Season 1 Episode 6
Flashbacks from the previous episode were highlighted in the point of view from Sakura Airi who's alone right now in the female restroom sitting inside a toilet cubicle.
I have a hard time interacting with people. I can't even make myself look them in the eye when I talk to them. Sometimes, I don't like the feeling of getting too much attention from others. That's why I wore a mask to hide my true self. I'm okay being by myself. I'm okay being lonely. I'm okay being all by myself and not getting involved at anything.
The girl is right now looking at her gravure idol pics she posted before and she's reading the many positive comments about them when a new comment appeared. When she read scared her as the same sender sent many more causing her to drop her handphone and cry to herself in fear as more new comments were posted by the same sender.
After her alone time, Sakura fixed herself and headed back to the dorms. When she arrived at the ground floor, she found her mailbox overloaded with many letters. Scared, she looked around and she could see that she's alone. With that, she took a letter which is pink in colour and opened it. After a while, she fell on her knees in fear and horror because inside the letter...
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Are pictures of her from the outing before with Ayanokouji and Kikyo.
Speaking of which, "It's hot in here..." Ayanokouji spoke first. "It's hard to think rationally with all this indoor heat." said Horikita for the 2 of them are in the special annex where the incident began. "Which also makes it the perfect location to set a trap for Sudou I guess." Ayanokouji stated as he fixed his tie. "So you think you can come up with a plan?"
"Well...I'm thinking about it now." She replied as she wiped off a drop of sweat from her face. "As far as we know, Sakura's testimony allowed us to delay the hearing. But still, if only we could find something more decisive..."
"Speaking of which, there's not even one here..." Ayanokouji sighed as he looked up surprising. "Is there a reference to what you said Ayanokouji-kun?"
"Yeah. Security cameras."
"I see. Had there been one, it'll provide definitive proof. Very observant of you."
"No. I just looked up and noticed. Most security cameras in this school are installed above us for a wider view of recording our actions."
"Right. Like I said, had there been one...things would never come to this in the first place." Then, Horikita gasped. "What's wrong?" He asked. "T-There's something I want to try..."
The next day...
Sakura is early and in class waiting when, "Morning." She gasped and looked to her left to see that Ayanokouji had just arrived. "Oh...uh...morning."
"Why are you feeling so tense? You don't have to testify today. So you can relax."
"O...Okay."
"You see, thanks to your actions, we were able to at least save Sudou and our class." She looked surprised as he added. "This is why I trust you. So if ever you need a hand, I'll lend it to you." Sakura's mouth went wide from his words. "Th-Thank you."
"Not just me, I'm also sure that Horikita, Kushida, Sudou and everyone else in this class trusts you." He added on and went to sit on his desk. All this allowed Sakura to muster up the courage to ask him for his help and he listened but before he can give her his answer, he got a text message so, "Sorry but can you tell me that next time?"
"Sure." She replied with a smile as he looked at his phone. "Alright. The stage is set." He thought.
Later on, "Oh man it's blazing hot..." Ishizaki exclaimed as he, Komiya and Reo went up the stairs. "Why the special annex I wonder?" Komiya asked. "On the other hand, I wonder what Kushida-san wants to talk about." said Reo. "Maybe she wants to ask me out?" Komiya assumed. "Yeah right! Like that's ever gonna happen!" Reo mocked jokingly and held his friend in a headlock as they laughed. Ishizaki just watched and, "Oi Ishizaki. What do you think?" Reo asked as he let go.
"Beats me. The fact that Kushida-san called us here to talk seems a bit off. I mean I enjoyed her bubbly personality except..."
"Except what?" Komiya asked.
"I don't know...I think she's way too nice." Ishizaki stated. "Some girls in our class talked about it and they say she can't be trusted even if she carries that happy smile and bubbly personality."
"You think so?" Reo asked. "Perhaps. But on the other side of the note, I would gladly accept if she asks me out!" Ishizaki boasted as the boys laughed about it as he turned around and, "What the...what are you doing here?"
They can see Ayanokouji standing at the next level of the stairs below them and then, "Sorry guys but Kushida won't be coming."
