COTE Collection

by TsukasaKawaii

Collection of Cote Fanfic from many authors

31. (3) Ayanokouji's Return - Chapter 28-30

COTE: Ayanokouji's Return

By : tobi7th

...

Chapter 28 - 30

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Chapter 28 - The Interviews

Kiyotaka's POV

It was 11th April, a day after Fuka's birthday party.

The main topic of the day among the students was an unexpected firework show that surprised every person in its vicinity.

But while more than half of the students were excitedly talking about it, there was a huge group of people, who weren't as enthusiastic about this as the others.

The second-year students.

That's because the rumor started to circle stating that the fireworks show wasn't actually authorized by the school and the huge interrogation looking for the culprit began.

And since the fireworks were launched from the rooftop of second-year students' dorm, this investigation focused on them.

This matter was quickly well-known by everyone, since the school wasn't even trying to cover that and even actively announced that if someone knew anything about the case, he or she should contact the teacher.

They probably figured out that covering up such a big incident would be a waste of time and since it wasn't in any way related to the class competition, the rule about not leaking any important information to the freshmen wasn't broken, so it was okay.

It may be also to warn students from doing something stupid after being inspired by this show.

Soon enough, another rumor started to circulate - the fireworks were launched during Kiryuin Fuka's birthday party created by her own classmates and Vice-President Nagumo.

This matter shocked many people, since it included not only Nagumo Miyabi, a high-ranking member of Student Council, but also Kiryuin Fuka and Ichinose Honami, two famous beauties among the freshmen.

Of course, since I was present at the party, I was also a part of those rumors.

And just like I planned, I was called by the school for the questioning.

Kiyotaka: "... And that's all I know about yesterday's incident."

I said calmly, looking at my interrogators.

I was currently sitting in the room with Sae-sensei, Horikita-senpai and one unfamiliar male, who was in charge of investigation.

While I wasn't surprised by the presence of two adults here, elder Horikita was unexpected.

Did Student Council President position really wield so much authority?

It was interesting.

I was asked to state how I spent my entire day yesterday.

I honestly told them about everything that happened from my point of view, just like someone totally uninvolved in the case would do.

The investigator: "I see. So you are claiming that you don't have any connection with the incident?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I didn't buy any fireworks, nor I've launched them. I also didn't ask any other student to do that for me. As I said earlier, I bought the necklace as birthday present. There were many witnesses to that."

The investigator: "Then, who in your opinion did this?"

Kiyotaka: "I honestly don't know. Until the investigation started, I thought it was a part of the party. The only thing that comes to my mind was that after the fireworks ended, Kiryuin Fuka thanked Nagumo-senpai for them, and he didn't deny being the one behind it."

The investigator: "I see. Well, that's all for now. You are free."

While it was impressive that I was called for questioning on just the next day, I was let go so easily that I couldn't help but feel kinda disappointed.

I was expecting more rigorous questioning about everything.

But on the other hand, this was still a school, not a police station.

Since they didn't have much of evidence pointing towards me apart from my closeness with Fuka and my presence on the party, their hands were tied, especially since I wasn't even the primary suspect.

Manabu: "Then, Ayanokouji, come with me to the Student Council's room."

The silent up to this moment Horikita Manabu finally opened his mouth.

I guess he wanted to ask me some questions without the presence of adults.

Both of us have left the room.

There was a silence between us as we started to walk.

I decided to act out first in order to obtain information, while trying to lower his wariness towards me.

Kiyotaka: "President, what's really going on?"

Manabu: "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

Kiyotaka: "If something like fireworks were launched without the school's knowledge, the focus of investigation should be on who recently bought the fireworks and who was present in the place where they were launched. Yet, the school started massively questioning the students. This may suggest that the culprit managed to avoid leaving some clear evidence, right?"

Manabu: "..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

Our vision crossed.

Manabu: "I can't tell you anything at this point of investigation."

Kiyotaka: "I thought so."

Manabu: "I will ask you just once... Are you behind this, Ayanokouji?"

His vision didn't leave me for a moment.

I sighed.

Kiyotaka: "As expected, you are suspecting me, senpai."

Manabu: "I don't see why I shouldn't suspect you."

Kiyotaka: "True. Creating the party and making such a mistake doesn't match up for either Ichinose nor Nagumo. I don't know much about Ichinose, but she didn't have a motive to do it sneakily, while Nagumo wouldn't make it in a way that would make him a primary suspect. Since it wasn't a mistake at all, but an intentional act, then I should be the highest on the suspect list, since I had a motive to do so."

Manabu: "So you won't deny it?"

Kiyotaka: "Of course, I'm denying it. I didn't know about the party at all until Fuka's birthday. How was I supposed to prepare something like that in such short amount of time without being caught?"

Manabu: "..."

Horikita Manabu was observing me for some time.

Manabu: "Even if there's no clear evidence or testimony pointing at you, it doesn't mean you are safe, Ayanokouji. While some things may make people think it was Nagumo or Ichinose, the thing that matters is their believability. If the school thought that it was your doing, but you can't prove otherwise, then the truth doesn't matter."

Kiyotaka: "I still would like to think that it's not my problem. But thank you for your kind warning."

Manabu: "We shall see."

I smiled at him.

My experiment was going smoothly.

Learning about the quickness of the school's response after an incident, its procedures, the potential investigators, the level of questioning, etc...

The amount of knowledge I was gaining about the school was big.

While the risk was still there, I had confidence that nothing really could point at me.

And considering the fast response of the school, the possibility to fabricate any evidence against me was also reduced greatly.

The more the school would investigate, especially about Nagumo's environment, the better for me.

There was still the problem of obtaining those results, but it was rather a matter of time.

The third week of the school started with many people still wondering about the culprit of the incident.

While my name was still among the potential suspects, I was calm.

I received a small message from Henry saying that his interrogation ended without any problem.

Since my partner in crime wasn't suspected anymore, the school shouldn't be able to link me to the case.

I planned to take it easy after the school, but Horikita-senpai contacted me and asked me to come to Student Council's room after the classes.

Apparently, the investigation of the case was over, which was surprisingly quickly.

Was it always like that or did something unexpected occured?

While I had some doubts, it was happy news.

Because four members of Student Council were suspected, the atmosphere there was rather grim.

Kiriyama-senpai was openly showing hostility towards me, practically treating me as a culprit.

What a rude senior he was.

Asahina-senpai didn't ask me any questions, but she also didn't stop Kiriyama-senpai's outbursts.

I guess she decided to just wait for the results.

Since Horikita-senpai was a part of investigation team, the work started to pile up, which was also stressful for people.

That's why it was fortunate that this state wouldn't last long.

Today I would know how successful my experiment was.

I was satisfied with what I already gained, but there was still an unknown factor of what conclusion the school would make based on the gathered information.

I walked towards the room with some excitement.

There were already several people there.

Asahina-senpai and Kiriyama-senpai.

Ichinose, Kanzaki and Fuka.

Horikita-senpai with Tachibana-senpai.

Excluding Nagumo, all main stars of the case were here.

But unexpectedly, there wasn't any adult here.

I looked around, while greeting everyone.

Kiriyama-senpai just glared at me, while Asahina-senpai smiled lightly.

Ichinose looked a little pale.

She was evidently tired, probably because of lack of sleep.

Considering everything, she was probably the most affected by this turn of events.

Kanzaki was looking worriedly at her.

Only Fuka, who knew about everything, seemed calm.

She smiled at me and I did the same.

I sat beside her.

Manabu: "Since everyone are here, let's start."

Everyone turned silent.

Manabu: "As I informed you earlier, this meeting is about the results of the investigation concerned the incident that happened a few days ago that involved an unauthorized usage of fireworks on the rooftop of the dorm of second-year students. I called you over because the students here were considered as suspects of being the culprit of this incident during the investigation."

It felt as if we were in the court and the judge was announcing the verdict.

Manabu: "As you may be aware, the reason why you were suspected was because the fireworks show and birthday party for Kiryuin Fuka happened in the same time. The school thinks that those two events were connected to each other, which made you potential suspects."

After hearing this, Ichinose's and Kanzaki's faces paled a little more.

Fuka: "Wait a second, senpai. I was suspected as well?"

Fuka pointed at herself, surprised.

Manabu: "That's right. After all, we couldn't exclude the possibility that you did it yourself in order to achieve some kind of goal, Kiryuin. The school also confirmed that the fireworks weren't launched because someone didn't know about the rules here. In other words, it was an intentional action."

Fuka just chuckled at this remark.

She didn't look at me, but I knew that she thought of me, when Horikita Manabu said it.

It was clever of her to not show any openings, when he was watching us.

Fuka: "Then, shouldn't the school just find out who purchased the fireworks and planted them on that rooftop? I didn't, so I'm innocent."

Her lack of tension was definitely something else, but she was the correct person to lead such conversation.

Manabu: "That's what the school thought at first as well, but... There were some complications later."

Kiriyama: "Complications?"

The lack of registered purchase of fireworks on the campus as well as the lack of footage showing that someone put them on the rooftop.

The school probably thought that it would be easily to catch the culprit, only to find out that the only possible suspect was a ghost.

The ghost of Class D!

This definitely alarmed the school, resulting in huge, open investigation.

Manabu: "I can't disclose to you more about this matter."

Since Henry was questioned, it was obvious to me that the school turned its vision towards workers.

I wondered how much Horikita Manabu knew about it.

Kiyotaka: "Then, considering that you called us here, senpai, the culprit was found, right?"

I raised my hand and asked something that was on the mind of majority here.

Manabu: "..."

Horikita-senpai didn't answer immediately, which made the tension in the room increase drastically.

Finally, he sighed slightly.

Manabu: "The school didn't find out the culprit yet."

So they didn't find anything important, huh?

Manabu: "But we managed to reduce the number of suspects to only one. The verification of innocence of that person is still in progress."

Most of the people in the room stiffened upon hearing that.

Horikita-senpai looked around a little, then announced the results.

Manabu: "The reason I called you here was to inform you that the school officially removed you from the suspect list. In other words, the students in this room are declared as innocent."

...

Ichinose: "Ah! Thank goodness!"

Ichinose couldn't bear and shouted, relieved.

Next to her, Kanzaki sighed loudly, feeling the same as her.

The dark days for Class B finally ended.

Fuka looked at me with a wide smile.

'You really pulled it out, you bastard.'

'I've told you to not worry about this.'

I smiled back at her.

Kiyotaka: "Ichinose, Kanzaki, I knew you were innocent from the beginning."

No one believed in their innocence more than me.

Fuka slightly pinched my thigh.

Ichinose: "Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun. I also knew that no one from us would be able to do something like that."

Ichinose smiled brightly at us.

Kanzaki also nodded, evidently being in good humor.

The freshmen were happy about this result.

But the same couldn't be said about two second-year students here.

Kiriyama: "Horikita-senpai, since we are innocent, but there's still one suspect, then who is it?"

Asahina: "Could it be..."

While their first expression after the verdict was relieved ones, they soon understood that there was still something amiss here and started to become anxious.

Indeed, there's still one mystery here.

Manabu: "It's just like you think. The one, who become the only suspect in the case, is Nagumo Miyabi."

The atmosphere in the room started to tense once again.

Ichinose and Kanzaki, who were happy just a moment ago, became restless.

If Nagumo was the only suspect, then the possibility that their class, who made a party because of Nagumo's suggestion and became a subject of huge interrogation, was being used by him wasn't small.

This matter definitely would stay in their mind for the long time.

Kiriyama: "Wait a second, Horikita-senpai! That doesn't make any sense! We were there as well and left the party alongside him to confirm the situation. He was as surprised as me and Nazuna. It couldn't be him. You should know that too."

Manabu: "The school has the last say here. It seems like during the investigation, some doubtful movements of Nagumo were noted. The reason why he couldn't be declared as innocent was because of that."

Kiriyama: "What? What kind of doubtful movements are you talking about, senpai?"

Manabu: "I can't disclose it for you. This matter is still investigated by the school."

Asahina-senpai and Kiriyama-senpai looked at each other.

Looks like they didn't understand what Horikita-senpai was talking about.

But I had an idea.

The school was investigating Nagumo's actions as well as his interaction with workers here and found out something.

There was no evidence pointing at Nagumo being the culprit of the incident, but if he recently had been meeting secretly with some adult, the school wouldn't leave it alone.

Depending on what the school found, Nagumo may not be as fortunate as the others.

Looks like my experiment may hit and sink one of Nagumo's allies.

The risk I took was really starting to pay off.

Manabu: "Since everything is clear, then you may go."

With the mixed emotions, the students started to prepare to leave.

Manabu: "Ayanokouji, stay behind for a moment."

Everyone looked at me.

Calling me out at this moment was rather suspicious.

Tachibana-senpai also left us.

It was only me and Horikita-senpai.

Our vision crossed, trying to figure out what the other one was thinking.

Manabu: "You are really extraordinary, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "I apologize, but you aren't the type I would go for, senpai."

Manabu: "You aren't the type I would go for as well."

He remained unfazed by my comment.

Manabu: "If you prepared that incident and made someone a scapegoat, I would be angry at you for putting a blame on someone innocent. But you didn't and let the flow rush freely. If you made even the slightest mistake, you would be caught by now, but you weren't. Impressive. Because of that, I don't feel even the slightest bit of anger towards you despite alarming the entire school. I still hope that it would be the last time, though."

Kiyotaka: "..."

Manabu: "Nagumo could also slip away, but because the school thoroughly investigated his movements prior to the incident, he was caught on something else. Him and one another. Was it your aim from the beginning? Did you want to make the school investigate Nagumo to look for some doubtful actions of his?"

Damn it, Horikita Manabu, you're good!

If you were a girl, I would definitely hit on you!

Kiyotaka: "I don't know what you are talking about, senpai. Did someone else was caught alongside Nagumo? Some second-year student then? Was it that person that launched the fireworks?"

Manabu: "No, it was actually the owner of the restaurant, where the party was held. Unfortunately, I don't know the details of their actions."

The owner of that restaurant?

I see.

Nagumo made Ichinose's class hold the party on his own turf.

Then, he made the restaurant earn big amount of money from freshmen hands.

If the party was successful one, Ichinose's class would probably hold the next ones there as well.

The owner definitely received a big gift from Nagumo.

I wondered what the donkey received in return.

Nevertheless, that was good news.

And Henry was going to owe me some free meals for a while for cutting his competition!

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Manabu: "It probably will take a few more days to know for sure."

Kiyotaka: "Is there a chance that Nagumo will be kicked from Student Council?"

Horikita-senpai looked at me, as if seriously contemplating this issue, then sighed.

Manabu: "It won't be that easily, Ayanokouji. I can't dismiss Nagumo without a good reason thanks to his reputation. He is a leader of second-year students, and his next step would be to take the position of Student Council President. I'm sure he would rather suffer a harsher punishment if it would mean he could stay in Student Council."

Kiyotaka: "If being President is Nagumo's goal, then it's understandable move."

Manabu: "But the distance between him and that goal increased."

Kiyotaka: "At least one positive consequence of this bad incident. Just who could do something like that?"

Horikita-senpai chuckled lightly.

Manabu: "There's also something that I would like to discuss with you."

Kiyotaka: "?"

Manabu: "Because of this case, not only you and Nagumo, but also Asahina and Kiriyama were being questioned. On top of that, I needed to attend those investigations as well, so the amount of work started to pile up greatly. I'm sure you noticed it as well."

That was true.

Four members of Student Council suddenly became involved in the investigation.

The pressure on Horikita-senpai was big.

Manabu: "That's why I would like you to take care of interviews to Student Council, the faster, the better. Depending on the results of those talks, we may recruit at least one person this week to help out with work."

Normally, the freshmen could join Student Council at the beginning of the next month, so they could start their work while understanding the true rules of the school.

I was an exception, since I figured out the rules early and approval of President.

I guess Horikita-senpai wanted to decrease the workload of people.

What's more, considering that second-year students were at edge because of Nagumo, he probably saw this as an opportunity for me to gain even more influence in Council and create a new faction.

Senpai, you seriously were thinking hard for my sake, weren't you?

Kiyotaka: "I understand. I will talk with candidates soon."

Manabu: "Currently, we have four applicants - Katsuragi, Ichinose, Yamauchi and recently applied Nishino. Please contact with those four and prepare interviews."

Kiyotaka: "Actually, with three. I already talked with Nishino Takeko. I would like her to join Student Council as my secretary. The interview will be just a formality for us."

Horikita Manabu instantaneously looked at me with stern vision.

I took this head on, making him understand that I was serious.

Manabu: "I see. You work fast, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "I'm using my time efficiently, that's all. What do you think?"

Manabu: "If you think she is good enough, then I don't see problems. Asahina would leave you once Nagumo returns, so Nishino could fill her place right away."

Kiyotaka: "Oh, actually, this was something that I wanted to discuss with you, senpai. How about announcing that President and Vice-President could have up to two secretaries?"

It was something that stayed in my mind for some time.

Horikita-senpai was in good humor, so maybe he would agree to it.

Manabu: "What?"

Kiyotaka: "That way, Asahina-senpai and Takeko could be my secretaries together. Let's say that you would get Ichinose and Nagumo would get Yamauchi and Katsuragi. What do you think? It's totally a win-win-lose situation."

Actually, it was more like a win for me, since I was sure Tachibana-senpai would get competitive with Ichinose and take all the work of secretary for herself, which would leave Ichinose with nothing to do.

And then I would ask Ichinose to help me, making her my third secretary!

It would be a triple win for me!

I looked at Horikita-senpai with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.

Manabu: "..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

...

Manabu: "Rejected."

Kiyotaka: "Ehh, why not? I don't want to let go of Asahina-senpai yet. That smile... that crafty, yet gentle spirit... those thighs... cough, cough... I mean, she is such a fine woman, yet she needs to take care of that degenerate. Don't you think she's pitiful? We need to save her, President."

Manabu: "..."

We looked at each other for a while.

Horikita Manabu looked at me exaggerated, as if wondering if he should just kick the true degenerate here out of Council right now and be done with it.

Manabu: "Rejected."

Kiyotaka: "Tch."

Manabu: "If you want to have your senpai as secretary that badly, I could appoint Kiriyama to you."

What a foul threat from someone of his position.

Kiyotaka: "I think Takeko will be great as my one and only secretary, President."

Manabu: "That's good, Ayanokouji. You can go."

I left the room, slightly disappointed.

One can't obtain everything at once.

But there's still some maneuver for negotiation later.

For now, I should focus on the interviews.

It's time to gather a team!

Since Horikita-senpai wanted to hasten interviews, I contacted with candidates to Student Council and invited them for meetings on earlier date than initially planned.

Firstly, I met with Takeko to confirm once more her will to join Student Council, or rather, to join me.

Fortunately, her stance didn't change and she was willing to be my secretary.

I also heard from her that her classmates started to notice the true rules of the school.

Apparently, there was a guy named Kaneda, who was quite intelligent.

With Ryuuen being silent, Class C may be able to preserve a part of their income as well.

While it was a happy matter for them, I've told Takeko to be careful, since at the beginning of the next month, things would change drastically.

I also told her the situation in my class.

She was surprised by my passive stance towards my class and the competition, but decided to trust me nonetheless.

I sure had luck to meet with her, Masumi and Fuka on just my first day.

After the serious talk, we just chatted happily in Student Council's room about various things.

Then, I prepared myself for the three meetings that weren't going to be so smooth.

The first one was with Katsuragi Kohei from Class A.

Kiyotaka: "Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for you for finding time so soon, Katsuragi. Originally, the interview was scheduled a few days later, so it wouldn't be weird if you had some other things planned."

Katsuragi: "It's nothing serious, so there's no need to apologize, Ayanokouji. But there's something I would like to confirm first, if you don't mind."

Kiyotaka: "Of course."

Katsuragi: "While I was informed about this interview, I didn't hear that you would be the one I was going to meet. Shouldn't President Horikita be the one to be in charge of the interviews?"

Kiyotaka: "As you probably heard, the school is currently carrying out the investigation to find a culprit of the recent unauthorized firework show. President Horikita is helping out in that case, so he let me be in charge of the interviews. I assure you that this talk is approved by him and will reach his ears once we will finish."

Katsuragi: "I see."

Kiyotaka: "In order to conduct this interview properly, President Horikita gave me some papers that have few information about you. Those documents were prepared by the school for Student Council especially to judge student's ability and past. Please confirm their content to understand the scope of the information I have about you."

I handed over the papers to Katsuragi.

While it wasn't actually necessary to give them to him, I did it to earn his trust.

From our exchange I could tell that he was dissatisfied that I was the one he was meeting and awareness that I have read about his life may deepen this dissatisfaction.

While there wasn't much of sensitive information included, it was still a breach against his privacy.

President Horikita may be acceptable, but I was still only new member of Student Council and a freshman, just like Katsuragi.

Katsuragi: "I have confirmed the content."

As expected, he furrowed his eyebrows rather displeased, but didn't say anything about this.

I observed him a bit.

He had a calm and collected demeanor.

His physique was also good.

Kiyotaka: "I see that you have an impressive amount of achievement since the elementary school. Your grades were in the top of the entire school year. You were also a member of Student Council in your junior high school. Is that why you applied to Student Council here?"

Katsuragi: "That's right."

Kiyotaka: "Then, as a fellow freshman and a member of Student Council, I would like to ask you, Katsuragi - what do think about this school?"

While it seemed like a decent question, but I had my own agenda here.

I needed to know how much someone would try to befriend me, what's his mindset like and his priorities.

Class A started to figure out the true rules of the school from the beginning.

Katsuragi should possess big amount of information.

I wanted to check out what kind of attitude he would have towards me, a member of the other class, and if he would trade some information to deepen the connection between us.

I already met with Sakayanagi Arisu.

She was someone, who wouldn't like to be under someone else, nor she would curry favour anyone.

A queen-type loli.

While her attention towards Masumi was worrisome, I was glad to meet her before this interview.

Katsuragi: "I think this school is really a splendid place. The level of classes is excellent, and the facilities here are at least better than average. Truly a place for elites. I'm glad that I got here."

