The day after the midterm results were announced, I met with Horikita.

Kiyotaka: "You handled it well."

Horikita: "It was barely enough. There are people so hopeless that it takes that much just to get through."

Kiyotaka: "Well, you learned something from this. Your standing in the class should’ve improved too, so next time should go smoother."

Horikita: "If things were that simple, fools wouldn’t exist in this world."

Kiyotaka: "That’s quite philosophical."

Horikita: "It’s just the truth."

Kiyotaka: "I won’t deny it. More importantly, you owe me one. I proved I was right."

Horikita: "That’s true, I admit it. But I already agreed to exchange contact information."

Kiyotaka: "If you think that’s enough, then that’s all you’re worth. Without that, it’d be difficult just to call you out, so it might as well be zero."

Horikita: "I was joking. Reluctantly, I’ll owe you this one."

Kiyotaka: "Don’t be so on guard. I won’t demand anything unreasonable. It’s also self-satisfaction on my part to prevent expulsions from other classes."

Horikita: "Is that really your will?"

Kiyotaka: "Sharp. I’ll just say it’s not solely my will. There’s no reason or benefit in telling you everything."

Horikita: "Since Class D benefited, I won’t pry further. But I’ve taken an interest in you."

Kiyotaka: "You won’t gain anything by targeting me. As you’ve seen, I act on whims and not just for my class."

Horikita: "That doesn’t matter. Capable individuals are always something to be wary of... even classmates."

'There’s something behind that tone, but I’m not interested.'

Kiyotaka: "Well, no need to drag this out. Let’s part here."

Horikita: "Agreed. I have no reason to talk to you longer."

Kiyotaka: "See you."

Horikita: "Goodbye."

It felt like the first time she returned a farewell, but I didn’t dwell on it and went back to my room.

* * *

The next day, we held a celebration for the victory and my appointment, with the lower-ranked students, study session instructors and Ryūen.

Shiina hesitated at first, but changed her mind when she heard I would attend.

Ibuki also joined since both of her few friends were going.

Since nearly all of Ryūen’s close aides were present, Albert also joined.

Ryūen: "Shiina, showing up the moment you hear Ayanokōji’s coming, you’re easy to read."

Shiina: "It wouldn’t be fun attending a gathering where I have no friends."

Ryūen: "Fine, we’ll leave it at that."

Shiina: "It’s the honest truth..."

Kiyotaka: "What are you saying, Ryūen? Of course you wouldn’t attend if you had no friends."

Ryūen: "You too? What a pair."

Shiina: "He’s right, but somehow it bothers me..."

She muttered something, but I didn’t catch it.

Kiyotaka: "By the way, I recently learned what 'natural airhead' means. Am I one? Shiina definitely is."

Shiina: "I’m not. You are though."

Ryūen: "Stop arguing. You both are."

Ibuki: "Exactly! I’m always dragged into this!"

Ryūen: "Haha, tough luck."

Ishizaki: "Stay strong, Ibuki..."

Albert: "Live strong, Ibuki."

Ibuki: "Being pitied just pisses me off!"

Ishizaki: "Gwah!"

Ibuki kicked Ishizaki.

Ishizaki: "What was that for!?"

Ibuki: "I felt like it."

Ishizaki: "Why me!?"

Ibuki: "You were convenient."

Ishizaki: "Hit Ayanokōji instead!"

Ibuki: "I can’t win, and I don’t treat friends unfairly."

Ishizaki: "You admit it’s unfair!"

Ibuki: "Forget I said that."

Ishizaki: "No way!"

Ryūen: "Enough. This is for you idiots."

Ishizaki: "...Got it."

'Why is Ishizaki always the one suffering...'

Kiyotaka: "Ryūen, what about the finals?"

Ryūen: "Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan. If Class D didn’t lose anyone, we’ll use that."

Kiyotaka: "Do what you want, but if class points drop, I’ll stop you."

Ryūen: "It won’t."

Kiyotaka: "Too many weaknesses to count."

Ryūen: "Just watch."

Kiyotaka: "I will."

Shiina whispered.

Shiina: "Are you really going to stay out of it?"

Kiyotaka: "As long as no expulsions or losses happen."

Shiina: "I can’t fully agree with his methods, but they’re necessary."

Kiyotaka: "I can’t criticize violence either. But I won’t let it reach those close to me."

Shiina: "I see..."

Kiyotaka: "I won’t waste this power."

Shiina: "Please."

I resolved to keep Ryūen in check.

The party ended, and we returned.

* * *

June passed peacefully.

I spent time with Shiina and Ibuki and occasionally helped classmates.

'I knew it wouldn’t last, but I hoped it would.'

On July 1st, no points were deposited.

Sakagami said it was delayed and announced class points, but confusion remained.

The next day.

Ibuki: "Ishizaki got punched by Sudō!?"

Ishizaki: "...Shut up."

Ryūen: "Meeting after school."

Kiyotaka: "Should I come?"

Ryūen: "Only if you want."

Kiyotaka: "I’ll pass."

Ryūen: "Don’t interfere."

Kiyotaka: "Don’t cause losses."

Ryūen: "You’ll step in if needed."

Kiyotaka: "Prefer not to."

Ryūen: "Relax."

Kiyotaka: "I’m worried about others."

Ryūen: "We’ll silence witnesses."

Kiyotaka: "Fine."

'It won’t be that simple.'

After school, I inspected the scene with Ibuki.

Ibuki: "Thought you weren’t acting?"

Kiyotaka: "Precaution."

Ibuki: "Why me?"

Kiyotaka: "You have combat experience."

Ibuki: "You don’t need me."

Kiyotaka: "Other opinions matter."

Ibuki: "Whatever."

We checked cameras and left.

'Now it depends on witnesses.'

* * *

The next day, I called Horikita.

Horikita: "Why call me? We’re enemies."

Kiyotaka: "The classes are."

Horikita: "Can I trust you?"

Kiyotaka: "No. But I want to avoid losses."

Horikita: "You’ll be proven innocent anyway."

Kiyotaka: "There’s a witness."

Horikita: "There isn’t."

Kiyotaka: "Then settle properly."

Horikita: "Meaning?"

Kiyotaka: "Figure it out."

Horikita: "You’re unreadable."

Kiyotaka: "Trying to read me is the mistake."

Horikita: "Who’s your leader?"

Kiyotaka: "No reason to answer."

Horikita: "...Fine."

Kiyotaka: "Better mutual benefit than mutual destruction."

Horikita: "We’ll meet again."

Kiyotaka: "After it’s over."

Horikita: "Wait for good news."

Kiyotaka: "I’ll expect a little."

I left.