COTE Collection

by TsukasaKawaii

Collection of Cote Fanfic from many authors

32. (3) Ayanokouji's Return - Chapter 31-32

COTE: Ayanokouji's Return

By : tobi7th

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Chapter 31 - 32

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Chapter 31 - 1st May

Beep! Beep!

The alarm in my clock resounded in my room, making me wake up.

I tapped it lightly, stopping the sound, and stretched my body.

Then, remembering the thing that was haunting me yesterday, I quickly took my phone.

Today was 1st May, which meant that the school was going to transfer private points to the students.

It's not like I was hungry for more money or something.

I still had a big part of private points that I received at the beginning of the school.

The reason for my haste was because today we were going to uncover which revelation of S-System was true - our group's or Kushida-san's.

I remembered my amazement, when Kushida-san told us that our income may not be judged based on individual behavior but on the entire class behavior.

That revelation shocked many, especially students who acted well, myself included.

Up to that moment, apart from Hirata-kun, no one really bothered with trying to convince Sudo-kun and his friends to act well, since we thought that it didn't affect us.

But if what Kushida-san said was true, then the danger that our income was going to be reduced greatly came back.

Of course, at the beginning, many didn't want to believe.

Kushida-san managed to obtain this information from some senior student, but couldn't disclose his identify because the school may punish him for information leak.

That made her revelation more doubtful.

But it was Kushida-san, the friendliest girl I've ever known.

It was hard to oppose her sincere look, when she was talking about it.

On top of that, it seemed like she consulted it with Hirata-kun beforehand, making it even harder to refuse, since the boy supported her.

But the hardest part came after that.

Over half of the class was already behaving well, but the troublemakers weren't.

Even with Kushida-san's plea, some of the boys had trouble not act unruly in the classroom or arrive on time to the classes.

Kushida-san's influence tempered their behavior, but couldn't stop it thoroughly.

And that made the honor students like Yukimura-kun to bicker with them from time to time.

The entire class was in a weird state of anxiety, not knowing what to do and whom to believe.

To be honest, I wasn't fully convinced by Kushida-san's words.

Her story had some holes, especially the senior student part.

Why the school would punish a senior for telling his kouhai the true rules?

Why would someone told Kushida-san something like that, if it could lead to punishment?

Was it some boy, who had a crush on Kushida-san?

It was a popular topic among the girls these days, but she always denied such a thing.

While it was quite a plausible theory, I had one on my own.

A day before the beige-haired girl told the class this information, she was in contact with a person that I was paying attention to.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

It was known by some people that Ayanokouji-kun, Kushida-san and Horikita-san were together in Palate after the classes.

Apparently Kushida-san was trying to befriend Horikita-san and Ayanokouji-kun was her helper.

In the end, she failed, and they parted their ways and never met again on that day.

But I couldn't help but think that something was fishy.

Ayanokouji-kun joined our group for the lunch, and we figured out some rules of the school.

Ayanokouji-kun was with Horikita-san and Kushida-san, and on the next day, Kushida-san corrected some of our theories about S-System because of a mysterious senior student.

Both revelations had that boy's shadow lurking closely.

A coincidence?

I don't think so!

Or so I would like to say, but up to this day I couldn't find even a shred of evidence of that.

I spoke with the boy several times, and sometimes I was even laying some traps for him in order to confirm my suspicion, but he never fell for anything.

It frustrated me to no end.

Especially since he was using those times to openly flirt with me in the way I couldn't find him too oppressive.

Instead of spilling the beans, he was making me blush and laugh.

He spoke of us as friends, and we really became a little closer, but I still couldn't let go of the thought that he was hiding something big.

I knew that I was getting paranoid, but I couldn't help it and my eyes were just going after him from time to time.

When I was outside, I caught myself several times trying to look around and search his shadow.

That's why I couldn't sleep well last night.

I was constantly thinking about everything that happened in this month.

So when I woke up in the morning today, I rushed to look at my phone.

I quickly opened my account in order to check my points.

25000 private points were transferred to your account!

I found such a notification and petrified in an instant.

Apart from the first week, my behavior was impeccable, so there's no way that I would lose seventy-five percent of my income.

Which means...

Chiaki: "Kushida-san was right."

At that moment, I knew that things were about to become really chaotic.

Satou: "Matsushita-san! Good morning."

After preparing myself to the school, I met with Satou-san at the entrance of our dorm.

She waved lightly to me with smile.

Matsushita: "Good morning, Satou-san. Did you check your account?"

Satou: "Yes, I did. I only got 25000 points. It's seriously terrible."

So she really did get the same amount as me.

That practically concluded Kushida-san's version.

Matsushita: "I got the same. Looks like Kushida-san was right."

Satou: "I didn't really doubt her or Hirata-kun, but it's still shocking."

Matsushita: "Yes, I know. Looks like the class was going to be in turmoil today."

Satou: "Do you think the boys will behave from now on?"

Matsushita: "I could only hope so."

To be honest, I still had some doubt, but considering the losses, they would be truly stupid, if they still behaved the same.

The school was the real problem.

Considering what happened, we had the right to ask what was going on.

But when Hirata-kun confronted Chabashira-sensei in the past, she didn't really confirm anything.

Would she do the same right now?

That person wasn't kind.

Satou: "Matsushita-san?"

Matsushita: "Ah, I'm sorry, I was lost in the thought."

Satou: "Don't worry. I believe that Hirata-kun and Kushida-san will find the way to increase our points."

No Ayanokouji-kun, huh?

Despite being Vice-President, his presence in the class was considerably smaller than Hirata-kun's or Kushida-san's.

His social circle contained only Sotomura-kun and Miyake-kun.

I also observed that Horikita-san stopped talking with him, which probably was effect of him trying to help Kushida-san befriending her.

On the other hand, he was really popular outside our class.

He was number one on Handsome Ranking and was topic of many rumors.

He was also actively spending time with some people from the other classes, while he was rather passive about hanging out with his classmates.

Satou: "By the way, Matsushita-san? Today should be the results of that surprise test we had a few days ago. Do you think you did good there? I was totally unprepared, so my score probably won't be high. Luckily, there won't be any consequences of it."

Satou-san's scratched her head lightly embarrassed.

A few days ago, Chabashira-sensei made us do a surprise test.

Some troublemakers protested, but after hearing that it was just for the future reference and there's no risk involved, no one objected anymore.

Speaking of which, that test was kind of weird.

Out of twenty questions, seventeen were really easy to solve to the point of let down.

However, the final three questions were several times harder than I thought, and I ended up without solving any of those three.

It was a bizarre episode of our school life, but since there was no real consequences, no one thought deeply about it.

Matsushita: "I feel relatively good about it."

Satou: "As expected, you are smart, Matsushita-san."

Matsushita: "Ah, no, no. It's just a coincidence that the topics were from subjects that I was good at. If the questions were from some other fields, I wouldn't feel confident at all."

After one month, I could tell that my friends weren't really good at academics, despite being accepted into this elite school.

That's why, though I was priding myself as academically-gifted student, I was trying to downgrade my evaluation in others eyes.

I didn't want to catch too much of attention, especially because of some envy.

I already had some of it after Ayanokouji-kun cheered on me at the swimming class.

Satou: "Hee... Give me some of that luck at the midterms, Matsushita-san."

Satou-san chuckled.

She wasn't a type to think too deeply, which I was grateful for.

In order to distract her attention on me, I started to spoke about some girly topics with her until we arrived at the classroom.

Out of the habit, the first thing I did was to look at the certain seat.

Ayanokouji-kun wasn't in the classroom nor were his friends.

After paying attention to him for some time, I observed that he had two patterns of arriving to the classroom - either he came very early, either he arrived barely before the bell.

It was hard to tell why.

Seeing that his seat was empty, today he was arriving later.

I sighed and turned my vision to the rest of the classroom.

As expected, the main topic among the students was about our income.

Kushida-san was already here and was trying to calm the others.

Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san were present as well.

Last week, those two officially started going out, breaking hearts of many girls.

Although I knew that Karuizawa-san was aiming at him, I thought Hirata-kun would hesistate more before starting to date someone, considering his personality.

Or was it because he didn't want any fights among the girls that he decided to date Karuizawa-san so soon?

Either way, the blonde-haired girl got what she wanted and now was lovingly looking at her boyfriend, while he was acting as a peacemaker.

I guess that would make fight over Ayanokouji-kun more frigid, since he was the only good target in this class.

After greeting everyone, I confirmed with Shinohara-san that she received the same amount of points.

Looks like everyone's income was the same.

Since our first class today was homeroom, it was decided to ask Chabashira-sensei about the details.

A few minutes before the bell, Ayanokouji-kun arrived with his friends.

They were the last ones to arrive.

I looked at the brown-haired boy.

He didn't seem tense at all, despite the situation.

Hirata-kun and Kushida-san came quickly to him, probably trying to ask if he knew something more about the situation.

They spoke for a moment, but from their faces I could tell that he probably didn't tell them anything significant.

In the end, we needed to wait for the teacher to come and try to make her explain the situation.

The morning bell rang soon, signaling that the class will start.

And a moment later, Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom, holding a rolled-up poster.

Her expression seemed more stern than usual.

Everyone started to tense, awaiting her words.

Ike: "Sensei, did you start menopause or something?"

Well, almost everyone.

For some reason, Ike-kun decided to ask a very rude question to Chabashira-sensei.

Did he seriously not understand how serious the situation was?

His behavior was getting better after Kushida-san's revelation, but it was still far from being good.

Chabashira: "All right, the morning homeroom is about to begin. Before we get started, does anyone have any questions? If so, now is the time to speak."

Luckily, Chabashira-sensei completely ignored Ike-kun's words.

She appeared totally convinced that we had some questions for her.

And this in turn made me totally convinced that everything that I feared was actually true.

Yamauchi: "Um... I checked my point balance this morning and I only got 25000 private points instead of 100000..."

Chabashira: "I already explained it to you guys, didn't I? Your points are deposited on the first day of each month. If you are asking if there were some problems, then I could assure you that there were no issues in point distribution this month."

Ike: "Sudo and I got the same amount as Yamauchi. Could it be that the things that were spoken about S-System were true?"

Despite hearing about it some days ago from Kushida-san and Hirata-kun, some boys still expressed their surprise by this development.

Chabashira-sensei looked sharply at Ike-kun, then smirked.

Chabashira: "It seems like despite some of you being smart and perceptive, there's still some of you, who are really just dumb."

Ike: "Huh? Dumb?"

Chabashira-sensei without any scruples insulted the asking boys, making them stunned.

Chabashira: "Sit down. I will explain once more."

Ike: "Sae-chan-sensei?"

And at such important time, he still was using such a childish nickname for our homeroom teacher.

I couldn't help but share Chabashira-sensei's view of this class.

Koenji: "Hahaha! I see, I see. So the mystery will be finally solved and we, Class D, are finally getting the big revelation, huh, sensei?"

Just when Ike-kun and his friends decided to be quiet, Koenji-kun laughed loudly, while propping his feet up on his desk.

This was the third time I actually heard him talking in the class apart from the introduction on the first day and his meeting with Ayanokouji-kun on the second day.

Chabashira: "While his attitude has some problems, Koenji is right. Looks like, despite all the talk about S-System that have been carried in this classroom, what I'm going to say right now will still be a big surprise for some of you. How deplorable."

Chabashira-sensei's words practically confirmed everything that we suspected within the last month.

Hirata: "Sensei, could you please explain everything to us? I'm afraid there's still some information that isn't clear here."

Hirata-kun took an initiative and asked for explanation.

Compared to the previous talkers, he was much better choice to continue the conversation with the teacher.

Chabashira: "For example?"

Hirata: "Could you please tell us why we only received 25000 points? We won't completely understand otherwise."

Chabashira: "A total of sixty-one absences and late arrivals. Two hundred incidences of talking or using a cell phone during the class. Quite a few infractions over just one month, and that's still the result after several warnings from some smarter students from this class. Luckily, the most of you started to behave better in the second half of the month, otherwise... Who knows? Maybe you would end up with no points at all."

Chabashira-sensei spoke with mocking tone.

For a moment I imagined the situation when we would receive nothing this month.

That would be really terrible.

Chabashira: "I've explained it to all of you at the first day of the school. This school measures students by their abilities and merit. This time, you guys were evaluated as being worth only 25000 points, that's all."

Hirata: "Sensei, why didn't you explain everything at the first day? Or when I confronted you about it? If only you'd explained it to us earlier, I'm sure we would have avoided being late or talking during the class."

Chabashira: "That's a rather bizarre argument, Hirata. Shouldn't you all already known that it's bad to be late or talk in the class starting from your elementary school time? I'm sure such a knowledge was taught to you in your nine years of compulsory education. So why are you surprised right now? It's your personal responsibility to behave in the way befitting a student."

There was no way to refute her sound argument.

Some people looked down, feeling shame.

Chabashira: "But don't worry. I'm not cruel enough to leave you without any guidance. Let's say that from now on you won't behave badly like in the past month. It would result in your points not decreasing anymore, but they also won't increase. In other words, your monthly income will stay at 25000 private points for the rest of your stay in this school."

Once again, Chabashira-sensei unleashed a cruel reality on us.

Those 75000 points that we lost last month would never return to us.

It was depressing news, and many of us remained silent with sour looks.

Chabashira: "Looks like this time you understood my words well. That's good. Then, since we don't have much of time left, let's talk about the main topic quickly."

There's still more?

On top of that, it's the main topic?

Chabashira-sensei took the rolled-up poster and spread it out.

She stuck up it to the blackboard with some magnets.

We looked blankly at what was written on it.

Class Points For the First-Year Classes After April:

Class A - 930
(A/N: 940 from canon + 5 for Miki in SC - 15 for Masumi being violent with Kiyo in open/Arisu not having female servant slightly loosened her control over her part of the class)

Class B - 700
(A/N: 650 from canon + 5 for Honami in SC + 45 for Fuka replacing some unruly unknown character in the class)

Class C - 605
(A/N: 490 from canon + 5 for Takeko in SC + 110 for Ryuuen being silent/Takeko knowing the truth about S-System and helping the class)

Class D - 250
(A/N: 240 for improved class behavior + 10 for Kiyo in SC)

Chabashira: "Those are Class Points currently held by each class. For each Class Point, 100 private points are assigned to each student in the class. When you first arrived here, every class received 1000 Class Points as a gift from the school."

Even though each class lost some points, the other classes situation looked much better than us.

But something was wrong.

The numbers were too even.

Ike: "No way! This isn't fair! Why do the other classes have so many points left?! That's weird..."

Chabashira: "There's nothing unfair here, Ike. Each class was evaluated using the same rules here. They just didn't lose as many as you, that's all."

Hirata: "But... Why is there such a difference in our Class Points?"

Chabashira: "So you noticed. In this school, students are sorted by their level of excellence. The superior students are sorted into Class A, while the least capable are in Class D. It's a similar system as in the cram schools. In other words, you guys are the worst of the worst. You are what people would normally call defective."

After hearing Chabashira-sensei words, an uproar began in the classroom.

I couldn't help but tremble slightly myself.

We... were defectives?

I... was defective?

No, that's impossible!

There are many students in this class, who are definitely above average here.

Something must have been wrong.

There must be a catch somewhere.

Sudo: "Damn it! Doesn't that mean that the other classes will make fun of us?!"

Sudo-kun kicked his desk in frustration.

Chabashira: "Still worried about your dignity, Sudo? Then, work hard to make your class into the best one?"

Sudo: "Huh?"

All of us looked at Chabashira-sensei intrigued by her words.

Chabashira: "Your Class Points aren't only linked to your income, but also to your rank as a class. In other words, if you managed to pass 605 Class Points, you guys would turn into Class C and current Class C would turn into Class D."

Kushida: "D-Does that mean that there's a chance for us to increase our Class Points?"

Chabashira: "That's right. Your soonest opportunity will be the upcoming midterms. You could earn up to 100 Class Points then."

Yamauchi: "Ehh... Just 100?"

Ike: "Well, it's still better than nothing."

I could hear some relieved voices.

The possibility of obtaining more points and raise our ranks definitely increased the morale.

It's true that the situation wasn't as desperate as we thought.

As long as we did good at the exam, we could get more points and maybe even reduce lightly the distance to Class C.

Chabashira: "Now then, I have one more bad news for you all."

Just when the atmosphere in the classroom finally started to stabilize, Chabashira-sensei's words once again made it into a tense one.

She was doing it on purpose, wasn't she?

We watched as she stuck another piece of paper up on the blackboard.

Chabashira: "Those are results of the test that you guys took a few days ago. What an excellent performance. I seriously wondered what most of you did during your junior high."

I looked over the paper.

At top position, there were three students tied with 90 points - Koenji-kun, Yukimura-kun and Horikita-san.

Each of them must have solved one of those really difficult questions.

I saw my name with 85 points.

It made me slightly happy, but this happiness didn't last for long, when I saw what's below my position.

Apart from some high scores, almost everyone tested below sixty points.

Considering the level of the test, those results were really terrible.

Even my friend Satou-san got only 43 points.

Chabashira: "Your sensei is so glad, you know. If this was an actual exam, then eight of you would be expelled right now."

Ike: "E-Expelled? What do you mean by that, sensei?"

Chabashira: "If a student fails on a midterm or final exam in this school, he or she is immediately expelled. Supposing the school would apply that rule on this test, anyone below thirty-two points would be out. In other words, it would be those eight people here."

Chabashira-sensei drew a red line on the paper, separating eight people from the rest.

Miyamoto Soshi - 31

Sakura Airi - 30

Shinohara Satsuki - 27

Hondo Ryotaro - 25

Ike Kanji - 24

Yamauchi Haruki - 21

Sudo Ken - 17

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka - 15

Chiaki: "!"

I couldn't help but grasp, when I saw who was at the last position.

Impossible...

What's going on here?

I quickly turned around.

Ayanokouji-kun was smiling calmly, as if it didn't bother him at all.

Nearby him, Horikita-san had a big smirk on her face, while also looking at him.

It was the first time I saw Horikita-san's smile.

She appeared to be in really good mood.

She said something to Ayanokouji-kun, but the boy just smirked back at her without answering her.

Yamauchi: "What the hell? Ayanokouji is the last? How lame."

Ike: "Oy, oy, for real? To think I would be smarter than Student Council Vice-President."

As expected, people started to notice this fact.

Some boys started mocking him, while some girls started to whisper among themselves with perplexed expression.

Ayanokouji-kun was staying silent with undisturbed face, as if he wasn't the one whom people talked about.

But it wasn't the only strange thing here.

His friends, Sotomura-kun and Miyake-kun, didn't seem surprised at all.

Sotomura-kun was even smirking lightly.

Did they know something?

I had so many questions.

My vision finally caught Ayanokouji-kun's attention and he smiled at me.

It was the same smile as when we figured out S-System during lunch break.

I tried to think of a reason for this, but couldn't figure it out.

Then, Ayanokouji-kun's vision went slightly above me, and his face changed again into a big smirk.

I followed his line of vision, only to see Chabashira-sensei's darkened face.

It wasn't a cold face that she showed us during this homeroom, but a face full of venom.

As if she had some big grudge against the boy.

It seemed like even she herself didn't notice what kind of face she was making.

My vision was pacing between those two for a moment.

Ayanokouji-kun's playful vision and Chabashira-sensei's venomous vision was colliding against each other with some force.

There's something going on here.

Such a thought rose in my mind and spread swiftly.

My intuition was signalling me to hold into that thought.

Hirata: "Chabashira-sensei! Is it really true that the school would expel students after one failure?!"

Hirata-kun's loud voice resounded in the classroom, waking up Chabashira-sensei.

She returned to her usual expression.

Chabashira: "I'm also speechless, Hirata. But these are the school's rules. Ah... Speaking of them, there's one more thing that you need to know. It's a well-known fact that this school boasts the highest rate of advancement into elite education and workforce placement. I'm sure many of you have chosen this place because of it. However, nothing really comes easy in this world."

Ike: "C-Could it be that we need to overcome Class C in order to get into the company or college of our choice?"

Chabashira: "No. To make your dreams come true, your only option is to overtake Class A. The school guarantees nothing for the students from the other classes."

W-What?

This was ridiculous...

Yukimura: "That's absurd! We didn't hear anything about it!"

Yukimura-kun stood up from his seat and shouted.

For him, just like for me, this news was definitely shocking.

If we can't use the privilege of this school, then what was the point of enrolling here?

Koenji: "How disgraceful. There's nothing more pitiful than a man losing his cool."