What a decent, yet boring response.

Should I push a little more?

Kiyotaka: "I think so, too. I still can't believe that the school would give us 100000 points every month. This is really something incredible."

Katsuragi: "I guess so. It's an interesting approach for an educational institution to give so much for high school students."

Kiyotaka: "Don't you think the amount is a little too much though?"

Katsuragi: "I wonder. This is our first month here. Whatever it's too much or not, we would only know that in the future."

Kiyotaka: "I guess so."

I asked him some more questions, hinting that I may want to exchange information with him or was interested in what he really thinks, but Katsuragi just answered evasively, showing no will to share information with me.

The only thing that I managed to realize from our talks was that just like me, Class A was waiting for the next month to grasp the situation about our income more accurately.

Class A leaders really had different personalities like Masumi said.

Sakayanagi was an aggressive one, while Katsuragi was more on defensive side.

I guess predicting actions of the other side was going to be crucial for the conflict of those two.

Either way, it was troublesome for me.

Both Katsuragi and Sakayanagi weren't people, who would become my ally easily.

Sakayanagi blatantly refused me and Katsuragi showed no will to cooperate.

Katsuragi: "I would like to ask you a question as well, Ayanakouji."

Kiyotaka: "Yes?"

Katsuragi: "How did you manage to become Vice-President so early?"

I expected that he would ask this question.

Masumi was already tired of him trying to find out about that, after all.

Kiyotaka: "Is it that weird for me to become one, Katsuragi?"

Katsuragi: "Don't misunderstand. I don't know much about you, so I can't judge your qualifications. I just wonder if there was some concrete reason for that."

Now it was him, who tried to fish out some information.

Kiyotaka: "I think this is something that you should ask President Horikita, Katsuragi. It was his decision, after all."

If he was more cooperative, I would answer him differently, but Katsuragi was just too wary of me, so I wasn't going to enlighten him about the situation of Student Council as well.

If anything, our talk made me think that he may choose Nagumo over me as a fellow Class A students, since he was a safer option to choose.

I was sure that Horikita-senpai would arrive to the same conclusion.

Katsuragi: "Are you saying that you have no idea?"

Kiyotaka: "No, no. I'm perfectly aware why I was chosen for the position. But this isn't something I should share without consent of Horikita-senpai. I'm sorry."

I tried appealing to him that there was something more going on here, but he just glared at me rather than trying to ask more.

The negotiation wasn't successful again.

Let's try for the last time.

Kiyotaka: "There's one more question that I would like to ask you. As Student Council Vice-President, I am obliged to have a secretary. If you entered Student Council, would you be willing to fill that position?"

Katsuragi: "Is the answer to that question something important for my evaluation on this interview?"

He was intelligent, that much I would give to him.

Kiyotaka: "No, it isn't. I will be asking this question to every person that I would talk to. It would be good to know who would be willing to help me out after joining Council, right?"

Katsuragi: "I guess so. But I'm sorry, Ayanokouji, I'm not interested. I hope you won't be offended by that. I don't mind helping you, if there's a need to, though."

Kiyotaka: "I see. No, no, it's okay. Thank you for your honest feelings."

I would even say that it was rather admirable that he refused me straight face-to-face.

Considering his stance from the beginning, it wasn't really surprising, but I wanted to ask him anyway.

We finished the conversation quickly after.

I sighed loudly.

Katsuragi seemed as someone, who wouldn't backstab easily, so he was a desirable ally, but trying to befriend him was just a pain in the ass because of his defensiveness.

If only he was more flexible, this conversation would end up in a very different atmosphere.

My another interview was with my classmate, Yamauchi Haruki.

To be honest, I didn't even know what to ask him.

Once I saw the documents about his past and achievements, I was even more speechless.

This person had no achievements and his grades were under average.

On top of that, the school emphasized that there was a discrepancy between his responses during the entrance interview and the survey report he passed, which meant that this idiot was lying from the beginning to the school's authorities and got caught right away.

Yamauchi: "Yo, Ayanokouji!"

Yamauchi greeted me and sat down as if he was owning the place.

Yamauchi: "So this is Student Council's room. Not bad."

Kiyotaka: "Is that so? I'm glad it's to your liking, Yamauchi."

Yamauchi: "Well, not in my style, but not too shabby."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Did he have some rich background?

The papers I received didn't have such an information.

Kiyotaka: "Let's start the interview, Yamauchi."

Yamauchi: "Huh? Do we really need to do that?"

Kiyotaka: "?"

Yamauchi: "Come on, Ayanokouji. We are pals from the same class, right? Can't you just make me a member of Student Council right away? I could be your secretary or something."

I was utterly speechless by Yamauchi's words.

Since when exactly were we pals?

On top of that, he wanted to be my secretary?

Kiyotaka: "It seems like you misunderstood something, Yamauchi. While I'm in charge of the interview, it's President Horikita, who make final decision about the candidate."

Yamauchi: "Eh, seriously? That sucks..."

Yamauchi started scratching his head.

Yamauchi: "Then... Can you just say some nice words about me to him?"

I swear, this person was boundlessly shameless.

Kiyotaka: "And why would I do that?"

Yamauchi: "Don't be like that. I need to enter Student Council. I want to date Kushida-chan!"

...

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry, but I'm failing to understand the connection between those two points."

Yamauchi: "Come on, you know what I mean. You got a lot of attention from girls after entering Student Council, right? You're even hanging out with Kiryuin-chan despite your average face. I want those benefits, too. Help me out here, man."

As I thought, he really applied to Student Council thinking that he would impress some girls.

I started to have some headache.

Thankfully, Horikita-senpai wasn't present here, nor I needed to record this meeting for him.

This talk was a waste of time.

Let's just end it quickly, but without agonizing him.

Kiyotaka: "Okay, I will try. But I still need to process this interview."

Yamauchi: "Oh? Thanks, man. I knew that I could count on you."

I wouldn't give him a single candy, let alone help him get to Student Council.

Putting aside my own feelings, Horikita Manabu would kick him out of Council in just a minute.

Kiyotaka: "Let's do some word association. Please say the first thing that comes to your mind."

Yamauchi: "Eh? That's some childish game you want play, Ayanokouji. But okay."

This childish game was something that sometimes appear during professional job interviews.

Well, there was no need to explain it to him, I guess.

I just wanted to make him focus on something for a moment, then I would finish this conversation nicely.

Kiyotaka: "Then, let's start... Milk!"

Yamauchi: "TITS!"

Kiyotaka: "..."

It was just the first round, yet I was once again totally speechless by this person's deep mentality.

Yamauchi: "Ah, I mean... Cow!"

Yamauchi tried to correct his answer, but it was too late.

Well, it was rather admirable how honest he was as a pervert.

Kiyotaka: "No, no. There's no need for you to change your answer, Yamauchi. That's what this game is about. You can honestly tell me your answers."

Yamauchi: "Oh? So you can understand, Ayanokouji. I thought that you are more stiff person, but turns out you are just like us!"

I tried to defuse situation peacefully, only to end up being grouped as the same as him.

Yamauchi: "You know, when I heard milk, in my mind instantly appeared some big jugs. You know, like Kushida-chan's or Hasebe's."

While I said it was okay for him to be honest, this additional comment was really unnecessary.

If someone heard that I was talking with Yamauchi about girls breast during Council's interview, I may be screwed.

I took a sip of my tea, preparing to ask him to leave.

Yamauchi: "You know, once I will join Student Council, my days as a virgin shall be counted. I will finally take the same road as my ancesors. Every male in my family had a bunch of girls around him, and I will be the same!"

...

Kiyotaka: "I see. It must be one hell of family."

Yamauchi: "Hahaha! Yeah, that right. Things are going to be busy from now on. I already can see Kushida-chan taking care of me in maid outfit!"

Kiyotaka: "..."

Yamauchi: "Luckily, I still have my tyrannical stamina. I was a star of the baseball team in my previous school, you know. I got hurt during an inter-high school championship, though, so I need to rehab right now."

There wasn't anything about that in the papers I obtained.

If he wanted to lie, he could use a less obvious one...

Kiyotaka: "Umm... Wouldn't that injury be in the way of your dream?"

Yamauchi: "Eh?"

Kiyotaka: "..."

Yamauchi: "..."

...

Yamauchi: "N-No. Something like that is nothing for me! You need to know..."

I let him blabbering for a moment, then I asked him to leave, hoping that my body won't develop cancer cells from listening to all of that idiocy.

He left rather satisfied.

I sighed loudly once again, feeling drained.

How the hell did that lying pervert managed to enter this school?

This was a nobel-rank question.

The last person to interview was Ichinose Honami from Class B.

Ichinose: "Hello, Ayanokouji-kun!"

After being free of the case, her cheerful aura returned alongside her bright smile.

Kiyotaka: "Hello, Ichinose. Seeing you in high spirits really makes me realize that it's finally over with the investigation."

Ichinose: "Ahaha... I guess so. When the school contacted me for the first time, I was seriously shaken."

Kiyotaka: "I thought so. Would you like something to drink? I recommend coffee. Student Council has a high quality one. I recently bought the same one for myself."

Ichinose: "Then, I won't refuse."

I nodded and prepared some for us.

Kiyotaka: "How is your class after the investigation, Ichinose?"

Ichinose: "We are alright, thank you. While there was tense atmosphere before, I think the bond between my classmates grew stronger."

Kiyotaka: "That's good."

Ichinose: "How was it for you, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "Well, I was the only one from my class at the party, so there wasn't much of reaction from my classmates apart from some questions about the rumors."

Ichinose: "I see."

Kiyotaka: "Although I shouldn't be saying it, but the atmosphere in Student Council became more tense. Horikita-senpai was in bad humor, especially since he needed to be a part of investigation team. Luckily, apart from Nagumo, everyone else were declared innocent and can focus on their respective jobs."

Ichinose: "Is that so? That's kind of bad."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. The amount of work piled up during those few days, which is why we decided to start interviews faster than expected. We hope to find out someone, who would help the current members with their work. I won't hide that I am especially looking forward for someone to join us, since I need to fill in the position of my secretary."

Ichinose: "Then... The reason you are the one in charge of the interviews is because of that?"

Kiyotaka: "That's one of the reasons. What do you think, Ichinose? Would you be willing to be my secretary after joining Student Council?"

Ichinose: "Eh? You want me to be your secretary, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "Since I need to find out someone, I wanted to hear your opinion, Ichinose. Of course, your answer won't affect the results of this interview. It's just better to fill in the position with someone, who would be willing to be my secretary, right?"

Ichinose: "That's true."

Kiyotaka: "I understand that this is sudden, so you can tell me your decision at the end of the interview. Is that okay with you?"

Ichinose: "Yes, of course."

Ichinose made a thoughtful expression for a moment.

Ichinose: "Can I ask you a question before we start, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "Sure."

Ichinose: "Do you think... that it was Nagumo-senpai, who was a culprit of the incident?"

As expected, Ichinose had her doubts as well.

Kiyotaka: "It's hard to say. Considering that he wasn't declared innocent like us, the school must have found something."

Ichinose: "But why would he do something like that?"

Kiyotaka: "I was also wondering about that. To be honest, I firstly thought that I was his target."

Ichinose: "You? But why?"

Kiyotaka: "As I said earlier, we are rivals. Student Council has two Vice-Presidents, which means that once Horikita-senpai leave, it would either me or Nagumo as potential candidates for President position."

Ichinose: "That may be true... But..."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, the things just didn't point at me, which made me abandon this thinking later. But please remember that Nagumo and I are enemies. Especially if you are considering being my secretary."

Ichinose: "So you are saying that becoming your secretary would make me Nagumo-senpai's enemy, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "That's how politics works, Ichinose."

Ichinose: "I see."

She sighed lightly.

Ichinose: "To be honest, this is kinda different from what I expected. In my junior high school, everyone were really friendly with each other and worked together to achieve their goals."

Kiyotaka: "I see. You were in Student Council in your previous school, weren't you? On top of that, you were President, right?"

Ichinose: "Eh? Why do you know that, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "In order to conduct properly this interview, I received from the school some documents about you, Ichinose. Please confirm their content. I assure you that only a few members of Student Council have access to those."

Ichinose looked at the papers.

I observed her reactions closely.

Because in those papers, I found out something that was intriguing about this girl.

While looking at information about herself, Ichinose's face slightly paled.

Her eyes stopped at the certain part of paper.

The same part that made me intrigued.

Kiyotaka: "Have you confirmed everything, Ichinose?"

Ichinose: "Y-Yes."

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Is something wrong?"

Ichinose: "No, no. Everything is okay."

Kiyotaka: "Okay. Then, let's start. Why did you apply to Student Council, Ichinose?"

Ichinose: "As you already know, I was Student Council President in my previous school. I would like to continue working for Student Council in this school as well. I think I possess enough knowledge and experience to be a member."

Kiyotaka: "Then, do you wish to join with motive to become Student Council President like before?"

Ichinose: "Yes, that's right."

Kiyotaka: "That would make us rivals, Ichinose. Such a bold and direct declaration right off the bat... My pressure as Vice-President just increased greatly."

Ichinose: "H-Huh? No... I mean... That may be right, but..."

Ichinose became slightly confused because she realized that I was right.

Seeing her cute reaction, I chuckled lightly.

Kiyotaka: "I'm joking, Ichinose. There's no need to be so tense. Actually, such ambition is something that every person applying for Student Council should have. Being able to voice loudly your goal is a good trait."

Ichinose: "T-Thank you."

Kiyotaka: "It seems like your grades were always excellent. The documents say that you had a scholarship before."

Ichinose: "Yes, that's true."

Kiyotaka: "To be honest, in my opinion, you are really an exceptional individual. There's really nothing that I could say apart from praise."

Ichinose: "Thank you very much, Ayanokouji-kun."

She said humbly, but I could tell that she was proud of her achievements.

Kiyotaka: "I seriously start to wonder if I should just give you my position. Ah, isn't the gravitation today somehow stronger than normal?"

Ichinose: "That's not true, Ayanokouji-kun. President Horikita recognized you so early, which means that Ayanokouji-kun is the real exceptional person here."

She looked at me with earnest expression.

I could tell that she wasn't trying to curry favour me.

Kiyotaka: "Thank you, Ichinose. You are really nice, aren't you?"

I smiled at her, making her blush lightly.

It was time to get serious.

Kiyotaka: "If you don't mind, I would like to discuss one thing with you that caught my eye. In the documents that I received it's written that you had some long-term absences during your last year of junior high. I don't want to be nosy, but can I ask about the reason of that?"

It was the only thing that pick my attention, while I was reading Ichinose's documents.

Considering that her past performance was on par with Katsuragi's, it was weird that she was placed in the class lower than Class A.

Her achievements and grades were excellent, yet for some reason, in the last half year of her time in the previous school, she was practically absent.

The reason for that wasn't in the papers.

Just what happened for her to leave the school for so long?

I observed Ichinose, who instantaneously stiffened.

The merry atmosphere we just had changed into tense one.

Ichinose: "Why... do you want to know that, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "Like I said, I don't want to invade your privacy. But this fact is really eye-catching considering your great performance prior to that. You started being absent after your summer vacation, and it continued for almost half a year."

Ichinose looked down with a pained expression.

Ichinose: "I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about it."

Oh?

Considering her unwillingness, the reason for her absence wasn't mild.

If it was a normal conversation, I would let go for now and try to push for answer slowly later.

But this was the interview, where I was trying to gather allies and block possible expansion for Nagumo's faction.

Ichinose entering Student Council would be desirable for me, but if she was hiding something that Nagumo may use later, then her candidacy may start to be questionable.

I already had a hard time with Katsuragi's candidacy, so I couldn't let go of Ichinose so easily.

Kiyotaka: "I understand, Ichinose. But this is something that Horikita-senpai will notice as well. While I'm sure he would respect your privacy, this may be in the way, when considering your candidacy to Student Council."

Ichinose's body trembled slightly.

Ichinose: "Really?"

Kiyotaka: "According to this information, your absence started, when you were still Student Council President, right? Which means that you resigned from your post in unclear circumstances. This may be problematic for us. As you are aware, some of Student Council's members were just suspects of serious incident and the school still investigates Nagumo, who is Vice-President. This matter weighs heavily on Horikita-senpai's heart."

Ichinose: "..."

Kiyotaka: "This is rather insider-rank information, but I will tell you this, Ichinose. While almost all Student Council's members stopped being suspect, the school's evaluation of us still dropped. Because of that, the bar for applicants rose. Horikita-senpai probably wouldn't allow an unknown variable to enter at this sensitive time."

I tried to slightly bend the reality to convince her to confess.

Considering Horikita-senpai character, he probably would allow Ichinose to join without knowing what it was.

But it was clear after observing Ichinose that it was her weakness.

If it was something exploitable, I needed to get hold of it before someone else.

Even if there was a risk of failure, I wanted to take it considering the potential benefits.

Ichinose: "So you are saying that my application may be refused because of that?"

Kiyotaka: "Indeed. I understand that you may be uncomfortable with this, but that's the reality. Horikita-senpai isn't a bad person, but as Student Council President, the pressure he is withstanding is great, which is why he is so strict. He won't allow any more controversy to lower the opinion of us."

Ichinose was still looking at the floor.

Her face was pale.

Time for some advertisement.

Kiyotaka: "Especially now that Nagumo may be punished again. He trusted him, when he appointed him as Vice-President, yet it seems like Nagumo became too self-confident and lost that trust. That's why Horikita-senpai appointed me as a second Vice-President. My mission is to keep in check Nagumo and maintain the trust and respect for Student Council. I'm in charge of the interviews because Horikita-senpai trusted me in choosing people that will help me with this."

I looked at Ichinose before me with a serious face.

Her shoulders were trembling slightly.

The silence continued for a moment.

I sighed loudly.

Kiyotaka: "How about this? If you don't mind, then tell it just to me and I will take the full responsibility for accepting you into Student Council. I promise that I won't tell anyone else what I heard, and I will guarantee you in the front of Horikita-senpai. I believe that with this much, he would allow you to enter Student Council without asking more questions."

Ichinose raised her head and looked at me with surprised expression.

Kiyotaka: "Why so surprised? I'm not as strict as Horikita-senpai. Like I said earlier, I believe that you are really suitable for Student Council. I don't know what happened to you back then, but I could tell from our meetings and the atmosphere in your class that you aren't a bad person, Ichinose. So whatever I will hear from you, my opinion of you won't change. We can even make a contract for that."

I smiled at her.

Ichinose stared some time at me.

I could tell that her desire to join Student Council was fighting with her unwillingness to confess.

It was a big decision for her, but also for me.

If Ichinose decided right now that she won't tell me and resign from her candidacy, I may lose a person with great potential and weaken my connection with Class B.

But if she agreed, then I would get a valuable ally and establish a perfect connection to Ichinose's class.

High risk, high return.

Finally, after some time, Ichinose made a resolute expression.

Here goes nothing.

Ichinose: "I understand. I will take this deal."

...

Hell yeah!

Kiyotaka: "I see. Do you want me to write you a contract or made a recording of my promise?"

Ichinose: "No. I also believe that Ayanokouji-kun isn't a bad person and will keep his promise. I... I want to move forward, while trusting others."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Thank you, Ichinose."

And then, Ichinose confessed everything.

About her past.

And about the mistake she did.

I was walking back to the dorm, while analyzing everything that happened on the interviews.

It was a good decision to press Ichinose to confess.

Considering how weak she appeared after telling me everything, this knowledge could destroy her if it was used against her.

Luckily, I managed to find out about it so early.

It was surprising, but I didn't think of her mistake as a heavy one.

But for someone as good and pure as Ichinose, it was likely the opposite.

I offered her some words of advice and consolation.

At the end, she left me with a small, relieved smile.

Time would tell whether this confession would make Ichinose stronger or not.

The most important thing right now was that I gained Ichinose's trust, just like I planned.

Now that I had Takeko and Ichinose on my side, Class C and Class B were open for me.

The only troublesome thing was Katsuragi's candidacy.

While I didn't dislike him, it would be a huge stretch to call him an ally.

And after the next month, the distance between us would just grow bigger.

Since there wasn't any more applicants from Class A, he was the only one I could choose.

But now that I gained another powerful ally, Katsuragi's presence in Council wasn't as important as I initially calculated.

He probably wouldn't be my bridge to Class A, nor he would support me openly in Student Council.

If a chance for Katsuragi and Nagumo colluding appear, would Sakayanagi support me?

She said that she didn't mind whether Katsuragi joined Student Council or not, but it was hard to say what she would do later on.

?: "Fufufu, my dear friend, you have such a serious face. Is there something on your mind?"

Kiyotaka: "Um? Sakayanagi?"

I just thought of her and Sakayanagi Arisu appeared before me.

Was it a coincidence?

Sakayanagi: "Good afternoon, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Good afternoon, Sakayanagi. I was just pondering about some issue."

Sakayanagi: "Oh? Could it be about the interviews of candidates to Student Council that were being hold today?"

Kiyotaka: "You are knowledgeable. Indeed, it's about the interviews."

Sakayanagi: "I see. I was actually looking for you because I wanted to discuss with you something concerning those interviews."

Kiyotaka: "Something to discuss with me?"

Sakayanagi: "Yes. There is someone I would like to introduce to you, Ayanokouji-kun. Would you mind giving me some of your time?"

And so, just when I was pondering about what to do with Class A, Sakayanagi came and resolved my problem.

At the evening of the same day, I met with Horikita-senpai to discuss with him the results of my interviews.

I asked him to allow a few individuals to join Student Council.

At first, Horikita-senpai glared at me, asking if I was being serious here.

Well, I wasn't really surprised that he reacted that way, considering who I wanted, but I was earnest this time, and after a long talk he finally agreed to my logic.

And so, Student Council President decided to approve the candidacy of three freshmen and on the next day, he invited them for the meeting after the classes.

Manabu: "I'm Student Council President, Horikita Manabu. After the deliberation and consultation between me and Vice-President Ayanokouji, I would like to officially welcome you three to Student Council. I hope for our fruitful cooperation in the future."