"Ha?" Ishizaki was confused and likewise the other 2 as, "I asked her to sent that fake email." Ayanokouji revealed. "Why did you do that?" He asked him with a serious expression. "You probably won't bat an eye if I didn't do this right?" He replied back to the trio. "Now I wanted to have a talk with you."
"Listen up punk. Sudou called us out here and beat the crap out of us." Ishizaki stated firmly with his friends agreeing with him. "That's the truth alright? And he should accept his punishment like a man. Farewell and don't waste our time." They turned to leave when, "Are you sure with that?" From their left, Horikita made her move. "If you leave here now...
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"You'll regret it for the rest of your lives."
"What the hell is your deal?" Komiya asked in annoyance. "Ah ignore her. Ikuzo!" Ishizaki told his peers when, "Oh what's that over there?" Horikita asked looking up. "What are you talking about now?" Reo mumbled as the trio also looked up and even Ayanokouji is looking at it. It was at that moment that whatever they just saw, it shook the trio as they gasped at the sight of it. "What's the matter? You seemed pretty shaken." Horikita asked them. "A...security camera? What is it doing here?" Ishizaki asked still shaken. "This special annex contains a science lab. There are many hazardous chemicals in there. It's only natural to have cameras there to detect any chemical leakage or exposure right?" Horikita explained as they looked around and Ishizaki found another one by the hallway recording the scene. "Nande...wait a minute, if there's footage of us on those security cameras, they could tell if you're innocent without you having to do anything..." Ishizaki stated. "You have no reason to tell us about it."
"The moment the incident occurred, both parties were doomed to suffer for it." Ayanokouji spoke up from the upper level of the staircase. "Regardless of the circumstances, Sudou did hit you. That's a fact for sure."
"That means you'd be in trouble as well with the footage, am I right?" Ishizaki asked while glaring at him. "Of course, Sudou will be punished as well. However, you 3 are gonna be expelled for sure." Ayanokouji replied and it scared Komiya and Reo. "You told a malicious lie and got the whole school involved. It's only the most natural outcome." Horikita can agree with him as, "Wait! Why hasn't the school said anything to us?" A worried Reo asked. "The school is testing us. They want to see if we can resolve the problem ourselves. Hence, they're doing this to see what we can conclude after being granted extra time." Ayanokouji answered making Reo gasp. "When you think back on the hearing from yesterday, don't you think it felt like they already knew everything from start to end?"
"No way...I don't wanna be expelled...I don't wanna..." A scared Reo went down on his knees in fear. "Ishizaki, there's nothing we can do! Let's just come clean with them!" a scared Komiya suggested. "If we just admit it, then the school will at least let us off the hook or give us a light punishment which I'm okay with that!"
"Shut up!" Ishizaki ordered as, "Looks like you're a bit rushed in your conclusion eh?" Ayanokouji asked. "There's still a way to save both Class C and D. Even your friends are willing to accept it."
"Like hell there is-"
"Ishizaki-kun. We can just forget this incident ever existed." Horikita declared as their attention is turned to her. "Listen. If you guys just withdraw from the complaint, this incident will never happen. Simple enough." Ishizaki cringed with a drop of sweat trickling down his face. "No one can be punished for an incident that never took place." Ayanokouji added. "If we both tell the same story, the school can't pursue it any further."
The 3 boys were worried and anxious about this. One choice is all they need if they are to survive. "C-Chotto matte. L-Let me just make a phone call." Ishizaki fished out his handphone but before he could dial the number, Horikita took action and snatched it away. "What a pity. You can't decide this by yourself?"
"Give it back now!" A furious Ishizaki attempted to take it back by force as Horikita dodged his moves until he grabbed her by the uniform. "So you dare try to hit me?" She asked while he glared at her. "Then do it."
It was at that moment that he realized that he forgotten all about the security cameras still recording their actions. Angered and undecided, he let her go as, "Ishizaki. We've lost already." Koimya tried talking sense into him. "Y-Yeah! Let's just accept their offer! Besides, it's the only way we can save our own skins and not get expelled!" Reo added. He clenched his fists in frustration for seconds until he cooled down.
"Wakata...we'll...we'll withdraw. We'll pull out."
Mission accomplished.
Meanwhile...
Sakura was passing by the mall when she heard heavy footsteps. Knowing that she'll being followed, she tried to hurry and hoped that someone can save her.
