really bad if you can't solve these problems. The first few math problems were at this level of difficulty, but the last few problems were very difficult. I didn't understand how to solve them," Okitani said.
Horikita: I can teach you how to make systems of equations if you want.
Horikita started teaching the equations but the only ones who understood how to solve the problem were Kushida and Okitani.
Ike: First of all, what even is this 'system of equations'...?
Horikita: Are you serious?
Wow, how come they didn't fail elementary school?
Sudou: No, stop. It will not work.
Before even starting, Sudou already gave up.
Looking at her pitiful state, Horikita was fuming.
Kushida: Y-everyone, wait. Let's try our best. If you learn to solve these problems, you can apply your knowledge to the test questions. OK?
Ike: Well, if Kushida-chan says so, we'll do our best, but... If Kushida-chan teaches us, I'd probably work even harder.
Maybe that's not right Sudou is giving up before trying, Ike seems like he doesn't take anything we're trying to do seriously and what's worse because of his last statement he could end up making Horikita and Kushida's situation worse.
Kushida: This is, as Horikita-san said, a problem that uses systems of equations. I will write what I said as expressions.
Kushida was trying to teach them but the three of them didn't understand anything
Kushida: So the answer is 710 yen. You understand?
Feeling satisfied, Kushida smiled and looked at Sudou.
Sudou: ...Uh, so you used it for this question? As?
Kushida: hmm..
She finally realized. They didn't understand her explanation.
Horikita: I'm sorry, but you're very ignorant and incompetent.
Horikita, who had been quiet until now, broke the silence in the worst possible way.
Horikita: If you can't solve this problem, I seriously shudder to think what the future will bring.
Sudou: So what? This has nothing to do with you.
Feeling irritated by Horikita's words, Sudou knocked on the table.
Horikita: You're right. It has nothing to do with me. No matter how much you suffer, it doesn't affect me. It's just that I feel sorry for you. You must have spent your entire life running away from anything that presented a challenge.
Sudou: Say whatever you want. Studying is useless in the future anyway.
Horikita: Is studying useless in the future? An interesting argument. How do you justify this?
Sudou: I don't care if I don't know how to solve this kind of problem. Studying is useless. Having the goal of becoming a professional basketball player will help me a lot more.
Okay, I understand that he prefers to focus more on his basketball skills than studying, after all, a lot of people from all over the world must have done the same thing as him but saying that studying is useless, he is completely wrong about that.
Horikita: Incorrect. Once you learn how to solve these types of problems, your whole life will change. In other words, studying increases the possibility that you will solve the problems you face. It's the same principle for basketball. I wonder if you're playing basketball by your own convenient rules. When you have problems in basketball, do you run away like you do in studies? I doubt you take basketball training seriously. You are a natural troublemaker, someone who always causes disruption. If I were your advisor, I wouldn't leave you on the team.
Sudou: Tch!
Sudou tried to grab Horikita by the collar but I grabbed his wrist before he could touch her.
Ryusei: Don't even think about it sweat.
I say looking seriously, my tone of voice was normal, I wasn't mad at him.
Ryusei: Sudou calm down, I understand that you are angry with her for what she said but there is no need to start attacking.
I let go of his wrist after saying that and Horikita just continued talking.
Horikita: I have no interest in you, but I can understand what kind of person you are. Do you want to become a basketball professional? Do you think this kind of childish desire can just become true in this society? An indifferent person like you who gives up easily can never become a professional. Furthermore, even if you become a professional, I don't think you would be able to earn a sufficient annual income. You are a fool for having such idealized aspirations.
Sudou would have attacked Horikita at this point if I hadn't been in front of him.
Ryusei: Horikita don't provoke him, and you being aggressive won't solve anything, if you hurt her you could end up being suspended or even expelled.
Horikita: So, are you immediately going to give up studying or school in general? So you can give up on your dream of becoming a basketball pro and live a miserable life working a part-time job.
Sudou: Humph... it's okay. I will give up. But it's not because it's difficult. I took a day off from my club activities for this, and it ended up being a complete waste of time. Goodbye!
Horikita: What a strange thing to say. Studying is difficult.