I smiled to the students and some did the same.

Manabu: "Since this is your first official meeting, please introduce yourselves to everyone."

The first one was a strawberry-haired girl with blue-eyes, who emitted the cheerful aura.

She happily introduced herself.

New member #1: "Nice to meet you all! I'm Ichinose Honami from Class 1-B. I'm very thankful for giving me this chance. Please take care of me from now on."

The second one was a violet-eyes girl with brown hair.

She wasn't nervous at all, while facing a few unfamiliar people, and greeted us normally.

New member #2: "I'm Nishino Takeko from Class 1-C. Nice to meet you."

The third one was a girl with black hair that is tied up in a pony tie and blue eyes.

She wasn't as still as Takeko or Ichinose and looked around nervously.

New member #3: "Uhm... Hello... I'm Yamamura Miki from Class 1-A... Nice to meet you."

The three new members, all girls, which made Horikita-senpai frown at the beginning, introduced themselves.

I looked at the three beauties and smiled to them once more, while slightly applauding.

The interviews were finally over and new members joined us.

New Student Council was officially formed.

.

.

.

Chapter 29 - Pool Accident

It was 17th April, a day after new members of Student Council joined.

My goals for this month were realized to a satisfying extend, so I was planning to take it easy for the next two weeks.

My peaceful life-chan, I'm back!

Today was the first time we were going to have swimming class.

On top of that, it was a gender mixed one.

The boys were pretty excited about it, while the girls couldn't help but frown upon hearing about it.

If someone asked me what I thought about that, my first thought would be... of course...

Hell yeah!

But just after that the second thought that it was pretty suspicious came to me.

Why the school would do something like that?

I was almost sure that there was a hidden meaning to it.

That's why, considering every possible ifs, I decided to not take part in it.

Firstly, to figure out the school true motivation from the sideline.

If this event was somehow connected to class competition, it was better to observe first, then act accordingly.

Secondly, to not be conspicuous.

I received attention from my classmates during Hirata's revelation, and the rumors about the investigation were still circulating through the classroom up to this day.

The popularity I had was already enough for me.

Since I already managed to do what I planned, it was time to relax.

That's why I decided to make myself invisible and let Hirata or someone else take the spotlight.

And thirdly, to enjoy girls in swimsuits to the fullest.

Since I was skipping, I could focus on watching to my heart content.

A pleasant bonus.

That was the idea for today.

But the fate had other plans for me.

?: "Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Just before I arrived at the school building, a sweet voice greeted me from the side.

It was my classmate, Kushida Kikyo.

She was alone, which was pretty surprising considering Kushida's popularity.

Kushida: "Ayanokouji-kun, there's something I would like to discuss with you. Could you spare some time for me?"

Oh?

What would she want from me so early in the morning?

We moved a little further from the road.

If I was a normal high school boy, I would probably think that this girl was going to confess to me, but I knew that this scenario wouldn't happen.

Kushida: "Umm... I will just ask outright, Ayanokouji-kun."

Or maybe...?

Kushida reduced the distance between us and took my hands.

The pleasant scent attacked my nostrils.

Kushida: "I want to become friends with Horikita-san! Would you help me?"

...

So Kushida came to me to talk about Suzune.

...

No, I totally wasn't disappointed.

I was aware that Kushida was trying to invite Suzune out many times, only to be mercilessly rejected by her.

She was so fixed about my seatmate that I started to wonder if she actually had some feelings towards the black-haired girl.

Kiyotaka: "It's admirable that you still want to be her friend after the cold treatment you received, Kushida, but I think you should give up on this. Horikita just dislikes relationships. Leaving her alone would probably be better for both of you."

Kushida: "But I'm sure that if Horikita-san opened up a little, we would be able to understand each other better. Also, aren't you on good terms with Horikita-san, Ayanokouji-kun? She talks with you from time to time."

Kiyotaka: "We just exchanged some words as seatmates. I don't think she thinks of me as a friend."

To be honest, I was sure that there wasn't a person that Suzune hated more than me at the moment.

Kushida: "But you are still able to converse with her. I would like to speak with Horikita-san just like you, Ayanokouji-kun."

Just slap her rear and you will be at my level, Kushida.

Kiyotaka: "I understand how you feel, but..."

Kushida: "Won't you... help me?"

She made a cute, puppy-like face of pleading.

Kiyotaka: "..."

Wow, she was good.

Despite all my wariness of her, it still affected me.

She was really natural and smooth at it.

If I didn't receive Christine's lessons about using expressions as a weapon, I may even doubt my earlier conclusion about her.

It was a very well-made attack towards an adolescent boy.

Unfortunately, she hit a wall today.

I was teased by true vixen for the past two years, so I had an experience against such people.

Kushida definitely wasn't acting out of the goodwill.

She was hiding that she knew Suzune from before the school.

Although she was saying that she wanted to befriend everyone, she wasn't as passionate towards the other people as to Suzune.

The coldness that I felt at that time wasn't my imagination.

Suzune was her target.

The question was: why?

Kiyotaka: "Well, I guess I don't have a choice. I will try to help out just this once."

I made a troubled expression, while looking away, to make her believe that she succeeded in her attempt.

Kushida's case was rather intriguing, so I decided to help her out, even if it was going to be a pain in the ass to make Suzune interact with her.

Kushida was currently at the top of class' food chain.

If I found out what she was hiding, and it turned out to be useful, I could gain big from it.

Kushida: "Really?! Thank you very much, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Kushida's face lit up.

She jumped a little in delight, making her chest shake greatly.

She was really attractive and knew how to use it to her advantage.

Kiyotaka: "So, what exactly would you like to do?"

Kushida: "Hmm... To be honest, I thought that you could help me think of something, Ayanokouji-kun."

So she was out of ideas, huh?

I tried to make some simulations in my head, but to be honest, it was going to be hopeless.

Kushida was terribly misunderstanding my relationship with Suzune.

Any attempt from my side would be rejected without any thought.

But on the other hand...

It's not like I truly wanted them to get along with each other.

Kiyotaka: "How about meeting with her alone after the classes in some place?"

Kushida: "That would be great, but would she agree to my invitation?"

True.

If it was so easy, Kushida would have succeed a long time ago.

I doubt Suzune would agree to meet with anyone...

Unless someone had some blackmail material on her.

Kiyotaka: "Probably not. Maybe I could try to invite her, and you would join us after bumping into us by chance?"

Kushida: "Oh, that may work! You are really smart, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Kiyotaka: "But there's still chance that she would disagree..."

Kushida: "I'm rooting for you, Ayanokouji-kun!"

I was sure it was going to be really troublesome, but nothing else came to mind at the moment, so it was worth trying.

I talked with Kushida about some specifics, like where to invite Suzune, while walking to our classroom.

When we arrived, most of the students were here.

What was standing out was that there was a big group of boys banding together in one place.

I spotted Professor among them.

Ike: "Ayanokouji, you bastard! What were you doing together with Kushida-chan?!"

After Kushida left me, Ike started to interrogate me in rage.

Kiyotaka: "Just some friendly talk, that's all."

Ike: "I warn you, Ayanokouji! Kushida-chan is my target, so stay away from her!"

Yamauchi: "That's right, Ayanokouji! I still didn't forgive you for not helping me join Student Council. Leave Kushida-chan alone!"

Looks like this fellow was holding grudge for getting rejected.

How scary...

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, yeah, I understand. So, what's this assembly about? Something interesting happened?"

I looked at the tablet that the boys were encircling, but I couldn't read the content in that distance.

Yamauchi: "It's a private meeting, Ayanokouji. You are uninvited, so go away."

Some of the boys nodded.

This big animosity was rather weird.

I looked at Professor.

He started to scratch his head, looking kinda embarrassed.

Kiyotaka: "I see."

I looked at the girls, who were mostly glaring at this assembly with cold eyes, practically shooting daggers at the boys.

It was probably something related to the swimming class.

I sighed and went to my seat.

Miyake: "Shouldn't you stop them?"

Miyake came closer to my seat and asked, pointing at the group.

Kiyotaka: "Oh? You know what's it about, Miyake?"

Miyake: "Apparently they are taking some bets on the girls' chest sizes. Sotomura and I were invited by them to place our bets..."

Kiyotaka: "And you refused, while Professor went with them."

Miyake: "Exactly."

I sighed again.

The boys in the group were acting excitedly, looking at the tablet and talking with each other happily.

The girls were looking at them as if they were dirt.

Although their behavior was problematic, as a fellow man, I could understand why they were like that.

Being able to see pretty girls like Matsushita, Suzune or Kushida in swimsuits was really something to look forward to.

If anything, it was rather unfortunate that we had such classes with only our classmates, not the entire school year.

Kiyotaka: "Well, I guess they are a little too excited."

Miyake: "They sure are."

Kiyotaka: "Compared to them, you are really calm, Miyake. Are you not looking forward to those classes?"

Miyake: "I don't dislike swimming, but I'm not going to lose my cool because of the girls in swimsuit."

Kiyotaka: "But you look forward to the view, right?"

Miyake: "Huh? W-Well, maybe a little."

He was rather calm and collected about the entire thing, which placed him in the minority of our class.

Miyake: "What about you, Ayanokouji?"

Kiyotaka: "I think it would be nice to see the girls in swimsuit."

Miyake: "What an unexpected, straight answer."

Kiyotaka: "Being overly excited about it is not a good thing, but don't you think being completely indifferent to it would be bad as well? If no one would like to see the girl in swimsuit, that would be depressing for her, right?"

Miyake: "I guess so."

Kiyotaka: "That's why, in order to keep our girls' self-confidence level, I totally look forward to those swimming classes."

I smiled at Miyake.

Miyake: "What a clever way to say it."

Miyake chuckled, understanding my meaning.

Soon enough, Professor came back.

Kiyotaka: "Yo, Sotomura. You sure took your time on betting."

Sotomura stiffened slightly.

He couldn't meet my eyes head on.

So he did bet after all.

Professor: "G-Good morning, great leader. I just played a little for fun."

Miyake: "It did look like you were having fun there, Sotomura."

Professor smiled nervously.

Kiyotaka: "I guess you are working hard to do what I asked you to, huh?"

Some time ago, I asked him to try and infiltrate the boys group.

Half of the boys in the class still didn't want to straighten up after learning about S-System.

Hirata tried to talk about it to them, but they didn't listen to him, making the girls angry, which in turn made the boys jealous.

A never-ending circle.

Hirata was an excellent student and a good person, but he didn't understand that sometimes you need the right personnel to do some specific job, so I gave Professor a mission to get along with troublemakers and sow doubts in their mind.

Someone like him was more suitable choice to do it than Hirata or I.

Thanks to that, some boys started to behave more proper those days.

But Ike, Sudo and Yamauchi, aka 'idiot trio', still didn't listen to anyone and was making trouble here and there.

I guess some people just need to learn the truth hard way.

Professor: "Yes, yes! That's why I thought it would be good to go with them to check things out."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

While he was doing a good job convincing the others, he was also showing some signs of being corrupted by them.

Miyake: "Really? But from what I hear, they asked you to record the girls in order to measure them later from the video."

Professor's face turned pale.

Kiyotaka: "Don't worry, Miyake. In order to do that Professor would need to pretend to be sick and skip the class. I especially let him off from our gym training, since I was worried he wouldn't be able to handle the swimming class after it. So I'm sure that he knows that it would be better for him to drown in that goddamned pool than to waste my goodwill like that. Right, Professor?"

I smiled widely at Professor.

Bespectacled boy started sweating profusely.

Professor: "O-Of course, I know that, great leader. How could I let you down like that? I'm going to swim with all my might! B-But excuse me for a second here. I just remembered that I forgot to discuss something with Ike-dono."

Professor swiftly left us and returned to the perverts.

Kiyotaka: "I swear, this little..."

Miyake chuckled slightly.

Soon enough, Sotomura came back with a smile of his face.

He looked as if he just avoided some serious disaster.

Miyake and I just shook our heads.

We could only hope that the girls won't remember him being a part of that group.

After Professor left them, the boys were still staying excited and sometimes loud, making people understand what they were talking about.

They didn't have any filter at all.

From Sotomura, I have learned that two biggest contenders were Hasebe Haruka and Sakura Airi.

Some time ago I got to know Hasebe, who was being hit on by some senpais.

She was an attractive girl with voluptuous body, who really had a big chance to win such a contest.

I looked at her.

The blue-haired girl was glaring at the horny crowd, looking uncomfortable and disgusted.

Her biggest rival, Sakura Airi, was a blue-eyed bespectacled girl with waist-length pink hair tied in low twin pigtails and swept bangs on the left side.

She had a thin presence in the class and was considered a loner.

Nevertheless, she had a body that could rival even Hasebe and definitely had the same F-cup as her and Ichinose.

Sakura also looked incredibly uncomfortable as well.

She was nervously looking at the floor with somehow red face.

I guess I needed to intervene after all.

I stood up from my seat and walked towards the boys.

Yamauchi: "Hm? Oy, what do you want, Ayanokouji? We've told you that you aren't welcomed here."

Kiyotaka: "You guys are bothering everyone's in class, especially girls. I ask you to stop immediately. If you guys want to conduct such acts, leave the classroom."

I made a stern warning.

Yamauchi: "Huh? We are free to do whatever we want. It's not your business."

Kiyotaka: "Hoh? Want me to check with Chabashira-sensei if it's my business or not? I'm sure she will listen to your words with interest. I wonder if someone have placed a bet on her."

I would.

The boys backed off a little, while looking at each other uneasy.

Sudo: "Oy, Ayanokouji! Even if you are Vice-President, there's no need to threaten us! You already took Professor away, so be content with it. Don't ruin our fun."

Sudo, the only person not being intimated by my threat, moved forward to face me.

Kiyotaka: "Your fun, huh? Then, let's have a little bet ourselves, Sudo."

Sudo: "A bet?"

Kiyotaka: "Bring that tablet of yours to any girl in this class and make them bet. If even one of them decided to participate in your game, I will leave you alone. What do you think?"

Sudo: "What?"

Kiyotaka: "It's simple. If any girl would join in your fun, I will let you continue. I will even apologize to you guys. What do you think, Sudo?"

Sudo looked at me with surprise, then looked around.

Most of the girls in the classroom looked coldly at him, as if saying 'I dare you to come'.

Sudo: "As if I could do something like that! Are you looking for beating, Ayanokouji?!"

Sudo asked me angrily, understanding the consequences of such actions.

Kiyotaka: "So you are aware that you are doing something that isn't exactly acceptable for the rest, huh? The girls are being uncomfortable about your talk. You aren't a guy, who would make a girl uncomfortable, right, Sudo?"

I glared at Sudo, who started to become hesitant.

For a moment, there was a silence in the classroom.

Ike: "L-Let's go outside, guys."

Ike couldn't bear it anymore and spoke to the rest.

His comrades agreed and they started to go out.

Sudo: "Tch."

Sudo and Yamauchi glared at me, before going with the rest.

The girls started to look grateful at me, while not minding the disgust of their faces for the boys.

I returned to my seat.

Miyake: "You did it quite smoothly. As expected of Student Council Vice-President."

Kiyotaka: "It's not like they were really a challenge. The pressure our girls were giving them was already enough once someone decided to confront them in public. The only nuisance, Sudo, would back off as well once I shifted his attention towards them. He may be hot-tempered, but overall he is a good guy."

Miyake: "Even so, I don't think Hirata would be able to handle the situation as good as you."

Kiyotaka: "That's not true, Miyake. He would do good job as well. Because the one, who truly helped out there, was Professor."

Professor: "Huh? Me?"

Kiyotaka: "The reason they backed off so quickly was because they started to be aware that bad behavior would rebounce at them later as reduction of their income. Seeing Professor not take part in their game once I arrived also made them be more careful. You did a good job in making them doubt the school, Professor. It was right choice to entrust you with this."

Professor: "W-Well... I just did what you asked me to, great leader. I'm not that great."

Professor started to scratch his head embarrassed from my praise.

Kiyotaka: "If only you didn't bet alongside them, you would be even better. You do understand that they have a proof of your participation in it since you've paid them, right? If the girls saw the list of bets, you would be blacklisted as well. So be careful next time, okay?"

Professor: "R-Right... I apologize..."

I chuckled.

He really did a good job in toning down the boys in these days.

Once the truth would be revealed, his position in the boys group would probably rise a bit.

Looks like I really could take it easy from now on.

The bell ringing for lunch break sang.

The students started to go towards cafeteria.

Karuizawa: "Let's go, Hirata-kun!"

Karuizawa announced loudly.

She and Hirata became closer over these days.

Since the day of great revelation of S-System rules, I didn't hang out with their group once.

While Hirata sometimes invited me as well, I always avoided it.

Apart from being a part of rumors about the investigation, I was playing low-key in my class.

Thanks to that, the revelation and Hirata became glued together in the mind of almost everyone.

Almost, since Matsushita was still stealing glances towards me.

As expected, this girl wasn't convinced.

We had a few talks initiated by her, when she was trying to fish something out of me, but without any catch.

I could tell that she was confused and frustrated, but I wasn't going to reveal myself, especially since I was busy with my little scheme against Nagumo and work for Student Council.

Today as well, I noticed her looking at me, but decided to ignore it and eat my bento.

Ike and the others left the classroom quickly.

They probably were going to continue their chat about the incoming pool lesson.

I sighed, which made my pretty seatmate steal a quick glance at me.

Suzune, just like me, was eating her bento alone.

After that fateful evening, she was treating me coldly and silently, as if talking with me would reduce her lifespan.

I was planning to let her off for some time, but there was a chance to investigate Kushida, so I needed her cooperation.

Kiyotaka: "Suzune, there's something I would like to discuss with you."

Suzune: "..."

Just as I expected, she wasn't going to answer me, but I was used to it already.

Kiyotaka: "It's about the breach of the bet between us. As you know, we should've go for a date in the last week, but we didn't. The third week is also nearing the end, so I would like to take you for a date one of those days."

This time Suzune stopped eating and started to glare at me.

I took that vision head on.

Kiyotaka: "You can glare at me as much as you want, but that was something you've promised me. I let you off the last week because I was busy, but this time I'm free and ready to go."

Suzune: "..."

She looked at me as if I was trash.

Kiyotaka: "So you hate this promise so much, huh? No problem. One talk with your brother about a certain video and you won't be bound to the rules of the bet as expelled student."

Suzune's vision changed from ice beam to death ray.

Kiyotaka: "I'm sure you've heard about the investigation that took place in this school. Horikita-senpai was a part of it. He sure dislike troublemakers. He even tried to expel you once before, but I stopped him. But I'm not sure you will be this lucky again."

Suzune tightened her fists.

While I wasn't sure why Horikita Manabu, who was treating me so nicely despite my nature, was so harsh towards his sister, but I knew that he wouldn't let her off if I showed him her deeds.

The black-haired girl knew that too.

Suzune: "What do you want, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "Come on, Suzune. I don't want to repeat the same scene every time. You know what I'm going to say right now, don't you?"

She furrowed her eyebrows.

Suzune: "What do you want, Kiyotaka-kun?"

She accented my name as if she was cursing me.

We always had this exchange, but this time she didn't resist much.

Kiyotaka: "See? It wasn't that hard."

I nodded, satisfied.

The training was bearing some fruits.

Kiyotaka: "Like I said, let's go on the date. The last time sure was memorable, don't you think? How about this time you will come to my room for some food?"

I smiled at her meanly.

Kiyotaka: "After all, you said that you wanted us to know each other preferences before going somewhere at the campus, didn't you? But we didn't get to know that much during my visit in your room. I've only learned about your food preferences and your masochistic tendencies, but I didn't learn anything about the outdoor likes and dislikes, so I'm proposing a second try to deepen understanding between us."

Suzune's face darkened immediately.

She probably recalled the events of that time.

Suzune: "You pervert..."

Kiyotaka: "What, still dissatisfied?"

Suzune: "I refuse."

If only the look could kill...

She would already be in prison, I guess.

Kiyotaka: "So you dislike the idea so much, huh? I see, I see... It seems like you are really lucky, Suzune. I'm willing to let go of the idea of the date in my room this time as well as a date itself in this week, if you help me out with one thing."

Her face changed to slightly surprised, but quickly she turned her wariness up to maximum.

Suzune: "What thing?"

Kiyotaka: "You see, Suzune, this morning I was hired by Kushida to make the two of you meet after the classes. The poor thing was rejected so many times by you that she asked for my help knowing that you and I are such good friends. So what do you think about hanging out with me and Kushida for some time today?"

Suzune once again started to coldly glare at me.

Suzune: "I refuse."

Kiyotaka: "I also thought that a date in my room would be a better option. Please come at the same time as I did to yours the last time. I will prepare everything."

Suzune: "I refuse."

Kiyotaka: "Is that so? Well, it's your choice. I can't really force you."

I stopped looking at her and continued to eat my lunch peacefully.

Suzune was observing my actions for a while, then also continued eating hers.

After a moment I ostentatiously took out my phone and started to write a message.

Kiyotaka: "Horikita-senpai... There's something I would like to report to you... Would you mind meeting with me after the school to..."

Suzune: "Fine, I will do it."

I looked at her.

Her eyes were full of murderous intentions.

Kiyotaka: "Hoh? Then come to my room on time, Suzune."

Suzune: "Not that! I will meet with Kushida-san after classes."

Kiyotaka: "Oh, that one? Kinda disappointing... I was betting on this room date actually. But it's alright. We can just postpone it for the next week."

Suzune: "And in exchange, you will stop asking me for those dates."

I made a surprised expression.

Kiyotaka: "You want me to forget about our bet?"

Suzune: "That's right."

I chuckled a little.

Well, at least she wasn't naive enough to ask me to delete the recording.

Kiyotaka: "I refuse. Just be glad that I will be treating this one as a date."

Suzune: "I will never come to your room. I would rather die."

Kiyotaka: "You are just facing the consequences of your own actions. If you tried to discuss things with me before that date, I may be lenient to you. Unfortunately, you just went and prepared that ridiculous food trap of yours. Just be grateful that the only thing you lost was some pride. You are aware how things could have ended that evening, aren't you?"