At the same time, Ayanokouji and Honami are at the park discussing terms. "I'll make sure to return the points I loaned from you yesterday." He spoke.
"An eye for an eye, a lie for a lie...wow...I totally wasn't expecting you to be in Class D." She exclaimed with admiration. "It was Horikita who came up with the plan. I just did as she instructed to me and to back her up in case of anything." He stated. She stared at him for a moment. "Alright then. Say, would you like to hang out tomorrow at the mall?"
"Who else is coming?"
"Just you and me. I still want to help you with your lack of experience in the freedom and stuff."
"Hmmm...that can be arranged." He then felt his phone buzz and he answered. Apparently, "Honami. Call security right now."
Somewhere...
Sakura was feeling helpless for she's being sexually assaulted by none other than the store employee from the electronics store. As he violated her body with force touching, groping and is now beginning a strip show on her by unbuttoning her uniform as a start, "CLICK!"
"An electronics store employee assaulting a female student. Wow you'll be a celebrity on TV tomorrow."
From behind, Ayanokouji has already made his move with handphone on camera mode as, "W-Wait! It's not what it looks like!" He responded trying to defend himself. "Is that so? Then how did the security cameras catch everything?" He asked pointing at one that's a bit far but it did record everything. "Even if it's an attempt, you still had the guts to assault an underaged girl. And with a criminal complaint lodged against you, you'll lose your job and the press will even go after your family for your actions. In other words, your life is over."
The employee panicked at being caught as he tried to run but, "Ha! You think you can just run away after assaulting one of his classmates? You must be over your head!" Honami arrived with security blocking his escape as 2 officers went to arrest him on the spot. "Nice timing." Ayanokouji called out as the employee got desperate over Sakura but at that moment, she held her ground and boldly denounced him over his claims of being a fan to her. He snapped in anger but soon burst into tears helplessly as the guards took him away for good.
"I'll make sure he answers for what he did. Glad to help you out again." Honami spoke to him. "Sure. Well...I guess I owe you one again."
"Wow. We somewhat did that twice already. It's like as if it's fate between us." She replied. "Fate..." He thought. "Kiyotaka-kun. I'm glad we help each other out. Despite your poker face and the fact that you're in Class D, you really are something. Like I said before, you are smart and observant. Even having strong instincts. And most importantly, you really have the heart to help and save your classmates whether you're roped in or not." Honami stated with a bright smile. She then left with the security as he watched them.
What is it that I have now regarding the heart? In truth, I am not a human at all. I can't express happiness, sadness, anger and many more. I don't even know anything about emotions and how it can be applied. However, ever since I met her, Honami started helping me. She showed me what freedom is like. She even helped my class and assisted me. On the other hand, I did help her once and asked for it during the case. She looks up to me a lot and understand me very well and often times, I feel like our bonds are bringing...I see now, so this is fate is it? Fate has connected us and we've got each other's backs. No wonder I'm starting to feel it...yes...they've been triggered slowly through her and it's the reason why I'm able to experience freedom and slowly, I cna somewhat recover what I've lost. Truly we owe each other and I will not forget this and who knows? The day will come when destiny enters our lives...
At the same time, Honami is in deep though as she continued escorting the helpless employee and the security guards.
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. A mysterious individual and a student from Class D. When I first met him, he helped me with an issue and I helped him back by letting him experience the freedom outside. I'm very glad to have met him. He really is an extraordinary person. He's smart, observant and his instincts are top notch! Not to mention he's very handsome despite carrying that poker face but most importantly, he's a good student with a pure and selfless heart for he had the will to help his classmates and truly it's a remarkable thing he has displayed before me! Truly we owe each other and I will not forget this and who knows? The day will come when destiny enters our lives... wait, I wonder why I can't stop thinking of him now...no...what am I...
At that moment, Honami felt her face heat up with the colour red as, "Miss you okay?"
"Uh...I need to wash my hands."
"Sure, we'll handle the rest." She then ran off and hid in the public restrooms. "What am I thinking?!" She asked herself but not too loudly.
Now back to Ayanokouji and Sakura, "I'm sure Honami can oversee the rest. And it's a good thing we exchanged contact info before the trial." Ayanokouji then showed Sakura his handphone revealing a map with a red dot. "That's how I knew your location."