At this point Sudo seemed like he had reached his patience and went after Horikita but I didn't let him
Ryusei: Sudou, I'm tired of warning you! Don't try to hurt her, and if you don't listen to me I'll have to be more strict and you won't like it!
I told him angrily because I was getting tired of their attitude, of Horikita who keeps teasing him and says he wants to attack her.
He just stayed quiet, took his things and left.
Ayanokouji: Hey, how are you?
Ayanokouji who had been quiet until now asked Horikita
Horikita:I don't care. It's pointless to worry about someone who has no motivation. Even if expulsion is on the cards. He has no desire to fight.
Ike: I gave up too. Even if a small part of it is because I can't study... most of it is because I'm irritated. Horikita-san may be smart, but that doesn't mean you can act like you're better than us.
Losing his patience, Ike also gave up but I bet he just used this argument as an excuse to leave.
Horikita: I don't care if you get expelled from school or not, so do whatever you want.
Ike: Well, I'll pull an all-nighter."
Horikita: Interesting. Are you not here because you can't study?
Ike winced at Horikita's prickly words. then Yamauchi also started to pack his bags, okitani seemed to also do the same thing but before he could I decided to talk to him.
Ryusei: Okitani.
Okitani: Y-yes.
Ryusei: How worried are you about the possibility of getting a red score?
Okitani: W-well, I'm really worried that's why I asked Kushida-san if I could come here to this study group.
Ryusei: So stay, let Horikita help you study, I'll also be here and I'll help, don't be like those three, if you're worried about yours, stay and let us help you.
Okitani: O-okay.
So I managed to convince him to stay. But he sweated and the others left, I got close to Horikita and spoke quietly to her.
Ryusei: Can we talk, over there in the corner?
She nods in confirmation and rises from her seat.
Ryusei: Okitani, can you wait a bit?
Okitani: Okay.
And ayanokouji and kushida come too.
Ryusei: Things ended very badly!
Horikita: I was certainly mistaken. Even if I helped these guys not fail, this situation would repeat itself. And then they would give up again. I finally realized this was a waste of time and effort.
Kushida: What do you mean by that...?
Horikita: I'm saying it's better to get rid of the dead weight.
So this is the conclusion she reached, getting rid of students with low grades to improve the class average.
Kushida: So, this... H-hey, Ayanokouji-kun. Can you say something?
Ayanokouji: If that's Horikita's answer, then isn't it okay?"
Kushida: A-ayanokouji-kun, do you think so too?
Kushida: And you nogami-kun?
Ryusei: Well, as much as we tried to help them, they didn't try to try harder and they also don't seem to want to participate in either Hirata's or Horikita's study group, so we can't try to force them, we can only hope May some miracle happen and they manage not to get a red grade.
Kushida: I see, I'll see you three tomorrow.
She took her bag and left.
Ryusei: So are you going to stay or go back to the dorms? I asked ayanokouji.
Ayanokouji: I'll find Sudou and the others and have a talk with them.
Ryusei: I see.
Then ayanokouji left leaving horikita and me.
Ryusei: Well, let's go help okitani.
Horikita just nodded and we went to help him, and as he understood some things better than those three, the study section was calm with Horikita and I helping with the questions he didn't know the calculations for or didn't understand properly and it went on like that for an hour.
...
Okitani had already gone back to the dorms, so it was just me and Horikita.
Ryusei: You know, if you had been a little more patient and not said that to Sudou, maybe the study group would be over.
Horikita: As I said, I don't care what happens to those three, besides, it would be good if we could prevent them from failing, as the same thing would happen again in a future test, so it would be better to get rid of those three soon.
I sighed in defeat, is she really not going to change her mind?
Horikita: By the way, thank you.
I look at her surprised by what she said.
Horikita: You know...for defending myself in the situation with Sudou-kun.
I just let out a small laugh, seeing her avoiding my eyes like that and thanking me makes her look really cute, I show a smile and say.
Ryusei: No problem! But for someone who could have been attacked, you were very calm.
Horikita: I might as well be able to defend myself!
Gone was her cute facade and her proud posture returned.
Ryusei: I see.
Horikita: Well, I'll go to my dorm.