Suzune: "You wouldn't dare..."

Kiyotaka: "Since I wouldn't dare, then there's no problem to go to my room next week?"

Suzune: "I refuse. I won't meet with Kushida-san, unless you promise to not bother me anymore."

Kiyotaka: "Quite a high price for a simple matter. Fine, I will raise my bid. We didn't go on a date in the last week, right? I won't hold you resposible for that, if you agree to meet with Kushida."

Suzune: "It's not my fault that you didn't ask me. It's you, who was busy, so you should be the one resposible for it."

Kiyotaka: "So you were actually waiting for me to ask you? You are such a cutie, Suzune."

Suzune: "I didn't wait!"

We looked at each other.

The negotiation started.

Suzune: "You won't bother me for two years."

Kiyotaka: "I won't bother you in the next week."

Suzune: "One year."

Kiyotaka: "Could it be that you want some time to be ready before dating me? That's cute, but it's too long. I can wait until the end of this month at most."

Suzune: "Half a year."

Kiyotaka: "One month. That's my final offer."

Suzune: "For the rest of this semester. That's my final offer."

Kiyotaka: "You do understand that this negotiation is just because of my goodwill towards you, right?"

Suzune: "Then go and complain to the school. I'll never cross the door to your room."

We shall see, Suzune...

Kiyotaka: "..."

Suzune: "..."

I sighed.

Kiyotaka: "Until summer vacation we won't bother each other and I won't ask you to come to my room after that. But in exchange, you need to meet with me and Kushida and stay with us for at least one hour. And you need to be a part of the conversation. Being silent will nullify this promise."

Suzune hesistated for a moment.

Suzune: "Deal."

Suzune looked dissatisfied with the deal, while I wasn't.

It would be bad to push this crazy girl too much with blackmail, so I using my promise with her instead was better option for now.

In the first place, those dates were supposed to be my currency to coerce her in the way I wanted.

The first month was already in the second half and the class competition would soon start for real.

Suzune: "I want this promise recorded."

Kiyotaka: "No problem."

We made a voiced annex to our bet.

Satisfied, I started to eat the rest of my lunch again.

Suzune: "What are you planning this time?"

Unexpectedly, Suzune decided to speak with me once more.

Kiyotaka: "Hm? What do you mean?"

Suzune: "You aren't someone nice enough to help out the others like that. Why do you want me and Kushida-san to meet? What's your goal, Ayano... Kiyotaka-kun?"

She was really straight with asking.

Well, she wasn't wrong in thinking that I had some motive.

Kiyotaka: "Of course, it's Kushida."

Once again, her face showed some surprise.

Kiyotaka: "I'm trying to get to know her better, so I want your help with that, Suzune."

Suzune: "You don't need me for that. Kushida-san is friendly with anyone. I saw you two talking before, so you should be aware of that as well."

I chuckled slightly at her confusion.

Kiyotaka:"You misunderstood me, Suzune. I said that I want to get to know her better, not to be friendly with her. Those two things aren't the same. I got to know some things about you, but we aren't exactly friendly, right?"

Suzune contemplated at it a little.

Suzune: "What for?"

Kiyotaka: "Like I said, I want to know Kushida better. For example, I want to know why she is so interested in you, despite lying that she didn't know you from before the school."

Suzune went stiff after hearing my reason.

Suzune: "I don't know what are you talking about. We never meet before this month."

Kiyotaka: "Even if your brother said that he remember her from your previous school?"

Suzune's eyes widened.

She didn't expect that I already had some information.

Suzune: "Brother told you that?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, but he didn't know much. I guessing that you two have met after he graduated."

Suzune: "I've told you that I didn't meet with Kushida-san before."

Hmm...

This time her words seemed more genuine than before.

If I consider her words as truth, then what motive Kushida would have to get closer to Suzune?

Kiyotaka: "Since even your brother knew about her, then you must know her as well, even if you two didn't meet. Did you hear some rumors perhaps?"

Suzune: "..."

Silence, huh?

Either she didn't know anything, either I hit bullseye.

Suzune: "I can tell you... For additional semester of freedom."

The black-haired girl learned about the possibility of trade and was utilizing it to the fullest.

Kiyotaka: "I will think about it after our meeting."

Suzune: "Tch."

Kiyotaka: "If possible, don't mention our talk to Kushida."

Suzune: "And why would I do that?"

Kiyotaka: "You seem like a type who wouldn't be afraid to blurt out even the harshest thing so I'm warning you ahead of time. I don't want Kushida to figure out that I find her suspiscious. But I don't mind you being annoying in her presence. In other words, be yourself, Suzune. Just don't mention our conversation. Not too hard, right?"

Suzune: "You're really asking to be stabbed with my compass, Kiyotaka-kun."

We glared at each other, then returned to our own businesses.

I texted Kushida, informing her that Suzune agreed to meet.

She sent me a happy emoticon.

Everything was ready.

Ike: "All right! The pool!"

After lunch had ended, it was finally time for long-awaited swimming class.

Ike and the other boys excitedly headed toward the indoor pool, making the girls once again glare coldly at them.

Since I didn't have to change, I followed slightly behind them, then changed my direction towards the door to the observation deck.

Looks like I was the only one from the boys side, who wasn't going to attend this class.

I entered the deck and looked around.

In the middle of the hall, there was fifty-meter pool with clear water.

The entire place looked really clean as if it was just opened.

I could tell that this place was really well-maintained.

Even the seats for spectators looked rather comfortable.

Since I was the first to arrive here, I took the place in the middle of the seats, which would give me a good look at the situation at the pool and around me.

This place was a perfect position to observe.

Ike: "Whoa! This place is great! It's even better than the city pool, don't you think?"

I heard excited Ike's voice.

Some of the boys started to appear near the pool.

Ike: "What about the girls? Aren't they here yet?"

This fellow wasn't even trying to hide his main motive of attending this class.

Did he just start to sniff the air like the dog?

Sudo: "Hm? Ayanokouji! What are you doing up there?!"

Sudo spotted me and started to shout.

Kiyotaka: "Skipping the class, of course."

Sudo: "Huh? Why would you do that? Come here! I was planning to have a race with you! Let's see who is faster here!"

For some reason, Sudo was intending to challenge me.

Kiyotaka: "I'm not feeling well today. Maybe next time, Sudo."

Sudo: "Tch, what a letdown."

Yamauchi: "Oy, oy, could it be that you actually can't swim, Ayanokouji?! How lame!"

Yamauchi snickered, totally convinced that he was right.

Kiyotaka: "I'm rather decent. Are you good at swimming, Yamauchi?"

Yamauchi: "Huh? Of course, I am. Back in junior high, people called me 'flying fish', you know."

Kiyotaka: "I see. I look forward to your performance."

I totally could see it.

After jumping into the water, he immediately starts drowning, then because of big amount of air in his head, he quickly launches himself out to the surface, looking just like some flying fish.

Truly something to look forward to.

I thought he would start boasting as always, but even Yamauchi may have moments of honesty, huh?

Yamauchi: "Tch, I won't be swimming for you. Damn it, I wish the girls were here already! Agh... What am I gonna do if I get a boner?"

Probably no one would notice the difference in this particular case...

After a few minutes after the boys had arrived, a girl's voice rang out in the hall.

?: "Wow! What a big pool!"

Ike: "They are here!"

Ike shouted with fervour.

A few boys started looking around like some hungry dogs looking for a bone.

I paid some silent tribute to the poor souls, while also paying attention to the direction of the voice.

The girls one after another started to emerge from the locker room.

They were looking around curiously, while moving rather timidly.

Ike: "Wooaahh!"

Ike shouted again, while looking at the girls.

Some of the boys also made a wave of sounds, declaring their excitement.

This made most of the swimming-clad females to take a step back quickly, looking obviously grossed out by them.

Well, I couldn't help but share the boys' sentiment.

Any male would be excited if sixteen girls in school swimsuits appeared before our eyes.

The view was rather impressive.

I thanked silently Hirata.

I've heard that he was talking with the girls about participation in this class.

Since there was a chance of income reduction for skipping it, he was convincing them to attend.

It was thanks to his effort that so many girls participated.

As for the boys...

Ike: "Everyone, burn these images into your mind! Remember the fap material you'll see here forever!"

The boys: "Yeah!"

Well, they had the motivation to begin with.

Because the shouts of the boys attracted attention, I quickly but thoroughly scanned every girl.

I must say that it was truly a feast for eyes.

Kushida looked impressive with her voluptuous figure.

While she didn't have the biggest pair in the class, she really had some firepower.

Matsushita really belonged to model-rank here.

My eyes really couldn't let go of her long legs and thighs.

Her friend Sato didn't deviate far from her, being quite a candy herself.

Suzune's beauty totally stood out as well, especially her rear.

I've spanked that ass to my heart content not too long ago!

Karuizawa's body was also pretty nice.

But for some reason, her posture was a little crooked.

She was putting her weight to one side, as if she was hurt.

And it seemed like Karuizawa herself wasn't aware of her own action.

How intriguing.

Apart from top 5, the other eleven girls weren't too bad as well.

I looked around.

There wasn't any absences today, so since sixteen girls clad in swimsuits were there, it means the other four weren't participating.

Clank!

Just when I thought about it, the door to the deck opened and Hasebe entered alongside three other girls.

Hasebe: "Hm? Ayanokouji-kun?"

Hasebe noticed me almost instantaneously.

Kiyotaka: "Hello. You aren't joining the class as well, huh?"

Hasebe: "Y-Yeah. You too?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I decided to skip this time."

I smiled at Hasebe and looked behind her.

Apart from her, Sakura Airi also appeared on the deck.

Her gaze quickly turned to the side once my vision stayed on her.

I guess those two didn't want to be ogled by the boys so much that they didn't attend.

Yamauchi: "Wait a second! Where is Sakura and Hasebe?! Where are the mountains?!"

And they were totally right just by seeing Yamauchi's reaction.

Hearing the mention of them, Hasebe and Sakura stiffened.

Hasebe started glaring at Yamauchi, probably placing him on the top of her blacklist.

Sakura looked totally uncomfortable.

I sighed.

Hasebe: "I swear, those perverts..."

Kiyotaka: "If you want to sue someone officially, you can."

Hasebe: "I'm seriously considering it."

I turned towards Sakura.

Kiyotaka: "You too, Sakura."

Sakura: "E-Eh?! Ah... T-Thank you..."

Sakura stiffened even more, when I spoke to her.

Hasebe: "We probably should do it, Sakura-san."

Sakura: "I-I wonder..."

She really was socially awkward.

Shinohara: "Hm? Now that I think about it, where's Ayanokouji-kun?"

Looks like the girls also found out about my absence in the pool.

They started to look around at the same frequency as the boys were looking for Hasebe and Sakura.

Karuizawa: "Ah, I found Ayanokouji-kun!"

Karuizawa pointed at my location, making everyone focus on us.

I waved slightly at the crowd.

Ike: "There's also Hasebe and Sakura there! Ayanokouji, that bastard... He is encircled by big tits!"

In a way, it was amazing how the perverts just didn't bother to lower their voices and spoke shamelessly.

Matsushita: "Ayanokouji-kun! What are you doing there?!"

Matsushita asked, while looking at me with suspicious expression.

I smiled internally.

Her alertness definitely rose because of my absence.

Kiyotaka: "I don't feel good today, so I'm skipping this lesson for today."

Shinohara: "Eh? That's too bad."

Shinohara and some other girls didn't hide their disappointment.

I could see a strange similarity between the boys and the girls here.

Yamauchi: "Who cares about Ayanokouji? Why the other girls don't participate?!"

Yamauchi still couldn't let go of his dream of seeing F-cup girl in swimsuit.

The girls near pool looked totally disgusted by him.

Hasebe: "I'm definitely suing that pervert..."

Sakura: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Well, the school should've made separate classes for the girls and the boys to begin with."

Hasebe: "In the first place, what's the point of having mandatory swimming classes? It's not like we are going to join some swimming competition or something."

Hasebe voiced a reasonable wonder, but I thought about more deep meaning behind this.

The class competition didn't start for real, yet we already need to learn how to swim.

Considering that the entire class needed to participate, the possibility of some challenge in water was high.

Kiyotaka: "This is the school of elite. They probably want to make the students more versatile."

Hasebe: "Do you think so? I wish they asked us about it first though."

Kiyotaka: "Do you know how to swim, Hasebe?"

Hasebe: "Hm? Yes, I've learned it as a kid."

Kiyotaka: "I see, that's good. What about you, Sakura?"

Sakura: "H-huh? I-I-I can s-swim a little..."

I'm sorry for tormenting you, you poor thing.

?: "Alright, everyone, line up."

Suddenly, the female voice resounded in the hall.

It was Sae-sensei's voice.

My body trembled a little.

Don't tell me...

The class was about to start swimming lesson, and she was the one, who was going to be in charge of it?!

Then, the possibility of her wearing swimsuit was high!

My head turned around at tyrannical speed to the source of the voice.

Sae-sensei walked in.

Unfortunately, she wasn't wearing a swimsuit, but a jersey.

Kiyotaka: "..."

I felt conflicted between the disappointment of not seeing her in swimsuit and excitement of seeing her in something different from suit.

She looked good.

If I wasn't so disappointed at the moment, I would even say that she looked great.

Ike: "S-Sae-chan-sensei, you teach swimming as well?"

Ike asked the all-important question.

What's with that pet name?

Sounded kinda silly, but cute.

Sae-chan-sensei looked at him with stern expression.

Sae: "I'm just a substitute for the teacher in charge of those classes, who is currently on the sick leave."

So it's just a one-time service...

Tch, how disappointing.

I was going to show off to her next time, but now I didn't feel like attending any of those lessons.

Sae-chan-sensei looked around, then she noticed our small group at the deck.

Her eyes narrowed, while looking at me.

Could it be that she also looked forward to my swimsuit?

Sae: "So there's thirty-five of you attending, huh? Let's start with some warm up, then you guys can start swimming in the pool."

Ike: "Yeah! Time to have fun in the pool!"

Sae: "Do you have problem with your ears, Ike? I said that you can start swimming, not to fool around."

Ike: "Ehh? We don't really need to force ourselves to swim, do we? It's not like we'll be going to the beach or something."

Sae: "I understand your lack of enthusiasm, but being able to swim efficiently will definitely come in handy later in life. Start your warm-up exercises."

Was she hinting that we would have some challenge in the water like I suspected?

Just what kind of special events this school was preparing for its students?

Hasebe: "Chabashira-sensei sure is strict. I don't like pool at all, so I hope the teacher in charge isn't like that."

Hasebe frowned, probably dissatisfied about the possibility that she would be forced to swim by the school.

Kiyotaka: "This is a learning facility, after all. Even if you like mathematics and dislike literature or vice versa, the school will teach you both equally."

Hasebe: "I guess so. But being with those perverts really make it hard to attend. Don't you think so as well, Sakura-san?"

Sakura: "H-huh, me? I-I guess so..."

Sakura almost jumped out of her seat by suddenly being asked a question.

Kiyotaka: "I know that we never talked before, but there's no need to be so stiff, Sakura. We are classmates, after all."

I tried to calm her down.

Sakura didn't meet my eyes and looked down.

Hasebe: "That's right, Sakura-san. But if you feel uncomfortable about those perverts, make sure to write a complaint. Actually, let's write one for both of us and give it to Ayanokouji-kun. No mercy for perverted boys!"

Sakura: "E-Eh?! T-That's... I mean... I-I don't want to... make t-trouble for them... or you two..."

Sakura's sound became quieter and quieter.

I guess conversing with us was a challenge for her, even if we had good intentions.

I thought that Hasebe would become irritated by Sakura's attitude, but she actually went and sat down next to Sakura, starting to persuade her into writing a complaint.

This made the pink-haired girl turn into a statue.

It was an interesting combination of assertive Hasebe and shy Sakura.

For a moment I thought about joining them, but Sakura probably would have a heart attack then, so I stayed.

Meanwhile, our classmates finished their preparation and started to swim.

I analysed the situation in the pool.

Most of the swimmers were at least decent, while more athletic students were definitely above average.

Even if some weird challenge fell upon this class, there wouldn't be much of a problem in the overall ability to swim.

Professor: "Huff, puff... Leader... How was I?"

Professor and Miyake came closer to me after finishing their swimming.

Kiyotaka: "Good job. It seems like you won't sink that easily."

Miyake: "I actually thought the same thing as Ayanokouji."

Miyake chuckled.

Professor: "For some reason, I'm not exactly happy with those comments."

Kiyotaka: "Then work hard to change it into something else. Seeing you out of breath already, your stamina was depleted considerably, right? Rest a little before going again."

Professor: "Thanks."

While he was in the lowest rank in the class, Professor was diligent in his swimming, so I was satisfied with his current results.

Miyake: "So, any comments towards me, coach?"

Miyake asked jokingly.

Kiyotaka: "You definitely have good stamina and power, Miyake. But there's slight unbalance between the work of your arms and legs. Probably because you are an archer. Focus more on your legs and your swimming form would be smoother."

He was really good.

I placed him in top 5 of our class.

Miyake: "Wow, you really are a coach, Ayanokouji. I'm really starting to be interested in your gym training."

Kiyotaka: "You are welcome anytime, Miyake."

Hasebe: "Hee... So you can give some good advices, Ayanokouji-kun."

Hasebe looked with some interest at our trio.

Miyake: "He really is good."

Professor: "Leader is an ultimate coach of hell."

Hasebe: "Hm? Leader?"

Kiyotaka: "It's my nickname."

Hasebe: "Huh? You totally suck at giving nicknames, Sotomura-kun. It sounds more like some title than nickname."

Well, she actually got it right, but for some reason, Hasebe became agitated.

Professor: "Hoh? So you are saying that you can think of a better nickname, Hasebe-dono?"

Professor looked at Hasebe with contempt, as if challenging her.

After spending some time with Fuka, this fellow immunity to pretty girls rose.

Hasebe: "Of course, I can. I'm actually an expert in giving nicknames, Sotomuu."

Our trio looked at Hasebe at once.

Professor: "S-Sotomuu...?"

Hasebe: "You are Sotomura-kun, so it's Sotomuu. It's cute, right?"

Sotomuu trembled slightly.

Sotomuu: "I-I think I will stick with Professor."

Hasebe: "What a boring guy. You are being coached by Ayanon, so why are you the one called Professor?"

...

We became silent at her remark.

Not because she was right about Professor, but because...

Kiyotaka: "Ayanon?"

Miyake: "Pppfff... Hahaha!"

Miyake started to laugh.

Hasebe: "Oy, you are being rude, you know, umm... You were Miyake-kun, so it's gonna be Miyacchi."

Miyacchi: "Haha... Cough, cough... E-Eh?"

Miyacchi looked bewildered by his nickname.

Sotomuu: "Nice one!"

Now it was Sotomuu's time to start to laugh.

Ayanon: "So it's Sotomuu, Miyacchi and Ayanon, huh? Actually not bad."

Hasebe: "Right? But Ayanon doesn't really roll off the tongue. Hmm... Your name is Kiyotaka, right?"

Ayanon: "Y-Yeah..."

For some reason, I had a really bad feeling the moment she looked at me.

Hasebe: "Then, you will be Kiyopon! Yes, that one sounds great!"

...

Sotomuu: "..."

Miyacchi: "..."

Kiyopon: "..."

Sotomuu/Miyacchi: "Buhahaha!"

My two friends started to laugh their ass off from my new nickname.

Once again, I started to regret not attending this swimming class.

Sae: "Miyake! Sotomura! Stop laughing and come back here."

It seems like we've made a scene and some people started to look at us.

Sotomuu: "Then, see you later, Kiyopon."

Miyake: "I hope you will feel better soon, Kiyopon."

With good mood, two boys went back with smiles.

I shall remember this, Sotomuu, Miyacchi...

Hasebe: "Umm... Did I make you uncomfortable?"

I turned around to see Hasebe looking slightly down.

Kiyotaka: "Of course not. It's nice to be able to come with those many nicknames at once."

Hasebe: "R-Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. You are quite creative."

Hasebe: "Thanks."

Hasebe looked happy.

My attention turned towards the situation at the pool.

Sae: "I see that everyone can swim, for the most part. In that case, I'll have you start competing against each other. We'll separate groups by gender."

Ike: "C-Compete? Are you serious, Sae-chan-sensei?"

Sae: "I'll give out a special bonus for the winner - 5000 private points. And the one with the worst results will have to take supplementary lessons. Get ready."

The skilled swimmers cheered with joy, while the less confident ones groaned.

I narrowed my eyes.

For now, this was the biggest out of ordinary thing that happened during this class.

Sae: "I will split both boys and girls into four groups and the best ones in every group will compete in the final round."

Sae-sensei declared, making it into a tournament.

Could it be that the school was trying to make students be aware that there may be some other ways to earn private points apart from the monthly income?

It sounded plausible.

Ike: "Ku-shi-da-chan! Ku-shi-da-chan! Ku-shi-da-chan..."

Ike started shouting.

Kushida was the part of the first group.

Considering what I saw earlier, she didn't have much of competition in her group, whatever it was swimming or appearance.

And as expected, she ended up first in her group, making most of the boys shouting loudly in delight.

Hasebe: "Kyou-chan sure is fast!"

Hasebe also seemed impressed and happy.

So she nicknamed Kushida as well, huh?

I saw them talking once in a while so she was probably also in friendly terms with the beige-haired girl.

I looked at the second group of the competition.

Suzune was a part of it.

She wasn't friendly with anyone, so the cheers from the boys were much weaker than for Kushida.

Despite that, as a beauty, she also caught attention from the most of the boys.

Hasebe: "Aren't you going to cheer on Horikita-san, Kiyopon?"

Hasebe asked, while watching my expression.

Kiyotaka: "No. We are seatmates, but we aren't particularly friendly."

Hasebe: "Is that so? Some people are saying that you are in relationship, though."

Kiyotaka: "According to all rumours I've heard about myself so far, I'm actually dating at least three girls already."

Class D thinks that I'm dating Suzune.