Sakura was moved by his actions so, "I'm sorry...I'm really hopeless right? I really couldn't do anything by myself."
"Being an idol has a lot of hardships in it's own eh?" He asked. However, she shook her head. "Maybe...this is for the best..." The next thing it happened, Sakura took off the fake glasses and undid her hair. "Keeping up the facade was really hard. Sorry for not telling you." She spoke with a bright smile. "There's nothing to apologize about. But if anything's ever put stress on your mind in the future, feel free to ask for advice." He then helped her up as her long pink hair flowed down revealing her true appearance. "The mask is officially off the shackles..." He thought when, "Ayanokouji-kun...you never looked at me that way."
"That way?"
"Oh nothing. Never mind on what I just said." She then smiled at him again now officially liberated and ready to start afresh.
Later on...
At the rooftop, Chabashira-sensei just took a puff from her cigarette when, "What is it? Why did you call me here?" Behind her is Horikita and she looks serious about that. "I'll get straight to the point. What kind of method did you use?" The teacher asked. "What do you mean?" Horikita asked back. Taking another puff, "Don't pretend you don't know. Those 3 wouldn't just withdraw their complaint without a valid reason."
"I'll leave that to your imagination." Horikita replied.
"Then I'll change the question. Who thought of the plan to get Class C to back off?" Chabashira-sensei asked.
"Why do you want to know?" She asked. "If you're interested in reaching Class A. let me give you a piece of advice. The teacher suggested as Horikita looked at her directly. "Try to understand Ayanokouji as much as you can now. If you don't, you might be too late."
Speaking of which, he was seen looking at the special annex when, "Oi Ayanokouji!" Sudou just showed up as, "So how did the hearing go?" He asked. "I don't know what happened but the Class-C guys withdrew their complaint out of nowhere! I did not expect it!" He explained. "I see...that's good." He replied and also, "Not only they withdrew but because of that, Class C got 50 class points subtracted from their current amount and these were added into ours!" Sudou revealed. "The private points for our class has been allotted already."
Upon hearing that, Ayanokouji checked his phone and indeed, there was an increase as Sudou asked a question. "By the way, you think Horikita made it happen?"
"Probably."
"She's incredible and amazing...oh right uh, Ayanokouji..."
"I know. I trust that this won't happen again regarding your actions and anger?"
"I'll do my best to improve on myself. Also if ever, you wanna shoot some hoops with me if you have free time?"
"Well...it depends."
"Right! Well off to practice! And take this!" Sudou handed him a small piece of paper and he jogged off to practice. Looking at it, "Sudou's handphone number."
Now at the same time back to Horikita and Chabashira-sensei, "What's that suppose to mean sensei?"
"Why do you think he's helping you people?" The teacher asked as the sky is starting to darken. "Why, despite his excellence, does he refuse to reveal what he can do?"
"I don't know." She replied.
"Then I'll explain this fact. Class D is, in the school's words are a place for people with defective aspects. Like Sudou's anger, Ike and Yamauchi's idiocy, these aspects put them in Class D. Now this is my opinion, among the students in this class, the most defective one out of everyone...
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"Is Ayanokouji..."
"Most defective...you are referring to the refusal of revealing what he can do? Is this his defect?" Horikita asked.
"You've only cracked a small portion of it. And this is why, you have the time to understand him as much as you can..."
It now cuts to the latter walking by the hallway as already, a heavy downpour is ongoing when he caught sight of Manabu and Tachibana walking by also. Noticing him, they stopped and they stared at each other for seconds.
"Class C requested to withdraw their complaint and I accepted." Manabu began. "Did they? Well I guess anything can happen here." Ayanokouji replied. "Was this your way of proving that Sakura wasn't lying?" He asked while eyeing him with interest. "Well done..."
"Your little sister made it happen. I didn't even do anything." Ayanokouji replied. Manabu stared at him for a moment. "Tachibana."
"Yes President?"
"There's an open seat for a secretary position right?"
"Yes indeed."
"In that case, Ayanokouji, you can have the seat if you like."
"Wait president! Are you serious?" A surprised Tachibana asked but, "Are you against it?" Wow, he sure is strict and firm on what he decides. "No president...forgive me. If that's what you want, I won't say anything against it."