Koenji-kun sighed in exaggeration.

Yukimura-kun looked at him with fury, but the blonde-haired boy ignored it.

He and Ayanokouji-kun were the only calm people in the classroom.

I could understand Koenji-kun, since he was the heir for Koenji Conglomerate.

But I've never heard anything about Ayanokouji-kun's background.

Now that I thought about it, despite trying to pry for information from him, I didn't know much about Ayanokouji-kun himself.

Suddenly, the bell rang, signalling the end of homeroom.

Chabashira: "That would be the end of today's class. Looks like your bubbles have been burst. As your homeroom teacher, I hope that you understood clearly your situation. Your midterms are in three weeks. Think hard about the solution, and I'm sure you will find a way to avoid getting expelled. If possible, challenge yourself to act in a way befitting a skilled individual."

Imparting us with some words of encouragement, Chabashira-sensei exited the room.

Yamauchi: "Aaaa! What to do, what to do?! I used up all of my points yesterday, and now they are telling me to live with just 25000 points?! This seriously is the worst!"

Yamauchi-kun started to shout, starting the chaos in the classroom.

Wait, did he really used up everything in just one month?

Despite all of our talks about possible reduction of points?

Ike: "Wait, does that mean that we can't get into college now? Why did I even go to this school for, then? Does Sae-chan-sensei hate us or something?"

Everyone became confused by everything that we've heard in such small amount of time.

Well, almost everyone, since Koenji-kun just left like always.

On the other hand, Ayanokouji-kun stayed alongside Sotomura-kun and Miyake-kun.

Compared to the rest of the classroom, that corner seemed to be the calmest place right now.

Hirata: "Everyone, I understand your confusion, but please calm down. We need to carefully analyze the situation and prepare some solution."

Hirata-kun stood up and tried to calm everyone.

Yukimura: "Not only the school won't help us achieve our dreams, we are also going to be treated as failures from now on! How can I calm down after hearing something like that?! In the first place, why was I placed in this class?!"

Yukimura-kun burst out at Hirata-kun with rage.

It's no surprise that he felt that way, considering that he just proved to be an academically-gifted student.

I had the same doubts about my own evaluation.

Why was I in this class?

Kushida: "Please calm down, Yukimura-kun. I'm sure the situation isn't as dire as you think. The teacher may speak harshly, so we'd be inspired to do better, right? Let's do our best to find a solution together. I'm sure that as long as we stayed united, nothing would be impossible."

Kushida-san came near Yukimura-kun.

Yukimura: "W-Well..."

The bespectacled boy's anger subsided in an instant in face of her sincere words.

Yukimura: "I'm sorry for losing my cool, Kushida-san."

Kushida: "Ah, don't worry, Yukimura-kun. Let's calmly analyze the situation. Everyone! Please pay some attention here!"

The classroom became silent, while facing Kushida-san's vision and gentle smile.

Hirata: "Thank you, Kushida-san. It's really fortunate to have you in this class."

Kushida: "A-Ahaha... I'm not that great, Hirata-kun. The stage is all yours."

Hirata-kun nodded and stood at the podium.

Everyone's eyes were on him.

Hirata: "Everyone, I want you to listen seriously for a moment. I'm sure that everything that we've heard shocked you and I understand this. We didn't get much of points this month and our dreams suddenly drifted far away. But now, we need to calm down and think about the future here. The greatest priority right now should be to not lose any more points in the next month. So please, try your best to not be late for the classes and behave during the lecture."

Many nodded.

This was something that Hirata-kun was talking about over the last two weeks, but only now he managed to achieve consensus.

Well, it was better than nothing.

Hirata: "The next thing to do should be to prepare for the midterms. As you've heard, it's our chance to increase Class Points. In order to perform well during the exam, I'm thinking of making a study group. What do you think?"

Karuizawa: "That's a great idea! I'm all in!"

Shinohara: "As expected of Hirata-kun. How dependable."

Some of the girls started to show their approval for Hirata-kun's idea.

To be honest, it wasn't a bad idea.

Helping the others improve their academical progress would be good.

But there were some problems in this particular case.

Sudo: "Tch, I'm out. I've never really studied seriously, and I don't intend to. I have club activities, so I can't spare time for it. Cramming for the test the night before would be enough for me."

Not waiting for some response to his words, Sudo-kun left the classroom.

His friends, Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun, followed after him.

Karuizawa: "What's their problem? It was them, who always behaved the worst in the class. Can't they read the room a little?"

Shinohara: "Yeah, they are really the worst."

Hirata-kun made a sour face for a moment.

He probably intended to gather the worst students and teach them.

Out of the eight students under red line, three just left the classroom, while one, Shinohara-san, decided to participate in study group.

I looked over for the other four.

Miyamoto-kun, Hondo-kun and Sakura-san stayed in the classroom, but from their faces I could tell that they were hesitating to join.

As for the last one...

Ayanokouji: "Hirata. Our three decided to make a study group ourselves. So please don't mind us and focus on the others."

Ayanokouji-kun also refused Hirata-kun's invitation.

They were making the study group themselves?

It was strange.

Sotomura-kun and Miyake-kun didn't have high scores.

Hirata: "I see. But if you feel like joining us, you are welcome anytime, Ayanokouji-kun."

Ayanokouji: "Sure, thank you."

The boy smiled to him and started to talk again with his friends.

Some people observed him with mixed emotions.

It was inevitable, but Ayanokouji-kun's evaluation within the class just fell to some degree.

While my curiosity was at the peak, even my evaluation of him dropped a little.

The study group became the main topic for now, but I was sure that there was going to be some gossip about the boy as well.

Since my score was really high, Hirata-kun asked me to help him organize the studying of the group.

None of the 90 points scorers agreed to help him, so he turned to me.

To be honest, I wasn't really eager to help him, either.

I was trying hard to mix well within my friends, yet now I was on the pedestal as one of the top students.

Satou-san was looking at me with some worship, but Shinohara-san's and Karuizawa-san's faces were telling me a different story.

Not only my status rose greatly, but also Hirata-kun was currently asking for my help with a smile.

It was no wonder that they would get jealous.

Just when I've decided to agree to his request with reluctance, the loudspeaker made a soothing sound, then a robotic voice resounded in the classroom.

'Ayanokouji Kiyotaka from Class 1-D is being summoned to the faculty room by Chabashira-sensei.'

The announcement once again made the boy a center of attention.

This time, even he seemed surprised.

Hm?

He just chuckled lightly, didn't he?

After a moment of hesitation, he left the classroom.

Satou: "I wonder what's that about?"

Karuizawa: "Maybe he is going to be demoted from his position? Vice-President should be smart, after all."

Hirata: "Please don't say something like that, Karuizawa-san. Ayanokouji-kun is smart."

Shinohara: "But... If he was truly smart, then he would score higher than that, right?"

As expected, many started to doubt Ayanokouji-kun's ability.

But I couldn't hear them.

My brain was currently working at maximum capability.

I remembered how Chabashira-sensei and Ayanokouji-kun were looking at each other.

And now she called him for a meeting.

Something was going to happen.

Matsushita: "I'm sorry. I just remembered something and I need to go."

I couldn't repress my curiosity anymore.

Not thinking much, I quickly walked away from the group.

Hirata: "M-Matsushita-san, about the study group..."

Matsushita: "I will contact you later, Hirata-kun."

I exited the classroom.

Feeling the unprecedented excitement, I started following the boy.

---

Kiyotaka's POV

Kiyotaka: "I will contact with you two later about our study group."

Professor: "Okay!"

Miyake: "Sure. I still can't believe what you managed to pull off on that test."

Professor: "Fufufu, great leader's ability is truly superb."

Miyake: "But still... Shouldn't you tell the class? Everyone started to gossip about you."

Kiyotaka: "Let them gossip all they want. It's just a test without any significance."

Miyake: "If that's what you want, I have no objections."

Professor: "You are worrying too much, Miyake-dono."

Kiyotaka: "By the way... Would you mind if some other people joined us? Especially some girls?"

Professor and Miyake exchanged doubtful expressions.

Professor: "Of course, we wouldn't mind some girls joining us, leader!"

Miyake: "Well, I don't mind. Do you have someone in mind?"

Kiyotaka: "I'm thinking of asking Sakura to join us, since she is endangered. She probably wouldn't like a big group like Hirata's, so our group would be a better place for her. But she wouldn't join a group with bunch of guys in it, even if she was desperate. That's why we need at least one more girl to join."

Miyake: "Hasebe, right?"

Kiyotaka: "Right, she would be the best choice. Considering our talk during the swimming class, she wouldn't mind our three or Sakura. And Sakura seemed to not mind Hasebe as well."

Miyake: "I see. You are right, just one girl wouldn't want to join us. And it really seemed like you, Hasebe and Sakura got closer a little after that time."

It was true.

Sometimes I had a conversation with Hasebe.

And, although with some difficulty, Sakura was answering my greetings.

That's why I thought that those two would accept joining our group.

Professor: "Those two, huh? Yeah, it wouldn't be bad... It really wouldn't be too bad to have them in our group..."

Professor nodded a few times.

I had a feeling that his acceptance had a bit of different ground than ours.

Well, as long as he wasn't going to do anything weird, it should be fine.

Miyake: "Will they agree to join though? I mean... Theoretically, there would be no one in the group, who got a high score on the test."

Kiyotaka: "Don't worry. I will try to persuade them. To be honest, I'm also thinking of inviting some academically-gifted student to the group as well."

Miyake: "Hm? Whom?"

Professor: "D-Don't tell me... You want to invite the ice queen, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "No. I doubt she would even agree to something like that."

Miyake: "Really? I've thought that recently you two seemed kind of distant... Did you fight or something?"

Our deal with Suzune was to stop bothering each other until summer break.

While it could be interpreted by many means, I decided to use the extreme interpretation and didn't say anything at all to her.

Of course, I was doing it on purpose.

Kiyotaka: "We did have a small fight, but don't worry, it's nothing serious. That girl just likes being alone, that's it."

Miyake: "If you say so. But then, whom did you mean to invite?"

Kiyotaka: "I have a candidate in mind."

I peeked at the particular student.

The boy was listening to Hirata with sour face, probably still fussing over internally why someone like him was in the class of defectives.

Yeah, he'd do...

After all, he owed me a big favor.

Miyake: "So, we may grow to six-person group, huh?"

Kiyotaka: "If everything goes smoothly, then yes. Do you mind?"

Miyake: "As long as it's just a few more people, I don't mind it."

Professor: "My pledge to you won't change no matter what situation we will be in, great leader. Please, lead us!"

I nodded to them with a smile.

Now I just needed to invite the rest to the team.

Suddenly, the loudspeaker made a soothing sound, then a robotic voice resounded in the classroom.

'Ayanokouji Kiyotaka from Class 1-D is being summoned to the faculty room by Chabashira-sensei.'

Every student in the class looked at me, but I ignored them.

Hearing the announcement, I couldn't help but chuckle slightly.

That woman started to take action, huh?

She was really impatient.

I guess the results were poorer than she expected.

Professor: "L-Leader... What's going on?"

Miyake: "Did you do something bad?"

Kiyotaka: "No. Don't worry, it's probably nothing important. Well, I'm gotta go. See you later."

I took my bag and exited the classroom under watchful gazes of my classmates.

But I didn't even get halfway to my goal, when I sensed that someone carefully was following me.

Recently such a feeling was accompanying me often, because of second-year students.

I took my phone and pretending to write something, I turned on the camera, switching to the front-facing lens, then I examined casually what was behind me.

Matsushita, huh?

Looks like the curious cat just couldn't help herself.

After Kikyo corrected Hirata's theory, Matsushita started to more actively observe me.

She probably figured out that there's a possibility of me being involved with Kikyo, since I was with her and Suzune a day before.

She was connecting dots quite good.

After seeing my stare showdown with Sae-sensei, she started being suspicious that something was going on, since I was summoned just after the classes.

That teacher of ours should think more, if she wanted to achieve something in secret.

Now what to do?

Let her know that I know about her movements, so she may leave?

...

No.

It would be more interesting to let her be.

I was on my way to the faculty room.

Since Matsushita really wanted some information, she would need to avoid being spotted by the others there, which wasn't an easy feat.

If she was failed, there would be no harm.

But if she succeeded, it would be a proof that she was not only academically and physically gifted, but also that she was skilled in reconnaissance.

As for potential demerits of letting her be...

The worst thing that may happen would be for Matsushita to figure out the truth about me knowing about S-System rules on the first day.

But even if she learned about that, she wouldn't expose me easily, unless she wanted to offend me thoroughly.

That girl wasn't that stupid.

She would pry for more information or ask for my support rather than openly threaten me.

After calculating some scenarios, I decided to let her be.

Soon enough, I've found the faculty office and entered it, while closing the door.

I wasn't going to reduce the tailing girl's task difficulty.

I looked around, but I didn't see the person, who called me here.

In the room, there was only one female teacher.

I recognized her instantly.

It was Hoshinomiya-sensei.

Hoshinomiya: "Ara, ara, Ayanokouji-kun, hello! Could it be that you want to see me?"

Hoshinomiya stood up from her desk and quickly arrived at my side.

Kiyotaka: "Good afternoon, Hoshinomiya-sensei. I was called here by Chabashira-sensei. Do you happen to know where I can find her?"

Avoiding the eye contact, I asked her a question, praying that Sae was somewhere close.

Hoshinomiya: "Hmm? Sae-chan? She was here just a minute ago. She must have stepped away for a moment."

That woman called me here and then just left?

Just what was her aim?

Kiyotaka: "I see. Then, I will wait for her on the corridor."

I decided to retreat with full force, but Hoshinomiya grabbed my arm and pulled herself close to me.

Hoshinomiya: "I'm sure that Sae-chan will return soon, so you can stay here, Ayanokouji-kun. Don't worry. Sensei... won't... eat... you~"

She said the last sentence in a flirtatious way, totally unbefitting of a teacher.

I could feel her soft body through my arm and the sweet scent attacked my nostrils.

I knew those tactics really well.

This woman definitely wanted something from me.

Hoshinomiya: "Hey, Ayanokouji-kun. Why did Sae-chan call you, hm?"

Kiyotaka: "Are you close with Chabashira-sensei, Hoshinomiya-sensei? Considering the way you speak of her..."

Hoshinomiya: "Huh? Yes, we have been best friends since high school. That's why I'm calling her Sae-chan, and she calls me Chie-chan."

Normal student may not be able to imagine Sae-sensei calling this woman Chie-chan, but considering the similarity between her and Christine, I could.

She probably bothered her to no end in order to make her do it.

Or she blackmailed her like I did with Suzune.

At first, this information may seem superfluous, but not for me.

If this Hoshinomiya was really a friend of Sae, then she may be a treasury of knowledge of that woman.

As long as I endure some suffering, I may learn a thing or two.

On top of that, it seems like Matsushita wasn't going to put herself on the risk to try to overhear what was going on here.

It was safe, yet disappointing choice.

But since I wasn't observed by her right now, I had more options.

Hoshinomiya: "Hey, hey. Why were you called over by Sae-chan?"

Kiyotaka: "Unfortunately, I have no idea myself."

Hoshinomiya: "Really? She called Student Council Vice-President to the office without giving a reason? Sounds fishy."

Kiyotaka: "I guess it wasn't anything important, considering that she left without waiting for me."

Hoshinomiya: "Maybe... Sae-chan is sometimes such a bully."

She sighed, then started scanning my body.

She was going to tease me in order to loosen the atmosphere between us, wasn't she?

Hoshinomiya: "How was your first month at this school, Ayanokouji-kun? I'm sure the girls couldn't stay away from you."

Kiyotaka: "You are right. Apparently, I'm the most popular boy in our year."

Hoshinomiya: "Oh my, really? I guess it should be expected from someone this handsome. Do you have a girlfriend?"

Kiyotaka: "No. I don't have anyone like that."

Hoshinomiya: "Hmm? How unexpected. I was sure that you and Kiryuin-san would be a thing by now..."

Kiyotaka: "Fuka and I are just friends."

Hoshinomiya: "What a waste of your youth. If I had such a hottie in my school year, I would never leave you alone. That girl may be more innocent than I thought... Or is it actually you, who is innocent? Or do you like to play hard to get?"

She slightly caressed my cheek with her slender, delicate hand.

She was being overly friendly with me, but I knew that she was just sniffing for some information.

At first, I thought it was because of the class competition, but her persistence in knowing about Sae's intention reminded me of Kikyo asking about Suzune.

Hoshinomiya knew that me and Fuka figured out S-System on the first day after the school investigated the potential leaks of information during Nagumo's first trial.

She sensed that my meeting with Sae wasn't going to be a normal one, so she kept endlessly prying.

It was time for me to go on offensive.

Kiyotaka: "If I had a beauty like you in my school year, sensei, I may not be single right now."

I took the hand that was caressing me, and kissed it lightly in gentlemanly way.

Hoshinomiya stiffened slightly.

For her type, an unexpected, bold action from someone she considered as teasable could be really effective.

I smiled at her, observing as on her cheeks appeared a shade of red.

Hoshinomiya: "Oh my... Looks like it's not you, whom I should be worried about, Ayanokouji-kun, but the young girls here. You are such a bad boy."

The woman took a half step back, not knowing how to respond to me casually flirting with her.

Now that she was in confused state, I decided to push a little and ask a question that bothered me for some time.

Kiyotaka: "That's not true, Hoshinomiya-sensei. Or should I call you Hoshinomiya-senpai?"

Hoshinomiya: "Eh? Senpai?"

Kiyotaka: "Am I wrong to call you that? You graduated from this school alongside Chabashira-sensei, right?"

Hoshinomiya: "W-Well... You are right, Ayanokouji-kun. Did Sae-chan tell you this?"

Bingo.

As I thought, Sae was a graduate from here.

And Hoshinomiya was her classmate.

Some things started to make more sense right now.

I was planning to answer her, but I saw a familiar figure walking towards us at faster pace behind my interlocutor's back.

Sae: "What are you doing, Chie?"

Thud!

Without even hearing the answer to her question, Sae-senpai smacked Hoshinomiya-senpai head with her clipboard.

The attacked woman crouched and gripped her head with pained expression.

Hoshinomiya: "Ouch! What was that for, Sae-chan?"

Sae: "For getting involved with my student."

Hoshinomiya: "I was just keeping him company, while he was waiting for you."

Sae: "It would have been better, if you left him alone. Sorry for waiting, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "I don't mind at all, Chabashira-senpai. Hoshinomiya-senpai and me had a lovely conversation, while waiting for you."

The woman stiffened slightly.

Sae: "Senpai?"

Kiyotaka: "I've just heard that you two teachers are graduates from this school. Which means that you are my great senpais, right?"

I slightly smirked at her.

Sae glared at Hoshinomiya with full force.

Her face started to resemble that of demon's.

Sae: "You told him?"

Hoshinomiya: "Wait, it's misunderstanding. I thought that you had told him, Sae-chan."

Sae: "Why would I tell him something like that?"

Hoshinomiya: "Well, that's..."

...

Both of them suddenly stopped talking and at the same time turned their vision to me.

Kiyotaka: "Is something wrong, senpais? Please don't mind me and continue. I can wait."

I smiled innocently at them.

Both of them kept staring at me silently.

Finally, Sae-sensei sighed lightly.

Sae: "We will talk about it later, Chie. Let's go to the guidance office, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "The guidance office? Did I do something wrong, senpai?"

Sae: "Stop calling me that. I'm your teacher. Just come with me."

Not waiting for my answer, the woman turned away and started walking towards the guidance office.

I followed her with a smile.

Surprisingly, Hoshinomiya remained by my side, while also smiling.

My teacher noticed it and once again started glaring at her.

Sae: "You stay."

Hoshinomiya: "Come one, don't be so cold, Sae-chan. We had such a good talk with Ayanokouji-kun that I'm sure he wouldn't mind, right?"

Kiyotaka: "Of course, I wouldn't mind, senpai."

Hoshinomiya: "See? Besides, you are definitely not the type to give one-on-one guidance, Sae-chan. Pulling a student like Ayanokouji-kun into the guidance room just after the new month started... I wonder what are you after, hm?"

Hoshinomiya was smiling, but her eyes were serious.

She took Sae's vision head on without even blinking.

I could smell gunpowder between those two.

It wasn't something that should appear between 'best friends'.

Hoshinomiya suddenly smirked.

She was going to say something totally stupid right now, wasn't she?

Hoshinomiya: "Could it be that you want to be dominated by a younger man?"

Hm?