Class B thinks that I'm dating Fuka.

And Class A thinks that I'm dating Masumi.

Hasebe: "And the truth is...?"

She asked curiously and somehow tense.

Kiyotaka: "The truth is that I'm single."

Hasebe: "I see."

She seemed kinda relieved by it.

Kiyotaka: "What about you, Hasebe?"

Hasebe: "Me? I'm not dating anyone. Most of the boys in our class are just no good."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Me too?"

Hasebe: "H-Huh? No, you are not."

She admitted it with a slight blush.

Kiyotaka: "I see. Thank you."

I smiled brightly at the blue-haired girl.

Hasebe: "..."

She looked away, but her blush intensified.

I didn't bother her anymore and looked at the match.

Suzune easily beat her opponents and qualified to the finals.

The third group's winner was a girl named Onodera Kayano.

She had the fastest time out of every girl, but I've heard that she was a part of swimming club, so I guess it was rather expected result.

Then, the last group of the girls stood near the starting line.

This line up had Matsushita, Satou, Karuizawa and Shinohara.

It made the boys shout again, since some beauties were there.

I looked over at Hirata.

He looked calmly at the girls, while ignoring the boys.

It was kinda weird.

He was getting closer with Karuizawa, yet he wasn't cheering on her, nor did he look uncomfortable from the commotion made by the boys.

Maybe they weren't getting along as much as I thought...

Sae-sensei blew the whistle and four girls jumped to the pool.

In the end, Matsushita finished first.

Her time wasn't bad, but I could tell that she held back a little.

She slowly got out of the pool and went to the side, without being out of breath.

Our eyes met.

I waved at her lightly and she smiled.

Hasebe: "You seem close with Matsushita-san, Kiyopon."

Of course, Hasebe didn't overlook this exchange.

Kiyotaka: "We became friends some time ago. She is interesting girl."

Hasebe: "Hee..."

She was looking at me with some suspicion.

The final participants in girls division came close to the pool and started to prepare for the last round.

I looked at Matsushita.

Out of the four there, she was the least motivated to compete.

But I couldn't really blame her.

Onodera was in swimming club and I could tell that she was an excellent athlete.

She had the best chance of winning here.

Suzune was a diligent student and was also physically capable girl.

Her time was beaten only by Onodera.

And while Matsushita's time and Kushida's time were almost the same, Kushida had an attention of the most of the girls and boys here, so she was in high spirits.

It was no wonder that the brown-haired girl didn't have much of the will to fight.

But it was a great chance to witness Matsushita's physical performance, so I decided to give her a push, even if I would later face some consequences.

Kiyotaka: "Matsushita! You can do it! I'm rooting on you!"

I shouted loudly.

...

Although many people were cheering for some students, my cheer made 40 pairs of eyes turn towards me.

In instant, some of my classmates became riled up.

Matsushita's body stiffened greatly, while looking totally surprised by being cheered on by the unexpected person.

Then, her face started heating up to great degree.

Her friends started to tease her mercilessly.

But some girls had a mixed expression on their face.

Hasebe: "..."

Including the blue-haired girl near me.

Her mood seemed to drop.

Matsushita waved to me with red face.

I could tell that despite being embarrassed, she started having some motivation.

Her focus was definitely stronger than before.

She jumped to the pool with some confidence.

The four girls swam vigorously.

But in the end, there was one that overcome the rest easily.

Just like everyone expected, Onodera won by mile with a time of twenty-six seconds.

The second place belonged to Suzune with a time of twenty-eight seconds.

And just after her placed Matsushita with a time of twenty-eight and half seconds, making it a truly close match.

Kushida became the last one, with a time of thirty seconds.

Everyone cheered up on the girls, being totally impressed by those results.

Matsushita left the pool with sour expression.

While Onodera was unbeatable opponent, she was so close to second place.

She peeked at me.

I gestured to her to come closer.

She obediently walked near my seat.

Matsushita: "Thank you for your cheering, Ayanokouji-kun. But looks like I couldn't meet your expectations."

Kiyotaka: "What are you talking about, Matsushita? You weren't motivated to compete even for the third place with Kushida, yet you almost snatched the second place from Horikita. You were really great just now. I'm glad that I cheered on you."

The mood of brown-haired girl got better.

Matsushita: "Thank you."

She smiled sweetly at me.

Matsushita: "It's too bad that you aren't participating, otherwise I would cheer on you as well."

Kiyotaka: "Then it's truly a shame. Maybe next time."

Matsushita: "Hehe, it's a promise. See you later, Ayanokouji-kun."

She went to her friends, who were already grinning teasingly at her.

I chuckled lightly, looking at her red face.

Hasebe: "You two sure are close. Are you really not dating Matsushita-san?"

Hasebe said with stern voice.

Kiyotaka: "I'm not dating anyone. But it doesn't mean that I'm not close with some girls."

Hasebe: "Is that so? I feel like I understand why there are so many rumours about you, Kiyopon."

Kiyotaka: "People just love to make their own theories and gossip."

Hasebe: "Fufu, but it's not like you aren't at fault as well, Kiyopon. You openly cheered just one girl, so of course some people will think that you may like her."

Kiyotaka: "It may be troublesome, but the girl made some effort because of that, so I will live with it."

Hasebe: "That's why I'm saying that you are at fault as well, Kiyopon. Considering that her opponent was Horikita-san, there may even be a rumour that they fought over you in that pool."

Kiyotaka: "What a scary rumour."

Hasebe: "Right? So be more careful, okay?"

Kiyotaka: "Duly noted."

I smiled at Hasebe and she smiled back.

Her mood seemed to return to normal.

I noticed that it was surprisingly easy to talk with her.

We watched at the first round of the boys division started.

Sudo, being a part of it, swam at great speed.

In the end, he easily took the first place.

Many people, including Onodera, showed a look of admiration.

Hasebe: "Wow, Sudo-kun is really fast. I didn't expect that."

Kiyotaka: "His physical condition is truly great. His motor skills are outstanding as well. Not many people in this school could be his opponent in sports."

Hasebe: "Hoh? Such a praise from our great coach? Does that mean that even you don't feel confident in beating Sudo-kun?"

I narrowed slightly my eyebrows and looked at Hasebe with a smirk.

Kiyotaka: "Nah, I'd win."

Hasebe became stunned at my confident words.

The girl: "Kya! Hirata-kun!"

One of the girls screamed, breaking the atmosphere between us.

Hirata was walking towards his starting position.

The girls started to cheer loudly, making the boys jealous.

Hirata waved at his fans with grateful look.

I smiled internally.

It's good to have Hirata in this class.

The more attention he was getting, the better for me.

Such a lighting rod was really appreciated.

Hirata shined especially bright in his group, since his opponents were Professor, Yamauchi and two boys that I never interacted with - Yukimura and Hondo.

Since it was really obvious who would win, my attention drifted towards Sotomura.

I could only pray that he was better than Yamauchi's flying fish style.

Next to him, Yukimura was looking totally annoyed by shouting of the crowd, but it looked like he wasn't jealous of Hirata, but was truly annoyed by the noise.

From what I saw of him up to this point, he wasn't a good swimmer, so he probably wanted to concentrate on the race in order to not receive supplementary lessons.

Sae-sensei put a whistle into her lips.

The boys started.

As expected, Hirata lived to the expectation and overtook his opponents from the start.

Professor swam clumsily, but his speed wasn't that bad.

He was tying with Yukimura, whose form was better than him, but couldn't muster much of strength.

Both of them were at most average and in the end, it was Hondo who managed to attain the second place.

Finally, after hard battle, Yukimura slowed down considerably before the finish and Sotomura managed to achieve the third place.

He waved happily at me.

I gave him a thumbs up.

Unexpectedly, Hasebe also gave him a thumbs up.

Hasebe: "What? Sotomuu got third place, so he deserves some praise."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, you are right."

My vision stayed on Yukimura.

His performance in the last few meters of race was unexpectedly weak.

I observed him a little.

He had some trouble to get out of the pool.

Ah, he probably got a leg cramp.

That would explain why his speed suddenly dropped.

Luckily for him, he still managed to get fourth place.

Surprisingly, Yamauchi 'Flying fish' Haruki for some reason couldn't perform his style greatly and became 'dead fish'.

I was so looking forward to his skills.

Such a disappointment...

Yamauchi started to splash water in annoyance before walking out of the pool.

Some of the boys started to comfort him.

Sae-sensei was talking with Hirata and his fans, who instantaneously encircled them after the race.

Finally, Yukimura managed to get up and started to walk slowly with pained expression.

He really got a leg cramp.

I signed.

At least, he didn't have to take supplementary lessons.

Then suddenly, he slipped on the floor flooded earlier by Yamauchi and fell into the pool.

This person had some bad luck.

Because of noise of Hirata's fans and Yamauchi's friends, no one seemed to especially care about his fall.

Hasebe: "Did you see that, Kiyopon? That boy... Yukimura-kun was it... just accidentally fell into the pool. How unlucky."

So Hasebe noticed as well.

Kiyotaka: "The floor got slippery after Yamauchi splashed all that water. He truly was unlucky."

Hasebe: "He is not only a pervert, but also such a child. I feel sorry for Yukimura-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah."

We looked at the pool.

...

...

Hasebe: "H-Hey, Kiyopon... Don't you think he should already emerge to the surface?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, he truly should."

Since the pool was deep at the finish line, we didn't exactly see Yukimura's situation from our seats.

I quickly stood up.

Yukimura didn't seem like he was trying to emerge at all.

Could it be...

I quickly concluded that situation may be dangerous.

Kiyotaka: "Take care of my jacket for me."

Hasebe: "Huh?"

I took off my jacket instantly and jumped over the rail of the deck.

The pool's floor was just a little over two meters lower than deck's, so I didn't have big trouble to land on it.

Kiyotaka: "Sensei!"

I shouted while running in the direction of the pool.

Some people noticed that I arrived at the pool.

I swiftly jumped into the pool and started to swim towards Yukimura.

He seemed to just lost consciousness, since the bubbles were still leaving his mouth.

I speeded up even more.

After arriving before Yukimura, I lightly took his body and headed towards the surface.

Both of us resurfaced quickly.

There were already some people near the pool.

Kiyotaka: "He lost consciousness. Take him slowly."

I passed Yukimura slowly to Miyake and Hirata, who were the closest, and got out of the pool as well.

Luckily, it seemed like his condition wasn't bad.

Kiyotaka: "Oy, wake up."

I shook Yukimura slightly.

After a moment, the boy's body started to move lightly, then he coughed strongly.

Good, looks like he didn't drink much of water and there was no need for resuscitation.

Yukimura: "Cough... W-What the... Cough, cough!"

Yukimura started to recover slowly.

I looked at Sae-sensei.

Kiyotaka: "I think it would be better to call some medical staff just in case."

She just nodded.

In a few minutes, Yukimura was taken by some people.

Fortunately, this accident didn't turn into tragedy.

I could finally breathe with relief.

Sudo: "Holy crap, Ayanokouji! That was amazing! Just how fast are you, man?!"

Sudo shouted with excited tone.

Starting from it, the atmosphere started to become really lively.

Kushida: "Sudo-kun is right! You suddenly shouted and jumped to save Yukimura-kun! You were so cool, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Karuizawa: "Yeah, yeah! Ayanokouji-kun was really cool! I'm really impressed."

Shinohara: "Kyaaa, I still have some goosebumps remembering your action."

Onodera: "Your swimming form was so flawless, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Miyake: "You did a good job spotting him, Ayanokouji."

Professor: "Great leader is the mightiest!"

My classmates started to praise me.

Hirata: "Thank you... Thank you so much for saving Yukimura-kun! I didn't even notice something like that... I'm ashamed..."

Hirata looked at me so grateful as if I just saved his family member.

Now that I think about it, he was really pale, when he took Yukimura from me.

Were they close?

I never saw them talking together, though.

Kiyotaka: "It was nothing, Hirata. Anyone would do the same."

Satou: "Ah! You are so... humble... Ayanokouji-kun..."

Satou wanted to praise me, but her vision started to drift to my body.

I was soaked, so my white shirt became semi-transparent.

Many girls also started to notice my appearance and started blushing, while peeking at me.

Things started to become troublesome.

Matsushita: "Here, I will let you borrow my towel. It would be bad if you caught a cold, Ayanokouji-kun."

Suddenly, Matsushita appeared with the towel.

Kiyotaka: "Thank you, Matsushita."

I smiled at the brown-haired girl, making her blush profoundly.

Shinohara: "Tch. Matsushita-san, how sly."

Mori: "Yeah. I was wondering why she suddenly went to the locker room. How cunning."

Her friends half-jokingly, half-enviously, started to tease her.

Sae: "Good job, Ayanokouji. You really deserve praise."

Sae-sensei came back to us.

Seeing how her face was rather relieved, Yukimura's situation was good.

Kiyotaka: "It was nothing, Sae-chan-sensei."

She made annoyed expression for a second, but didn't say anything.

Sae: "Do you have any clothes to change?"

Kiyotaka: "Unfortunately, I don't."

Sae: "Then you can go back to your dorm and change. I will talk about it to the teacher in charge of your next class, so don't worry about potential lateness."

Couldn't you just let me off for the rest of the classes?

How stingy.

Kiyotaka: "Thank you, Sae-chan-sensei."

Sae: "Tch. Go away right now."

I smiled at her and went towards Hasebe to get my jacket.

Hasebe: "Kiyopon, that was amazing! You weren't lying, when you said that you could win against Sudo-kun. You just became a hero of the class."

Hasebe looked at me with admiration.

I looked at Sakura, who this time she didn't look away, but nodded to me as if she wanted to show that she also think like Hasebe.

Kiyotaka: "Thanks. Well, I hope there won't be any more accidents like this one, though."

I took my jacket from her, while noticing her vision also stayed at my soaked body.

Deciding that it was enough show for now, I left the hall under the watchful gazes of my classmates.

Looks like I just involuntary gained some attention again, especially from the girls.

Ah, peaceful life-chan...

It's another goodbye for us...

.

.

.

Chapter 30 - Lap Pillow

After the pool accident, I went back to the dorm to change clothes.

Since I knew that Sae-sensei would put a word for my absence, I wasn't especially in hurry.

If anything, I was late to the next class on purpose so that no one would have a chance to talk to me.

Unintentionally, I became a center of attention once again.

While there were other means to save Yukimura, they were definitely slower than me saving the boy personally, so I acted.

And the hero was born...

The look my classmates had while peeking at me after I came back to the classroom was giving me a clear message of that.

It was supposed to be Hirata's role...

I was going to take it easy for the rest of the month...

Ehhhh...

At least from what I have heard, Yukimura was going to be alright.

He wasn't present for the rest of the classes, so I guess the school let him rest just in case.

Unfortunately, this also made me the only target to encircle after the classes.

In just one minute after everyone was free, over twenty people went towards me.

Once again, I received many praises from my excited classmates.

Hirata thanked me heartily again, making me wonder why he was so grateful.

While still being surrounded, I caught the glimpse of Suzune leaving the classroom.

Knowing that something like that may happen, I already texted the black-haired girl to wait for me before the school building.

Kushida, the other girl I had plans with, was also present in my encirclement, so before both of us were free, the three-way meeting couldn't really start.

I could see that the beige-haired girl also paid attention to Suzune's actions.

Our visions crossed, and I nodded to her, signaling that everything was okay.

Probably.

Finally, I managed to get out of the situation by saying that I had a meeting.

This made some people, who were eagerly trying to invite me out, to become disappointed.

I left the classroom quickly, making sure that no one would accompany me.

Arriving before the entrance to the building, I noticed Suzune waiting nearby.

Suzune: "You are late."

Kiyotaka: "It couldn't be helped. You saw that crowd surrounding me, right?"

Suzune: "And what's that supposed to do with me? It's your problem."

Kiyotaka: "How cold."

Suzune: "I don't want to waste more of my time than necessary. Where's Kushida-san?"

Kiyotaka: "Oh, I forgot to mention that she is supposed to bump into us by accident at the place, and then she would join us."

Suzune: "Huh?"

Kiyotaka: "It's our master plan."

Suzune: "Are you serious?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. It's also a good chance to once again witness Kushida's acting skills."

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Come on, you should be grateful. It would be troublesome for both of us if she thought that I could invite you out anytime I want."

Suzune: "I see. That's true. This is going to be the first and the last time, after all."

Kiyotaka: "Right. After we start dating at the summer break, Kushida's presence would be bothersome."

Suzune: "Nonsense. Let's go."

Kiyotaka: "Looks like someone is raring to go."

Suzune: "I just want to get it over with quickly."

Suzune started to walk towards Keyaki Mall.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, wait for me..."

I started to walk alongside her.

Soon, we arrived at our target, a cafe named Palate.

I was already here once before with Fuka, so I knew how popular this place was.

Today as well, a crowd of students was already here.

Suzune: "There are so many people here."

Suzune looked around with annoyance.

Kiyotaka: "I had some suspicion, but could it be that it's your first time hanging out with someone, Suzune? I mean, apart from our dinner at your place."

Suzune: "Mind you own business."

Kiyotaka: "Oh my. So it's practically your social debut? To think I would witness such a precious event of your life..."

Suzune: "Was that supposed to be sarcasm? How childish."

Kiyotaka: "Don't be like that, Suzune. We aren't strangers already."

Suzune glared at me.

I raised my hands up to announce my surrender.

We got in the line and bought some drinks, then started looking for some seats.

Suzune: "Looks like there aren't any open seats. If only a certain someone came a little faster, this situation may be different."

Kiyotaka: "Now it's your turn to be sarcastic, huh? Unfortunately for you, Kushida already thought about countermeasure for that."

Suddenly, the two girls who sat at the table near us stood up and left.

As someone, who was probably visiting Palate on regular basic, Kushida knew how crowded this place was, so she asked some of her friends to help us get a good table.

I noticed them rushing out of our classroom just after the bell, while the others started to encircle me, so I wasn't worried about the time to arrive here.

When the girls were passing me, I smiled at them with gratitude, making them blush.

Suzune: "I see. You two certainly thought it over well."

Kiyotaka: "Everything for our Suzune's social debut."

Suzune: "..."

She furrowed her eyebrows and took her seat without saying a word.

I sat down across to her and looked around casually.

Then, I spotted a familiar face.

Koenji Rokusuke was also here, sitting at the table alongside two pretty seniors.

He left the classroom just as quickly as Kushida's friends, so I wasn't surprised to see him here.

Our vision crossed for a moment, then he looked at Suzune.

While the black-haired girl was definitely a great beauty, it was painfully obvious that there wasn't a shred of intimacy between us.

But I still couldn't help myself and decided to try a last-ditch effort.

Kiyotaka: "Hey, Suzune. Since Kushida still isn't here, it's almost like we are on a date, right? The people around here probably see us as a couple. Wanna do something date-like?"

Suzune: "I would rather die."

Suzune said in cold voice.

Unfortunately, in this round I had nothing to offer and lost utterly.

Reluctantly, I turned my vision to Rokusuke's table, only to see his winning smile, which made me annoyed.

I could tell that it was his payback for my previous win with Fuka.

Laugh until you can, you bastard, it's still a tie with one win for each of us.

I sighed.

Kushida arrived at the cafe a minute later.

She spotted us quickly, but went to get herself something to drink first.

Then, pretending to look around for some seats, she came closer to our table.

Kushida: "Ah, Horikita-san, Ayanokouji-kun, what a coincidence!"

She gave us a simple greeting, maintaining the ruse that this was a coincidence.

She was really a good actor.

Suzune looked at her with some venom.

After all, the beige-haired girl was the main culprit of this meeting.

Kushida: "Did you two come here together?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, we just happened to. Did you come here by yourself, Kushida?"

Kushida: "Yes, I was supposed to meet someone here, but there were some circumstances at the last minute for the other party and I ended up alone."

Kiyotaka: "I see, that's unfortunate. Then, do you want to join us? The cafe is packed today."

Kushida: "Eh? Is that okay?"

Both of us looked at Suzune.

She was silent for a moment, then sighed slightly.

Suzune: "Do whatever you want."

Kushida: "Thank you, Horikita-san, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Kushida smiled happily.

For her, this was already a great success.

Unfortunately for her, Suzune wasn't going to warm up to her just because of that.

Suzune: "What's so funny?"

Suzune glared at Kushida, who was still smiling.

Kushida: "It's the first time I could spend some time with you, Horikita-san. It makes me happy."

Suzune: "I apologize, but I don't think this is something to be so happy about. If anything, it's kinda creepy."

Without any consideration, Suzune started her onslaught.

The deal between us was only for her to meet with Kushida and spend some time together, while keeping my doubts about the beige-haired girl a secret.

I wasn't surprised that she was in bad mood, but this was something else.

I observed closely Kushida.

Kushida: "A-Ahaha... I must have been too excited. I'm sorry, Horikita-san."

She made an embarrassed expression and without any anger apologized to Suzune.

How interesting.

Kiyotaka: "Now, now. There's no need to be so harsh on Kushida. It's true that this is the first time we hanged out like this, so it is a happy occasion."

Suzune just snorted as an answer.

Kushida: "By the way, Ayanokouji-kun, are you alright? You didn't participate in the swimming class, yet you dived in the pool, so I'm worried that you may become ill."

Kiyotaka: "I wasn't feeling so good, so I decided to not participate, but it's probably just one day thing. I don't think that I will catch a cold or something."

Kushida: "I see, that's good. You just rushed and saved Yukimura-kun like that. I must admit that you were so cool back then, Ayanokouji-kun. Don't you think so too, Horikita-san?"

Suzune: "That's an exaggeration. It's good that he noticed it, but there was no need for him to show off like that though. He could just alert Chabashira-sensei and someone would help Yukimura-kun."

Kiyotaka: "In accidents like that every second may be crucial. On top of that, I know how to perform first aid in case of emergency. I concluded that it was the fastest way to solve the problem."

Kushida: "That's really great, Ayanokouji-kun."

Suzune: "Hmph."

The black-haired girl didn't say anything, but her bad mood was quite visible.