Ryusei: Okay, bye.
I say to Horikita as I see her leaving and I start to think about how she doesn't accept things easily and doesn't show that she wants to go back when she decides something, but in the same way she found it easier to just let those three fail and be expelled.
Ryusei*Sighs* She's a stubborn and hard-headed girl!
I say it out loud.
???: Who is hard-headed and stubborn?
I jump back in surprise at the new voice and see that she is my sister.
Ryusei: Nee-san!
I say surprised and she just laughs in my face, I still don't understand how she's the only one who can get close to me without being noticed.
Maki: That's right, Ryu-chan,~, I just saw you alone with a beautiful student, hehehe, you already have your eyes on her, don't you~?
Ryusei: NO!!!, she's just my classmate and we were doing a study group and-
Maki: Hahaha!
Maki just laughed at my desperate attempt to explain the situation.
Maki: So what's your classmate's name?
Ryusei: Horikita Suzune.
Makie: It's a cute name, do you two get along?
I smile nervously at her.
Ryusei: Let's say we are neighbors who have a somewhat complicated relationship.
Maki: And how is your class acting after finding out about how classes work at this school?
Ryusei: Some were desperate, others were dissatisfied and some didn't care.
Maki: And do you also think it's bad to be in class D?
Ryusei: Even if I think so, it's not like I'm in a position to complain since I got myself into this situation.
Maki: I can already imagine that you took the test too lazy and that's why you're in class D. Because I don't see you getting a bad grade as a reason for you being in class D.
I can't help but agree with her, if I had taken the test seriously and carried it out normally, the result could have been different.
Maki: If you had taken the test seriously, do you think the result would have been different and you would have been in class A.
Ryusei: Well, if I had done this normally, I would certainly have gotten one of the best grades, I don't know if I would have been in class A but I wouldn't have been below class B.
I say while looking at her
Ryusei: But to tell the truth, I'd rather be in Honami's class.
She looks at me with an amused look.
Maki: Hehehe, so you wanted to be in the same class as honami-chan, didn't you! You admit then that you missed her!
I simply look away embarrassed as she pokes my cheek.
Maki: Leaving that aside, let's leave together.
Ryusei: Okay.
We left while we talked, of course we had to separate after all her dorm is in another place where third years stay.
...
It was night time and I was in my room and a lot of things were going through my head, but one thing that caught my attention was the problem between Horikita and Kushida, Horikita is easy to understand, she doesn't want to make friends with anyone and prefers to keep her distance. of kushida but what about kushida?
Why does she want Horikita's friendship so much? I understand that her wanting to be friendly with Horikita but trying to force herself to be friends with her could perhaps have the opposite effect and end up making Horikita not like Kushida even more, although I don't know why Horikita doesn't like Kushida.
Horikita doesn't really like interacting with people, or rather she doesn't want to, that's why there were some of our colleagues who didn't know her name, wait... thinking about it now, how did Kushida know Horikita's name? Because when she went to talk to me and ayanokouji, she already knew Horikita's name and Horikita had only said her name to me and Ayanokouji, I doubt she told anyone else her name... so how could it be that Did Kushida know her name?
While I'm thinking, I'm taken away when a notification comes from my cell phone and I see that the message came from the group where there are sudou, ike and yamauchi and ayanokouji and I are also in it.
It had a message that said: "Satou has joined the group". She is one of the particularly lively girls in our class.
[Satou: Yahoo~ Ike-kun invited me while I was chatting with him earlier."
Having nothing to say, I did nothing and continued looking at the conversation.
[Satou: I heard about what happened today~. Horikita is really frustrating, huh?
[Ike: I was upset with her. Sudou was very angry with her too. It looked like he was going to hit her.
[Sudou: If I see her tomorrow, I'll hit her. Today I was very angry.
[Yamauchi: Ahahaha, it will become a big problem if you hit her LOL. That would be overkill!
[Ike: Hey, while we're on topic. Do you want to ignore her from tomorrow?
[Satou: Ha, I always ignored her (laughs)
[Ike: I need to get back at her somehow. We can intimidate her and make her cry. How to hide her shoes.
[Yamauchi: Ha ha, what are you kids? Lol lol lol but I kind of want to see her suffer.