Although it was a stupid question, I couldn't help but focus because of the nature of it.

Way to go, Chie-senpai!

Sae: "Don't say such stupid things. That wouldn't be possible."

Chie: "Hehe, that's certainly true. It wouldn't be possible for you, Sae-chan."

Chie-senpai muttered, as if there was another meaning to it.

I was planning to just observe them, but the topic was too important for me to ignore, so I decided to jump into this brewing typhoon.

Kiyotaka: "I believe that it's still too early to negate such an idea, senpais. Chabashira-senpai probably never experienced such a situation, so she can't actually deny the possibility that she may actually go for it. It's practically the same as if she said that she wouldn't eat spicy food, but never actually tried it. It's too early to make such conclusion based only on some assumption. Only through their experiences humans truly learn about themselves."

Sae: "..."

Chie: "..."

Two teachers looked at me totally speechless.

Kiyotaka: "Why are you looking at me like that? It's totally normal and valid opinion. It's thanks to my curiosity about various things and the will to experience them that I've become the person I am right now. Furthermore, it pains me that you are giving up so easily on something without giving it a try, Chabashira-senpai."

Sae: "..."

Chie: "..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

The silence between us preserved for a moment.

Chie: "Hahahaha! Ayanokouji-kun! You are such a funny and bold person... Hahaha! I-I can't... Seriously... Sae-chan, what a student you got..."

Chie-senpai started to laugh heartily.

Sae: "Ayanokouji, you..."

Sae-senpai placed her hand on her forehead as if experiencing a big headache.

What a rude duo.

I've only spoken out of care here.

Well, I had some ulterior motives as well...

Sae: "Enough with nonsense! Come with me, Ayanokouji."

Chie: "Oh? Could it be that you actually will listen to Ayanokouji-kun's advice, Sae-chan?"

Sae: "Don't make the situation worse than it is, Chie. I just want to discuss some Class D matters with him."

Chie: "Ehh? Really? It sounds fishy~"

Just when another fight was starting to brew in the air, a female student entered the faculty room.

It was Ichinose Honami.

Ichinose: "Hoshinomiya-sensei, do you have a moment? Oh, Ayanokouji-kun! Hello!"

Ichinose smiled brightly at us.

Kiyotaka: "Hello, Ichinose."

Ichinose: "Could it be that you also have something to discuss?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, something like that."

Sae: "Since you have someone who needs you, then get to it. Let's go, Ayanokouji."

Slap!

Sae-senpai smacked Chie-senpai's butt with her clipboard.

Chie: "Aw! I get it, I get it. But be careful, Sae-chan. This boy is something else."

Ichinose: "?"

Ichinose titled her head, not understanding Chie-senpai's warning.

My teacher went in the direction of the guidance room.

I said my goodbye to both Ichinose and her teacher and followed her.

The guidance office and faculty room were connected to each other through a small square lobby.

We went through it and entered the guidance office.

I looked around.

This room was the same as I remembered it.

There were two entrances to it - one connected to the lobby before the staff room for teachers and another one connected to the corridor for students.

There was also another space attached to it, which contained a small kitchen.

After a brief survey, my vision focused on the woman before me.

Kiyotaka: "So, mind telling me why you called me here?"

She looked briefly at the clock hanging in the wall.

Sae: "Before we begin, please come here. I'm going to make something to drink. Will tea be okay?"

Kiyotaka: "I don't mind."

She entered the kitchen and I followed her.

It was weird for her to offer me something nicely.

Don't tell me...

Was it something similar to Suzune's food trap?

No, she wouldn't do something...

Sae: "Don't make unnecessary moves. Shut up and stay here until I told you so. Understand? Make a noise and I will expel you, you brat."

Something like that...

...

Before I asked what's going on, she closed me in that kitchen without any more words.

...

I swear, the females at this school...

If it happened to some wimp, he probably would be pushed around left and right by all of them.

Well, at least, Sae wasn't treating me like a teacher would treat a student, so maybe it was a good development though?

I decided to play along for now.

Silently, I started scouting the room I was in.

Unlike the main room, there was no surveillance camera here.

Great, now I could check over what was in the shelves.

I was in the middle of inspecting things, when I heard knocking to the main room.

Looks like Sae expected some visitor here.

Could it be that she closed me here in order for me to overhear the conversation?

The possibility wasn't small.

Now then...

Who may this visitor be?

---

Matsushita Chiaki's POV

After leaving the classroom, I followed Ayanokouji-kun.

I was really careful to not get being spotted by him.

Luckily, he didn't pay much attention to the surroundings, since he focused on his phone.

Finally, he reached the faculty room.

Hmm...

I've followed him so far, but now what?

I got here with some excitement, but I couldn't just enter that room.

Trying to overhear the conversation by staying close to the door didn't seem possible as well, since I didn't know how many people were inside.

The only thing to do was to keep observing the door and expecting some chance patiently.

I kept looking at it, when suddenly I heard the footsteps behind me.

Someone was coming here.

Not knowing what to do, I went out of the corner I was hiding, passed the faculty room and hidden myself in the opened room on the opposite side of the small corridor.

It was a locker room, probably for the teachers.

The place seemed dangerous to hide, since I could be accused of some thievery, but at the moment I could only bear the risk.

Soon enough I saw a strawberry-haired girl entering the faculty room.

That was Ichinose-san from Class B, one of the most popular girls in our year.

Did she have some business there as well?

The timing was kinda suspicious.

Just when I started wondering if it had some connections with the brown-haired boy, I heard another pair of footsteps.

Another student was coming here.

After observing for some time, I finally recognized that person.

It was Horikita Suzune, my classmate.

Why was she here?

Just when I thought she would enter the faculty room, she went past it.

Weird.

If she wasn't here to see Chabashira-sensei or Ayanokouji-kun, then why was she here?

The girl walked into the corridor opposite to my hiding place, while not noticing me and stopped before the first door after the corner.

A guidance office?

Was Horikita-san in need of some guidance?

But according to the book we received at the beginning of the school, only our homeroom teacher could conduct such a meeting with us.

And Chabashira-sensei was currently with Ayanokouji-kun in the faculty room.

I had my doubt, but after knocking to the door, Horikita-san entered the room without delay.

Could it be...

I quickly arrived before the door.

Even if someone was passing here, I could just pose as a student in need of guidance, waiting for my turn to speak with the teacher.

Figuring out my excuse, I placed my head to the door.

Chabashira: "So, what did you want to talk about, Horikita?"

It really was Chabashira-sensei's voice!

So she wasn't in the faculty room, but here?

Then, what about Ayanokouji-kun?

Was he also there?

I had so many questions.

Horikita: "I will be frank. Why was I sorted into Class D?"

Hm?

Did Horikita-san come here to ask about something like that?

It was true that it was something that I was curious about myself.

Why was I in Class D?

Would Chabashira-sensei answer such a question?

Chabashira: "Listening to you, it seems like you consider yourself as a superior person."

Horikita: "I solved nearly every problem on the entrance exam. I also did quite good on the interview. At the very least, I shouldn't be sorted into Class D. The school must have made some mistake here."

Her voice was haughty, as if she was sure of her statement.

Or was it how she normally speaks to people?

I wasn't sure, since I've never talked to her before.

Chabashira: "Before I answer your question, let me hear something first. Why are you dissatisfied with Class D?"

Horikita: "Who would be happy about incorrect evaluation? Especially, since class ranking is directly impacting my future prospect. Of course, I would be dissatisfied."

I was on Horikita-san's side with this answer.

As someone, who consider myself as an excellent student, I also was dissatisfied with Class D.

But Chabashira-sensei's next words made me stunned.

Chabashira: "Incorrect evaluation? Perhaps your self-evaluation is far too high instead. I admit that you are an academically-gifted person. But who decided that smart people are actually superior? We never said anything like that."

What did she mean by that?

Horikita: "But... That's a common sense."

Yes, it was.

Chabashira: "If you believe that academics alone would place you in higher class, then you are mistaken. This school approach is to produce superior people, not smart people. That's the very first thing we explained to you students. Do you think the school would have admitted people like Sudo if we decided that superiority was based solely on academic ability?"

Horikita: "Tch..."

So the school allowed students to enroll for purposes other than academics.

That would explain Sudo-kun's presence here.

No, not only him...

There were many more people in our class, who were considered average at most.

Could it be they were holding potential in different areas?

Chabashira: "Furthermore, you may be too hasty in proclaiming that no one would be happy to be incorrectly evaluated. There are actually some students with this kind of thinking."

Horikita: "You must be joking, right? I can't understand such a person."

Some students, who were happy with lowered evaluation?

I think I could understand such a person.

I personally wouldn't mind my score being lower if it meant less trouble for me.

When Hirata-kun started to ask me to join study group as an additional tutor, I kinda wished to be lower in ranks for a moment.

Horikita: "You still didn't answer my question. Was I really sorted into Class D? Please double-check it."

Chabashira: "I'm sorry, but there was no mistake here. You are definitely in Class D. You are at that level."

Horikita: "Is that so? Then, I will ask the school again at another time."

Apparently, Horikita-san wasn't going to give up on it.

Chabashira: "You will get the same answer, no matter who you will ask. But there's no need to be so disappointed, Horikita. I told you this morning how to deal with this situation, didn't I? You just need to overcome the other classes before the graduation to reach your dreams."

Horiktia: "I honestly can't imagine it. Our class is full of misfits, who only know how to create trouble. How exactly do you expect them to gain more points?"

Once again, I totally agreed with Horikita-san.

No matter how I looked at our class, it seemed impossible to achieve great results.

Chabashira: "I don't know. It's for the students to decide their path."

Horikita: "I see. I suppose that's enough for today. I apologize, but I'm not convinced at all about being sorted as defective."

Chabashira: "I will keep that in mind. Oh, that reminds me... I actually summoned another person to the guidance room. It's someone relevant to you."

Someone else was there?

Ah, right...

There should be one more person in that room.

Horikita: "Someone relevant to me? D-Don't tell me... Bro-"

Chabashira: "Come on out, Ayanokouji."

As expected, Ayanokouji-kun was also somehow involved here.

I felt like I could finally obtain some answers.

Chabashira: "..."

Horikita: "..."

Chiaki: "..."

?

Chabashira: "If you don't come out, I'll expel you."

Ehh?

Was it okay for the teacher to casually threaten to expel a student for something so trivial?

Chabashira: "..."

Horikita: "..."

Chiaki: "..."

W-Was Ayanokouji-kun even there?

I started to have some doubts.

Chabashira: "How long are you going to make me wait?! I will seriously expel you!"

Ayanokouji: "Geez... You sure aren't cute at all, senpai."

It was Ayanokouji-kun's voice.

So he was there, after all.

But wait...

What did he just call Chabashira-sensei?

Chabashira: "Do you really want to be expelled, Ayanokouji?"

Ayanokouji: "Why? It's true that as a graduate from this school, you are our great senpai, so calling you like that does seem appropriate."

Chabashira-sensei was also once student of this school?

This information was interesting.

Chabashira: "I'm your teacher right now, so you should call me properly."

Ayanokouji: "I can't believe that I'm hearing it from the woman, who just told me to shut up and closed me in the kitchen, so I could overhear her conversation with another student."

Horikita: "Chabashira-sensei, what's the meaning of that? Why did you let Ayanokoji-kun overhear our conversation?"

Horikita-san's voice was agitated.

She was clearly angry.

Chabashira: "Because I deemed it necessary. It may provide you with a hint on how to reach Class A, Horikita. What do you think?"

A hint on how to reach Class A?

Something like that exist?

Horikita: "Please keep it brief."

I could hear Chabashira-sensei chuckling at her response.

I guess even Horikita-san would be curious after hearing something like that.

Chabashira: "You are an interesting person, Ayanokouji."

Ayanokouji: "Oh, so our feelings are finally mutual, senpai. I'm so happy."

W-What did he mean by that?

Could it be that Ayanokouji-kun was interested in Chabashira-sensei?

Chabashira: "Would it kill you to be serious for once, Ayanokouji?"

Ayanokouji: "Would it kill you to let loose for once, senpai?"

What kind of conversation was that?

Chabashira: "Well, anyway... When I was checking your entrance results, your scores piqued my interest, Ayanokouji. I was really stunned, you know."

Ayanokouji-kun's result?

Chabashira: "Fifty points in Japanese... Fifty points in mathematics... Fifty points in English... Fifty points in social studies... Fifty points in science... Do you know what this means?"

What?!

Something like this could only mean...

Horikita: "What a freaky coincidence."

Ehh?!

No, no, no, no!

No matter how I thought about it, to call something like that a coincidence would be a big understatement.

Chabashira: "Do you honestly think that getting 50s all across the board was a coincidence? Ayanokouji did it intentionally."

That's right!

Such an amazing feat couldn't be called a coincidence.

Wake up, Horikita-san!

Horikita: "There's no evidence proving that it's not. Besides, what would he gain by manipulating his scores like that? It doesn't make sense. If he truly was so smart, getting perfect scores would be better option for him in order to get into this school."

W-Well, there should be some other reason why, right?

Chabashira: "Well, what do you say about that, Ayanokouji?"

Ayanokouji: "No comment."

Don't be like that, Ayanokouji-kun!

The audience want answers!

Horikita: "See, sensei? Ayanokouji-kun doesn't dare to agree, since he also knows that it's coincidence. He could lie about something like that earlier, but after seeing his result on the recent test, there would be no one who would believe him right now."

Chabashira: "Really? I actually happen to have those exams with me. Here. This one is Ayanokouji's."

Horikita: "What's the point of...!"

Horikita-san's voice suddenly stopped halfway.

It seemed like something shocked her.

What?

Just what did she see?

Why no one wasn't speaking anymore?

Come on, say something!

Please tell me what's going on!

Chabashira: "As you can see, Horikita, Ayanokouji here decided to leave first 17 questions unanswered at all and only solved the last three. That's why his score was only fifteen points. He even used a complex formula to solve question number 20."

Chiaki: "!"

The last three problems were those super difficult ones, which even I couldn't solve.

No one in the entire class solved more than one, including Horikita-san.

But Ayanokouji-kun solved them all.

...

I knew it!

Ayanokouji-kun was smart, after all!

No, being called smart would be understatement here.

Ayanokouji-kun... may be a superior student that Chabashira-sensei was talking about.

But...

If he really was like that, then why was he hiding it?

And how much exactly was he hiding?

Chabashira: "What do you think, Horikita? Do you still claim that it was a coincidence?"

Horikita: "You... Why would you do something like that?"

Horikita-san's tone wasn't so sure as before.

After seeing all this, she couldn't deny Chabashira-sensei's claim like before.

Ayanokouji: "You are such a cruel woman, senpai. The girl beside me was so happy, when she saw that I placed the last in the class. She even smiled beautifully at me, thinking that she finally had a proof that I was inferior to her just like she thought so from the beginning. Yet, after just few hours, you crushed her small happiness to pieces. How sadistic."

So Horikita-san was smiling at that time because of something like this?

But that would suggest that she was holding a grudge against Ayanokouji-kun.

Could it be that their relationship wasn't actually good?

Horikita: "Answer my question!"

The black-haired girl demanded loudly.

Looks like what Ayanokouji-kun said was true.

Ayanokouji: "No comment."

Horikita: "You!"

Horikita-san was clearly enraged by Ayanokouji-kun's attitude.

Why was he like that?

Chabashira: "Calm down, Horikita. This is the guidance office. Ayanokouji, do you really refuse to answer her question? Seriously... Your thinking is just like Koenji's. Could it be that you wanted to take it easy for the next three years? Then why did you choose this school at all?"

Ayanokouji: "Who knows? But it's true that I don't care whatever I am in Class A or Class D."

Horikita: "Tch, I don't understand someone like you at all. This was such a waste of time. I'm going back."

I could tell some footsteps.

Horikita-san was really leaving.

I had no choice, but to move.

But when I was trying to hide in the locker room, I saw that some adult was on the corridor in the front of the faculty room.

He was looking at me when I appeared from the corner, so I couldn't brazenly go and hide in the locker room anymore.

Not having any more choices, I went ahead and passed that person and the faculty room.

Since Horikita-san would probably go back the same way, I needed to go even further.

On top of that, there was a chance that Ayanokouji-kun would go back as well.

Considering my options for a moment, I decided to fully retreat.

It would be better to remain undiscovered for now.

I already obtained some valuable information.

Just as I suspected, Ayanokouji-kun was really smart person, even more than I thought.

Chabashira-sensei paying close attention to him just proved that point.

I didn't know why he was acting low-key, but if he went all-out, our class probably would have a much bigger chance for the victory.

Convincing him into that was going to be problematic though.

From the conversation before, it was evident that direct persuasion wouldn't work on the boy.

Then...

I had to take matters into my own hands and approach him in different way.

To convince Ayanokouji-kun, I needed to get closer to him and understand him first.

In order to obtain the stable future for myself, I couldn't act passively anymore.

On top of that, the boy was handsome, so there was nothing to lose.

Once again, I felt excitement running through my body.

In the end, I wasn't abandoned by fate after all.

I was going to prove that I wasn't defective, and I deserved Class A.

Fufu...

Prepare yourself, Ayanokouji-kun!

---

Kiyotaka's POV

Kiyotaka: "Suzune seemed to be really enraged, senpai."

I pretended to be in some thought, while observing the door to the corridor.

When I left the kitchen, I spotted some shadow lurking behind it.

Looks like Matsushita managed to grasp the opportunity after all.

Or should I say that she got lucky because of Suzune?

The faculty room was too hard for her to spy on, but thanks to the black-haired girl, she discovered that we were actually in the next room.

I didn't expect Sae to invite Suzune and expose openly myself in front of her.

Well, in front of the two girls.

Fortunately, she didn't expose everything and what happened at the first day of the school was still a secret between just her and me.

I could say that everything turned out just fine, but there was still something that I needed to do here.

That's why I watched the door.

Once Suzune decided to exit, the little spy needed to escape from the door.

If Matsushita didn't return, I could speak freely.

Sae: "And whose fault do you think it is?"

Kiyotaka: "Of course, it's yours. You've done something that shook her and she couldn't accept it. You are really a sadist, Sae."

I was actually going to guide Suzune into another bet, using my score as a bait to challenge me in the midterms.

Unfortunately, this senpai of ours exposed me so soon, and the girl managed to get away.

Of course, I would place the blame on her.

Sae: "Stop calling me by my name."

Kiyotaka: "I think I got this right after you just used me in that little scheme of yours. What exactly did you think was going to happen if you confronted me with her?"

Sae: "No comment."

I looked at her for a moment.

Did she really think I couldn't trace her thinking just because she would keep quiet?

This woman was underestimating me too much.

But it was good.

It would be troublesome if she was on high alert in front of me.

Sae: "You should go as well, Ayanokouji. I have a meeting after this, so I need to close the door."

I peeked at the door once more.

There was no shadow.

I guess Matsushita left, thinking that the conversation was over.

Good for me.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, but I also have some matter to discuss with you, senpai... No, Chabashira-sensei."

Sae: "What?"

She looked at me with some doubt.

I smiled widely at her.

It was time to get my prize for the score at that test.

Kiyotaka: "Sensei, as you know, in the recent test I got such a poor score and placed the last in the entire class or maybe even in the entire school year. I'm really worried about my performance during the midterms. So I thought that I would ask you for some extra private lessons after the classes. Would you mind helping this student of yours?"

My question made Sae's body to stiffen.

Her face slowly transformed from a doubtful one to an ice-cold one.

Sae: "What kind of idiocy are you spewing, Ayanokouji?"

Kiyotaka: "No, no. I'm quite serious. You saw my score yourself, right? I don't want to be expelled. Please help me out, sensei."

Her eyes locked mine, trying to read my intentions.

Sae: "I was wondering what you wanted to discuss, but it's such a ridiculous topic..."

Kiyotaka: "Eh? But I'm serious and desperate..."

Sae: "Enough! Leave right now!"

Kiyotaka: "How cold... As expected, you wouldn't help me out of the goodness in your heart. But I'm prepared."

I took out my phone.

Kiyotaka: "I would like to buy some extra lessons from you with my private points, sensei. Please tell me your price."

Once again, the brown-haired woman body stiffened.

This time, her face was painted with shock.

It took her a moment to understand the situation.

Sae: "I refuse."

Kiyotaka: "You can't refuse me, sensei. I'm currently in a pinch, so asking my teacher for some tutoring is perfectly normal behavior. I'm sure the school wouldn't find fault with you in such a situation. And more than anything... In this school, I could buy anything I want as long as I have enough points, right?"