"I understand Tachibana." Manabu then shifted his attention to him. "Ayanokouj, join the student council."
"Thank you but I must decline. Because I'm not the type to trouble myself with such hassle. And I wish to live a normal student life." Manabu looked at him for a moment. "Very well. For now, the seat will remain open. Do not disappoint me." Manabu and Tachibana then walked pass him when, "Wait, I have a question president."
"Oh?" Manabu turned to face him with Tachibana doing the same. "Have you heard of Ichinose Honami?"
"Hmmm...yes. She also applied to be part of the Student Council but was rejected." Manabu answered him. "Why would you reject her application? You do know she has the capabilities to be in the student council. Furthermore, she has experience in middle school for she was a member back then." Ayanokouji asked with explanation. "That's not your concern. She was just rejected because she's not qualified enough even if she was a member back at her middle school."
"Then are you hiding something?" Ayanokouji asked another question. "Is there something or someone in the student council that will-"
"Enough." Manabu stopped him first and closed his eyes. Seconds later, he opened them and spoke up. "If you're aware, Tachibana and I are in our third year and soon, we'll have to step down. The vice president will soon succeed me but I fear that the school's reputation will be severely tainted in the future soon enough."
"So that's why you want me to the join the student council. You believe I can stop him?"
"Precisely Ayanokouji and you guessed right, he's a male."
"What about Honami?"
"Mark my words, the vice president has already planned to use her to get her into the student council but worst case scenario, I worry about the influence she'll be tainted with."
"Is there something I should know regarding the vice president?"
"Once I step down, he will establish an order of meritocracy in which boundaries will be unequal in this school. The ideology will damage the school's reputation tainting the values I've implemented for it. In other words, my works and efforts will be cast aside." Seems like Ayanokouji has understood the big picture because, "I would like to make a request. I want Honami to be accepted in the student council."
"What makes you think that I should accept her?"
"I know her very well. She's a headstrong and strong-willed individual with a heart to help others. I can also assure you 2 things. One is that once Honami is in, I'll do what I can do to protect her from the vice president and his influence. Secondly, I will help you stop him from establishing his selfish ideology even if I'm not a member myself."
Manabu stared at him for a moment. And then, "Tachibana. Get the application form of Ichinose and approve it right away."
"Wakata." She left first and then, "I trust that you'll help me preserve the school even if I have to step down soon enough?" He asked Ayanokouji and he just calmly nodded. "Things had become more interesting..." Manabu thought to himself as he left. With that, Ayanokouji turned around but unexpectedly, he found Horikita facing him.
Outside the school...
"Alright you baboons, which of you got the idea to withdraw the complaint?" A displeased Ryuuen asked the 3 boys and with him are Albert, Satoru Kaneda who's the guy with light brown hair and wears glasses, Mio Ibuki who's the same girl seen at the karaoke room 2 episodes ago and an unknown boy. Not to mention all have umbrellas from the rain.
"We...We all withdrew...together..." Ishizaki replied in fear.
"Without my permission?" Ryuuen asked with a cold, menacing glare. They can only nod as he sighed to himself. "Albert."
"Boss's orders. Don't hate me." Albert tossed his umbrella aside and made his move. "KSH! KSH!" That's him striking Ishizaki as he put his foot on his head pinning him. Ibuki wasn't pleased at how they're being punished as, "I'd planned to get one of the defective trash expelled and see how the school reacted but it's worth nothing thanks to your useless and pathetic asses!" Ryuuen then approached Komiya who shivered in fear. "Tell me the names of the ones that set you up."
Shortly thereafter, Sakayanagi is seen walking by and accompanied by her classmates aka subordinates. They consist of Masumi Kamuro who's the girl with thin-length purple hair with a long ponytail tied on her right side and with bangs swept to the right side and she's using 2 umbrellas to shield herself and Sakayangi, Masayoshi Hashimoto who's the guy with long blonde hair that is tied into a short ponytail behind, Miki Yamamura who's the girl with black hair that's tied into a ponytail and Hayato Kitou who's the guy with long, messy tea green hair and with an unusual appearance involving an odd tie.
