Horikita POV

— July 2 —

After hearing about Sudō-kun’s incident, I immediately began gathering information.

Horikita: "Sudō-kun, there’s no point blaming you right now, so I’ll stop the lecture here. More importantly, was anyone nearby at the time of the incident?"

Sudō: "I think... I felt someone’s presence, but... I didn’t see their face."

Horikita: "I see... Then we should focus on finding witnesses and investigating the other party. Was anyone in this class at the special building? If so, please step forward."

I raised my voice as the class leader, but received no meaningful response.

However, there was one person who showed a reaction worth noting.

'That girl is... Sakura-san? In this situation, averting her gaze instead of looking this way isn’t a normal reaction. If we approach as a group, she’ll likely reject us. It’s better if someone goes alone...'

For now, I ended the class discussion and decided to gather information from other classes.

Horikita: "Kushida-san, can you gather information from other classes?"

Kushida: "Of course! But Class C will be difficult. And they might not cooperate without something in return."

Horikita: "That’s fine. This is a class issue, so it should be resolved within the class."

I judged that going to Sakura today would be a bad move, so I also conducted inquiries in other classes.

However, I couldn’t find a single student who seemed to know anything.

The next day, as I was heading to the special building to investigate the scene, I was called out by Ayanokōji-kun.

'I could refuse, but I also want to hear what this anomaly in Class C has to say. Even if his goal is to waste my time, I’ll give him a day.'

When I arrived at the meeting place, he spoke one-sidedly as usual.

Still, I gained something.

He made it clear he intended to remain neutral.

'If that’s the case, my win condition is either to present something that would put Class C at a disadvantage, or offer a benefit that forces him to cooperate.'

Convinced that complete acquittal was impossible, I began thinking of ways to execute one of those two options.

As a result, I concluded that the smoothest method would be testimony from Sakura-san, and decided to approach her the next day.

The next day, I asked Kushida-san to persuade Sakura.

Horikita: "Kushida-san, do you have a moment?"

Kushida: "It’s about the incident, right? Unfortunately, no one from other classes knew anything..."

Horikita: "No, I’m not asking about progress. I have a role I want you to take on."

Kushida: "If it’s something I can do, sure!"

Horikita: "I want you to get information from Sakura-san. Judging from her reaction, she knows something."

Kushida: "Right person for the job! You’re not good at that kind of thing, Horikita-san!"

Horikita: "...That’s true. I admit it. I’m counting on you."

Kushida: "Leave it to me!"

After giving that request, I went to inspect the scene.

'It’s hot... No cameras, no air conditioning. Though if there were cameras, this wouldn’t even be a debate.'

At that moment, I recalled Ayanokōji’s words.

'He said he’d choose a path where both sides are saved rather than letting Class C suffer a loss. But how does he intend to achieve that? If I can figure it out, I might be able to do it too. The key must be that both sides are saved...'

'To avoid owing him more, I’ll find the answer myself.'

* * *

Later, I received a report that Sakura had dropped her camera after rejecting Kushida, and the two had gone to get it repaired together.

Meanwhile, I obtained information about the opposing party with the help of Ichinose, the leader of Class B.

'In the worst case, I can use my connection with Ichinose as negotiation leverage... Even if it means selling someone out, I’ll use anything available.'

However, those efforts were in vain.

A few days later, news came that Sakura had voluntarily withdrawn.

Hirata: "Sakura-san... Chabashira-sensei, is that true!?"

Chabashira: "Yes, it’s correct. She withdrew of her own will."

Horikita: "...May I ask the reason?"

Chabashira: "Due to privacy, I cannot give details. But due to certain circumstances, she suffered mental strain and could no longer continue here."

'Could it have been Class C? No, then Kushida would’ve noticed, or Ayanokōji would’ve stopped it. Did something else happen?'

Horikita: "Kushida-san, I’m sorry to ask, but did Sakura seem unusual?"

Kushida: "...Yes. She seemed troubled, but wouldn’t talk."

Horikita: "I see... I’m sorry. Sensei, was there any evidence of threats from other classes?"

Chabashira: "None. This is not an inter-class issue."

Horikita: "I see..."

While many students looked grim, one student spoke thoughtlessly.

Yamauchi: "Sensei! Is there a class point penalty!?"

Hirata: "Yamauchi-kun, what are you saying?"

Yamauchi: "I’m just worried about losing points!"

Hirata: "Yamauchi, be quiet."

Yamauchi: "Huh?"

Hirata’s sudden change stunned everyone.

Hirata: "Someone suffered, yet you think only of yourself. And others not correcting this is also wrong. It’s disgusting."

Yamauchi: "S-sorry..."

Hirata: "That apology proves it."

Horikita: "That’s enough. Hirata is right, but causing a scene wastes the teachers’ consideration. Please step back."

Hirata: "...You’re right."

Horikita: "Yamauchi, reflect on how your words hurt others."

Yamauchi: "...Sorry."

Horikita: "Do not spread this to other classes."

I managed to calm things down, but the heavy atmosphere remained.

* * *

Kiyotaka POV

Sakura Airi withdrew.

After hearing the news, I spoke with Ryūen.

Kiyotaka: "Withdraw the complaint."

Ryūen: "Why?"

Kiyotaka: "No benefit."

Ryūen: "There is. We can take their points."

Kiyotaka: "It might not work. And withdrawing also has benefits."

Ryūen: "Then explain."

Kiyotaka: "Class B is involved. They might already know something disadvantageous to us."

Ryūen: "Taking risks is necessary."

Kiyotaka: "The truly strong gain without risk. Like me."

Ryūen: "Tch. Continue."

Kiyotaka: "You also wanted to gauge penalties, right?"

Ryūen: "Yeah."

Kiyotaka: "Then use this as a chance to measure expulsion penalties."

Ryūen: "...Fine."

Kiyotaka: "Tell Ishizaki."

Ryūen: "I will."

And just like that, the case disappeared.

I then explained things to Shiina.

Shiina: "What happened?"

Kiyotaka: "I convinced Ryūen there was no benefit."

Shiina: "And Sakura-san?"

Kiyotaka: "As the teacher said."

Shiina: "I see..."

Kiyotaka: "I won’t let this happen to friends. If you’re in danger, ask me."

Shiina: "I will. I trust you more than anyone."

Kiyotaka: "You won’t be expelled. Don’t worry."

With Sakura gone, I recognized a kind of powerlessness beyond reach, and once again resolved to protect Shiina and maintain peace.