Sae's furrowed her eyebrows.

She didn't expect me to launch a surprise attack like that.

Sae: "Don't tell me... You scored so low for something like that?"

Kiyotaka: "You are smart. Well, I actually thought that maybe the school will really reward me for answering those hard questions, but I guess things weren't going to be that good. Or was it because I didn't get the perfect score?"

Sae: "How laughable. The school wouldn't reward you for something like that."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you for confirming my doubts. So, tell me, sensei, what was the school's goal with that test?"

Sae: "What do you mean by that?"

Kiyotaka: "Come on, we are alone right now. You know what I mean. This school doesn't do anything without a meaning. The students need to discover it and exploit. If the school wanted to test us, the difficulty on that exam would be balanced. Considering that it was too easy to pass, yet too hard to get full marks, and the school wasn't going to give additional reward for solving the difficult problems on it, the aim should be somewhere else."

Sae looked at me speechless.

Her silence was the greatest hint to me.

There was a meaning to that test, after all.

Sae: "I don't know what are you talking about. It was just a test to evaluate students knowledge before midterms, that's all."

Kiyotaka: "Is that so? Then I really failed miserably. Please help me out, senpai."

Sae: "I'm sorry, but I'm busy."

Kiyotaka: "For the entire three weeks? You poor thing..."

Sae: "That's right! So get lost right now!"

Kiyotaka: "That's fine. If you aren't available, then I will ask someone else. I think Chie-senpai will happily agree to spend some time tutoring me after the classes."

I smirked at her.

Her face turned pale.

Sae: "She is busy as well."

Kiyotaka: "Really? I will ask her directly for confirmation."

Sae: "She is homeroom teacher of another class. You shouldn't bother her."

Kiyotaka: "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Well then, senpai, see you tomorrow."

Not minding her cold face, I turned around.

Sae: "Wait! I agree..."

I didn't even make one step, when she stopped me.

I looked at her with a winning smile.

Kiyotaka: "Are you sure? I don't want to take your precious time, when you are so busy."

Sae: "If you don't want to, then you can leave."

Kiyotaka: "Fine, fine. You are such a tsundere, senpai. What about the price?"

Sae: "100000 points per hour."

Kiyotaka: "You really are sadistic."

I made a miserable face.

Sae: "Take it or get lost."

She smirked at me, as if she found my weakness.

She didn't know that I did it on purpose.

Kiyotaka: "Then, I shall buy one hour per week until midterms. That would be 300000 points, right?"

Sae: "What?"

Kiyotaka: "Like I said, it would be 300000 private points for three lessons with you, right? I will pay you in advance."

I looked at her stunned face with a smirk.

This confirmed my theory that she may not know how much money her students had, despite being the teacher in charge of the class.

Although from the normal student view she seemed knowledgeable, the truth was different.

The school didn't limit their students on many aspects, but the same couldn't be said about the teachers.

She wasn't omniscient nor did she hold much of power here.

She was above students, but her role was actually limited.

Even her threat about expelling me seemed fishy right now.

On top of that, her relationship with Chie-senpai wasn't as simple as just being friends.

I could clearly feel the tension between them.

Seeing how easily she agreed to my request after hearing Chie-senpai's name was also a great catch.

So I could threaten her like that as well, huh?

I felt like I just made some really nice discoveries about this gorgeous woman.

Under her strong glare, I used my phone to transfer my points to her account.

Kiyotaka: "Since I've paid you, then we have a deal."

Sae: "I got it! Now leave, you bastard!"

Knowing that she was about to explode, I decided to take my leave.

Kiyotaka: "I look forward to my private lessons with you, Sae."

Before she managed to react, I quickly closed the door to the guidance office.

I've lost some of my points, but comparing to everything I've obtained, it seemed like a cheap price.

The future was going to be fun.

I walked away from the guidance office.

Hm?

After passing through the corridor, I spotted a familiar figure.

Despite her attitude earlier, Suzune didn't leave too far.

But this discovery didn't make me stop.

I walked past her, completely ignoring her existence.

Suzune: "Wait, Ayanokouji-kun."

I continued walking away, pretending to not hear her.

Suzune: "Wait!"

Ah, what a beautiful day today was...

So peaceful...

Suzune: "Oy! Stop ignoring me!"

The black-haired girl didn't give up and started to walk next to me.

Suzune: "Since you have ability, why aren't you aiming for Class A?"

Kiyotaka: "..."

Suzune: "Are you really going to treat me with silence?"

Kiyotaka: "You forgot to say the magic word."

Suzune: "The magic word?"

Kiyotaka: "..."

The girl thought for a moment before her expression turned sour.

Suzune: "Kiyotaka-kun."

Kiyotaka: "What, Suzune?"

Suzune: "Do you really want me to call you by your name so much?"

Kiyotaka: "I'm not going to talk with a shameless girl, who is constantly forgetting her side of the bet."

Suzune: "We agreed to let go of that until the summer break."

Kiyotaka: "We agreed to not bother each other until the summer break. And you are practically breaking it right now by bothering me, Suzune. The only reason I'm speaking with you is because I'm in good mood."

Suzune: "Do you think you can act proudly like that? Even if you may be... a little smarter than me, there's no point, if everyone is going to think of you as a defect."

Kiyotaka: "Since I am just a little smarter, there's no need to bother me, right?"

Suzune: "You are Student Council Vice-President right now. If you act poorly, it would reflect on my brother as well. I can't let that happen."

Kiyotaka: "So you are worried about us, Suzune? How sweet."

Suzune: "I don't care about you at all."

Kiyotaka: "Then stop bothering me. See you."

Suzune: "Stop!"

Suzune placed herself before me, blocking my way.

Kiyotaka: "So you do care about me, Suzune. You are such a tsundere."

Suzune: "I'm not. I just want you to act seriously, since you may be capable."

Would it kill this girl to acknowledge the reality?

Kiyotaka: "Let's make something clear. You are asking for my help, right?"

Suzune: "No. I'm just saying that you shouldn't decrease our chances to get into Class A by acting on a whim like you did on that test."

Kiyotaka: "There were no consequences of it, so nothing really decreased."

Suzune: "But you said earlier that you didn't care which class you would be in. That attitude of yours is a problem. So please act with a common sense."

Kiyotaka: "Didn't that common sense make you think that you should be in Class A from the beginning?"

Suzune: "I still think that the school made the mistake with my placement."

Although she was still saying things like that, I could see that her confidence already started to change into anxiety.

Subconsciously, Suzune began to accept that the miracle wouldn't occur for her.

Suzune: "But even if there was no misplacement, I will still aim for Class A. No, I will definitely make it into Class A."

Her eyes burned with determination.

At least she had the will to fight.

Kiyotaka: "I see. Good luck with that. I will root for you."

Suzune: "If you seriously think like that, then change that attitude of yours. How can I aim for Class A, when even someone with abilities acts like deadweight."

Deadweight?

Did that girl seriously just called me deadweight?

I was planning to just ignore her, while teasing a little, but the little princess was really in need for some slapping, huh?

Then, I would gladly help her with that...

Kiyotaka: "You just said that my attitude is problematic, right? But it seems like you are overlooking something very important, Suzune. Why do you think we still have Class Points remaining, hm?"

Suzune: "That's... Because Hirata-kun and Kushida-san found out about S-System rules and shared it with the class."

Kiyotaka: "And do you remember who was a part of the group that helped Hirata figure it out? He never claimed the credit for himself, and said a few times at least that it wasn't only him who discovered it. I'm sure you remember it, right?"

Suzune: "!"

Kiyotaka: "So? Don't tell me you don't remember it?"

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Well? Who was it that helped Hirata back then?"

Suzune: "I-It was you... But there were also the others there!"

Kiyotaka: "But it doesn't change the fact that I already contributed something to the class. What about you? Did you do something useful apart from being a good girl?"

Suzune: "You..."

Kiyotaka: "Also, do you want to hear something interesting, Suzune? I was planning to tell everyone later, but I will especially tell you right now. I'm currently producing Class Points for our class."

Suzune: "Eh?"

Kiyotaka: "I received information from your brother that working for Student Council helps in earning Class Points as well. For being Student Council Vice-President, the class I am in will receive 10 Class Points every month. Which means that I'm currently helping out our class reach Class A."

Suzune: "What?!"

Suzune looked at me stunned.

She didn't expect to receive such information out of the blue.

Kiyotaka: "What a twist, right? In the past, you were planning to remove me from Student Council by attacking me and trying to accuse me of assault. Considering the benefits my job gives to the class, you were actually the one, who was acting against the interest of class. But relax, I will keep silent about it."

I smiled at her.

The girl became speechless.

Kiyotaka: "Looks like we made some things clear. You are bothering me by saying that I'm a deadweight, but the truth is that I am currently giving our class some great benefits with my hard work. On the other side, your contribution to the class is practically zero. It's pretty clear who is a real deadweight here."

Suzune: "I'm not a deadweight. You are wrong."

Suzune's body shook lightly.

She was glaring at me, trying to refute my reasoning.

Kiyotaka: "Really? Do you think scoring the best on a meaningless test make you better than the others? It proves nothing. Chabashira-senpai already explained everything. You are defective."

Suzune: "I'm not defective. You are talking big, but you are in the same situation as me, Kiyotaka-kun. You are in Class D as well."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, but I don't mind it at all. And even if I don't care, I'm still a useful defective. It's better than being good-for-nothing, who can only talk big, right? I don't want to be rebuked by someone, who don't understand the situation here."

Suzune: "No, you are wrong. I am not defective nor deadweight, and I will prove it to you. I'm gonna reach Class A, even if it kills me."

I chuckled, amused by her declaration.

Kiyotaka: "Wake up, little princess. You should look in the mirror first. The one, who need to rethink the attitude, is you."

Imparting her with my last words, I walked past the black-haired girl.

Suzune: "You are wrong! I will prove you wrong! Just wait!"

Kiyotaka: "Good luck with that. You will need it."

I could feel her vision on me, but I didn't turn back anymore.

Horikita Suzune thought that she was superior to most of the students.

In order to temper that character of hers, she needed to learn hard way that her mindset was wrong, and she couldn't do everything by herself.

If Suzune wanted to move forward, she needed to work hard on her defect in order to reach her goal.

For now, I was going to just observe her from the side, watching what kind of steps she was going to do on her own.

Would she fail miserably, or maybe she would succeed after all?

Only the future could tell.

But either way, I was going to be there as well.

Of course, for my own sake.

.

.

.

Chapter 32 - Study Group

The beginning of May came and went as quickly as a hurricane, and before I knew it, the weekend started.

But despite having a day without the classes, Student Council was still operating for the greater good of the school.

Or so I've heard from Tachibana-senpai.

It was the first meeting with Horikita-senpai after May 1, so I actually didn't mind it at all.

I wanted to obtain some information from him as a reliable source.

Of course, for the greater good.

It was also good timing to hear about another class situation, so I asked a certain person to tag along with me, since we were going to the same place anyway.

After waiting for a minute before the dorm, my partner arrived before me.

It was Nishino Takeko, my secretary.

Kiyotaka: "Hello, Takeko."

I greeted her with a smile.

Takeko: "Hello there, Kiyotaka."

We started to walk towards Student Council.

I observed that the girl's mood was rather heavy.

Kiyotaka: "Your expression doesn't feel good, Takeko. Are you okay?"

Takeko: "Ah, yes. There were just so many things that happened recently in my class and I just couldn't help but think about everything yesterday, which made me lose some sleep."

Kiyotaka: "I guess every class got surprised to some extent, when the school made the big revelation. Congratulation on getting 605 Class Points, by the way. I'm sure you guys worked hard on it."

Takeko: "Yes, it's true. Our class went through some trouble to get this much. But I'm afraid things are going to become more troublesome now."

Her face turned sour.

Kiyotaka: "It's about Ryuuen, right?"

Takeko: "Yes. It was just like you predicted, Kiyotaka. After Sakagami-sensei finished his speech he started acting unruly once again saying that from now on this class was his. When people reprimanded him, he became violent, saying that if we want we can report him as long we don't fear to lose some Class Points by his actions. Those words made many to back off."

As expected, Ryuuen started to become active again.

Now he had another weapon at his disposal - the will of his classmates to aim for Class A.

As long as his class wasn't resolute to decrease their position, Ryuuen could do whatever he wanted.

Takeko: "We are behind Class B by less than 100 points, but because of Ryuuen-kun this distance may increase. He knows that as well, but he doesn't care, that's why he is so confident. The atmosphere in the class is awful right now."

Kiyotaka: "I guess it will really come down to whatever people accept Ryuuen as class leader or Ryuuen would make some big mistake and get expelled."

Takeko: "Yes. He also is using the fact that you are Class D student to weaken the morale in our class. Sakagami-sensei told us that your class is considered as a defective, which made many people wonder how did you become Student Council Vice-President."

So Ryuuen didn't forget to mention me.

He was clever.

Kiyotaka: "That's understandable reaction considering how the school described my class. Did Ryuuen bother you because of that?"

Takeko: "Not directly. He was just speaking to us as a whole that there's no need to wait for your help, when you are supposed to be an inferior student from enemy class. He rather is trying to make everyone believe that it's futile to ask for help. My classmates are confused about what to do. For my part, I was just questioned lightly by some people."

Kiyotaka: "I see. He sure is an interesting guy."

Takeko: "You are probably the only person in the school, who would think of Ryuuen-kun as an interesting guy, Kiyotaka."

Kiyotaka: "I believe that there's more than just me here. But it's also true that he probably won't be popular."

As expected, Ryuuen wasn't just a random delinquent.

He knew that the priority right now was to take over the class.

After that, things may become more difficult for Takeko.

Takeko: "To be honest, if not for you telling me everything so early, I would probably think like them as well. I mean, it doesn't have any sense. Why are you in Class D, Kiyotaka? From what I've seen so far from you, there's no way you could be called defective."

Kiyotaka: "Who knows? I don't know the answer to that either, but it doesn't bother me one bit. Maybe the school figured out that I have no interest in class competition, so they placed me there, or maybe there was some other reason."

It would be nice to consult it with Chairman Sakayanagi, but since there's silence from his side, I could only wait patiently.

Takeko: "I wish you would be in my class, Kiyotaka. Things would be so much better..."

Kiyotaka: "Does it mean that you want me, Takeko?"

Takeko: "Yes... H-Huh?! No! I mean, yes... I mean... As a classmate..."

Takeko blushed, while trying to explain herself.

Her reactions weren't as strong as Masumi, but she still acted quite cute while facing an unexpected flirt.

Takeko: "I swear, you are impossible. It's a serious conversation, you know."

Kiyotaka: "You looked so tense just now, so I was trying to ease you up. And you are cute, when you blush, Takeko."

The girl kept silent, while her face got redder.

Takeko: "Thank you."

Kiyotaka: "You are welcome. So, did your class start to make some preparation towards the midterms?"

Takeko: "No. We couldn't speak about it in the classroom without being disrupted by Ryuuen-kun. He became the number one problem at the moment. We are planning to hold a meeting this weekend and plan things out without him."

Kiyotaka: "I see. I hope it will turn well for you guys."

Takeko: "What about your class, Kiyotaka?"

Kiyotaka: "Hirata is making a study group for our classmates. Unfortunately, some of the students, who are endangered by expulsion, don't want to join him."

Takeko: "Study group, huh? Well, we probably will hold something like that as well, but I'm not sure how effective it would be. Ryuuen-kun aside, there's still some people who make problems and won't cooperate."

Kiyotaka: "I guess every class have their own set of headaches. By the way, how is the situation for you, Takeko? Will you be okay with studying?"

Takeko: "Huh? Well, I should be okay, I guess."

Kiyotaka: "You guess? How many points did you get on that surprise test?"

Takeko: "I got 67 points, but I'm sure I could do better after some study."

Kiyotaka: "67 points is not bad, but you do realize that the midterms will be much tougher than that test, right? We still don't know how difficult the real deal would be."

Takeko: "Y-Yeah, I know. There's no need to worry."

Kiyotaka: "Do you want to study together some time? I could teach you."

Takeko: "Eh, really?"

Kiyotaka: "Sure. I believe Horikita-senpai wouldn't mind us staying after the work in Council's room."

The girl looked at me for a moment with unreadable expression, as if weighting her options.

Kiyotaka: "It's just a small proposition from me. If you don't want, you can decline."

Takeko: "Ah! No, no... I don't mind it at all. It's just that... I've never actually studied with the others before..."

Kiyotaka: "Really?"

Takeko: "Yes. Well, elder brother sometimes was trying to help, but it always ended up rather tragically..."

It was easily to imagine the result of such attempt.

Kiyotaka: "Then, I guess you are about to try something new, Takeko."

Takeko: "Yes, I guess so. Thank you... For trying to help me out..."

The girl smiled brightly.

Kiyotaka: "No problem."

We arrived at our destination soon with talking merrily.

There were already several people here, including Ichinose and Yamamura.

After two weeks of working, new Student Council was doing good.

Our new recruits were performing better than expected.

Even Horikita-senpai didn't have any complaints about anyone.

Nazuna: "Good morning, Kiyotaka-kun, Nishino-san."

Nazuna greeted me with a smile.

After we became friends, I made it into my habit to sit next to her, while Takeko sat on my other side.

That's because until Horikita-senpai wouldn't say otherwise, I was treating both of them as my secretaries.

I wasn't going to give up on my dream just yet.

Tachibana: "It seems like there's still one person missing among first-years. I swear, you kouhais are..."

Kiyotaka: "Actually Yamamura is present as well, senpai."

Tachibana: "Huh? O-Oh... I'm sorry..."

Tachibana-senpai made an embarrassed expression, while apologizing to Yamamura.

Yamamura: "No... I'm sorry as well..."

And for some reason, Yamamura apologized too, despite being omitted.

That girl was an interesting case.

She was intelligent and hard-working, so she fit in Student Council.

But there was just one problem.

Her presence was small to the point that she could be overlooked despite being in the same room as her.

After her two weeks as a member of Student Council, the only ones who still didn't make a mistake like Tachibana-senpai just now were me and Horikita-senpai.

And maybe because of that, her personality was rather gloomy and shy.

Sakayanagi told me that the girl wanted to change, but didn't have a courage to do so, so she was trying to help her, but I knew that the reason was different.

Yamamura was here to spy on both me and entire Student Council.

Because of her 'ability', she could be easily unnoticed, while gathering information.

It was hard to tell how much she actually could gather because of her disposition, but at the very least it was safe to assume that she was an ear of Sakayanagi here.

Manabu: "Since everyone gathered, I think we could start. But firstly, is there anything someone would like to ask?"

As expected of Horikita-senpai.

Since it was the first meeting after May 1, he decided to give us, first-years, a chance to solve some ambiguities here.

He even asked in the same way as Sae.

If one had the guts, the questions were allowed to ask.

I raised my hand quickly.

Manabu: "Yes, Ayanokouji?"

Kiyotaka: "As a representative of the freshmen here, I would like to ask a few questions, President. As everyone here are aware, the school recently revealed true rules of S-System to the first-year students. Such a thing will definitely affect our work here. I wish to hear about Student Council stance towards the class competition and if possible, as your kouhai, I want some advice from you, senpais."

The atmosphere started to become tense, especially among the first-years.

My question directly punctured what every junior here was thinking.

But...

Tachibana: "Who is that polite faker and where did he hide that rude kouhai?"

Nazuna: "Pppfff!"

For some reason, Tachibana-senpai couldn't help but point at my formal speech, which made Nazuna burst into laughing.

This little...

Kiyotaka: "Horikita-senpai, Tachibana-senpai is bullying me during our meeting."

Tachibana: "As if something like that could be called bullying, especially in your case."

Well, I could see why she was saying that.

Over the past month, I was teasing this hamster-like senpai whenever I had an opportunity.

Manabu: "Since we still didn't start the official meeting, the casual conversation is allowed. I don't think Tachibana have said anything offensive here."

...

Kiyotaka: "Nazuna, those senpais of ours are bullying me."

Nazuna: "Hehe... I also wondered who this person sitting next to me is, and where did the real Kiyotaka-kun go."

Et tu, Nazuna?

I looked at the others.

Yamamura: "..."

Ichinose: "A-Ahaha..."

Takeko: "You had it coming with that speech..."

...

Kiyotaka: "Fine, fine. Horikita-senpai, it seems like the school is cooking something interesting here. Considering that teachers mouths loosened starting from this month, I think yours should be unsealed as well, right? I'm sure every first-year here have some questions, so mind enlightening us slightly?"