Kiyotaka: "By the way, congratulation on the swimming contest, you two. You've got to the finals and had impressive records."

Kushida: "Haha, thank you. I was really bad at swimming when I was in junior high. But I gave it my all and practiced really hard, now I've gotten better."

Kiyotaka: "Getting the fourth place among the girls in our class shows that you've definitely gotten better, Kushida."

Kushida: "I was just lucky. I'm still only average at best."

Kiyotaka: "That's not true. Onodera is in swimming club, so she was sure winner, but apart from her, the other positions were unknown."

Kushida: "No, no. I couldn't fight at all with Horikita-san and Matsushita-san. Especially with Matsushita-san, who seemed eager to win after you cheered only on her, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kushida then made a sly expression, while looking at me.

Kushida: "Could it be that you like Matsushita-san, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "I cheered on her as a friend."

Kushida: "Really? I'm sure that you are aware, but there are already some rumors about you dating Horikita-san, so it made people confused."

Suzune: "What?!"

Thud!

Suzune hit the table with some force.

Her face was a mix of coldness and surprise.

Suzune: "Kushida-san, what did you just say?"

Kushida: "W-Were you not aware of them, Horikita-san? You only talk with Ayanokouji-kun in the classroom, so some people started claiming that the two of you are actually dating."

Suzune: "That's utter nonsense! Those people must be truly blind. I would never, ever date this bastard!"

That was an interesting statement from someone, who basically promised me one date per week for the next three years.

Kushida looked confused by her outburst.

Kushida: "B-But... Even now, the two of you were together..."

Suzune: "That's..."

Right, we were only here because of Kushida.

But Suzune couldn't say in aloud, since she promised to keep quiet about it.

Kiyotaka: "It's actually misunderstanding, Kushida. As seatmates, it's obvious to converse with each other. I also work in Student Council under President Horikita, so sometimes I'm talking about him. But we aren't dating."

For now...

Kushida: "I see."

Kushida nodded, probably convinced.

Suzune shot me a poisonous vision in silence.

Kiyotaka: "There's always a rumor or two like that. There's no need to pay attention to them."

Kushida: "Actually, there are many rumors like that because of the ranking... Ah!"

Kushida made an expression as if she just blurted out some secret.

Kiyotaka: "Ranking?"

Kushida hesitated for a moment, then decided to talk.

Kushida: "Actually... This is something that we, the first-year girls, made. There are several rankings for the boys of our year. One of them is named Handsome Ranking, where we can vote on the boys, whom we think of as handsome. And you are absolute number one there, Ayanokouji-kun. You got votes from over eighty percent of the girls and is above second rank, Satonaka-kun from Class A, and third rank, Hirata-kun, by a big margin. Congratulations!"

Was there something like that?

I wasn't surprised that I was placed in there, but to think I would rank first.

Looks like I achieved more attention from the fairer sex than I thought.

Although it may be annoying, but it also meant that my actions in the other classes bore some fruits.

It's probably mainly my face and status, though, since I didn't even speak with so many girls.

I just hoped that I wouldn't get some love letters and confessions from some girl that I barely interacted.

It would be troublesome to reject without any information about the girl, since she may turn out to be useful for me later on.

On the other note, it took Kushida less than few minutes to give me some helpful intel without even trying.

As expected, this girl could be really useful, even more than Hirata.

She and Matsushita were definitely worth seduc... winning over.

Compared to them...

Suzune: "?"

I looked over at the black-haired girl and united in pain with her brother.

She still had a long way to go.

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Kushida: "You seem less happy than I thought you would be, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "It's nice to hear something like that, but I don't actually care about being popular."

Kushida: "Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. And I believe that Hirata would have the same opinion about it as me."

Kushida: "Now that I think about it, you are probably right."

Kiyotaka: "So thanks to those rankings, the girls are exchanging some rumors and information among themselves?"

Kushida: "Yes. And to be completely honest, there are many discussions about your potential girlfriend, Ayanokouji-kun. While coming here, I already saw post about your deeds at the pool, and you received many praises there as well. But there's also a post talking about you cheering for Matsushita-san, so there may be new rumor circulating among the two of you by the end of the day."

Girls' information network sure was fast.

And kinda scary.

Since those girls didn't know about the class competition, they exchanged valuable information like that without any thinking.

It would be good to check those discussions.

Should I hack into some phone?

No, it would be dangerous right now.

Let's try to ask Fuka or Masumi about it later.

Kiyotaka: "Does Koenji Rokusuke also appear on that list?"

Kushida: "Hm? Yes, he is, but he is low in the ranking, because of his, well... weird behaviors."

I looked over at the blonde-haired boy.

Kiyotaka: "I guess he would be higher in the ranking made by our senpais."

Kushida: "Haha... You may be right. Those two girls looks like third-years."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, they are our seniors."

Kushida: "Ayanokouji-kun, are you friends with Koenji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, kinda. We've met around two years ago."

Kushida: "Is that so? I had an impression that Koenji-kun isn't interested in even talking with another boy."

Kiyotaka: "Well, let's just say that we managed to hit off somehow. What about you, Kushida? Did you meet some old acquaintances here?"

Kushida: "Hm? No, I didn't. Unfortunately, none of my friends from junior high school made it to this school. That's why I'm trying to get to know all the students here and become friends as soon as possible."

Although Kushida's words sounded sweet and nice, this was a big lie.

She was sitting next to Suzune, yet she openly denied the fact of them going to the same school, despite the higher possibility of befriending her as fellow graduates from the same junior high.

From Suzune's words and Kushida's actions I could tell that those two really weren't acquainted before, so Suzune knowing some rumors about some inconvenient past of Kushida was the only possible option here.

If there was really something that Kushida was trying to hide from her past, Suzune's presence would be a danger for her, but for some reason, she still was trying to befriend her.

Was it to make sure how much the black-haired girl knew?

No, it's not only that.

There must be something more.

Kushida: "What about you, Horikita-san? Is any of your friends attending this school?"

Not only Kushida lied in front of Suzune, she even asked her about the junior high.

Even if she was trying to confirm Suzune's information, this was pretty direct approach.

On top of that, she asked Suzune of all people about her friends...

I would bet all my points on Suzune being a loner and totally fine with it.

Suzune: "No. I didn't have anyone like that, and I don't think I even need someone like that."

And I would win.

It was painfully obvious that Suzune didn't think of friendship as something necessary in her life.

Kushida: "Really? Always being alone is a very sad way to spend your life."

Suzune: "That's only your opinion. Being alone doesn't make me sad at all."

Kushida: "Even if that's true... I really want to get along with you, Horikita-san. Please be my friend!"

Despite Suzune's words, Kushida still decided to go all out and asked for the black-haired girl's friendship.

I couldn't help but be amazed.

Such approach was definitely going to end up as a failure.

Just what was going on in the head of the beige-haired girl to act like that?

Suzune: "I've already said this many times... I want you to leave me alone. I have no intention of becoming friends with you, Kushida-san. Why can't you understand this?"

Kushida: "B-But..."

Suzune: "Besides, do you think that I would be happy if you forced me to become your friend? Do you think that it's nice to be forced like this?"

Suzune looked at me to make me understand that I was included in her rage.

While I couldn't deny her postulate, I thought that it was funny hearing it from someone as forceful as she.

Suzune: "Since it's my fault for not refusing you clearly enough before, I won't blame you this time. But please keep in mind that I won't forgive a forceful approach again."

Kushida: "Horikita-san, please at least consider this. I really want to be friends with you, whatever it takes."

Suzune: "This is such a waste of time. I've got enough."

Suzune took her drink and stood up.

Suzune: "This was such an unpleasant meeting, so I'm going back. Kushida-san, if you try to force me again, I won't be polite with you. You're not stupid, so you understand what I'm trying to say, right?"

Suzune glared at her, as if trying to intimidate her.

Then, with a vision of same intensify, she looked at me.

Suzune: "Can I go now?"

This girl...

She knew that we had contract, so even if she said that she was going to leave, she needed my permission first.

I guess she wasn't feeling angry enough to not consider what would happen if she broke our deal.

But even so, she was feeling really unpleasant at the moment.

I kinda wanted to see what she would do if I've told her to stay, but this probably would make her hate me more.

On top of that, Kushida may become suspicious if Suzune would listen to my words after all her talk.

While it wasn't what I had in mind, forcing the black-haired girl for more wasn't beneficial at all.

I nodded to her, acknowledging that she'd done her side of the deal.

Suzune: "Well then. Goodbye, Kushida-san, Ayanokouji-kun."

With saying her farewell to us, Suzune left the cafe.

Kiyotaka: "And she left. I'm sorry, Kushida. It seems like this meeting was a failure. I guess she is just too accustomed to being alone, and it was too soon to try."

Kushida: "Ah, no, it's okay. Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun. Although we didn't become friends, I think I was able to learn a thing or two about Horikita-san, so I'm not totally unsatisfied. But I'm sorry, though. I feel like she may dislike you because of today."

Kiyotaka: "Don't worry about it. That girl is always like that with me, so I don't think her evaluation of me would drop. I also think that she didn't really hate you as well. She just has a cold character."

I smiled at Kushida, trying to reassure her, but to be honest I wasn't so sure myself.

Kushida: "Do you really think so? Is it not possible to make friends with her?"

Despite her utter failure, the beige-haired girl still held some hope.

At this point, I started to wonder if she had some kind of obsession.

Kiyotaka: "Why are you desperate to be her friends? From what I saw, you should have more than enough friends now."

Kushida: "I want to be friends with everyone. Not only with people from our class, but also with the students from other classes as well. But If I can't become friends with one classmate, then I will never achieve my goal."

Kiyotaka: "Even if it's admirable, there are some walls that couldn't be crossed by force. Your only option is to wait for a real opportunity to come along."

Kushida: "I guess so."

We talked a little more and then bid goodbye with each other.

Both of us were recognizable students, so if we stayed longer, some rumors may spread about us.

Especially since the girls were discussing things like that on bigger scale thanks to this Handsome Ranking thing.

I didn't learn much, but I was sure that Kushida would chase after Suzune more in the future, so I let it go for now.

Considering how angry the black-haired girl was, I probably shouldn't push my luck too much before the end of the month.

Let's just stay quiet and observe, while enjoying the bits of peace I was still left with.

Leaving the school building, I decided to go shopping.

I didn't have any plans for the rest of the day, so I was going to stay in my room.

But when I returned to the dorm, I saw someone, whom I wouldn't expect.

Asahina: "Hello, Ayanokouji-kun."

It was Asahina-senpai, who stood by the dorm's lobby.

It was unexpected to saw a second-year student at first-year students' dorm, especially a girl.

Kiyotaka: "Good afternoon, Asahina-senpai. Are you waiting for someone? Don't tell me... you got yourself a younger boyfriend?!"

I made exaggerated expression.

Asahina: "I'm indeed waiting for a boy here. What now, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Asahina-senpai looked at me with sly expression.

This time my surprise was real.

She was really waiting for some guy?

Kiyotaka: "That person sure is lucky fellow. Having such a beautiful girl waiting for him before a date... I'm so jealous..."

I looked at the floor, feeling down.

Damn you, you rat...

Asahina: "Yes, such a sinful fellow. I'm already standing here for 20 minutes waiting for him, you know."

Asahina-senpai sighed slightly.

Kiyotaka: "What? That's unforgivable. How dare he? As Student Council Vice-President, I can't let him bully the beauty of our Student Council. Who is he? I will immediately execute him... cough... I mean, execute the punishment for his actions."

Asahina: "Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Of course!"

Asahina: "But I'm actually waiting for you, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "..."

What?

Asahina: "How will you punish yourself for making me wait for so long, Ayanokouji-kun? As Student Council Vice-President, your words mean a lot, so I'm looking forward to your justice."

I looked at her, only to once again see phantoms of the fox ears and tail attached to her.

Kiyotaka: "Your Honor, I would like to declare my client as innocent. He never made a promise like that to the victim. Unless my client suddenly suffered from amnesia. But then, my client also shouldn't be judged under normal circumstances because of mental reasons. I ask for your mercy, Your Honor."

Her Honor giggled, amused by my defense.

Asahina: "Ho? Prosecutor Ayanokouji, who was filled with righteous justice just a few moments ago, suddenly changed his front? It's truly hard for a girl to believe man's words nowadays."

She swayed cutely, totally enjoying herself.

Kiyotaka: "Senpai, you shouldn't bully your kouhai like that. I'm just a weak, fragile creature, you know."

Asahina: "Is that so? But I think that a boy, who made a huge ruckus on the rooftop of his senpais' dorm... who made the school investigate his senpais thoroughly... who made practically a perfect crime scene without leaving any evidence... who created a chaos within Student Council and used it to make some of his peers join it... and finally, who made his rival, another Vice-President, suffer some consequences... A boy like that is really far from being called a weak, fragile creature."

Asahina-senpai looked profoundly at me.

She wasn't testing the waters, but was convinced of her belief, just like Horikita-senpai.

I chuckled slightly.

Kiyotaka: "Are you here to make me confess, Asahina-senpai? In the first place, how did you know that I was going back to the dorm?"

Asahina: "My friends have told me that they saw you just leaving the school, so I thought that I could ambush you here. And no, it isn't my intention to make you confess the truth. I'm sure you wouldn't openly admit it anyway."

Kiyotaka: "You could just call me, you know. Then to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Asahina: "I didn't expect you to go shopping, but the next time I will probably call. I wanted to talk with you a little. There's a park nearby. Do you mind?"

Kiyotaka: "I don't mind at all."

It was slightly suspicious for her to invite me like that.

After all, we weren't able to talk freely in the past few days because of the investigation.

Nevertheless, I followed her to the nearby park.

I scanned the area, but I didn't see anything suspicious or anyone hiding.

We sat on the bench.

Asahina-senpai had a serious expression.

Asahina: "Hey, Ayanokouji-kun. Do you know what day is today?"

Kiyotaka: "Your birthday?"

She chuckled lightly.

Asahina: "No. My birthday is in January."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Important information, get.

Asahina: "Any other guesses?"

Kiyotaka: "Nagumo's suspension finished, and he returned to the school today."

After being suspended by me for two weeks, Nagumo Miyabi finally returned to the school.

Asahina: "That's right. But not only. The school ended the investigation about his case. Miyabi received a message to be present after the classes. I went there with him, but I couldn't enter the room with him."

So it was about the results of Nagumo's action.

Seeing Asahina-senpai's serious face, I could tell that they weren't positive for him.

Kiyotaka: "I see. So it finally finished, huh?"

Asahina: "Yes."

Kiyotaka: "And? What was the verdict?"

Asahina: "What do you think?"

Kiyotaka: "I wonder. Considering that the school found out something, he was probably punished somehow."

Asahina: "You are right. He was suspended again. This time for the entire month."

Kiyotaka: "Hoh, really?"

I expected another suspension, but I didn't think it would be this long.

Just what did the school find to punish him like that?

Kiyotaka: "Do you know why he was punished so severely?"

Asahina: "I've asked, but he didn't want to say. Miyabi was extremely angry this time. I guess he won't let you roam freely anymore."

Kiyotaka: "So I'm going to be under surveillance from now on?"

Asahina: "Yes. He didn't give any clear orders for now. But even if he didn't say it, the other second-years started saying that we would monitor you on their free will. After all, the culprit of fireworks managed to infiltrate our dorm without anyone noticing. I've heard several discussions about people being afraid because of that, especially girls. There were even some requests to increase the security."

Kiyotaka: "I see. I guess it's reasonable to be afraid of something like that. No one knows what the culprit, which isn't me, would do."

Asahina: "If your claim is true, then even I may be afraid."

Kiyotaka: "Hm?"

Asahina: "Because if it was you, then your motives were clear - making Fuka-chan happy and making Miyabi miserable. If it wasn't you, then it's kinda scary, since there's no saying what may happen next and why."

Kiyotaka: "I see. You may be right."

Asahina: "You know, I kinda resented you for that after the party, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Eh?"

Asahina: "You made such a chaos for us. When the investigation started, we expected Miyabi to be framed by you. If you made the school punish an innocent person for some selfish reasons, even if it was someone like Miyabi, I would dislike you. I could tell that Horikita-senpai had the same idea."

I guess every senior student involved in the case had a clear image of the situation, despite lack of proof.

Kiyotaka: "But there wasn't any clear evidence suggesting any culprit."

Asahina: "I know. That's why I'm not holding any grudge against you. Even if Miyabi was punished by the school, it was because of the deeds that he really made. I believe Horikita-senpai was relieved by such outcome as well. You've proved that you aren't like Miyabi."

Asahina-senpai's vision became gentle.

Just like Horikita-senpai, she knew that I was at fault, but because Nagumo was only paying for his own sins, both of them couldn't really get angry at me.

Even without such an incident, there could be a day, when the school may investigate and punish that guy for the same reason.

I just created an opportunity to discover the truth, while risking being punished myself.

Asahina: "I'm actually even grateful for you."

Kiyotaka: "For suspending Nagumo?"

Asahina: "No. Well, in fact maybe yes. But the reason is different."

Asahina-senpai's expression became sad.

Asahina: "You probably have heard about the big amount of students from our year being expelled in just one year. One of them was my friend. She was expelled not because of class competition but in the incident that happened on the campus. The one, who testified against her back then, was the owner of that restaurant."

Kiyotaka: "So you think that Nagumo was involved in it and expelled your friend?"

Asahina: "There was no proof of their connection, apart from some parties being hold in that place. That owner had good reputation, so there wasn't any signs that would suggest Miyabi's involvement. Up until this investigation, that's it."

If what Asahina-senpai said was true, then the reason why Nagumo was suspended for so long may be linked to that case as well.

The owner could try to save himself by saying everything to the school, so there was a chance that Nagumo was punished for more than one violation of rules.

And yet, he still managed to stay in this school and in Student Council.

As expected, taking him down needed some real effort.

Kiyotaka: "I see. Do you happen to know what happened to that owner? Was he punished as well?"

Asahina: "He was fired. That's all I know. And that's why I'm grateful to you. It feels like you took a revenge against those two for her. Thank you for that."

Kiyotaka: "You should thank the culprit for that, Asahina-senpai. But I'm sure that person would be pleased to know that he or she did some good deed."

Asahina: "Ahaha... You are probably right, Ayanokouji-kun. I will make sure to do that."

Kiyotaka: "That's good."

Asahina: "But since I still think it's you, I want to thank you for that."

Asahina-senpai closed the distance between us a little.

Her cheeks became slightly red.

Asahina: "I've promised you to agree to an invitation from you if you managed to beat or suspend Miyabi, right? You've fulfilled this condition, so..."

The girl before me had an embarrassed, yet bold expression, which made me heat up a little.

I was aware that I potentially won the bet, but since I couldn't officially announce that I was a culprit, and she looked down because of the incident, I wasn't going to raise directly this topic with her.

But now that I knew that she didn't mind, and she raised the topic herself, I probably shouldn't decline her goodwill, right?

Kiyotaka: "Ekhem... If that's what you decided, then it would be rude to disagree, senpai."

My eyes unconsciously went down and stayed on her thighs.

Should I extend my invitation right now?

Asahina: "Hehe... I thought that you would share my opinion of the matter, Ayanokouji-kun. Then... I shall expect some invitation from you in the near future."

Kiyotaka: "But are you sure, senpai? Second-year students and I will be mortal enemies from now on."

Asahina: "I know. But I also believe Ayanokouji-kun would take something like that into consideration, when inviting me. I have faith that you wouldn't put me into uncomfortable situation."

She smiled brightly at me.

Umm...

About that...

I continued to look at her smiling face.

...

Damn it, she got me...

Now it was hard to make such a request to her.

But since my desire wouldn't be fulfilled, I took another route instead.

Kiyotaka: "Then, can I use this privilege right now?"

Asahina: "E-Eh? Right now?"

The girl was surprised.

She didn't expect to me to choose something from the get-go.

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I actually thought about it, just in case."

Asahina: "Hee... So you are prepared, Ayanokouji-kun. Alright then. When and where?"

Kiyotaka: "It's actually different kind of invitation that you think, senpai."

Asahina: "Huh? What do you mean?"

She furrowed her eyebrows slightly.

I could tell that she started to become wary, not knowing what to expect.

I smiled at her.

Kiyotaka: "I would like to sincerely invite you to be my friend, Asahina-senpai. I don't want our relationship to be just senpai-kouhai one. Would you mind becoming my friend? Genuine friend?"

This idea may seem eccentric, but I had my reasons to do that.

This girl may be loyal to Nagumo, but still had some compassion towards me.

Despite the risk of being spotted, she came to see me to talk and thank me.

After spending some time with her, I could tell that she was a good-natured person.

If the war with second-years was inevitable, I needed someone at the other side, who may actually be of help to me.

This was also something that Horikita-senpai wanted, when she placed her as my secretary.

While it seemed like I was friendzoning her, she wouldn't think of me more than this at this stage, since she was Fuka's close friend.

Once we became friends, I could have a pretext to invite her more than just once, so it wasn't like I was sacrificing much from letting go of my ticket from the bet.

Well, apart from lap pillow, but that wish could still be achieved in the future.

Whatever our relationship would change into something else would depend on my skills and opportunities in the future.

Asahina: "You want to be friends with me?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I sincerely invite you right now."

The girl didn't expect things to turn in such way.

She was hesitating, while contemplating pros and cons.

Asahina: "There's something I would like ask to you first."

Kiyotaka: "Yes?"

Asahina: "Why do you want to be friends with me?"

Kiyotaka: "Is it something weird to do? You feel like a very good friend material, Asahina-senpai. You are very nice and friendly. Furthermore, you worry about the others, and despite me being an enemy of your leader, you thanked me for taking revenge for your friend, which means that you are a very kind and fair person."

Asahina: "This... I-I'm actually not that nice of person as you think, Ayanokouji-kun."

She became embarrassed.

Her face started turning red.

Kiyotaka: "I believe in my judgement of character. This isn't any sort of manipulating you into becoming my spy or turning you against Nagumo or your class. You just said that you had faith that I wouldn't put you in an uncomfortable situation. Please trust this feeling once again. As my friend."