What kids!
[Satou: Ayanokouji-kun, Nogami-kun, do you want to join too? About intimidating her haha.
[Ike: Not Nogami, he's Horikita's knight in shining armor! You had to see how he was defending her from Sudou today!
So I decided to respond by sending the following message.
Ryusei: I'm not anyone's knight ike, I just stopped Sudo from doing something stupid, if he had hurt her it could have caused a suspension or even expulsion.
[Yamauchi: Oh yeah, and which side are you on, Horikita's or ours?
Ryusei: Neither of them, Horikita was wrong to insult Sudou, but Sudou was even more wrong to try to attack Horikita, and in case you've forgotten, I'll do you the favor of reminding you that this school treats bullying as a problem, so if you find out that you are trying to do something that harms horikita you are in trouble.
And it's not like Horikita cares what they're going to do either.
[Yamauchi: Hey ayanokouji, whose side are you on? Ours or Horikita's?
[Ayanokouji: I'm not on anyone's side. If you want to bully her, I won't stop you
Ayanokouji, who was probably just observing, decided to respond.
[Ike: So, you're neutral. The most astute response possible lol.
[Ayanokouji: You can think whatever you want, but you won't gain anything from it. And like nogami said, if the school finds out that you're bullying them, it will cause problems for you. Keep this in mind.
After this message I stop watching the group and start watching a movie, no more worrying today.
...
Ryusei POV
After a long time I was lying down while watching, but I decided to go out for a bit to get some drinks from those drink machines.
After arriving at the elevator hall, I continued walking but I ended up noticing someone's presence...it was ayanokouji he seemed to be observing something while hiding but soon he came out of his hiding place, I got curious and went in the direction where he was and I also hid wanting to watch from afar, soon I saw Ayanokouji and two other people were Horikita... and the president of the student council Horikita Manabu.
Horikita manubu was holding Horikita's wrist while pressing her against the wall and Ayanokouji was holding Horikita manabu's right arm.
Ayanokouji: Just let go of her hand.
Manabu: That's what I should be saying.
The two stared at each other in silence.
Horikita: Stop, ayanokouji-kun.
For the first time I heard Horikita speak, and her voice was trembling, I've never seen her speak like that.
Ayanokouji then released Horikita's brother's arm, but as soon as he let go, Horikita's brother tried to land a blow on Ayanokouji, aiming for his face, but Ayanokouji,He leaned back, dodging the blow, not giving up, Horikita's brother tried to extend his right arm, probably with the intention of grabbing Ayanokouji, but he slapped his arm with his left hand.
Ryusei: "Ayanokouji has great reflexes, he must have trained a lot to have this movement."
Manabu: Good reflexes. I didn't think you would avoid every one of them. You also understood what I was trying to do. Were you taught in any way?
Ayanokouji: Yes, I studied piano and calligraphy. In elementary school, I even won the national championship in a music competition.
Ryusei: "Ah, okay, as if anyone would believe that you can move like that just by practicing piano and calligraphy"
Manabu: Are you also from class D? What a unique boy. Suzune.
Ayanokouji: No, unlike Horikita, I'm very incompetent.
Manabu: Suzune, is this boy your friend? I'm honestly surprised.
Horikita: He's... he's not my friend. He's just a classmate.
Denying her words, she looked at her brother.
Manabu: As always, you are confusing independence with isolation. And you, Ayanokouji. With you here, it looks like things are going to get interesting.
He said as he left, so I decided to go talk to them both.
Ryusei: Well, I didn't expect to see something like that.
he said loudly getting both of their attention.
Horikita: Nogami-kun!
She was surprised to see me, as she didn't expect anyone to have seen the whole scene.
Horikita: Did you see?
I understood what she meant and responded.
Ryusei: I saw almost everything, and before you ask, me being here was purely coincidental because I came here to buy a drink and saw ayanokouji hiding watching something and so I decided to see what it was.
Horikita: And you?
Horikita asks looking at the ayanokouji.
Ayanokouji: Oh. Uh, it was half a coincidence. I saw you while I went to buy juice from the machine. I followed you simply because I was curious. However, I really didn't want to meddle in their affairs.