Tachibana: "Oy! Watch your tongue! You are speaking with Student Council President, kouhai!"

What a troublesome girl.

Making a mental note to bully her twice as much in the future, I decided to ignore Tachibana-senpai for the time being and focused on Horikita-senpai.

Manabu: "While I'm sure your homeroom teachers explained everything.

Kiyotaka: "Come on, you know that I'm not talking about that formulated speech. I want some specifics."

Manabu: "I see. I don't mind answering some questions, Ayanokouji."

Without changing his expression, Horikita Manabu gave us a green light.

Kiyotaka: "Then..."

And so, in order to fish more concrete information, I started to ask him some questions.

Finishing the work at Student Council didn't take too much time, so I decided to visit the library.

I was sure that many first-years would start to occupy it soon, so right now it was a good time to scout it.

Despite liking to read books, it was my first visit there.

After just entering it, I became surprised by how large it was.

Definitely much bigger than an average one.

It held a space to accommodate many students coming at once, so there would be no problem for a study group to come here.

There were many bookshelves in there, divided by genre.

Feeling somehow cozy, I had an urge to explore this small world.

I walked around, watching what kind of books the library had to offer.

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Farewell, my lovely by Raymond Chandler, huh? I guess it's a good starter for now."

As expected, this library had many great and famous titles.

I took the book away, deciding to read it in the evening.

?: "Ah... The book..."

As I was about to departure, I heard a quiet, girlish voice.

I turned around and saw a cute silver-haired girl with purplish eyes.

I remembered her.

She was from Class C, a seatmate of Ryuuen Kakeru that spoke with me, while I sat on his seat.

Our visions crossed.

The girl seemed to recognize me as well.

The girl: "You are..."

Kiyotaka: "Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. We spoke a little, while I was visiting your class to reprimand Ryuuen."

The girl: "That's right. I remember you. Ryuuen-kun was silent for some time after that."

Kiyotaka: "Yes."

The girl: "Did you come to look for some books?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I just found out a good one."

The girl: "It's Farewell, my lovely, right? It's wonderful. You are so lucky, Ayanokouji-kun. This book is recently quite popular among second-year students, so it's hard to get a hold of it. I've heard that it was returned today, so I was planning to borrow it myself, but looks like I'm too late."

The girl made disappointed expression.

If what she said was true, then I really lucked out here.

Kiyotaka: "If you want, I can give it to you, umm..."

The girl: "Oh, it's Shiina Hiyori. You don't have to worry, Ayanokouji-kun. I've already read it. This library is very big. Even if I tried to read every book here, I'd definitely graduate before it. Besides, while looking for that book, I managed to find another good one."

Shiina happily showed me her find.

Kiyotaka: "Christie, huh? That's really a nice book. Do you like her?"

Shiina: "I like many genres, but the mystery books are my favorite."

Kiyotaka: "That's good. I already spotted many great ones of this genre here."

Shiina: "R-Really?! Could you please show me which ones did you find?!"

The girl held my hand excitedly with stars in her eyes.

I guess she didn't lie about her likes.

Shiina: "Ah! I-I'm sorry. Am I bothering you?"

Shiina quickly let go with dejected expression.

Kiyotaka: "No, don't worry. I was just slightly surprised, that's all. I was planning to borrow more than one from the beginning, so I will gladly show you what I already spotted here. If you have any recommendation, then please feel free to tell me, Shiina."

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

Kiyotaka: "But won't this get you into trouble? According to the class competition's rules, we are supposed to be enemies."

Shiina: "Please don't worry. I'm not interested at all in this conflict. I'd prefer we all get along. No one in my class likes reading, so I don't really have anyone to talk to. That's why I'm really glad to finally find someone like you, Ayanokouji-kun."

Shiina made a happy smile.

What was this cute creature?

As if she was an embodiment of peacefulness.

That smile was so pure...

So angelic...

So...

Kiyotaka: "Ah, it's so bright! My eyes... They are burning!"

Shiina: "E-Ehh?! But we are indoors, Ayanokouji-kun!"

After this small interlude, Shiina and I explored the library together.

There was no awkwardness between us, despite meeting for the second time here.

Shiina was already familiar with area, so she happily showed me around, while talking about this or that book.

She was smart and had great knowledge.

Spending time with her was really refreshing.

To think I would have fun by just looking for the books with someone.

Before I noticed, I spent over one hour with Shiina.

In my bag, I had four books.

In my head, there were over twenty recommendations to get later.

And in my phone, another girl's number was added successfully.

Who could've predicted this would all result from a simple library visit?

Shiina: "I'm going back for now. What about you, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "I saw a familiar face nearby, so I'm planning to say hello before going back."

Shiina: "I see. Thank you very much for today, Ayanokouji-kun. I had so much fun."

Kiyotaka: "Me too, Shiina. It was a nice change of pace for me."

Shiina: "Next time, I will show you some books from my personal collection. I'm sure you will like it."

Kiyotaka: "I already look forward to them. Thank you."

Shiina: "Then, have a good day, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "See you later."

The silver-haired girl left me in good humor.

Looks like I just got a book buddy.

Kiyotaka: "Now then... Since she is here by some coincidence, let's get down to the business."

I walked towards certain direction.

After a minute of search, I've found the girl I was looking for.

It was my classmate, Hasebe Haruka, who entered the library ten minutes ago.

She was currently standing on the small step stool and was trying to grab a book that was on the highest shelf.

Hasebe: "Come on... Just a little more..."

Unfortunately, it seemed like the blue-haired girl had some problems to reach it.

After observing her for a moment, I discovered what was the problem.

Whilst stretching herself in order to take what she wanted, her big chest was hitting the corners of the books on the lower shelf, which was probably painful for her and made it harder to reach the book.

Feeling that it won't end up well for me if she caught me staring at her, I started to walk towards her with an intention to help her out and talk about the study group.

After another unsuccessful try, the girl looked down with some irritation.

Hasebe: "I swear, those lumps of fat are so worthless..."

Dumbfounded by hearing the words that probably would be instantly refused by at least half of the world population, I halted my movements.

And that's when Hasebe noticed that she wasn't alone here.

Kiyotaka: "..."

Hasebe: "..."

The atmosphere froze with both of us being speechless.

Trying to not make it too awkward for her, I turned my vision on the book she was trying to get.

Kiyotaka: "Um... Want me to take that book for you?"

That question finally woke the girl up.

Her face started to boil at tremendous speed.

Hasebe: "Ki-Ki-Kiyopo... Ah!"

While being in panic, Hesebe forgot that she was standing on the step stool and stepped with some force at the edge of it, making it fall over alongside the girl.

Kiyotaka: "Be careful!"

I stepped forward in order to catch the girl.

Hasebe's back hit my chest, while my arms grasped the girl.

As a result, I ended up hugging firmly Hasebe.

One of my arm was currently embracing her waist, while the other hand was just under her chest, making my forearm experience a big amount of softness.

Feeling the girl's tender body in my arms, my body temperature rose.

If someone arrived right now, it could cause a big misunderstanding.

Yet, I didn't feel like letting go just yet.

Kiyotaka: "Are you okay?"

Hasebe: "Ouch! Thank... you... Eh?"

The girl thanked me, while still under confusion, but quickly her body stiffened after recognizing what kind of position both of us were.

Hasebe: "Kyah! I-I'm sorry!"

Hasebe hastily broke out of my embrace.

Her face turned into deep shade of red.

Kiyotaka: "Don't worry about it. Did you get hurt anywhere?"

Hasebe: "N-No... I-I'm fine..."

Kiyotaka: "I see. That's good."

Hasebe: "Y-Yeah. Thank you..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

Hasebe: "..."

As if the previous scene wasn't awkward enough, the current situation was practically screaming of awkwardness.

Trying to ease the atmosphere once again, I took the overturned step stool and after standing on it, I grabbed the book that Hasebe wanted.

Kiyotaka: "Here. You wanted it."

Hasebe: "Ah, t-thank you."

While handing the book over to her, I saw what kind of book she was trying to get.

It was a book about one of the materials for the midterms.

Kiyotaka: "Did you come here to study, Hasebe?"

Hasebe: "Y-Yeah, something like that. What about you, Kiyopon?"

Kiyotaka: "I came to scout and explore the library for my study group."

Hasebe: "I-I see. You did say in the classroom that you were going to form a study group with Miyacchi and Sotomuu."

Kiyotaka: "What about you, Hasebe?"

Hasebe: "Oh, I was planning to study on my own. That's why I was hunting some books here."

Kiyotaka: "I see. I remember that your score was around Miyake's, so with some studying, you probably won't have problems with passing the exam."

Hasebe: "Thanks. What about you, Kiyopon? Will you guys be alright on your own without a proper tutor?"

Kiyotaka: "Oh, I will be the one in charge of tutoring."

Hasebe: "Eh? You are the one, who will be teaching, Kiyopon? But your score..."

Kiyotaka: "Actually, I just took it easy at that time, since there were no consequences of doing so. But if I go all-out, I should be able to score above 90 points."

Hasebe: "R-Really? That's sounds really amazing, Kiyopon. And fishy... Would you be really able to beat Horikita-san and the others?"

Hasebe smiled lightly, probably only half believing me.

Kiyotaka: "How about joining my group to find out?"

Hasebe: "What? You are inviting me to your study group?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. To be honest, once we started to talk about the study group, we came to conclusion that a few additional people won't hurt. And I actually thought about you."

Hasebe: "You... thought about me?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. That's why I approached when I spotted you here."

On Hasebe's face, which just returned to its normal colors, once again appeared red shade.

Hasebe: "W-Well... I'm not sure..."

Kiyotaka: "Of course, I'm not forcing you or anything. We will be studying here starting from new week, so feel free to drop by when you feel like it."

Hasebe: "I will think about it. Thank you for inviting me, Kiyopon."

Kiyotaka: "No problem. I hope you will come."

Hasebe: "Hee... So you want me to come~?"

The girl grinned lightly, trying to tease me.

Kiyotaka: "Yes. It would be nice if you could, Hasebe."

I answered bluntly, prolonging the blush on the girl's face.

Hasebe: "I-I see..."

After tragic, yet treasurable beginning of this meeting, I got some good vibes from her.

I really hoped that Hasebe would join us, since I believed that she was the key to invite Sakura.

On top of that, I thought that she would fit in with my group well.

Learning some new things about this school, meeting new friend and scouting well a new group member.

This month couldn't start better.

After a busy weekend, another week began.

This week would be crucial for our class, who was still in tricky situation.

If endangered students weren't going to show some will to improve themselves, the possibility of one of them failing was big.

After thinking it over at the weekend, I managed to create some possible solutions for that, but which plan would be implemented would depend entirely on the class behavior.

As long as nothing really improved, I would need to use a less preferable plan of mine for our class to overcome this problem.

While it was still good plan, I would rather use it as a last resort, since it wouldn't resolve the issue at its foundation.

If students, not only the endangered ones but also the smart ones, managed to improve, I could start some bolder plan.

More risky, but also better considering the future.

Knowing that I needed to move some students myself, I decided to act starting from this morning.

Normally, I would go to the school together with Sotomura and Miyake, but today I needed to separate from my friends in order to ambush a certain student.

After quickly preparing myself for the classes, I left my room and sat down on the bench near the dorm.

In the last month, I observed every student in my class in order to learn about their behavior, habits and connections with other students.

I couldn't stay after the classes because of my own popularity and work in Student Council, but arriving very early in the classroom to do some research wasn't much of the problem.

That's why I knew that the student I was waiting for would be going to the school alone at the early hours.

I was enjoying a peaceful moment under sunny sky, when I spotted my target going out of the dorm.

I stood up from and walked towards him.

It was time to scout.

Kiyotaka: "Good morning, Yukimura."

The goal of my early ambush was a bespectacled boy from my class, Yukimura Teruhiko.

Yukimura: "Ayanokouji? Good morning."

Yukimura looked at me suspiciously.

After I saved him at the swimming classes, we exchanged greetings regularly, but didn't talk much.

Our longest conversation was when he thanked me for helping him at that time.

After that, Kikyo started her revelation about genuine rules of S-System, he was one of the few boys, who frequently was rebuking troublemakers for their behavior.

While it was good to do so, it also showed his friendless character in the meantime.

Currently, he was the only boy in our class, who was considered as a loner.

Kiyotaka: "I would like to talk with you about something. Do you mind me tagging along on your way to the school?"

Yukimura: "Well, I don't mind."

Kiyotaka: "Thanks."

Both of us started walking towards the school building.

Kiyotaka: "What do you think about the things that happened recently, Yukimura? About the school and its system."

Yukimura: "I think I already made myself clear about that. I can't believe the school would do something like this and hide the truth from us."

Kiyotaka: "It does seem like a troublesome turn of events."

Yukimura: "Troublesome? It's terrible. Especially since we were sorted into Class D. Seriously... Why was I judged like that?"

His mentality about the matter was practically the same as Suzune's.

Both of them were students with great academical scores and high pride.

For them, hearing that they were considered defectives must have been a shock.

Kiyotaka: "While I understand your frustration, there's no need to be so pessimistic. We still don't know many things about this school. If there's enough opportunities to do so, overcoming Class A may be possible."

Yukimura: "Easier said than done, Ayanokouji... If every test gives us only 100 Class Points, the possibility is actually minimal, unless every other class will score much below us. And considering that there are people in our class, who actually failed even that surprise test..."

The boy suddenly stopped halfway, noticing that he was talking with one of those students.

Yukimura: "Now that I think about, what's with your score, Ayanokouji? How could your result be so poor?"

While I was thinking that he was going to feel awkward for a moment, Yukimura actually asked me straight about my results without any scruples.

Despite his lack of social skills, he was a type to speak out his mind clearly, just like when he was reprimanding Sudo and his friends.

Although this could also be a reason why he didn't make any friend up until now.

Kiyotaka: "Are you asking because you thought that I was smart or are you asking because Vice-President is supposed to be smart?"

Yukimura: "Both."

Kiyotaka: "Then, I will honestly answer you. I just didn't take this test seriously, that's all."

Yukimura: "Does that mean that you could actually do better?"

Kiyotaka: "Of course. I believe many of our classmates had the same mindset as I."

Yukimura: "I don't understand it. Why bother doing something like that?"

Kiyotaka: "There was nothing to gain from doing otherwise."

Yukimura: "Nothing to gain?"

Kiyotaka: "Since it wasn't going to be in our records, you could practically give back blank paper with no consequences."

Yukimura: "I don't understand this kind of thinking. We are students. Doing our best during exams is a must."

Kiyotaka: "Maybe. But many of our classmates were thinking just like me and just took it easy."

Yukimura: "Bunch of fools. Now that we've learned the truth about this school, I hope they won't drag us down."

Kiyotaka: "If you truly are thinking like that, then why didn't you agree to help Hirata, when he was forming study group? You could assist in helping the others study."

Yukimura: "Teaching people who won't study actively how to study? It's just a waste of time. They will cram for a few days, then they will go back to how they were before. It's actually laughable how positive Hirata is about something like that."

Kiyotaka: "Some of them won't study, since they don't know how to even start doing so. Someone needs to tutor them and teach them discipline and regularity of studying. Only then, they can use the knowledge they gained to do something themselves."

Yukimura: "Do you really think they would learn something from it? You are more naive than I thought. People like Sudo would only study from exam to exam, trying to strive for the bare minimum and be happy, when they achieve it, which is more luck than skill."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, it's currently a big problem. That's why study groups are needed."

Yukimura: "And I'm telling you that it's a waste of time. Could it be that you wanted to meet with me because of that nonsense?"

Kiyotaka: "To be honest, you are right. I would like to invite you to my study group."

Yukimura: "What?"

The boy looked at me stunned.

Kiyotaka: "I'm thinking of making a small study group with a few people. It would be more reassuring to have someone smart like you in there."

Yukimura: "You... So you are actually not really academically capable?"

Kiyotaka: "That's not it. I would be in charge of the study group. But I need someone, who will be able to help less capable members in times of need. As you know, I'm Student Council Vice-President. That function is associated with some work on almost daily basis. So since there's no telling how much time I could devote to the group, I need a substitute just in case. And that's why I thought of you, Yukimura."

Yukimura: "Are you being serious?"

Kiyotaka: "Relax, I'm not asking you to tutor Sudo, Ike or Yamauchi. Apart from me, the group currently have Sotomura and Miyake. Both of them are not bad academically. I would like to invite a few more students, who won't be much of burden, but still need to improve. Depending on the situation we would have around six to eight people at most, including you and me."

Yukimura: "..."

Yukimura looked sharply at me.

I could tell that he disliked my idea.

Yukimura: "I refuse."

Kiyotaka: "Why?"

Yukimura: "I don't want to decrease my study time in order to teach the others. If I even want to think about reaching Class A, I need to give my all to my studies."

Kiyotaka: "Don't you think the biggest problem right now for our class to reach Class A is not how great your score will be but how to survive without any expulsion?"

Yukimura: "And how good will it be for me to if those people will stay?"

Kiyotaka: "Who knows? It's not like you don't have any weakness, right, Yukimura? Some people may still help you improve it and some may help you cover for it. Me, for example."

Yukimura: "That's ridiculous. Your score wasn't even half of mine, and even if you did hold back, I seriously don't believe that you are someone that could help me."

Kiyotaka: "I meant some other stuff, like physical condition."

Yukimura: "I don't need to improve those things as a student. I'm fine the way I am. If you think you could rope me into that entire study group business with something like that, then you are mistaken."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Well, I can't force you if you really don't want to. But please think about it some more and give me your answer tomorrow."

Yukimura: "My answer won't change no matter how many times you will ask."

Kiyotaka: "I wonder. Some things may change, and you may think differently tomorrow."

Yukimura just snorted, refusing to reply.

Looks like the negotiation failed for today.

Just like I thought, the bespectacled boy was stubborn.

But I was currently equipped with heavy ammunition for not only Yukimura, but the entire class.

Once I fired it, no one would be able to stay put.

And that's what I was aiming for.

The bell announcing the lunch break rang loudly.

Some students started to gather around Hirata and Kushida in order to go for some meal together.

Just before anyone left the classroom, I raised my hand up and spoke loudly.

Kiyotaka: "Everyone! I have an important information to announce about the class competition! Would you mind staying for few moments and listen?!"

Everyone's eyes, apart from Rokusuke's, turned to me.

Some made surprised faced, since it was the first time I tried to gather attention.

I walked towards the stage and turned towards my classmates, who looked at me with some interest.

Hirata: "Ayanokouji-kun? Sure, I don't mind."

Ike: "Ehh? Couldn't we do it some time later? I'm hungry."

Yamauchi: "Right. It will be a pain to find some seats later."

Kiyotaka: "I had a talk with Student Council President about S-System this weekend and managed to obtain few interesting news that I would like to share with the class."

My words made some confusion.

Even Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi returned to their seat.

Suzune stiffened on her seat, when I mentioned her brother.

Rokusuke: "Well, well. I guess I can sacrifice a few moments of my precious time for you, Kiyotaka Boy. But make it short, since I have a date."

Seeing as even Rokusuke stayed in his seat, my classmates became even more intrigued.

Kiyotaka: "I have some good, bad and neutral news. I think I will start with neutral ones, since they won't be of significance at the moment."

The people looked at me with doubtful expressions.

Kiyotaka: "As you may remember, Chabashira-sensei have told us that you can buy anything you want with your private points in this school. This sentence has more meaning than just buying yourself some food, accessories and so on. They could be used for some other stuff."

Hirata: "What do you mean by that, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "You can buy something like class transfer with your private points. In other words, it's practically like obtaining Class A ticket."

The entire class went silent after dropping nuke-like news on them.

The stunned expressions could be seen on everyone's faces.

Yukimura: "I-Is that really true, Ayanokouji?!"

Finally, Yukimura couldn't help himself and asked loudly, while standing up.

Such information for him was priceless.

I could also feel Suzune's intense vision at me as well.

Kiyotaka: "Yes."

This small confirmation made a huge ruckus in the classroom.

Ike: "So there was such a way!"

Yamauchi: "I had a suspicion about it some time ago!"

Hirata: "That's great news, Ayanokouji-kun!"

I let my classmates chat happily for a moment.

Kiyotaka: "While it's really interesting, it's actually just neutral news. The price for such transfer is ridiculously high."

Many balloons burst quickly.

Matsushita: "How much would it be, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "If one student want to transfer to another class, he or she needs to pay twenty million private points."

And another silence appeared, but this time it was a negative one.

Ike: "What the...? That's totally impossible to achieve!"