I put out my best smile.

Asahina-senpai's face turned more red.

She couldn't withstand my vision and turned away.

Asahina: "Ah, seriously... You really are a smooth talker, Ayanokouji-kun. I can't believe you are using our promise for something like that."

Kiyotaka: "That's because I want to spend more time with you, senpai. As your friend, I could invite you freely more than once in the future."

Asahina: "So that was your plan, huh? Ayanokouji-kun, you are being greedy..."

Kiyotaka: "I honestly admit that this is the real goal behind this invitation."

Asahina: "Haha, you really are different from Miyabi. If only he could act like that..."

Kiyotaka: "Does that mean that you agree?"

Asahina: "Since you have said so much, I would be really unreasonable to turn you down. I also promised you to agree for the invitation from you... Okay then. Let's be friends from now on."

Kiyotaka: "Are you sure? I know that I'm asking for much, since you are a second-year student."

Asahina: "So you have some conscience, huh? That's good. I will believe in you. As a friend."

Hell yeah!

Kiyotaka: "Thank you very much, Nazuna."

Nazuna: "E-Eh?!"

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Aren't friends people who call each other by their names?"

I made a naive expression of surprise.

Nazuna: "Not exactly, but you are not wrong either..."

Kiyotaka: "Then, it's a no?"

I've used puppy face this time.

Nazuna: "..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

Nazuna: "Alright, alright. Let's use our names from now on, Kiyotaka-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you very much, Nazuna."

Nazuna: "Mou... Did someone tell you that you look like a fox?"

Kiyotaka: "Never."

From my point of view, she was more like a fox than me.

Although right now, her blushing face was anything but foxy.

It was my win this time.

I've said my farewell with Nazuna in good humor.

Not only Nagumo was out of the picture for a while, I also got a new friend.

The fruits of my labor were truly splendid.

I entered my room, left the grocery and started preparing my dinner.

After finishing it, I ate in peace and laid down on my bed.

Now I could stay comfortable in my room for the rest of the day.

Ring, ring!

Or not...

I looked at my phone and saw Henry's number.

[Kiyotaka]: Hello, sir.

[Henry]: Good afternoon. I apologize for sudden call, but I've found something at the store that may be yours. Would you mind coming to the shop to confirm it?

[Kiyotaka]: Of course. I will go there soon. Thank you very much.

[Henry]: I appreciate it.

Looks like Henry managed to smuggle a package for me.

Before Fuka's birthday I've asked him to bring some wine for Masumi as well as some other stuff.

I was glad that it didn't take much time.

And the timing was great, since I was going to be under surveillance soon.

After taking one of my bags, I left my room and headed towards Henry's place.

Henry: "Welcome, dear customer. Ah... It's you."

I looked around his restaurant and didn't see anyone.

Kiyotaka: "Hello. I feel bad to intrude, when you are this busy. One tea please."

Henry: "Leave me alone! I especially called you here, because no one was present."

Henry made me a quick tea.

Kiyotaka: "So, how's the business recently?"

Henry: "Actually, it's better these days, and soon it's going to be even better, thanks to our actions. One of my biggest rivals went out of the business today."

Kiyotaka: "I've heard that the owner of that great restaurant was fired today. I guess it means more customers for you, huh?"

Henry: "What, you already heard about that? That restaurant was shut down because of the investigation. Fufu, that jerk looked down on me all the time. The revenge sure is sweet."

Kiyotaka: "Did the school really finished investigation?"

Henry: "Yes. We were under watch for some time, but it should be okay right now. The security and surveillance at the school gate increased, but there are still some gaps, as long as one knows how to use them. Well, it was still troublesome to get what you wanted. Please don't ask for more for the time being."

Kiyotaka: "I know. I plan to take it easy for now."

Henry: "You? Very funny. Didn't you save some kid from your class just this afternoon?"

Kiyotaka: "You are as well-informed as always."

Henry: "It's my job after all."

Kiyotaka: "Then did you find out some information about the students that I've listed to you?"

Henry: "Unfortunately, nothing much for now. I can only search when I'm outside this school, so it's greatly reducing the time I could spend on it."

Kiyotaka: "For now, prioritize information about Nagumo Family and their connections with Kiryuin Family. If there's really something behind the scenes, it could be exploitable, especially now, during Phase 1."

Henry: "Ah, now that you've said it, you got a message from your parents."

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Not just from Christine, but also from Noah?"

How surprising.

Henry: "Yes. Noah practically said the same thing to me as you - to search for shady things from Nagumo Family and Kiryuin Family. And to look for potential connection to White Room."

As expected, adoptive father also saw the opportunity that could be created from this situation.

Depending on the timing, things may go well for us.

Henry: "There's more. He asked me to tell you that Phase 1 is progressing faster than expected, so there may be need for some adjustment. He wants to discuss it with you personally. Before the summer break you should break through the school's net security and establish a connection to the outside. If you can't manage it in this amount of time, they will do it from their side. Let me know if that would be the case."

Kiyotaka: "I see. I think it won't be a problem."

Since Noah said that, there may really be some changes to the initial plan.

And to be honest, the situation at the school may really call for them.

I sighed lightly.

Kiyotaka: "And what did Christine said?"

Henry: "She mainly asked to tell you that she is missing you, and she hopes that no vixen is trying to corrupt you here."

Kiyotaka: "..."

I started massaging the back of my neck, feeling the headache coming.

Kiyotaka: "That's all?"

Henry: "Well... She said that if you are missing her too, she may come here immediately. Now that the restaurant owner was fired, there's a vacant position there, so..."

Kiyotaka: "I would rather get expelled instead... Tell her to stay at home and not mess things up."

Henry: "Alright."

Kiyotaka: "I probably should go now. Unless something important comes up, I won't contact with you. For the time being, I will just come to this place as a customer."

Henry: "I hope so. Every task you give me is such a pain in ass. Go get your things and get lost."

I went to the toilet with my bag.

This place didn't have any cameras, so I openly removed a designated plate.

Inside the wall there was the same kind of bag as I was holding.

I took it and put mine there.

Slightly looking inside the bag, I confirmed its content.

Henry prepared what I asked for.

I exited the toilet after a minute and after saying my thanks to him, I left his place.

Arriving near the main road, when I spotted a familiar person.

Kushida Kikyo still in her uniform was walking straight towards the school building.

I looked at my watch.

It was past six p.m., so most of the club activities should be over for today.

And Kushida wasn't in any club according to my memory.

So why was she going there?

Was she meeting someone or was there something else?

I hesitated for a moment.

I was currently carrying some troublesome things, so it would be more safe to let go and head to my room.

But feeling that something bizarre was happening, I decided to stealthy follow her.

Just before entering the school building, she looked around as if confirming that no one had seen her.

This only intensified my curiosity.

I entered the school after her and kept up the chase in silence.

Kushida walked up to the second floor and continued towards the third floor.

Could it be that she was heading towards the rooftop?

Students were free to use it during lunchtime, but it should have been locked after the classes.

Nevertheless, the sound of footsteps of the beige-haired girl could be heard at the stairs to the roof.

It ended with the sound of opening door.

I guess the school wasn't strict with locking up the doors.

Considering Kushida's speed and lack of hesitation, she knew about this.

I went up the stairs, while trying to hide my presence.

In order to deal with some unexpected occurrence, I decided to use camera in my phone and hid it in my pocket.

After my experience with Suzune, it was better to be safe than sorry.

The door wasn't closed, so I gently opened it to peek at the other side.

Through the opening I made, I spotted Kushida.

No one else was present, just her.

Going to such a secluded place would suggest that she was planning to meet with someone.

Considering that she was currently alone, the other party probably didn't arrive yet.

If that was the case, I could end up cornered on all sides.

Should I back off before someone else came and then start to watch?

While I was starting to consider a potential retreat, Kushida slowly set her bag down on the ground.

Kushida: "Ahhhh, so annoying!"

Kushida let out a cold and low voice that didn't sound at all like her.

Kushida: "She's seriously so annoying! How irritating! It'd be better if she just died!"

Kushida grumbled to herself as if chanting some kind of curse.

Kushida: "Ugh, I hate such stuck up, snobby girls who think that they're cute and could say whatever they want! Why is she such a bitch? A rotten loner like her..."

Hm?

Could it be that she was talking about Suzune?

Kushida: "Ah, she's the worst! The worst, the worst, the worst! Horikita, you bitch, you are so annoying! So fucking annoying!"

Kushida was cursing at the black-haired girl for a moment.

Kushida: "This seriously is the worst day ever! Those goddamned perverts were ogling me so much in my swimsuit! I thought that I was going to vomit because of them! Those good-for-nothings with small dicks! I hope they will tear them off while fapping to me tonight!"

After Suzune, it was time to curse at the perverts from our class.

Kushida didn't leave anyone out, while swearing to her heart content.

Her way of cursing was really creative.

Kushida: "On top of that, I've placed last in the finals! Such a humiliation! I thought that I could win against that snobbish wench Matsushita and place at least third, but no... Ayanokouji needed to cheer her on in front of everyone! Damn you, Ayanokouji!"

Looks like losing in the finals was more impactful to Kushida than she let out earlier.

And it seemed like she held a grudge at me for that.

Kushida: "Aren't we friends as well? Am I not cuter than those two? It's me, who should be cheered on! Why is he being such a dick and left me out? Vice-President, my ass! Hero, my ass! What's the point of being handsome, when he is so blind?"

I suddenly had an urge laugh.

Compared to abundant cursing about the other people earlier, Kushida appeared to be sulking while mentioning me.

I looked at the ranting girl before me and felt like I just discovered a really rare and precious specimen.

Everyone considered her as a gentle, friendly girl, and she acted to meet those expectations.

But deep inside, she was probably cursing at them like there's no tomorrow, and didn't want anyone to discover that side of her.

She must have reached her mental limit today and decided to let off some steam at this rooftop at the hour that no one else was around.

Too bad for Kushida, I was already paying close attention to her.

More than she ever thought, considering her own words.

And while her sweet, friendly side wasn't really my type, this dark, haughty side of hers was more to my liking.

However, the question arose.

If she felt hatred towards Suzune, why did she want to become friends with her so much?

My mind started to analyze potential answers.

Suzune knew some rumors about Kushida that probably weren't positive.

Kushida knew that Suzune was in her junior high, but she hid this fact.

And here's this darker aspect of beige-haired girl...

...

Could it be that in the past someone discovered Kushida's cursing just like me right now and made it public?

It would fit.

If she acted in the past in the same way as in this school, then she must have been really popular.

Publishing some proof of her other side would be really shocking for everyone, especially if she was cursing at some students there.

Suzune wasn't really interested in other people, but even she should have heard a rumor or two if everybody was talking about it.

Kushida was trying to get closer to her in order to find out how much she knew.

This theory was quite plausible.

But it was still only a theory.

So...

Let's find out the truth.

Thump!

I'd kicked the door a little to make some noise.

Kushida instantaneously tensed up and looked back.

Our visions crossed, and I already knew that I'd become her enemy.

Kushida: "What... are you... doing here?"

Her voice was cold.

Not minding her tone, I let go of my bag, entered the rooftop and came a little closer to her.

Kiyotaka: "This should be my question, Kushida. The rooftop is off limits for the students after the classes. What are you doing here?"

Kushida's wariness towards me reached the max level.

Kushida: "Did you hear?"

Kiyotaka: "Would you believe me if I said that I didn't?"

Kushida: "I see..."

Kushida's eyes turned dark.

It was a different darkness than mine.

And that made me really interested in her.

She quickly walked towards me.

Intrigued by what she was going to do, I didn't react in any way.

She placed her left forearm against the base of my throat and pushed me up against the wall.

This new Kushida wore a terrifying expression and was acting against me with some violence.

I couldn't help but compare her actions to Suzune's.

Those two had much more in common than anyone would suspect.

Kushida: "If you tell anyone what you just heard, I won't forgive you."

Her words were trying to threaten me, but just like in Suzune's case, I wasn't afraid in the slightest.

If anything, I was thinking that it was funny.

Kushida just needed to add some accusation of sexual harassment, and she could pose as Suzune's long-lost sister.

Kiyotaka: "And what if I did tell?"

Not feeling tension at all, I decided to tease the girl.

Kushida: "In that case, I would tell everyone that you raped me."

Oh, here it was!

Suzune's long-lost sister just appeared!

The urge to laugh became stronger, but I held it off.

Kiyotaka: "Oy, oy, that's a false charge, you know. I didn't do anything to you."

Kushida: "That's okay. It wouldn't be false."

Kiyotaka: "?"

Kushida's words made me speechless.

What was she going to do?

As I started to wonder about her words, she grabbed my right wrist and slowly opened my hand.

Then she pushed my palm up against her soft breast.

Wow.

I seriously was taken aback by her resolve to frame me.

But unfortunately for her, such a thing wasn't going to work.

But feeling the softness in my hand, I decided to not point it out.

Kiyotaka: "What are you doing?"

While acting like I was trying to pull away my hand from her grasp, I was subtly groping her breast to my heart content.

After all, I needed to pose as a victim here and let Kushida think that she achieved an upper hand against me.

Kushida: "Now your fingerprints are on my clothes. That's evidence of my claim. Do you understand how serious I am?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, I understand. I really do."

Kushida: "I'm going to leave this uniform in my room without washing it. If you betray me, I will hand it over to the school and the police."

While she was more resolute than Suzune, her method was unfortunately not very effective.

I guess she would fool some guys with it, but not me.

Nevertheless, Kushida deserved praise to come up with something like that in the span of few moments.

Kiyotaka: "I get it."

Kushida stepped away, while freeing my hand.

I reluctantly let go of her breast, but the feeling of softness and warmth stayed.

While reminiscing of it wasn't bad, there was something else I needed to do at the moment.

Kiyotaka: "Hey, Kushida. Which is the real you?"

Kushida: "That's none of your business."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Well, I was wondering about something. If you hate Horikita Suzune so much, then why did you decide to involve yourself with her?"

Kushida glared at me.

I thought that she wouldn't answer me, but after a moment she opened her mouth.

Kushida: "Is it bad to want everyone to like you? Do you understand how hard it is to accomplish that? Even someone like you would struggle to achieve it, right?"

That's true.

If anything, I thought that I was a little too popular at the moment.

But it didn't seem like that for Kushida.

Since the first day of the school, she had made an effort to be friends with everyone, even Suzune.

One could easily imagine how difficult and time-consuming that would be.

Kiyotaka: "So you are trying to be friendly with her, because your goal really is to become friends with everyone?"

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

Kushida answered without hesitation.

A meaning, huh?

How interesting.

But now everything was clear.

Since she had a singular way of thinking, her internal rules forced her to get close to Suzune, despite the protests from the black-haired girl.

Kiyotaka: "But the stress of that just kept building, huh? And you came here to vent, right?"

Kushida: "Yes. I needed to let loose after this horrible day. To think it would turn out like that. It's really one of the worst days in my life."

Looks like she didn't hear about our rooms being soundproofed.

This girl had such poor luck.

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, I could tell from your swearing earlier."

Kushida kicked my leg as hard as she could.

Kiyotaka: "Ouch. What are you doing?"

Kushida: "Your comment just pissed me off, Ayanokouji-kun."

She shot me an angry glare and started to walk towards her bag, probably to go back.

I used her lack of attention to me and stopped the recording on my phone.

The show under the watch of the camera was finally over, so I let go of my poker face and started smirking.

I just got a really valuable video, much better than I firstly thought it would be.

All that's left to do was to harvest...

Kushida grabbed her bag and looked at me.

Kushida: "Now that everything was said I want to confirm it for the last time. Do you swear you'll never tell anyone what you learned here today?"

Not realizing my change, the girl wanted the statement of the matter from me once again.

Too bad, she wasn't going to get what she wanted.

Kiyotaka: "Nah, I don't want to."

I said with mean face.

Kushida stiffened.

She finally noticed that something was amiss.

Kushida: "What... do you mean by that?"

Kiyotaka: "I've changed my mind. I'm going to tell everyone about you tomorrow."

Kushida: "Huh?! Are you fucking kidding me?!"

The beige-haired girl became confused and angry.

She ran towards me and grabbed me by my shirt.

Kushida: "Did you not understand what I've told you just now?! If you dare to say a word about me to anyone I will sue you for raping!"

Firstly, let's test this girl by scaring her a little.

Kiyotaka: "I understand completely, Kushida. Even better than you think. But since you didn't fulfill your part of our deal, I don't need to fulfill mine."

Kushida: "What are you talking about?"

Kiyotaka: "Did you already forget? I've promised to not tell anybody about your secret, and in exchange, you won't sue me for raping you. So... we still have some steps to perform right now, don't we?"

Kushida: "Wha..."

Before she managed to catch up to what I was saying, I grabbed both of her hands and handcuffed them using my hand.

Then I pinned her to the wall next to me, placing her hands above her head.

Kushida: "Let me go! What are you doing?!"

Kushida tried to resist me, but my strength was far above her.

Kiyotaka: "I just explained it to you, right? If you want my silence, you need to pay the price."

I used my free hand to slightly caress her waist.

Kushida: "Don't tell me..."

My fingers went up.

My hand was currently just below her breast.

Kiyotaka: "Why are you acting so surprised? It was you, who proposed this deal. Don't you really remember? You even gave me a slight prelude, while talking about it. It was something like that."

My hand went up again and softly claimed Kushida's breast again.

The girl stiffened for a second, then vigorously tried to free herself from me.

Kushida: "Stop it, you goddamned pervert! Bastard! Sicko! Let me go this instant otherwise I will make sure you will regret that you were born!"

I let the beige-haired girl struggle for some time, without doing anything more than making my hand stay on her breast.

Kiyotaka: "So you are okay with me telling everyone about that side of you?"

Kushida: "Fuck off! You may be Vice-President, but without any proof no one would believe you easily! Especially since you are going to the prison soon! Do not think that I'm gonna spare you after this, you piece of shit!"

I must say that I was impressed by the mental fortitude of Kushida.

I could see some fear in her eyes, but she quickly turned it into boldness and pushed forward.

Even under such extreme situation, she still didn't lose her fire and wisdom.

Wonderful.

Yes, I thought that it was truly wonderful.

This fierce personality of hers was truly to my liking.

At this point, Kushida Kikyo became the most valuable asset in my eyes.

Someone that I was looking for in my class.

As long as I had her, I could move the class in the direction I wanted without needing to step up.

All that was needed to do was to tame and train her.

Kiyotaka: "You are right, Kushida. I admit that it would be really troublesome to convince anyone to believe me without any proof, even if I would be President. You are that good."

Kushida: "Since you know that much, then let me go!"

Kiyotaka: "But who said that I don't have a proof?"

Kushida: "Eh?"

I let go of her breast and took out my phone.

Then I played the video I've made.

'Ahhhh, so annoying!'

'She's seriously so annoying! How irritating! It'd be better if she just died!'

...

"If you tell anyone what you just heard, I won't forgive you."

...

'In that case, I would tell everyone that you raped me.'

...

"Your comment just pissed me off, Ayanokouji-kun."

...

The video ended.

At first, Kushida looked at it with stunned expression.

The more she watched the video, the more her body was starting to tremble.

At the end, there was just one emotion left in her.

Despair.

I put my phone into my pocket, while my eyes stayed at the girl.

Kiyotaka: "Quite an interesting movie, right? Your true side caught in full HD. You are really a great actress, Kushida. I wonder how would our classmates react when I show it to them."

Kushida: "..."

Kiyotaka: "On top of that, there's a clear display of your threat against me. And considering that you forced me to feel your breast against my will, it's actually me, who should sue you for sexual harassment. I'm sure the school will share my opinion on this matter. You've said that you won't wash your uniform once you return to the dorm, right? That's great, one more proof of your harassment."

I let go of her and stepped back.

Kiyotaka: "You are free to go back, Kushida. You should probably enjoy yourself this evening. Starting from tomorrow, things may be harsher for you."

The beige-haired didn't move at all.

I kept silently watching her.

Kushida: "...What do you want?"

Finally, Kushida's vision met with mine.

Her eyes were empty and dark.

Despair was taking over her.

Kiyotaka: "What a weird question. Do you think that I want something from you?"

Kushida: "Stop with this bullshit and tell me what do you want! If you really wanted to show it to everyone, you would keep silent about it right now. You didn't, which means that you want something from me."

She was still clever despite her state.

I came closer to Kushida.

Kiyotaka: "I already said what I wanted. Will you give it to me?"

My hand once again started to lightly stroke her waist.

Kushida gave me an expression of disgust.

Kushida: "You... Are you being serious? Do you really want to do it here?"

Kiyotaka: "Here? No, that wouldn't be too good."

The last thing that I would want right now was to make school link up me with another rooftop.

We needed to change location.

Kiyotaka: "We should go to my room."

Kushida: "W-What?"

Kiyotaka: "But the decision is yours, Kushida. I'm not forcing you."

I gave her butt a small stroke before letting go of her, then I started walking towards the exit.

Still observing Kushida, I grabbed my bag.

She was obviously struggling to make up her mind, knowing how things would end if she followed me.

Kiyotaka: "See you tomorrow, Kushida."

Saying my goodbye, I turned towards the staircase.

Kushida: "W-Wait! I will go!"

Kushida shouted agitated.

In the end, she decided to protect her secret, even at the price of your body.

Seeing her coming to my side with some reluctance, I just smiled at her and began to walk.

We walked out of the school in silence.

Once we arrived outside, Kushida changed her expression to the smiling one.

Considering the situation, it was seriously impressive.

Kiyotaka: "You sure are working hard."

Kushida: "Shut up, you pervert."

Kiyotaka: "Really? I thought that it would be weird for friendly Kushida to be walking in silence with her classmate, but if that's what you want."

Kushida: "Thank you fucking much for your shitty consideration."

Kiyotaka: "Of course, I would be considerable towards my dear guest. Actually I'm happy that you are acting right now, you know. It means that you feel like there won't be any changes for your life tomorrow. And for that to happen, you need to make me happy tonight."

Kushida broke her mask and glared darkly at me.