Horikita sank into silence once again.
Ayanokouji: Your older brother is very strong. He did not hesitate to attack.
Horikita: He's... 5th dan in karate and 4th dan in aikido.
I understand this explains his movements when attacking the ayanokouji.
Ryusei: But you also dodged the blows very well ayanokouji, do you happen to also practice martial arts?
Ayanokouji: I already said that, didn't I? I played the piano and performed tea ceremonies.
Horikita: You said calligraphy before.
Ayanokouji: I also did calligraphy.
Ryusei: Do you really want me to believe that you can get those reflexes by practicing piano and calligraphy?
Horikita: He must think we are naive.
He just stays silent without answering anything.
Horikita: You've seen a strange side of me.
Ryusei: Actually, I always thought you were a normal girl, just with a strong personality who says what she wants.
Ayanokouji: I agree.
She just makes a face at both of us.
Horikita: Let's go back. If anyone sees us here, there will certainly be a misunderstanding.
Horikita began to walk slowly towards the entrance of the dormitories.
Ryusei: Are you really okay with how the study group went?
I asked Horikita and thought it was a good opportunity to talk to her.
Horikita: Why are you asking that? I proposed the study group first. I got the feeling you considered it a nuisance. Am I wrong?
Ayanokouji: That left a bad taste in my mouth. Look, I think things are going to get worse with the others.
Horikita: I don't care. I'm already used to it. Furthermore, most of the students with red grades are with Hirata-kun. He is good at studying, gets along well with people, and can teach other people well, unlike me. This time, they should be able to at least pass. It was futile trying to teach the failed students myself. We would go through the same scenario every test until graduation. It would be futile to try to make up for their failures every time.
Ayanokouji: Sudou and the others don't like Hirata. I don't think they will join your study group.
What makes me even more surprised by the stupidity of those three, in addition to not liking Hirata for some reason, they would rather risk being expelled than ask for help from him, as Hirata himself offered to help anyone who needed it.
Horikita: That's what they decided to do. This has nothing to do with me. If they don't approach Hirata-kun, they will simply be expelled soon. Of course, my goal is to reach Class A. However, this is for my own good and no one else's. I don't care about anyone else. Really, if we get rid of the flaws in this midterm exam, then the best students will remain. That's what I need, right? In this case, achieving a higher ranking will be simpler
Ryusei: Horikita, isn't this way of thinking incorrect?
Horikita: Incorrect? Tell me which part is wrong. You're not trying to say there's no future for a person who abandons their peers, right?
Ryusei: I know you well enough to know that you don't understand me.
Horikita: Then why? There is no merit in saving failures.
Nogami: I'm not going to say you're wrong, however, should you think about the consequences of a possible expulsion?
Horikita: What do you mean?
Ryusei: Think, if we talk during class or if we are late, we accumulate negative points, imagine what could happen if a student is expelled because no one helped him. How many points do you think they will take from us if this happens?
Horikita: That's-
Ryusei: Of course, before we get any information, nothing is certain. However, don't you think there is a pretty high possibility? Hundred? Thousand? There is even a chance that 10,000 or 100,000 points will be reduced. If this is the case, you will have difficulty reaching class A. Our points have already dropped to zero due to the infractions. We can't get any lower than that. If we are currently at zero, don't you think it's better to eliminate the dead weight? Would this be the same as taking no damage?
I continue talking while she listens in silence.
Ryusei: There's no guarantee that's the case. There may be penalties that we don't know about yet. Do you really think it's right to ignore such a dangerous risk? Well for someone as smart as you, there's no way you wouldn't have thought of that. If that weren't the case, there's no reason for you to join a study group. You would have abandoned them from the start, wouldn't you.
Horikita: Even if there are invisible disadvantages, it's better for the class if we get rid of the flaws. When we start to increase our points, it will be bad if we regret not eliminating them. At this point, this is a risk that must be taken.
Ryusei: Do you really think so?
Horikita: Yes, indeed. On the contrary, I am worried about you, who are desperately trying to save them.
I grabbed Horikita's wrist when she was about to enter the elevator
Horikita: What? Do you have a rebuttal?