Yamauchi: "Are you screwing with us, Ayanokouji?!"

Kiyotaka: "Well, considering what the prize is, the price needs to be high. That's why I considered this news as a neutral one. But since I obtained such information, I decided to share it with everyone."

Everyone's mood dropped greatly, especially those with ambition to rise to Class A.

Hirata: "Nevertheless, it's still good to know. Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "The next neutral news is that we can also revoke someone's expulsion by paying private points."

Upon hearing this, many students, especially the endangered ones, made an excited expression.

Ike: "So there also a way to be safe after all!"

Yamauchi: "I wouldn't need it anyway."

Hirata: "I-Is that true?!"

Hirata's loud voice surprised the others.

He seemed really agitated by this news.

Kiyotaka: "Yes."

Hirata: "How much is the price for that?"

Kiyotaka: "Unfortunately, it's also twenty million private points."

...

And after another up, another down occurred.

Sudo: "The school is screwing with us! Who would be able to gather so much?!"

Ike: "Yeah! That information is useless."

The troublemakers started cursing, disappointed.

Hirata: "I-I see. That's rather unfortunate."

Hirata also looked down.

He paid more attention to this news than to class transfer.

Another interesting find about my class leader.

Kiyotaka: "Right now it seems like colossal sum, but think about it. The school wouldn't place such ridiculous price if there was no way to reach it. There are actually some possibilities to gather more private points than just our income."

Yamauchi: "Eh? They are?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Chabashira-sensei didn't mention it, but apart from tests and exams, this school is holding events called special exams."

Matsushita: "Special exams?"

Kiyotaka: "I didn't learn much about them, since the school is changing them every year, but they are some special competitions, when we would be fighting the other classes for private points and even Class Points. They are the main battles of the class competition with the rewards that could help us reach Class A."

This news was really interesting one even for me.

As I thought, the school competition definitely wouldn't be anything normal.

Karuizawa: "So we can reach Class A after all!"

Shinohara: "That's amazing!"

My classmates once again became cheerful.

I let them be happy without breaking the atmosphere.

While it sounded good, I was more skeptical than the others.

There was no saying what kind of competition there would be, and the other classes wouldn't let us obtain good results easily.

But thanks to this news, my plan against Nagumo Miyabi gained some new light.

I wondered how many private points that donkey was currently holding.

As long as I got a picture about those special exams, I could construct some plan.

My private lessons with Sae may be the key here.

Kiyotaka: "Apart from special exams, there are some other ways to obtain private points as well."

Influenced by the good mood, people looked at me with anticipation.

Sudo: "O-Oh! You are talking about that time, when those bastards paid us to not report them to the school, right?"

Suddenly, Sudo loudly claimed.

Looks like he remembered that one time, when I helped him and we obtained some private points.

Yamauchi: "Right! We can just blackmail senior years constantly and ask them to give us all of their points! Let alone 20 millions, we could get 200 millions!"

Looks like Yamauchi was actively seeking the job as the clown.

Kiyotaka: "While I admit that something like that happened, and it may be a way to obtain some points, I wasn't talking about that. In the normal situation, extortion of any sorts would be punishable by the school. I was just trying to paid back those who tried to blackmail my classmate without the school intervention. I don't recommend such a risky action in the future."

I could see Professor smirking at me.

He knew how much of those 'risky' actions we took in the past month.

Hasebe also smiled at me knowingly.

Hirata: "Ayanokouji-kun is right. It could lead to many problems, so it better to refrain from such actions. On top of that, we shouldn't provoke our senpais too much."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, it's as Hirata just said. There's no need to agitate our senpais."

They were agitated enough by just me.

Matsushita: "Then what method are you talking about, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "It's club activities."

Sudo: "Huh? Club activities?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. According to student's level of activity and contribution, a particular individual could be awarded with points. And it's not only private points, but also Class Points."

Another wave of cheerful talks resounded within the classroom.

Hirata: "Now that I think about it, the coach of soccer club was talking about some extraordinary prizes, if we managed to enter a tournament."

Miyake: "I think something like that had been told in archery club as well."

Kiyotaka: "What about you, Sudo?"

Sudo: "E-Eh? It may be... I wasn't actually listening to that part of his speech..."

Kiyotaka: "I see. From my part, it seems like for being Student Council Vice-President, the school is giving our class 10 Class Points monthly."

People looked surprised.

Just the other day, my evaluation dropped because of my score.

That's why I've decided to share my information with the class.

From now on, no matter what I would do, I would still be valuable for them.

Matsushita: "Really? That's amazing, Ayanokouji-kun. We can be closer to reach Class A thanks to you."

Matsushita looked at me with a profound smile.

I expected her to confront me about what happened in the guidance office, but Matsushita stayed low until now.

Yamauchi: "Wait! So if I would be accepted to Student Council as well, we would get even more points! Are you sabotaging our class, Ayanokouji?!"

In a way, it was amazing how much of a simpleton that guy was.

Kiyotaka: "It's Student Council President's call, who could join. You can always go to him and said that he was in wrong for not accepting you."

Yamauchi: "I... I will think about that..."

I could see Suzune giving him a cold glare.

Ike: "Leaving alone Yamauchi, that's so unfair! If we have been informed about it earlier, we would join some club."

Kiyotaka: "While I understand your thinking, it's kinda pointless to join just to obtain some points. Do you really think you would be allowed to participate in some tournament with that kind of mindset, Ike?"

Ike: "W-Well... Maybe?"

Kiyotaka: "You can always try if you want. Going back to the topic, it would be good for everyone who already entered some kind of the club to pry for some information about rewards."

Hirata: "I got it. I will speak with some people at today's training."

Miyake: "I will try to ask."

Sudo: "Yeah, me too."

Hirata: "But... I got a feeling that our senpais didn't want to share any information. When I was asking about S-System to confirm our suspicion, I couldn't gather anything."

Kiyotaka: "It seems like the school forbid our senpais to inform the freshmen about anything related to the school in the first month under the penalty of suspension, but right now there shouldn't be this much restriction."

Hirata: "Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. That's why I didn't have any information from Student Council before as well. Now that I think about it, we really lucked out with Kikyo's boyfriend telling her about the rules of S-System without being afraid of the penalty. He must like you very much, Kikyo."

I smiled slightly towards the beige-haired girl, making her a center of attention.

Kikyo, who didn't expect that, stiffened slightly, then started to act embarrassed.

Kikyo: "H-He isn't my boyfriend, Kiyotaka-kun. We are just friends."

Translate: Oy, oy! What the hell are you talking about, you bastard?! Stop it this instant!

Kiyotaka: "Really? I guess I've made you uncomfortable because of some rumors. I apologize, Kikyo. Nevertheless, please give your friend my thanks for helping."

Kikyo: "I-I don't mind, Kiyotaka-kun. I surely will pass your message to him."

Translate: I will remember this! Prepare yourself!

After learning about her true side, teasing her in public like that was so fun.

Although later my ear would hurt from all her swearing at me.

Still, I chuckled at the moment, while watching as some of her friends started to tease the girl with knowing smiles, while the boys like Ike and Yamauchi looked at her with despair.

Ike: "Damn it... Hm? Wait a second! Ayanokouji, why are calling Kushida-chan by her name?!"

Kiyotaka: "Because we are friends. Right, Kikyo?"

Kikyo: "Yes, we are, Kiyotaka-kun."

Translate: You did it on purpose, didn't you? I feel like vomiting...

She was looking intensively at me for a moment.

Ike: "N-No way..."

Yamauchi: "Even Kushida-chan... That bastard..."

The boys looked at me with hateful expression.

After Hirata started going out with Karuizawa, I've become their number one enemy and now this hatred probably would strengthen.

But soon their hatred would be put aside in the face of bigger crisis.

Because the last thing for me to announce would be a bucket of cold water for the class.

Kiyotaka: "The last information I managed to obtain is unfortunately a bad one. Chabashira-sensei mentioned that we could be expelled by the school for the poor performance, right? According to Student Council President, every expulsion is also associated with a penalty for the class of expelled student. It's actually -300 Class Points."

...

Another silence accompanied by shock.

I guess this was by far the most outrageous and horrible news for the class.

I understood it.

Even I couldn't help but be stunned by this penalty, when I've heard about it for the first time.

Looks like suspends were influencing Class Points as well, depending on length.

According to Horikita-senpai, Class 2-A have lost already 150 Class Points because of Nagumo.

Hearing about it, I couldn't help but feel that Nazuna was really a saint to accept my friendship, while her class was probably treating me like a mortal enemy.

That's why I decided to change my suspending tactics to private points gathering.

It would be less hurtful for her class, while I could battle Nagumo to my heart content.

My plan to just watch the preparation for midterms also changed.

I was going to become more active.

Which also meant that apart from Rokusuke, everyone else were going to work as well.

No one was allowed to have peaceful life-chan, while I couldn't.

Kiyotaka: "That's all I managed to gather so far. I won't hold you anymore. Have a nice lunch break."

Not waiting for anyone's response, I walked towards my seat.

Yukimura: "W-Wait a second here, Ayanokouji! What do you mean by that?!"

Yeah, I knew the smart students here would be terrified by this news.

Especially self-centered people like Yukimura, who didn't want to help thinking it's not their business.

Near me, Suzune's face also turned a little pale.

Kiyotaka: "It's a simple thing, Yukimura. If someone gets expelled, our class would receive -300 Class Points as a penalty."

Yukimura: "But Chabashira-sensei have never mentioned such a penalty, while speaking about the midterms!"

Kiyotaka: "You may not notice it, but it seems like the school staff don't plan to fully explain everything, unless you figured it out yourself. You can always ask Chabashira-sensei about it if you want. This information came from Student Council President himself, so I'm sure it's credible."

Karuizawa: "N-No way. We don't even have 300 Class Points, so if someone fail the midterms, we would be left with nothing..."

Despite sacrificing some of their time for my revelation, no one left from their seat apart from Rokusuke, who exited without any word as soon as I started walking towards my seat.

The atmosphere turned gloomy.

The endangered students started to become the center of attention.

The pressure on their shoulders became more heavy.

But it wasn't only for them.

The threat of 0 Class Points already started to spread in everyone's minds.

No income for the next month.

No hope for aiming for Class A.

That's what I was hoping for.

Hirata: "Don't worry, everyone. It just means that we need to make sure that no one would fail."

As expected, the first one, who decided to shine in such situation was Hirata.

Kikyo: "That's right. As long as we work hard together, nothing bad will happen. I... I don't want to lose anyone of you!"

Kikyo followed up, riding Hirata's wave.

She knew how to play the nice girl.

While everyone's attention were on her, I grinned at her, which she didn't overlook.

Shinohara: "Kushida-san..."

Hirata: "Kushida-san is right. This is not an individual problem, but a collective one. This is the first trial we are facing as united Class D, that's why..."

Before Hirata could finish his speech, Sudo stood up and started to walk towards the door.

Sudo: "I'm hungry, so I'm going to the cafeteria."

Hirata: "Sudo-kun, please wait for a moment."

Sudo: "It's going to be talk about the study group, right? Then, I don't have time for that, since I have club activities. You've heard what Ayanokouji said, right? I could earn some points by playing."

Hirata: "T-That may be true, but the midterms..."

Sudo: "I will be fine. Are you two going, Ike, Yamauchi?"

Yamauchi: "Yeah. Don't worry, Hirata. We will be fine."

Ike: "Right."

The trio left the classroom, destroying the atmosphere Hirata started to build.

Karuizawa: "Seriously, what's their problem? It's obvious that they are going to drag us down."

Shinohara: "They are the worst. In the first place, we've lost so many Class Points because of them."

As expected, those three were going to be a problem.

Hirata won't be able to convince them at this rate.

I wouldn't be able to do it either.

Someone else needed to take care of them.

Karuizawa: "Hirata-kun, I'm hungry as well. Could we talk about the study group later?"

Hirata: "Ah, right. Let's think about it for now, and held the conversation after the classes. Is that okay?"

Many people agreed.

Hirata came over to my seat.

Hirata: "Ayanokouji-kun, thank you very much for everything you shared with the class."

Kiyotaka: "It's no problem, Hirata. Student Council President especially gave us, juniors, some of his time so we could consult some things with him. He is really nice guy and knows how to take care of his people."

I said everything more loudly than normal in order to make my neighbor heard it.

Suzune gave me a quick, virulent look.

Hirata: "Looks like Student Council President is more of nice person than I originally thought. I'm grateful for that. Our class benefitted from his guidance. Please thank him."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, of course I will. But since this was announced to all junior members of Student Council, every other class also possess this knowledge. I guess the rivalry between us will become fiercer from now on."

Hirata: "I see. For now, we need to take care of the most urgent matter at the moment, which is midterms. I hope people will start to be more motivated to study after hearing your news."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. But for now, you should go eat something, Hirata. Karuizawa is drilling a hole in me behind your back."

Hirata: "Hahaha... How about eating with us, Ayanokouji-kun? We could discuss what you've told us in details."

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry, but I'm going to eat with Miyake and Sotomura. We need to discuss our study group and its plan for later. I've already told you everything I knew, so don't mind my absence."

I already gave them so much information and help that there's no need for me to get involved anymore.

Hirata: "I-I see. Well, maybe later then."

Hirata left me and alongside Karuizawa's group walked towards cafeteria.

I couldn't help but noticed Matsushita's vision on me.

Did she think that I would join their group?

Unfortunately, I didn't plan to do so.

I had my own agenda.

First of all...

Kiyotaka: "Don't you think it's funny that Hirata is telling a stranger to thank your brother, when you, the blood-related sister, is sitting so close by, Suzune?"

Suzune: "..."

The girl didn't say anything and focused on unpacking her lunch, but her eyes were deadly cold.

Making this girl move for the class sake was going to be a pain in the ass, but I had no choice.

After bullying her lightly, I took my own lunch as well.

Miyake and Sotomura came over with their own lunches and chairs.

Miyake: "That's quite a bomb you launched there, Ayanokouji. To think so many things were still hidden from us."

Kiyotaka: "And I'm sure there's still more to uncover."

Professor: "Leader, what's the plan for now?"

Kiyotaka: "Let's go to the library today. I scouted the place out, and it's not a bad place for now. We need to figure out what level you guys are."

Professor: "Yes, sir."

Kiyotaka: "Will you be okay with your club, Miyake?"

Miyake: "It depends on how much you want to carry this study group, Ayanokouji. I know that you have your work in Student Council as well."

Kiyotaka: "I believe we should be alright. It's not like we would gather every day, especially if our numbers would increase."

Professor: "So someone will join us after all?"

Kiyotaka: "I've already talked with Hasebe and Yukimura, but their answers weren't clear. We shall see if they are going to join us after the classes. If not, then it would be just our three for now."

Hasebe already left the classroom, probably to grab her lunch.

Yukimura stayed in the classroom with his own lunch.

I saw him peeking here, but he didn't come over.

Looks like he still needed to digest information from me.

Miyake: "You mentioned Hasebe before, so I'm not surprised, but you want Yukimura to join us as well?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes."

Miyake: "But why? Yukimura is capable enough, but I doubt there's a need for him to join, when you are here."

Kiyotaka: "For the future."

Miyake: "For the future?"

Kiyotaka: "Do you know what's the biggest problem right now, Miyake?"

Miyake: "Now? Well... To put it simple, it would be that not academically-gifted students are facing the threat of expulsion, which would bring the class down in the ranking."

Kiyotaka: "That's technically right, but the real problem is not how bad they are, but how to make them good enough. In order for them to improve, they either need to work hard on their studies alone, or be diligent while someone else is tutoring them. But in our class, there are many people who need tutoring, especially seven endangered students. And who can take care of them?"

Professor: "That would be people, who managed to obtain the best results."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. But that's where the real problem is. Out of top scorers, how many decided to teach the others?"

Miyake: "If we exclude you, who could obtain max score, practically only Hirata is trying to do something."

Professor: "I see. So you want to persuade Yukimura-dono into helping the others."

Kiyotaka: "That's one of the reasons, but there's more. Even if someone is academically-gifted, there's no telling that he or she is capable of teaching the others efficiently. Considering Yukimura's character, I doubt he taught someone before, so there's no telling what would happen if he would make his own study group."

Miyake: "In other words, you want to invite Yukimura in order to see how good he is in teaching the others."

Kiyotaka: "And to help him gain experience. Once he joined us, he could see how the study group works by observing me teaching you guys. It's something like internship. After helping out in our group, Yukimura should be able to manage a study group in the future, which would be very helpful for our classmates."

And more than anything, I could make a connection with another talent in our class.

Yukimura was technically the only academically-capable student in our class, whom I didn't have much of contact.

If I managed to resolve his defective traits and train him, the possibility of scouting him later would rise significantly.

Miyake: "To think you would think so far, Ayanokouji. It's impressive."

Professor: "As expected of you, great leader."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, but unfortunately he refused me this morning. I've hoped to shake him with all the information that I just gave, but I guess it will take some time."

Miyake: "What about Hasebe?"

Kiyotaka: "When I talked with her, she was rather positive about it. The problem would be the last person I was thinking about."

Professor: "Sakura-dono?"

I nodded.

Out of the seven endangered students in this class, three were already in Hirata's group.

The idiot trio wouldn't join either Hirata's group nor mine.

That's why I directed my vision toward the last student on the list, Sakura.

But without any confirmed girl in my group, there was no need to ask her, so I hoped Hasebe would join us today, and we could start trying to convince the pink-haired girl and complete the recruitment task.

Miyake: "Do you think she will be willing to join? I can tell that she is really timid person."

Kiyotaka: "We can't leave her behind, after all. Everything will depend on getting some girl to join us, so Sakura wouldn't feel awkward."

Miyake: "So we can only wait for Hasebe's decision."

Kiyotaka: "Yes."

Professor: "Leader, what about Sudo-dono, Ike-dono and Yamauchi-dono?"

Kiyotaka: "They dislike me, so there's no need to even ask them."

Professor: "I see."

Miyake: "They just envy you. But the problem remains. I doubt Hirata would be able to convince them to join him."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. But don't worry. I'm sure there would be someone, who would be willing to help them."

Professor: "Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Who knows? Maybe. There's also hope that they really would learn everything just before the midterms."

I looked at the black-haired girl, who seemed to not bother at all with the world around her.

I know that you listened to every word, Suzune.

What are you going to do now?

Will you stay as self-centered defect?

Or will you confront the challenge before you?

I look forward to your answer.

Don't let me down.

Despite giving my classmates various good and bad news, the atmosphere in the classroom quickly returned to normal.

Things became quite peaceful until the end of classes.

With some anticipation, I stayed in my seat, but unfortunately, the only ones, who joined me were Miyake and Professor.

Both Yukimura and Hasebe left the classroom soon after the bell rang.

Yukimura was stubborn, so bringing him over may take some time, but I was surprised to see Hasebe leaving alone.

The girl just looked over here for a moment, so I thought she would come over, but she left instead with neutral face.

Maybe just one talk wasn't enough for her as well.

Miyake: "No one came, huh?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. It will be just us for now."

Miyake: "Personally, I don't mind it all. It's more comfortable with just you guys. Ah, but if someone would join us, I won't be against it. You are acting for the sake of the class and I respect that."

Professor: "I also will follow your decisions, leader."

Kiyotaka: "Thanks."

We packed our things and left the classroom.

While walking towards the library, we were stopped by a person.

Hasebe: "H-Hello."

It was Hasebe, who apparently was waiting for us.

Looks like my scouting bore some fruits after all.

Kiyotaka: "Hello. Should I interpret your presence here as your agreement to join our study group?"

Hasebe: "W-Well, something like that... Is that a problem?"

Kiyotaka: "You are more than welcome. Right, guys?"

Professor: "O-Of course, you are, Hasebe-dono."

Miyake: "Yeah. Ayanokouji mentioned that he would invite you."

Hasebe: "Thanks, Miyacchi, Sotomuu."

Kiyotaka: "When you left the classroom, I thought that maybe you changed your mind. I'm glad you decided to take me up on my offer."

Hasebe: "I just dislike standing out. Hanging out in a group is kind of awkward."

Miyake: "Ah, I get it. At the beginning, I also had some trouble to adjust to you guys. Especially to you, Sotomura."

Professor: "What?!"

Kiyotaka: "Right, there were moments like that."

Professor: "L-Leader?!"

Miyake: "Relax, it's in the past."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, we got used to you right now."

Professor: "Oy!"

Hasebe chuckled loudly while looking at us.

Hasebe: "You guys are actually interesting, you know."