She probably wished for me to die during this walk.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, there's someone..."

Kushida tensed up and turned around with a smile on her face, only to see no one.

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry. I must have seen wrong."

Kushida: "Die!"

We talked lightly, mainly when someone was passing us.

The closer the dorm we were, the more nervous Kushida was.

But no matter what, she still didn't withdraw.

Finally, we arrived at my room's door.

Kiyotaka: "Ladies first."

I made a gentlemanly gesture, inviting her in.

The girl didn't move for a moment, then finally she walked inside.

That confirmed my suspicion about the importance of her secret.

I especially acted as a pervert before to make her realize that I wasn't joking.

She knew what was going to happen to her, yet she didn't back off, despite having time to think it over.

Now I was sure that she would do anything I would ask her to, as long as her secret was safe.

I went in after her and closed my door.

Kushida didn't dare to face me and just stood nearly my bed with her back facing me.

She probably was bracing herself to be pushed on the bed, but I didn't move as well.

There was a strange silence between us for a few seconds.

Kushida: "Hey."

Kiyotaka: "Yes?"

Kushida: "Are we really doing it?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, I was just thinking about it today."

Kushida: "You scum..."

Kiyotaka: "I didn't force you to come here, Kushida. I did ask you, and you came with me on your free will, remember?"

Kushida: "Yes. But it won't change the fact that you are the worst, Ayanokouji-kun..."

Kiyotaka: "You aren't the only one, who have a hidden side, Kushida."

Kushida: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Shall we start?"

Kushida: "R-Right now? Shouldn't I take a shower or something?"

Kiyotaka: "There's no need to."

Kushida: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Could it be that it's your first time?"

Kushida: "Of course, it is, you bastard!"

Kiyotaka: "Really? I always thought that you already experienced it at least once."

Kushida: "What the hell?! Did you really think like that?!"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. To think you never experienced lap pillow..."

Kushida: "You...! E-Eh...? W-Wait a second! What did you say?"

Kushida finally turned around with a stunned expression.

Her teary eyes suggested being on the verge of crying.

Kiyotaka: "I said that it's surprising. I always thought that someone as friendly as you would have done it with some friend already."

Kushida: "What are you talking about?"

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Don't you know what's lap pillow is? All you have to do is to let me place my head on your thighs."

Kushida: "I know what lap pillow is! I'm asking what it has to do with anything! Is it some kinky play of yours?"

Kiyotaka: "Like I've just said, I was thinking about getting a lap pillow from some girl today, so I thought that I would ask you to do that in my room. Is it something to be angry about?"

I made a surprised and naive expression.

Kushida looked at me flabbergasted, then rushed and grabbed my clothes.

Kushida: "You son of bitch! Are you screwing around with me?!"

Kiyotaka: "Actually, yes, I am."

Kushida: "What?"

Kiyotaka: "If you thought that I was going to sleep with you, then you are mistaken. Your virginity, which you definitely still have, is safe."

I smirked at her.

The beige-haired girl widen her eyes.

Her grab intensified, and her body started to tremble.

Kushida: "Really?"

Kiyotaka: "I admit that I'm not a good guy, but I'm not a scumbag."

Kushida: "You really won't do it?"

Kiyotaka: "I was just testing how far you would go to protect your secret, Kushida. The second you entered here, I already got what I wanted from you."

Thud!

Kushida's legs gave up, and she fell on the floor.

She started breathing heavily, as if she just ran marathon.

Then, she looked up at me with fierce face.

Kushida: "You bastard! How dare you toy with me?! I will kill you!"

Kiyotaka: "Now, now. Nothing bad is gonna happen to you, so how about treating me a little nicer?"

Kushida: "You want to be treated nicer after something like that?!"

Kiyotaka: "You deserved some punishment for threatening me earlier. Let's say that we are even now."

Kushida: "Are you fucking kidding me?! If you want to be even, then delete that video!"

Kiyotaka: "Do I look like an idiot to you?"

Kushida: "You actually do."

Kiyotaka: "Then I would like to kindly remind you that this idiot here could still expose you to everyone. I've said that I won't do anything to you, but I didn't say that I will keep quiet for free."

Kushida tensed up again.

Kushida: "What do you want?"

Kiyotaka: "For now, a lap pillow to ease atmosphere would be good."

Kushida: "Are you being serious about it?"

Kiyotaka: "You have great thighs, Kushida. I would be a waste to not use them."

Kushida: "You are a pervert."

Kiyotaka: "We can also make up in my bed, like you originally thought so."

Kushida: "Tch. Alright, I will do it. I just have to do it, and you will be satisfied, right?"

Kiyotaka: "No. But it's a good position to talk."

Kushida: "..."

Kushida glared at me, but didn't say anything and sat down on my bed.

Her thighs were partly exposed, giving a great temptation to sin.

I swallowed my saliva and slowly walked towards her.

Then I sat down on my bed and placed my head on Kushida's thighs.

Soft.

Really soft.

That was the first thing that came to my mind.

As expected, nothing could beat lap pillow.

I enjoyed myself a little before spotting a small problem.

Kiyotaka: "Would you mind leaning forward a little? I can't see your face because of those mountains of yours."

Kushida: "Pervert."

She cursed at me, but still obediently moved to make me see her face.

Her eyes looked at me coldly, but there was a slight blush on her face as well.

Kiyotaka: "Your thighs are top-notch, Kushida. Really soft and comfortable."

Kushida: "Thank you very much, you perverted bastard. So? You've said that you want to talk, so let's get it over with quickly."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. There's something I want to know. How did you get busted in your junior high?"

Kushida stiffened slightly after hearing my question.

Kushida: "That bitch had told you, right?"

Kiyotaka: "Just a few things. As you know, Suzune isn't talkative person."

Kushida: "Tch... Huh? You are calling her by her name?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. And she calls me by mine as well."

Kushida: "Are you two friends? Don't tell me... You two are really going out?"

Kiyotaka: "No, it's more complicated."

Kushida: "What does that mean?"

Kiyotaka: "Now, now, Kushida. The one, who should talk right now is you, not me."

Kushida made a disappointed expression, but couldn't refuse my request.

Kiyotaka: "By the way, if I think you are lying, I will really strip you naked."

The beige-haired girl clicked her tongue in annoyance.

Kushida: "Fine. I just need to tell you what happened, right?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I want to hear your side of the story."

She finally gave up any resistance and started to talk.

Kushida: "Is there something you are the best at, Ayanokouji-kun? Better than anyone else?"

Kiyotaka: "Hm... Many things come to mind... Do I need to pick up one or can I choose more?"

Kushida: "What an annoying and narcissistic thing to say."

Kiyotaka: "I understand why you don't believe me, but I'm being honest here."

Kushida: "Enough of that nonsense! I asked because I wanted to know if you could understand the feeling of standing above anyone else."

Kiyotaka: "Oh, I know that feeling well."

Kushida: "I think that I'm addicted to that feeling. More so than normal people. I want to be praised. I want to stand out and show off. When everyone's eyes are on me, and they shower me with affection, I truly feel how wonderful it is to be alive."

Kushida made a blissful smile for a moment.

Kushida: "But... Everyone have their own limits. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't become number one in academics or sports."

Kiyotaka: "That's why you were so annoyed when you placed last at the finals today, huh?"

Kushida: "Right. But don't misunderstand. Coming third or even second wouldn't satisfy my cravings as well. It's just that seeing Matsushita-san swimming with all her might after being cheered on by the most popular boy in the school and beating me, while I got nothing at all, ticked me off... Oy! Stop smiling like that! It pissed me off so much!"

Kushida looked at me with real annoyance, while I was smirking.

Kushida: "Damn it... Back to the topic, I couldn't be number one despite my efforts, because of my lack of talent. That's why I thought I'd do something that no one else could - be nicer and kinder than anyone else."

I see.

So that was the roof of Kushida's kindness.

She wasn't a genuinely kind and helpful person by nature, nor did she change her life because of some incident like me.

She sought the attention of everyone, but her own abilities couldn't match her desire.

Kushida: "Thanks to that, I became really popular with both girls and boys. I took pleasure in being trusted and relied upon. I finally was in the center of attention. Ah, how good it was..."

Kiyotaka: "But it wasn't just good, right? If you are doing things that you don't want to on daily basic, it would be agonizing."

Kushida: "Of course, it's agonizing. Day after day, I'm under so much stress that I feel like I'm going to go bald. I've pulled my hair out and vomited from anxiety. I couldn't let loose for even a moment, so I continued to endure and endure and endure..."

Kushida's face turned into that of pure hatred.

Only she did know how crucifying it was.

Kiyotaka: "And you needed the means to vent, right?"

Kushida: "Tch, that loose-tongued bitch... Yes, I needed some means to vent. That's why I created my blog."

Blog?

She didn't swear like in the rooftop?

Kushida: "It saved me. I could dump out all of my stress there. I could tell it all my most painful secrets. Even if I posted everything anonymously, each one of those was a fact. It made me so happy, when I started to receive encouragement from people I didn't even know. Things didn't look so bad. But one day, a classmate discovered my blog. Even though I hadn't named anyone, it was clear my posts were all based on real events."

Kiyotaka: "And that person blabbed everything, huh?"

Kushida: "Yeah. The next day, my posts were shared with the entire class. Everyone condemned me. I'd helped them so much, and yet they all turned on me. Selfish, don't you think? From the most-liked person in the class, I've turned into everyone's mortal enemy that day."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Their reaction was rather understandable. But how did you make it through? The situation must have been quite severe."

Kushida: "It was actually quite easy. All I needed to do was to tell the truth. I revealed all of my classmates' secrets. Who hated who, who liked who, who thought who was a disgusting creep, etc. I exposed truths that I hadn't even written on my blog."

The truth.

A weapon that could only be obtainable through trust.

It seemed harmless, but it was a powerful double-edged sword that could destroy everything once used.

Kushida: "At that point, my classmates stopped being angry at me and started hating each other. The boys got into fights, the girls pulled each other's hair. Each person was cursing at another one. The entire classroom descended into complete chaos. To be honest, it was an incredible sight. Because of everything I exposed, the class could no longer function. The school rebuked me, but my blog was anonymous, and all I technically did was tell my classmates the truth. "

Kiyotaka: "So that's how it happened."

Kushida: "Mm. Pretty boring, isn't it? But to me, it's everything. This is my reason for being. More than anything else, I love everyone respecting and noticing me. When people trust me with their secrets, I feel joy that surpasses my wildest imaginings."

Learning about information that no one else knew was a powerful drug to Kushida.

She couldn't imagine her life without being trusted and admired by everyone.

That's why she decided to enter my room.

She intended to protect her secret at all cost, even her body.

Kushida: "And that's all. What are you going to do with me now?"

I looked at the girl.

She seemed tranquil, but deep inside she was still afraid.

Not of losing her virginity, but of exposing the video.

But I didn't intend to expose her at all.

After hearing about her past, I was even more determined that she was perfect for the job.

If she wanted attention and secrets, then I would feed her with them.

In order to make her mine.

Kiyotaka: "Let's see... Firstly, let me tell you something that you didn't know about this school."

I made a mean smile.

Kiyotaka: "Our rooms are soundproof, so if you needed to vent out loudly, you should've done it in your room."

Kushida's eyes widen greatly.

Her body shook up.

Kushida: "What... are you talking about?"

Kiyotaka: "It's confirmed and tested information. Even if you would scream to your heart content, no one would hear you."

Kushida: "..."

Kushida's shaking intensified.

Kushida: "Are you trying to tell me that..."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Too bad, Kushida. You were one information short from being able to hide this side of yours."

Kushida's face darkened.

Kushida: "Aaaaaaahhhh! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!"

The girl started screaming, while holding her head.

She tried to vent out on the outside to not alarm anyone, yet the safest place turned out to be her own room.

For her, this knowledge was devastating.

After a moment of loud cursing, she finally started to calm down a bit.

Kushida: "I must look like an idiot to you, right?"

Kiyotaka: "You actually do."

Kushida: "Tch."

Kiyotaka: "I'm sure you would have learned about it sooner or later from someone. I was just at right time and right place to witness your true side. You just had a bad luck."

Kushida: "Damn it! Now that I think about, it's all your fault! How long did you follow me, you stalker?"

Kiyotaka: "Today was the first time I've followed you. I saw you going to be school building and was curious why. And when you entered the rooftop, which supposed to be off limits, I knew that something was amiss."

Kushida: "And you decided to record that?"

Kiyotaka: "Let's just say that I have some experience in facing bizarre situations."

Kushida: "What the hell is that? It's not normal."

Kiyotaka: "You will soon find out that this school is more bizarre than you think, Kushida."

Kushida: "Hm? What do you mean by that?"

Kiyotaka: "Now that I think about it, the chances that someone may find out about your secret will rise after the beginning of the next month. Be careful then."

Kushida: "What are you talking about? What's going to happen in the next month?"

Kiyotaka: "Well, let's just say that the chances for you to become everyone's friend will reduce greatly, so I suggest working hard in your remaining time."

Kushida: "What the hell is going to happen in the next month?!"

Kiyotaka: "Who knows? It's a secret."

Kushida: "No, no, no! You can't be seriously expecting me to stay silent after hearing something like that. Tell me!"

Kiyotaka: "Why should I? I have nothing to gain from that. But you... You can gain many things from that knowledge."

Kushida: "You..."

Kushida looked at me with hate.

My revelation shook her to the core.

The fear of exposing her secret and the sweet feeling of learning something hidden mixed up in her mind, making her curious and agitated.

Kushida: "Okay, what do you want?"

This girl was learning fast.

I looked at her with profound meaning.

Kiyotaka: "Everything. I want your everything. You will listen to my words and do things that I want you to without a word of opposition. You will also promise to never harm me or my interests. No matter what will happen, you will stay obedient to me and only me."

Kushida: "What the hell?! You want me to be your slave?!"

Kiyotaka: "In exchange, I will keep quiet about today. I will also tell you what I know about this school and why it may harm you. I can also promise to act in the way to prevent a potential harm towards you and your secret. After all, it would be in my interest to be the only one who knows."

Kushida: "..."

Kushida looked at me stunned.

Even if she was prepared for the worst not too long ago, she still hesitated right now.

My terms may be cruel from her point of view, but considering that she was still dressed and mainly untouched, she should understand that I have a conscience and won't give her a hard time.

Kiyotaka: "If you don't want to agree, you don't have to. But since I know your secret, it's obvious that you may try to harm me in the future. So I will have to destroy you before that."

For the first time today, my vision turned cold while facing Kushida.

After all, while it was a great opportunity for me to gain her support, if she really started to move against me, I would literally destroy her without even a sliver of scruples.

I wanted to make that point obvious to her, since she was getting daring in front of me, who held her life's meaning in my hand.

Kiyotaka: "Choose, Kushida. You can live in this school with your dark side known by everyone, or you can live in this school under my command. The choice is yours."

Kushida contemplated for a few moments about my offer.

Her eyes stayed on my face as if trying to read me.

Kushida: "If I act as you order me, you won't share the video with anyone?"

Kiyotaka: "And why would I do that? As long as you won't betray me and do what I said, I don't see any benefit in revealing your secret."

Kushida: "Fine. I promise you. I will do what you say and won't betray you."

Kiyotaka: "Are you sure?"

Kushida: "Yes."

Kiyotaka: "Great. Then we officially became allies."

Kushida: "Allies, my ass..."

Kiyotaka: "You are right, Kushida. Unbutton your shirt right now."

Kushida: "What?!"

Kiyotaka: "Since you prefer a slave treatment, I will treat you as one. I want to see those mountains of yours in their full glory, Kushida. Strip."

Kushida: "No, no, no...! Allies! We are allies. Please take care of me from now on, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "See? It wasn't that hard to acknowledge it. Since you became allies, I will call you Kikyo from now on. You can also use my name as well."

Kikyo: "I got it, Kiyotaka-kun."

Kiyotaka: "I will be in your care as well, Kikyo."

Kikyo put on her mask and smiled kindly.

Kiyotaka: "Stop with that fake smile. I prefer your other side much more."

Kikyo: "Huh?"

The beige-haired girl seemed to be genuinely surprised by my comment.

Kiyotaka: "What?"

Kikyo: "No, it's nothing."

She seemed to think about something for a moment, then shook her head.

Kikyo: "Anyway... Will you now tell me about what you meant by those words earlier? Why should I be careful after the beginning of the next month?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. About that..."

While still laying on her soft thighs, I told her about the class competition and it's rules.

Kikyo listened closely.

The more I spoke about the rules, the more astonished she was.

When I finished, she was silent for a moment, trying to digest what she just heard.

Kiyotaka: "Do you understand now? Once the school competition officially starts, the other classes will try to hide information, so it will be harder for you to obtain trust from them. That's why you should make as much contact with them as you could right now. For now, it should be a priority."

Kikyo: "That's why you were going to the other classes those days, Kiyotaka-kun. How sly of you."

Kiyotaka: "No, it actually has nothing to do with class competition. If I wanted to be part of it, I would tell everyone about it at the second day, right?"

Kikyo: "If that wasn't your intention, then what was it?"

Kiyotaka: "I just wanted to get to know everyone, just like you."

Kikyo: "Are you trying to say that we are similar?"

Kiyotaka: "Are we not?"

Kikyo: "I highly doubt it."

Kiyotaka: "Is it? We are both students from Class D, so we are considered defective by the school. Once the next month starts, many students will wonder what people like Kushida-chan and Ayanokouji-kun are doing in defective class and try to figure it out. It's good that you figured out where to curse now, don't you think so, Kikyo?"

Kikyo: "You may be right. Damn it. What's wrong with this school? Why couldn't everything be clear from the beginning? Fuck... I feel like vomiting while thinking about the future right now."

For someone like Kikyo, the class competition meant more stressful situations, while trying to reach her goal.

She also needed to be more wary of her surrounding in order to not expose her secret.

In a way, being caught by me was a blessing in disguise for her.

Now she knew what was going to come and how to prevent potential exposure better.

Kiyotaka: "Relax. I will help you out if needed. We are allies, aren't we?"

I raised my hand and slightly caressed her cheek.

She narrowed her eyes, but didn't say anything.

Kikyo: "So, what's the plan?"

Kiyotaka: "Hm?"

Kikyo: "You didn't tell me about it, because you were actually worried about me. You want to use me for something, don't you?"

I liked how she always quickly went to the point.

Kiyotaka: "Part of it was because I was worried about you though."

Kikyo: "Sure... What about the other part?"

Kiyotaka: "Well, I may have something for you to do."

Kikyo: "I knew it."

Kiyotaka: "You will benefit from it as well, so there's no need to be aggressive. It's about our income. Hirata incorrectly interpreted my leads and made it into individual problem, but the truth is different. Our future gains are directly linked to our class score. After Hirata's revelation many students in our class started to behave, but as you know, there are still some, who didn't change."

Kikyo: "The fucking perverts..."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Because of them, our class score is still dropping day by day. If only there was someone, who could correct Hirata's mistake to the class and make the troublesome ones obey the rules for the sake of the class."

Kikyo: "Wait. You can't mean me, right? You would be a better choice for that."

Kiyotaka: "I don't care about that. Even if I told everyone about it, the boys wouldn't listen to the words of another handsome guy. But if it was a pretty girl, who thinks dearly about her friends, they may start to behave."

Kikyo: "That would be troublesome. And some girls' opinion of me may become worse after I tried to correct their beloved prince Hirata."

Kiyotaka: "Just go and talk with Hirata about that before. Tell him that you learned the truth from one of your friends in senior year, but can't reveal his name, since the school would punish him for it. Chabashira won't tell you anything, so all you need to do is to make him not confront her about this information in order to not search for your source. Hirata will definitely agree with you. He is just as nice as you."

Kikyo's face showed annoyance, but she started to think about it seriously.

I decided to push it more.

Kiyotaka: "Think about how grateful people will be to you after that. You will become class' savior. On top of that, you will stop the troublemakers from reducing our score, which means more money for you in the next month. Once our income become low, who would be the first target for people to ask for loan? Will you be okay with lending your money to idiots, who just used all of their points for nonsense?"

Kikyo: "Damn it..."

The girl wasn't stupid and could clearly see the predicament that may await for her if things stay as they are.

Preventing it from happening and raising her worth in the class was definitely more to her liking.

Kikyo: "Okay, I will do it."

As expected, she agreed to it quickly.

Well, she didn't have a choice, but it's still better if she was going to do it by her free will.

Kiyotaka: "Good. I will leave the details to you. Remember, you can't reveal my involvement in this."

Kikyo: "Tch. I understand."

Looks like we received the agreement.

All that was needed to do was to witness Kushida's skills.

Kikyo: "Hey, I think I should go now. It's been some time since I went here. My phone should be full of messages from various people. It will be weird if I left them waiting for so long. I also need to contact Hirata."

Kiyotaka: "You are right. Time with good company always goes fast."

Kikyo: "Yeah..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

Kikyo: "..."

Kiyotaka: "What?"

Kikyo: "Get up! How long are you going lay on my laps?!"

Kiyotaka: "Eh? Maybe five more minutes?"

Kikyo: "Fuck off! My legs are getting numb!"

Kiyotaka: "Ah, Kikyo, you are such a bully..."

I reluctantly stood up.

Kikyo also stood up after a moment.

Her legs were slightly shaking from numbness, but she still started walking towards the door.

Kiyotaka: "Kikyo."

Kikyo: "What?"

Kiyotaka: "I know that you hate me. I don't mind that at all. As long as there's mutual understanding between us, you don't need to be afraid of me or your secret being exposed."

Kikyo: "...I understand. See you tomorrow, Kiyotaka-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. See you tomorrow, Kikyo."

Without turning around, Kikyo left my room.

It was obvious that she hated me.

If not for the video, she would turn into my enemy.

But even with it, there's no telling how she would behave in the future.

For now, let's fill her up with some benefits and see what she would do later.

I had big expectations for her.

If she really became my ally, it would be great.

But if she tried to betray me, I would show her no mercy.

From now on, the only good end for Kushida Kikyo would be by staying by my side.

To be continued...