Ryusei: This problem is bigger than both of us. In the end, the school has all the answers. All we can do is argue back and forth. I am free to interpret the situation as I see fit, and you can do the same. That's all there is to it, right?
Horikita: You talk too much, you know, and I thought you were quieter.
Ryusei: I'm quiet but I can also be chatty when I want, as well as being quite stubborn.
She must be slowly understanding the situation, otherwise she would have already left.
Ryusei: You know, until now you've only been thinking about profit and loss?
Horikita: Is this bad? Humans are calculating creatures who always make their actions thinking about profit and loss.
Ryusei: I admit, this is a natural thing.
Horikita: So-
Ryusei: With that mindset, make sure you see the big picture, horikita. Now, you are too blinded by anger and unhappiness, you cannot see what is in front of you.
Horikita: Who do you think you are? Do you even have the ability to find fault with me?
Ryusei: I can clearly say your flaw and the reason you are in class D. Your flaw is that you think other people are burdens, so you separate yourself and never let anyone get close, that's at least what I think since I don't see any other reason to put you in class D.
Horikita: It seems like you're trying to say that I'm just like Sudou-kun and his group." She muttered
Ryusei: I'm not saying you're equal to them, after all your academic skills are far superior to theirs, even if they tried hard they wouldn't be able to match you. But the school doesn't just look at intelligence, if they did a type of physical exam, the result would be different, wouldn't it?
Horikita: That's-
Ryusei: Your physical ability is also good. After seeing you swim, you are definitely one of the best girls. However, you and I both know that Sudou's physical abilities surpass yours. Ike has communication skills that you don't have. If it's a test based on communication skills, Ike would certainly be helpful. You would have much more difficulty since you refuse to talk to others, but that doesn't make you incompetent, do you know why? why everyone has their strengths and weaknesses
Horikita tried to retort, but she wasn't able to say anything.
Horikita:... You have no basis for your words. All your words are just guesses," She said.
Ayanokouji: But he's not wrong, think about Chabashira-sensei's words carefully. In the guidance room, she said, 'Who decided that smart people are categorically superior?' Therefore, the conclusion is that there is some factor beyond academic ability that affects rankings.
Oh, that's right, ayanokouji is still here, I was so focused on Horikita's conversation that I forgot about him for a moment. And I didn't say that to them, it must have been because of Horikita's questions.
I quickly stopped Horikita's way out, as she looked left and right to get away from the argument.
Ryusei: You say you wouldn't regret abandoning students who failed, but that's not true. There will be many days when you regret it if they are kicked out.
I looked into Horikita's eyes and she looked like I still didn't accept the reality of the situation.
Horikita: Seriously, you won't give up trying to convince me?
Ryusei: No, I'm very stubborn.
Horikita: It's really frustrating, but your words are right. You managed to persuade me. I will acknowledge that. However, I still can't understand one thing. What do you want? What is this school for you? Why are you trying so hard to convince me?
Ryusei: What do I want? honestly, currently I don't mind being in class D but I also think that our class should try to move up to class A although the path to get there will be very difficult, what this school is for me I don't have an answer after all I came here just because to be one of the best schools and by recommendation, and why I'm trying to convince you, it's because I want to help you have a broader view of things because if you want to get to class A you'll have to improve your thinking in relation to to your beliefs.
Horikita: Can you let go?
Horikita was referring to me still holding her wrist.
Ryusei: Oh, sorry.
Horikita: I'll take care of Sudou-kun and the others for my own sake. From now on, I will make sure they are not left behind as an investment for the future. All good?
I just smile and say.
Ryusei: Don't worry, I thought you'd say something like that.
Horikita: That's a promise, then.
I took Horikita's hand and squeezed it.
After this I probably won't have peace again.
End
I know the chapter is too long, I'm sorry I exaggerated a little, but now talking about the reason MC is in class D, you'll probably think it's stupid that it was for that reason but I don't know, I wanted to do it differently from some who played their characters be in class D for the same reason as ayanokouji, which is that he doesn't want to attract attention.
But speaking of the story, what do you think of it so far? What do you think of the protagonist? What things did you like or dislike? Do you have any idea what I can put in the story?