Kiyotaka: "Right? I don't think you will get bored with us."

Hasebe: "Weren't we going to study?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Studying with us won't be boring, as you see."

Hasebe: "Looks like it."

Our group of four walked to the library.

Despite the beginning of the new week, there still weren't many students here.

We managed to secure some good spots in a quiet corner with a good view at the part of the library.

Professor: "So, what's the plan, leader?"

Hasebe: "Yeah. To be honest, I still have some doubts about you, Kiyopon. Just how capable are you really?"

Miyake: "He is really amazing, you know."

Hasebe: "Hee... Sotomuu's words are kind of unreliable, but if Miyacchi is also saying something like that, then I'm even more curious now."

Kiyotaka: "For now, I've prepared some sample questions based on what is supposed to be on the midterms. I would like you to solve them right now."

Hasebe: "You prepared a test for us?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. I need to know how much you guys are lacking in order to prepare more detailed study plan. You have thirty minutes."

Hasebe: "Wow, I didn't expect something like it from the get-go."

Miyake: "You didn't see his training program in the gym."

Professor: "Right. To be honest, I'm not surprised at all that we are starting from the test."

Hasebe: "Now that you mentioned it, you guys are also going to gym, right? Could it be that Kiyopon is actually some undercover teacher or something?"

Professor: "S-Such a plot twist?!"

Miyake: "It's possible, actually."

Kiyotaka: "Who knows? Let's not waste time. You have thirty minutes for this test."

The three of them started solving my questions.

I looked at them with a smile.

As I thought, Hasebe's presence in the group didn't make it awkward for the both sides.

Taking advantage of the time, I walked away from them.

Since I had time, I was going to check out for some new books.

I also had a small hope to find Shiina somewhere here.

But before I managed to spot my new friend, I found out the other classmate of mine, who was sitting alone.

Kiyotaka: "Sakura?"

Sakura: "Hyaah?!"

It was Sakura Airi, who because of my call practically jumped out of her seat, making a ruckus.

Sakura: "A-Ayanokouji-kun... H-Hello..."

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry for surprising you."

Sakura: "N-No... I-t's my fault for o-overreacting..."

I looked over at her table and see some textbooks.

Kiyotaka: "Are you here to study?"

Sakura: "Y-Yes..."

Sakura looked down, as if she just admitted something embarrassing.

Kiyotaka: "It's admirable that you started to study so early without anyone's help. Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi would probably start to study just before the midterms."

Sakura: "I-It's nothing much..."

Sakura fidgeted slightly.

Sakura: "A-After you told us that the class may lose 300 Class Points because of the expulsion, the way people looked at me became dreadful..."

Kiyotaka: "And you decided to study because of pressure?"

Sakura: "Y-Yes..."

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned it so early."

Sakura: "No! N-Not at all... It's not Ayanokouji-kun's fault... It's mine for not getting a good score."

She looked down again.

Kiyotaka: "Will you be alright studying on your own? How about joining Hirata's study group?"

Sakura: "I-I'm actually not very good with a large crowd. And the girls there are kind of s-scary..."

She was probably right about it.

Considering that Sakura was an endangered student, Hirata would pay special attention to her, which would gain her the envy of the other girls.

And in Hirata's group definitely would appear Karuizawa and Shinohara, who have strong personalities.

Not only she may not be able to learn much in such environment, she may even be a target of bullying considering her meek personality.

Kiyotaka: "Well, I guess it's okay. You don't need to force yourself."

Sakura: "R-Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. You should only think about whatever you want to do, Sakura."

Sakura: "Whatever I want to do...?"

Kiyotaka: "You don't have to burden yourself with thoughts like 'study for the class sake'. You should just study for your own sake."

Sakura: "For my own sake..."

Kiyotaka: "Whatever you decided to study on your own or study in the group, the effort you would make during this period of life would pay up in the future. No one would take it away from you. That alone would be enough."

Sakura: "The future..."

Sakura made a thoughtful expression.

I smiled slightly at her, while standing up from my seat.

Kiyotaka: "I'm going back to my group. Good luck with your study, Sakura."

Sakura: "Thank you. Y-You too, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "If you feel like it, you can drop by to us if you want."

Sakura: "E-Eh? Ayanokouji-kun's group?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, we just gathered here. You know the others - Sotomura, Miyake and Hasebe. I'm sure they wouldn't mind you joining us."

Sakura: "B-But... I hardly have ever spoken with any of them before."

Kiyotaka: "We also rarely have spoken, yet we are still talking right now."

Sakura: "W-Well..."

I guess even if she knew the others, something like this would be a big step for her.

Kiyotaka: "It's okay if you want to think more about it. We will probably be here for the next hour."

Deciding that it wouldn't do me any good to be pushy, I backed off, while giving Sakura an option to reconsider.

Sakura: "T-Thank you."

For the first time, Sakura looked straight at me.

Sakura: "As I thought... Ayanokouji-kun's eyes aren't scary."

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Eyes?"

Sakura: "Ah! I-I'm sorry! That... I can't actually explain it well..."

Sakura started panicking, while not being able to explain herself.

I guess it's something like Sakura's internal evaluation of every person.

Considering her embarrassed face, I guess she had a positive opinion of me.

Kiyotaka: "Well, thank you, I guess."

I smiled at her, trying to reassure her that I didn't mind it at all.

Sakura: "..."

The girl looked down.

Not trying to make things awkward for us, I decided to leave.

Kiyotaka: "I'm going back to see how the others are doing. See you later, Sakura."

Sakura: "You too, Ayanokouji-kun."

I left Sakura and returned to my group.

Hasebe: "Where have you been?"

Kiyotaka: "I spotted Sakura studying alone over there, so I tried to ask her to join us, but with no results."

Miyake: "She didn't join Hirata's group, huh?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, just like I thought."

Hasebe: "Of course, she wouldn't join that group. The girls over there are such an irritable bunch."

Kiyotaka: "Alright, continue with your test. We can talk after that."

The three of them returned to writing.

After the time was up, I took their tests and started checking them up.

After a while, I knew the level of this group.

But there was something that I needed to verify first.

Kiyotaka: "Hasebe, Miyake, tell me honestly. Did one of you peeked at the test of the other one, while I wasn't here?"

Hasebe: "Huh? No."

Miyake: "Me either."

Kiyotaka: "Then, we have quite a peculiar situation. Not only you two are good and bad on the same subjects, you even solved the same kind of questions in similar style. If you really didn't cheat, then it's an interesting coincidence."

I gave them back their test.

Both of them were rather good in sciences and bad in humanities.

Hasebe: "Woah, it's true."

Miyake: "Truly a coincidence. Won't it be a problem?"

Kiyotaka: "No, it's actually convenient, since we could focus on your weakness more."

Professor: "Leader, what about me?"

Kiyotaka: "You are actually not bad in every subject without any weak point. As long as you won't slack off, you should be able to obtain good grades."

Professor: "That's good."

Hasebe: "Sotomuu being capable feels kind of weird."

Professor: "Huhu... Such jealously is unsightly, Hasebe-dono."

Hasebe: "I'm not jealous at all."

We spent some time, while I was planning a study plan.

In the end, both Yukimura and Sakura didn't appear.

When we were leaving, I spotted Sakura still studying.

The others followed my vision and saw the girl as well.

Miyake: "She is still studying, huh?"

Kiyotaka: "She must have been feeling some pressure after what I've said in the classroom."

Professor: "Will it be okay to leave her be, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "I've already talked with her. It's her decision. If she wanted, she could join us."

Professor: "I guess so."

Hasebe: "..."

Hasebe looked intensively at Sakura without uttering any word.

Then, as if deciding something, she started to walk towards the pink-haired girl.

Hasebe: "I'm sorry, but you guys should go ahead without me."

Professor: "Huh? Hasebe-dono?"

The blue-haired girl didn't turn back.

Miyake: "What to do? She probably went to convince Sakura."

Kiyotaka: "Well, let's leave them alone for now. Maybe Hasebe will manage to bring her over."

As I thought, it was a good idea to invite Hasebe.

I already gave Sakura some push, but maybe she would help the shy girl make the decision.

Our trio of boys left the library to not give the girls pressure that we were waiting and went back to the dorm.

With nothing much to do, I spent the rest of the day in room.

I was cooking the dinner with some attention, since I wouldn't be eating alone today.

While I didn't invite anyone, I was sure that a certain someone was going to come anyway.

After all, she wouldn't let me off after what I did at the school today.

Ding-dong!

And just as I expected she was on time for a dinner.

I came close to my door.

Kiyotaka: "Who is it?"

?: "It's me, Kiyotaka-kun. Open up quickly."

A cute voice resounded from the other side of the door.

Kiyotaka: "A password, please."

?: "H-Huh? What are you talking about?"

Kiyotaka: "That's wrong one. Try again."

?: "A-Ahaha... Don't be like that and open up. Someone may see me."

Kiyotaka: "That's also a wrong one. Please try again."

?: "..."

The girl became silent.

I didn't know if she was confused or was seriously thinking about some words.

?: "Oy, open up, you bastard... Do you wanna die? This is not a kindergarten."

I chuckled and opened the door, only to see Kushida Kikyo with darkened expression.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, Kikyo, welcome. What a pleasant surprise. I was starting to become worried that some faker was trying to force her way into my room."

Kikyo: "Tch."

The beige-haired girl quickly entered my room.

Kikyo: "I came to ask what the hell happened back then. Are you crazy? Why did you say that I may have a boyfriend?! You know that you are my source of information, not some shitty senior!"

As expected, she was bothered by my bullying earlier.

Kiyotaka: "Are you hungry? I was about to eat a dinner and I don't mind a company of beauty."

Kikyo: "Answer my question! Saying something like that may bring attention to our relationship."

Kiyotaka: "I just wanted to clarify those rumors for you, you know. You should be thanking me."

Kikyo: "You just made the situation worse. People want to know who was helping me now that the school won't punish that mysterious senior of mine."

Kiyotaka: "Is that so? But at the very least they know that you are free, so the boys are probably rejoicing."

Kikyo: "That's not relief at all."

Kiyotaka: "It is, considering what you are going to do in the future."

Kikyo: "Huh? What I am going to do in the future? What are you talking about?"

Kiyotaka: "Over the dinner. I did a little too much for myself, so let's eat together. Sit down."

Kikyo: "That's not what I came here!"

Kiyotaka: "That's where you are wrong, Kikyo. You came especially for that. I knew that you would come, so I've made more. Now obediently sit down."

Kikyo made a stunned expression, not knowing how to react.

I didn't wait for her answer and went to the kitchen.

After some time, the meal was prepared on the table.

Kikyo calmed herself down in the meantime, but her expression was still a mix of wariness and annoyance.

Kikyo: "You are creepy, you know. Did you really know that I would come today at this time?"

Kiyotaka: "Who knows? You came, so I was right."

Kikyo: "How would you know something like that?"

Kiyotaka: "With the power of love, Kikyo."

Kikyo: "That's so cringe that I feel like vomiting."

Kiyotaka: "How cruel. Well, it's a reasonable conclusion for someone, who knows the real you. I've put you into a stressful situation, so I was sure you would want to vent. And since you didn't know my motives for that scene, you would come to my room in order to make everything clear. You are always spending time with your friends until dinner time, so you would arrive around such time here. After all... you love my cooking~"

Kikyo: "What?! T-That's not true!"

Kiyotaka: "I wonder..."

I suddenly moved towards her, and before she managed to react, I took a grain of rice that was on her cheek.

Then, I put it into my mouth, while smirking at her.

Kikyo's face started to turn red.

She was trying to hide that embarrassment by glaring at me, but I was used to that.

Kikyo: "So... You manipulated me to come to your room, huh? Congratulation... What do you want then?"

She looked bothered by the fact that I managed to predict her movements.

But that was an effect that I wanted to obtain in order to keep her leash short.

Kiyotaka: "Rejoice, Kikyo. You've been selected as ambassador of goodwill. Starting from tomorrow, your hard work begins."

Kikyo: "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Kiyotaka: "As you are probably aware, most of the students are treating the incoming midterms seriously. But there are exceptions."

Kikyo: "The perverts..."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Not only they are refusing to join Hirata's invitation for study group, they think that they could pass with a minimum effort. At this rate, at least one of them would be expelled, which would be a blow for the entire class."

Kikyo: "Tch, those good-for-nothings... I thought that I finally could say goodbye to them, but the penalty is so high... I knew that they would drag us down..."

It was interesting to hear that from the girl, who declared a few hours ago that she didn't want to lose anyone.

I seriously wondered what faces the boys would make, if one day they would see Kikyo's true face.

Kikyo: "Since you said that you have a job for me, then you must have a plan, right? What is it?"

Kiyotaka: "Oh, it's quite easy. Since the troublemakers wouldn't join Hirata's group, then a new group needs to be created with a sole purpose of tutoring those three."

Kikyo: "Yeah, but who would be stupid enough to...! Wait a second! Don't tell me..."

Kiyotaka: "Oh, so you figured it out? Yes, I thought about you, Kikyo."

Kikyo: "Absolutely not! Are you kidding me?! They won't study but ogle me, while I wouldn't be able to say the word! This would be a torture!"

Kikyo's face turned into mix of terror and disgust.

Kiyotaka: "While I do feel bad for you, there's nothing we can do. You are the only one, who could assemble those three with smiles on their faces."

Kikyo: "I refuse!"

Kiyotaka: "I knew that I could count on you, Kikyo. As expected of the nicest girl in this school."

Kikyo: "I absolutely refuse! Do it yourself if you are concerned! Why are you pushing it on me?"

Kiyotaka: "You know that they won't join Hirata or me, because they are petty. And you think it would be natural for someone like you to not help those in need? Especially her friends."

Kikyo: "But even then..."

Kiyotaka: "On top of that, I'm sure Hirata is thinking about something similar already. He isn't stupid. It's just a matter of time before you will be officially asked for help by him."

Kikyo: "..."

Kikyo's face darkened.

It was easy to imagine such a scenario.

No matter how much she hated it, her fake persona was perfect for that job.

The girl knew that too.

She had no way out once someone would mention helping out to her.

Kiyotaka: "You have my condolences, Kikyo. But since I verified your relationship situation to everyone, your role would be easier, don't you think?"

Kikyo: "Damn it..."

Kiyotaka: "Although there may be a way to reduce your burden..."

Kikyo: "What?! Really?!"

Kiyotaka: "It's just some fleeting thought though..."

Kikyo: "What is it?!"

Kiyotaka: "I feel like I'm about to get an answer, but can't get closer to it... If only I could spend some time in comfortable place to ponder peacefully..."

Kikyo: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Ah, so troublesome... What to do..."

Kikyo: "Kiyotaka-kun... Have someone ever told you that you are a complete scum?"

Kiyotaka: "No."

A few moments later, my head laid comfortably on her thighs.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, this is great. I feel so alive..."

Kikyo: "Yeah, yeah... You got what you wanted, you bastard. Now spill the beans."

Kiyotaka: "You are no fun, Kikyo. Let's enjoy the moment."

Kikyo: "Speak before I will suffocate you."

Kiyotaka: "With those treasures of yours? Gladly."

Kikyo: "I swear... If you don't talk right now, you pervert..."

Kiyotaka: "Fine, fine... To be honest, I don't think you could avoid joining the troublemakers to the study group."

Kikyo: "What?! You deceived me?!"

Kiyotaka: "No. Some things are just inevitable for you at this point. But although you would still need to join them, there's a method for you to not be fully responsible for the tutoring and in the end for the results of their midterms. Your main role would be only gathering them and maintain their behavior to some extent. It would be definitely less stressful, right?"

Kikyo: "I admit that it sounds better. What's that method?"

Kiyotaka: "We just need to convince Suzune to tutor the troublemakers, while you would act as her support. Not only you wouldn't be the one with the biggest responsibility, you could also get closer to the girl. Easy, right?"

Kikyo: "..."

The beige-haired girl stiffened.

Kikyo: "You are kidding me, right? That's your plan?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah."

Kikyo's started trembling lightly.

And then, she unleashed her full fury.

Kikyo: "You damned bastard! Are you screwing with me?! How in the world are we going to convince that wench into helping those perverts?!"

Kikyo started screaming.

It was understandable reaction.

Kiyotaka: "Now, now, don't scream. The chances for that actually aren't slim."

Kikyo: "As if! Her? With them? What's next, Yamauchi as Student Council President?"

Kiyotaka: "Wow, Kikyo, you are putting the bar higher than Mount Everest. But Suzune may actually be willing to help them."

Kikyo: "How?"

Kiyotaka: "For herself, of course. Suzune is aiming for Class A and the penalty for expulsion may ruin this dream. So if no one would take care of troublemakers, she would have no choice but to move herself by her own will."

Kikyo: "It may be true... But you can't be sure about that."

Kiyotaka: "Indeed, Suzune alone wouldn't do that and even if she wanted to, she wouldn't be able to gather those three for long. That's where you and me are coming. I will take care of Suzune's part, while you will take care of the boys. You will also act as a mediator between them, while I will support you in case of emergency."

Kikyo made a thoughtful expression, while observing me.

She was calculating the benefits and risks.

Kikyo: "What if Horikita-san won't help after all?"

Kiyotaka: "Then you would face your inevitable fate, Kikyo."

Actually, I was almost sure that Suzune would do that.

With such a big the penalty, she couldn't act selfish, if she really wanted to aim for Class A.

Her own interest wouldn't allow her.

Her only option would be to tutor the boys herself.

On top of that, I already grilled her for being useless, so her pride won't allow her to be idle with me looking at her with disdain every day.

As long as Kikyo would follow up and make up for Suzune's lack of social skills to maintain the group, the possibility of success wasn't low.

And even if they would fail, I already thought of countermeasure for the midterms.

Kikyo: "Ah, damn it... I guess I have no choice but to believe in you convincing Horikita-san, huh? I could tell that my stress is gonna pile up in the incoming days."

Kiyotaka: "You are always welcome here, Kikyo. I can make some food for you."

Kikyo: "I've told you that I don't like your food. But I guess it's better than nothing..."

What a tsundere.

Kiyotaka: "For the next few days, you just need to watch the idiot trio and Suzune. Once you saw her trying to approach them, try to lend her hand."

Kikyo: "She will flatly refuse me."

Kiyotaka: "Then kindly remind her of the consequences of leaving the troublemakers be. Both of you don't want anyone to leave, right?"

Kikyo: "Well, I guess so."

Kiyotaka: "But don't interfere too much, unless she asks for it, or I will tell you to do so."

Kikyo: "..."

Kikyo didn't answer me, but was watching me with mixed expression.

Kiyotaka: "What?"

Kikyo: "From your talk, I got a feeling like you are actually trying to teach Horikita-san. Say... Those preparations are for Horikita-san's sake, right?"

Kiyotaka: "Partly, you are right. I'm trying to take care of Suzune. But it's because the situation calls for it. The better she will be in the future, the less I would need to do. Sometimes you need to work hard first in order to obtain peace later."

Kikyo: "It doesn't feel like that. You still didn't tell me how did you become close to Horikita-san and how did you manage to get a permission to call her by her name."

Kiyotaka: "Half of my success is because I'm close with her brother."

Kikyo: "That part I get. What about the other half?"

Kiyotaka: "Well, it's because I'm handsome."

Kikyo: "Jokes like that aren't necessary."

Kiyotaka: "Why? Suzune can't appreciate my beauty?"

Kikyo: "I'm gonna vomit..."

Kiyotaka: "How harsh."

Kikyo: "So you won't tell me, huh?"

Kiyotaka: "You just didn't gather enough Kiyotaka Affection Points."

Kikyo: "I'm not planning to gather any points from you."

Kiyotaka: "So you are loyal to that senpai of yours? How lovely, Kikyo."

Kikyo: "Stop saying things like that! Especially in public! In the first place..."

Kikyo spent some time in my room, mainly while cursing at me and the others.

In the end, she left with somehow contend face.

It was a convenient arrangement - she was my lap pillow, while I was her swearing receiver.

Kikyo was definitely becoming more open those days compared to the beginning of this strange relationship.

And harsher, mainly towards me.

But I didn't mind as long as she was listening to my words and was useful.

I hopped on the bed, tired from all that happened today.

I was done with preparation for Suzune's group.

Everything else would depend on the black-haired girl's effort.

The only thing left to do was to focus on my own group.

The next day brought the same clear sky and peaceful atmosphere as yesterday.

I was sitting on the bench before the dorm again, while waiting for Yukimura.

Soon, the bespectacled boy appeared before my eyes.