As they continued walking, Sakayanagi noticed Ryuuen and his followers all waiting by in front of them and already, her subordinates all stepped forth to shield their classmate aka, leader.
"You're Sakayanagi?"
"And you're Ryuuen...from Class C are you?"
"Hmph. Already playing queen of the school from the start? Well aren't you something." He commented with a light smirk.
"That was not my intention." She replied smiling.
"You better be ready. I'm gonna crush Class D, then B and finally, your class." He warned her with a cold glare.
"But can you make it happen?" She asked smirking calmly.
"There can only be one ruler." He stated confindentally.
"So true." She agreed not fearing him much. Bold words from the class representatives.
At the same time by a zebra crossing, Ayanokouji and Horikita are waiting to cross the road. "It's nice that the plan worked." Ayanokouji spoke first. Horikita said nothing for several seconds. Then, "You used me, didn't you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You pointed out the lack of cameras in the special annex, to lead me to forge that false evidence."
"You're overthinking it."
"You made a promise that you'll help me reach Class A."
"Well, I was mostly forced to make that promise." The red light became green as Ayanokouji started crossing when, "Wait!" Horikita grabbed him on the wrist. "I'm not finished yet. I want to know what you're thinking."
"I just want to live my days in peace. That's all."
"You wouldn't help me if you didn't want to."
"I just wanted to help a friend, I think."
"That's a lie. You never cared about your friends." Horikita then paused a bit. "Just who are you Ayanokouji-kun?" He said nothing at all. His mind had a flashback. A flashback of himself in a room coloured white, wearing white and lined up with other children also wearing white. All including him are very young and a boy beside him collapsed of a heart attack.
Once he came back to reality, he forced himself out of Horikita's grip surprising her. "A...Ayanokouji-kun..."
"Get. This. Straight. I will help you climb to Class A. But whatever you do...
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"Don't pry into my life." His voice is firm and a small ounce of darkness can be seen behind his golden brown eyes scaring her a bit. The rain eventually became a drizzle.
So starting from this episode, Sakura will no longer wear the fake glasses. She'll also use her signature hairstyle like in her gravure activity.
Now there's extended and new dialogues in the special annex and hallway scenes and Sudou is saved causing Class C to lose 50 class points in which they'll be given to Class D. Now that's what I call, specialized! Right, I forgot to mention, Ayanokouji will slowly recover his emotions in this story. With the help from Honami and they'll slowly grow closer. Fate first and who knows? Destiny.
Even so, some minor characters will be getting more appearances and roles in this story. For instance, Miki Yamamura is part of the Sakayangi Faction compared to the anime. Even in the LN, she was given 2 roles in 2 volumes of it. So yeah, things will be more interesting in this story.
Private Points List
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-318,052
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-2,598,723
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-153,225
3. Chihiro Shiranami-136,151
4. Yume Kobashi-128,956
5. Mako Amikura-140,122
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-124,226
2. Mio Ibuki-129,428
3. Albert Yamada-121,218
4. Daichi Ishizaki-69,535
5. Kyogo Komiya-115,187
6. Reo Kondou-103,821
Class 1-D
1. Soshi Miyamoto-19,940
2. Satsuki Shinohara-18,757
3. Kokoro Inogashira-44,982
4. Nene Mori-40,972
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-66,330
6. Yosuke Hirata-18,510
7. Kei Karuizawa-16,044
8. Kayano Onodera-41,894
9. Kikyou Kushida-49,519
10. Ryotarou Hondou-14,000
11. Hideo Sotomura-24,029
12. Chiaki Matsushita-16,585
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-14,526
14. Haruka Hasabe-48,803
15. Haruki Yamauchi-14,000
16. Akito Miyake-36,875
17. Wang Mei Yu-22,830
18. Kyousuke Okitani-14,000
19. Maya Satou-14,260
20. Kanji Ike-14,000
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-68,320
22. Suzune Horikita-100,415
23. Wataru Ijuin-54,874
24. Airi Sakura-29,125
25. Ken Sudou-24,278
Class Points
A-1004
B-663
C-442
D-140
I can't believe it but I noticed that I got more than a thousand views in this story! Never thought I'd get so much support! Thanks everyone! Arigato Minna! Anyway, next chapter will heat things up! Ikuzo!