Kiyotaka: "Good morning, Yukimura."

I smiled at him, while he made a sour expression.

Yukimura: "Good morning."

Kiyotaka: "Did you think about my proposal?"

Yukimura: "You are persistent. Didn't I already give you an answer?"

Kiyotaka: "You gave me an answer before I revealed a good deal of useful information to the class, so there was no reason for me to not think that you may change your answer, right? That's why I've given you one day to consider."

Yukimura: "I admit that the news you gave us yesterday shocked me."

Kiyotaka: "And?"

Yukimura: "But I still have some doubts. In the first place, why me? You could ask other people, like Horikita."

Kiyotaka: "Because if I wanted someone academically-gifted in my group, you were the only option considering everyone else."

Yukimura: "Huh? What do you mean by that?"

Kiyotaka: "Koenji Rokusuke wouldn't help the class, and he wasn't a type who could tutor someone other than himself. Hirata's group already had Matsushita and some better scorers. The only ones whom I could invite were you, Kikyo and Suzune, I mean, Horikita."

Yukimura: "Then..."

Kiyotaka: "But think about the other side of the class. We still have to cover four endangered students - Sakura, Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi. We need to pair you guys with them. But the troublemakers wouldn't want to join my group. I'm on their blacklist. And do you think you could be in the same study group as them, Yukimura?"

Yukimura: "No. You wouldn't convince me for that no matter what. I hate them."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, I already saw that you are incompatible. That's why I decided to invite you and Sakura to my group. As for the other three... The only one, who could rope them to the study group, would be Kikyo. But it would be too much for her alone to teach them. That's why I would like to persuade Horikita into helping her. With this, bad and good students would be paired and the chances that no one would be expelled would rise greatly."

Yukimura furrowed his eyebrows, while thinking deeply about my words.

Considering that he didn't turn me down up until this moment meant that his answer was wavering.

Yukimura: "I understand your reasoning, and I admit that it may be well-thought grouping. But there's still something that it's bothering me."

Kiyotaka: "What?"

Yukimura: "You. How good are you really? You've said that you will be in charge of tutoring, but if you are really capable, then there's no need for me to join your group. It's suspicious."

Kiyotaka: "Well... Would you believe me, if I've told you that I would get full marks on that test if I get serious?"

Yukimura: "Hardly. But if you are really that good, then I'm really not needed in your group."

Kiyotaka: "That's not true. Didn't I tell you before that I want you as my substitute? In case something else would need my attention, I want you to cover for me. For that, you need to attend as well in order to know how well the other members are and what material needs to be studied while I'm absent."

Yukimura: "You are speaking as if you are going to be busy. I don't think Student Council would need that much your attention, otherwise you wouldn't create the study group to begin with."

Kiyotaka: "You are right. I'm actually worried about the group that I've just spoken about. Even if those five would sit together, it's hard to predict how well they would work. The boys may not want to attend the group after all, or Suzune and Kikyo may not manage to help them sufficiently. That's why I would like to act as a support for that group if needed. But for that, I need to leave my group in capable hands. Yours."

Yukimura: "..."

Yukimura once again became silent.

I felt that I was almost there.

Kiyotaka: "Come on, it won't be that bad. You don't want to lose 300 Class Points, right? Think about it as contributing to the class march towards Class A. Help me out there, Yukimura."

Yukimura was still quiet for a moment, but then he started scratching his head.

Yukimura: "Ah, seriously... Okay, I understand. I will help you out there this once."

Kiyotaka: "Really?"

Yukimura: "Yes... I owe you a debt for helping me at the pool back then, so it may be a good occasion to pay you back... So, yes, I will help you."

Kiyotaka: "Thanks."

Yukimura, get!

Yukimura: "It's only until midterms, okay?"

Kiyotaka: "Well, if you say so."

Yukimura: "Who is in the group?"

Kiyotaka: "Currently you, me, Sotomura, Miyake and Hasebe."

Yukimura: "I see... Wait... What about Sakura?"

Kiyotaka: "I'm still processing this matter. But now that my group have Hasebe, another girl, and you, the top-scorer, I'm sure Sakura would join us after some persuasion."

Yukimura: "I see. So it would be six people. Five, if you would leave to help the others. I guess it's manageable. And no one there seems like a noisy person, if I exclude you, so it's passable."

Kiyotaka: "Hey, that's rude. I'm a quiet person as well."

Yukimura: "It's as believable as you scoring the full marks on that test."

Looks like Yukimura needed some proof in order to believe me, but I wasn't going to complain as long as he was going to attend my study group.

Kiyotaka: "Do you mind if I explain to you right now the results of yesterday's meeting of the group?"

Yukimura: "Huh? Well, I guess so."

We arrived at the classroom, while I continued to talk to Yukimura about the group.

I showed him the test that my group have done, and what kind of study plan I thought of.

He was being passive at the beginning, but later he started to seriously discuss things with me.

While we were talking, many students were looking at us as the time was passing.

I guess they were curious about the unexpected pair.

Once Miyake and Sotomura arrived, I returned to my seat to give them the good news.

Yukimura didn't join us, but I guess there was no need to rush things for now.

All that's left was for Sakura to join.

I had some expectations, since Hasebe went to her side yesterday, but both of them came to the classroom separately.

While Hasebe looked the same as always, Sakura peeked at my side from time to time, but she didn't make a move.

Looks like she was still wavering.

Since today we had another study meeting, I decided to ask her about it, while walking towards the library.

Hasebe: "I've talked about it with Sakura-san, but she wasn't sure. Since I was the second person to ask her, I didn't want to be pushy. I think it all comes to that girl's choice."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Well, that's practically just like me. I've said that she should consider it for no one else but herself."

Hasebe: "I got the feeling that she was already halfway through to agreeing to it. Must be Kiyopon's effect."

Kiyotaka: "I wonder."

Hasebe: "By the way, you have said that Yukimura-kun would join us, but he is not with us."

Kiyotaka: "Yukimura have said that he would join us a little later, since he had something to do."

When the classes finished, he came over for a moment and said that he needed to go somewhere and would be late.

It was kind of weird, since he didn't mention it earlier, but there was nothing I could do.

The four of us arrived at the library and sat down at the same place as before.

Hasebe: "So, what's the plan for today, Kiyopon-sensei?"

Hasebe gave me even more powerful nickname.

Miyake and Professor looked funnily at us.

Kiyotaka: "Well..."

Before I could finish the sentence, I spotted a familiar face entering library.

It was Sakura.

She looked around slightly, then went to some free seat that we could see.

Only after she started unpacking her textbooks, she noticed us, but quickly averted her gaze.

Hasebe: "Oh, it's Sakura-san. Should I try to call her over?"

Kiyotaka: "No, let's leave her be for today. We already asked her twice yesterday, so going after her now may be counterproductive, especially since she is aware that we are sitting here. Let's wait for Yukimura for the time being and then discuss it with him as well."

Hasebe: "How rational, Kiyopon. But you may be right."

Hasebe sighed, but didn't say anything more.

Sakura was peeking at us, just like in the classroom, but still didn't have the courage to come over.

The group started to study under my guidance.

Hasebe was a type to talk, when she was bored, but she still took her studies seriously, so I didn't stop her.

Miyake was also more talkative thanks to her, so I considered it as a contribution towards improving social skills of the group.

Professor: "I can see it... I can already see the ending..."

As for Professor, he also took his study seriously, but sometimes his way of thought and speaking was incomprehensible even for me.

Looks like there was no need to worry about the awkwardness between those three.

I hoped that Yukimura wouldn't be too much of burden for them.

I looked at the door to the library, but there was no sight of the bespectacled boy.

But after ten minutes, I noticed that more our classmates arrived at the library.

It was Hirata's group.

Seeing as many of them looked around curiously, it was their first visit here.

Miyake: "It's Hirata and the others."

Kiyotaka: "Looks like they decided to study in the library today."

Professor: "Do you think they will join us?"

Miyake: "I doubt it. There's not enough seats for them here."

Hasebe: "How lucky. I don't want to study with that group. The girls there are so noisy."

Miyake: "You aren't exactly a quiet type as well, Hasebe."

Hasebe: "That's rude, Miyacchi."

Professor: "But Hasebe-dono seems better than them. She is more approachable."

Miyake: "Well, that's true."

Kiyotaka: "I also agree."

Our three nodded in union.

Hasebe: "T-Thanks..."

The blue-haired girl looked embarrassed from the praise.

In the meantime, Hirata's group, who were looking for seats, spotted Sakura.

I thought that they would leave her alone, but Hirata started walking towards her, while being accompanied by the others.

I sensed some trouble.

The other three also looked as the group approached Sakura.

Professor: "I think that they are trying to invite Sakura-dono to join them."

Miyake: "Yeah."

Hasebe: "That's stupid. She won't join that group."

Kiyotaka: "I also think that Hirata should give up. His group is incompatible with Sakura."

Hasebe: "Yeah..."

We watched, but although it was easy to see that Sakura showed no desire to join them, they didn't leave her be.

On top of that, Karuizawa and Shinohara started talking to her with some angry faces.

This didn't look good.

Professor: "I-Is it me or do they seem a bit too aggressive?"

Kiyotaka: "No, it's not only you. Stay here. I will go and see what's up."

Hasebe: "I'm going as well."

Hasebe started to walk towards them with angry face.

I followed her.

Soon, we started to hear what they were talking about.

Shinohara: "Sakura-san, if you have some problem with us, please make it clear."

Sakura: "N-No... I-I don't have any problems..."

Karuizawa: "Then, why are you refusing Hirata-kun's again? Since it's definitely not Hirata-kun's fault, then it must have been us, right?"

Looks like the girls from Hirata's group became irritated by Sakura's another refusal.

For them, refusing Hirata's goodwill must have been weird.

Additionally, they probably are fearing the possibility of losing the rest of our income by potential expulsion.

They ganged on Sakura, who was alone and seemed like a small animal before a pack of wolves.

Hasebe quickened her steps with darkened face.

Hirata: "Everyone, please calm down. If Sakura-san doesn't want to join us, we can't force her."

Shinohara: "But Hirata-kun... She..."

Hasebe: "Leave her alone! If Sakura-san doesn't want to join Hirata-kun's study group, then she doesn't have to!"

Hasebe finally arrived at the group and joined Sakura's side.

Shinohara: "Huh? Hasebe-san?"

Hasebe: "It's her choice whatever she wants to do. She refused you, so why are you bothering her?"

Shinohara: "I'm only thinking about the good of the class. What that have to do with you?"

Hasebe: "Of course, it does! Because I was scouting Sakura-san for my study group first."

Shinohara: "What?"

The students looked at Hasebe confused, probably because no one knew that Hasebe was in some group.

Hasebe: "That's right. Sakura-san, let's study together."

Hasebe came closer to Sakura and hugged her from the side with a big smile.

Sakura stiffened, not accustomed to such closeness with another person.

Just when I thought she would reject Hasebe's invitation, she actually meekly looked down and nodded with red face.

Hasebe: "See? Since Sakura herself agreed, there's nothing more for you here."

Hasebe looked fiercely at the others.

Hirata: "I apologize, Hasebe-san. We didn't mean to scare Sakura-san. We will be leaving then."

Hirata understood that the girls in his group went overboard and tried to appease the situation.

Karuizawa: "Wait a minute here, Hasebe-san. I don't mind that you want to take Sakura-san, but will you be able to tutor her? You weren't high on test ranking."

Shinohara: "That's right. I don't want to lose 300 Class Points because you want to act selfishly."

Hasebe: "Quite words from someone, who is in danger of expulsion herself."

Way to go, girl.

Shinohara: "What did you say?!"

The atmosphere were dropping with every second, while the girls were glaring at each other.

Hirata: "Karuizawa-san, Shinohara-san, please stop. Um... Hasebe-san... I'm glad that you want to help Sakura-san, but will the two of you be really okay?"

Hasebe: "Of course, we would be. I've never said that I would be the one teaching her nor did I say that we are going to be alone."

Hirata: "May I ask who is in your study group then?"

Hasebe: "That..."

Kiyotaka: "That would be me and my friends, Hirata."

I came over near Hasebe and Sakura.

Hirata: "Ayanokouji-kun?"

Hirata, alongside the girls, became dumbfounded.

Kiyotaka: "I've invited Hasebe and Sakura to my study group."

I looked at Sakura with a smile.

Kiyotaka: "So you've made up your mind, Sakura. I'm glad. Welcome."

Sakura peeked at me for a second, then she nodded.

I could see a small smile on her face as well.

Kiyotaka: "With this, there won't be a problem, right?"

My vision crossed with those of the group.

Hirata: "Of course not. I'm relieved that you would take care of them, Ayanokouji-kun."

While Hirata genuinely looked relieved, the doubts painted the other faces.

Karuizawa: "Would that be really alright, Hirata-kun?"

Shinohara: "Right... Considering his own score..."

A small talks like that started to spread.

Hirata: "This..."

Hirata made a troubled face.

Although he believed in me, there was no proof that I was good enough academically to teach others.

Kiyotaka: "There's no problem from my side. While I'm sure many of you have some doubts about my academic ability, I'm sure no one would doubt the ability of another member of my group. Right, Yukimura?"

I looked straight to the bespectacled boy, who just arrived to the library and watched this scene from afar.

Yukimura, who became a center of attention, clicked his tongue in some annoyance and came over.

Yukimura: "He is right. I've agreed to join that study group as well."

His announcement made another uproar among our classmates.

After all, Yukimura straightforwardly refused joining that group in the past.

Hirata: "Really? That's great, Yukimura-kun."

Kiyotaka: "With this, there won't be any problems, right?"

Hirata: "It's okay. Really okay. Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun."

I wasn't sure what did he thank me for, but I nodded.

The others stayed silent.

As expected, Yukimura's presence shut up many mouths.

Hirata: "Let's go, everyone. We shouldn't bother them."

Karuizawa and Shinohara seemed unhappy, but nodded obediently.

Their group left, while the four of us stayed.

Hasebe: "Are you okay, Sakura-san?"

Sakura: "Y-Yeah... Thank you, Hasebe-san, Ayanokouji-kun, Yukimura-kun."

Yukimura: "I didn't do anything."

Kiyotaka: "Me too."

Hasebe: "Don't worry about it. Let's go and join Miyacchi and Sotomuu."

Sakura: "U-Umm... Is it really alright? For me... To join you..."

Hasebe: "Of course, it is. Right, Kiyopon?"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah."

Sakura: "I-I see..."

The girl looked relieved.

She packed her stuff and went with us alongside Yukimura.

I quickly explained everything to the other two.

Kiyotaka: "So, from now on, this group will have six members. Once again, welcome, Sakura, Yukimura."

Sakura: "P-Please take care of me from now on."

Hasebe: "There's no need to be so formal, Sakura-san."

Sakura: "O-Okay."

Yukimura: "Wait. I would like to make something clear - I still have some doubts, since Ayanokouji said that he would be the one in charge of tutoring, while I would just support him. So before I officially join you, I would like to test you, Ayanokouji."

Yukimura took some paper from his bag.

Yukimura: "This is a test that I've found. Solve it right now, Ayanokouji. I want to confirm your ability."

Hasebe: "Woah, another test maniac... We are doomed..."

Kiyotaka: "So that's why you joined us late."

Yukimura: "Yes. I admit that your reasoning persuaded me, but if you want me to trust you, you need to prove yourself first, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "I see. Then, if I solve this test satisfyingly, you will join us wholeheartedly?"

Yukimura: "That's right."

Kiyotaka: "Okay. Looks like our way of thinking is kinda similar."

I smiled at him and took a paper from my bag as well.

Kiyotaka: "This is a test that would check your current knowledge about midterms subject. Please solve it for me, when I would be doing yours, Yukimura."

Yukimura: "What?"

Yukimura looked stunned by such a development.

Kiyotaka: "I would like to confirm your current level and weakness as well. I let Hasebe, Miyake and Sotomura do something similar yesterday, but this one is more advanced. Just for you, Yukimura."

I gave the boy his test, then I took another one and gave it to Sakura.

Kiyotaka: "This one was the one I just mentioned that the other three did. Sakura, please solve it. Don't worry. It's just for me to make your study program."

Sakura: "I-I get it..."

Hasebe: "W-What about us, Kiyopon?"

Kiyotaka: "You three will just study for now."

Hasebe: "Uff... I thought that you would take another test for us as well."

Kiyotaka: "Once I get the level of everyone here, you guys will have a test on every meeting of this study group."

Hasebe: "D-Devil..."

I turned towards Yukimura with a smirk.

Kiyotaka: "What do you think, Yukimura? Shall we start? You have thirty minutes."

The boy glared at me.

Yukimura: "Yes. I hope you won't be hiding anything this time, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "Sure. Good luck."

Both of us took pencils and started solving the tests.

Sakura also began her test.

The other three were supposed to study, but seemed distracted by our contest, especially Hasebe.

Seven minutes later, I put down the pen and stretched myself.

Kiyotaka: "Done."

My one word made my group members to stare at me.

Yukimura: "Did you not hear what I've said? I want you to treat it seriously, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "And I did so. Look."

I gave him my test.

Hasebe, who was sitting next to him, peeked at it curiously as well.

Yukimura: "!"

Hasebe: "H-He really solved everything."

Yukimura turned pale.

Professor: "Fufu... I've never doubted your ability, great leader."

Yukimura: "E-Even if you did everything, there's no telling how correct those answers are."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Once you will solve my test, we can start checking them up."

Yukimura: "Yeah."

Kiyotaka: "Sakura, please don't mind us and write at your own pace."

Sakura: "I get it."

Yukimura and Sakura returned to their tests.

After thirty minutes were over, I took those papers, while Yukimura started checking out mine.

The tension in the air was more abundant.

Hasebe was looking at me and at Yukimura with some excitement.

The boys were also peeking with interest.

Finally, I finished my work before Yukimura.

Kiyotaka: "Sakura, It's really not that bad. There's no subject that you are terrible at. If you are willing to put some serious effort, I will get you out of danger zone with a margin of safety."

Sakura: "T-Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun. I will work hard."

The pink-haired girl looked relieved.

As long as she had motivation, there was no need for her to be afraid.

Kiyotaka: "As for you, Yukimura... As expected of top-ranker, your basics and knowledge are solid. Though, you still made a few mistakes here and there, but they are small ones."

I praised him, but the bespectacled boy seemed to not hear me.

Kiyotaka: "Yukimura?"

Finally, the boy turned his attention from the paper to me.

The shock was painted on his face.

Yukimura: "You got a perfect score... Impossible... In just seven minutes..."

...

The silence...

Everyone seemed stunned by Yukimura's words.

Hasebe: "W-Wow, Kiyopon..."

Miyake: "You are something else, man..."

Professor: "All hail great leader."

Sakura: "..."

Their reactions were understandable.

The test wasn't really that easy for a normal student, but I did it in record time without any mistakes.

I needed to do so in order to gain some respect in the group, while also gaining Yukimura's trust.

Or rather to humble the guy, so he won't complain anymore.

Kiyotaka: "Are you satisfied now, Yukimura?"

Yukimura: "I... I guess so..."

Kiyotaka: "That's great. Welcome to the group."

I smiled at him.

Hasebe: "Looks like Kiyopon is a genius after all. I suddenly feel smarter just by being a part of this group."

Professor: "You too, Hasebe-dono? It must be a special ability of great leader that gives his party members +3 to intelligence stat."

Miyake: "I don't think it's that, but I also suddenly feel like something changed."

Sakura: "Y-Yes..."

Kiyotaka: "Well, if you feel better from this then it was worth to take this challenge seriously."

Hasebe: "By dint of Yukimuu, we finally know how smart Kiyopon is. Thanks. It's nice to have you in the group."

Yukimura: "Y-Yukimuu?"

Hasebe: "Sotomura-kun is Sotomuu, so Yukimura-kun would be Yukimuu, right? You guys even look similar with glasses and so on. Also, you are kinda weak physically."

Yukimura's face darkened slightly, while Professor slightly looked away.

Hasebe shoot them down, where it hurts, while also giving them a cute nicknames.

Kiyotaka: "Now, now. Since we managed to gather together, let's get along well from now on."

Professor: "Agreed."

Miyake: "I don't mind. Nice to have you here, Sakura, Yukimura."

Sakura: "P-Please take care of me..."

Yukimura: "Eh... Since I already promised, I won't take it back. Nice to meet you."

Hasebe: "This group seems interesting. Let's get along well."

And so, just like I planned, my own study group was officially established.

.

.

.

To be continued...