“It's really hot. They have the money to build all these facilities but they won't even make summer uniforms...”

This school has a damn rule where students have to wear blazer coats all year round without any distinction between winter and summer uniforms. The excuse is that every building has heating and air conditioning.

That might be true indoors but when you're commuting it's blazing hot. It's only been a few minutes and I can already feel sweat soaking into my back, damn it.

I practically fled into the school grounds and let the cool air from the air conditioners dry all the sweat on my body. There were students even closer than me sprinting toward the AC vents and they looked like moths rushing into a flame which was honestly funny.

“Ayanokoji, good morning.”

The person who greeted me at the school gate was Hirata. With that refreshing face and the faintly sweet floral scent drifting around him most girls would probably beg him for a hug.

But to me he's just an awkward guy I'd rather not run into outside of school. Being around him makes me develop pointless sympathy for useless people which only leads to trouble.

“I heard from Kushida yesterday that you already found a witness. I also heard everything you did for Horikita.”

I expected that he'd talk about it. Of course he'd also know that I made the class move unnecessarily. But once the justification of raising Horikita's reputation is added he wouldn't blame me and would instead think of me as considerate.

“Thanks to you it looks like Horikita has a way to get along well with the class. I'll help her out too. It's better not to tell the other students about this, right?”

“Still, just in case, keep searching for clues.”

“Don't worry. I also want more evidence to save Sudō. And I don't want to break the unity we finally built.”

Even so, I already know who the witness is, yet I made them waste their time. Isn't he even a little angry about that? Judging by his face, he genuinely seemed to understand my intentions.

Let's see if Hirata has anything that could help Horikita.

“Hirata, have you ever talked to Sakura?”

“Me? No... just greetings. Sakura is always alone in class so I wanted to help somehow but since I'm a guy I can't force her to hang out and asking Karuizawa would be awkward because of the old points issue.”

“The points issue is obvious and after that you'd better keep a tight leash.”

“Yeah. I spoke to her firmly so it won't happen again.”

Considering Karuizawa irresponsibly ‘borrowing’ points in the past it's not a good idea to pair her with Sakura. Sakura was also one of the victims back then and more importantly their personalities don't match.

Anyway, it's difficult to order Hirata to persuade Sakura. If he pushes too hard Sakura might get on the bad side of Karuizawa's group.

Thinking about it is seriously annoying. For the future I'd like to deal with Karuizawa as soon as possible. It'd be nice if she just got expelled. That useless, incompetent bitch.

“I want to ask you a favor. If things get really tough could you, Horikita and Kushida help persuade Sakura?”

“I don't think it's something you should ask a girl who declared that she hates incompetent people.”

“Still, since it's you Ayanokoji I thought you could do anything. You're a true elite unlike me and the person who created our class unity... I'm grateful.”

I stare at Hirata for a moment. If he knew that all of this was born from my battle with Ryūen, what kind of face would he make?

Would he hate me? No, his personality wouldn't allow that. Would he be shocked? I can't imagine it. Then...

Would he be sad?

Heh, that's funny. Imagining that a half-baked elite like Hirata would ever notice that Ryūen and I are the masterminds. I can say with certainty that he'll never realize that this incident started because of me.

He's too kind-hearted to notice.

“Um, Ayanokoji? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“...I just thought it was funny.”

“Huh?”

“I'll go ahead. It wouldn't be good for your girlfriend to see us together.”

With that I turn away and head into the classroom. Hirata follows like he wants to say more but soon his girlfriend Karuizawa clings to him. Ignoring them I take out a book from my bag.

Then I put it back.

Raymond Chandler's Farewell, My Lovely?

...What a laughable title.

* * *

After school, the moment afternoon homeroom ended Kushida hurriedly stood up. She was heading toward Sakura who was quietly getting ready to go home. She looked unusually tense.

The idiot trio focused all their attention on them, curious about the conversation. I also decided to listen quietly to check Kushida's ability.

“Sakura.”

“...W-what?”

She was clearly flustered. She probably never expected someone to talk to her. If only she'd awkwardly avoid eye contact like a witness would.

“I wanted to talk to you for a moment. Is it okay? It's about Sudō...”

“S-sorry but I have another appointment...”

Yes, exactly the unnatural gestures and dark gaze I expected. Now it's completely certain that Sakura is the witness. My chosen chess piece is different.

I'm already looking forward to how perfectly she'll act according to my expectations.

“I won't take much time. It's important. When Sudō got involved in the incident, Sakura, weren't you nearby?”

“I-I don't know anything. Horikita asked me too but I told her I don't know...”

So Horikita failed. As expected. She probably demanded testimony in a firm stiff tone. But with that thin yet resolute denial voice she couldn't force or pressure her.

Still, it's surprising that Sakura reacts like this even to Kushida. I heard they at least exchanged contact information. Yet her behavior toward her feels oddly distant. More than anything it feels off.

Could there be another secret of her own that I failed to grasp?

“...I'm uncomfortable talking to other people... I'm sorry.”

Her stubborn rejection of Kushida looks unnatural. Especially since Kushida's specialty of closing distance with others doesn't work. I thought she'd open up at least a little.

Everyone has a personal space or personal area, a zone where intrusion causes discomfort. But lovers or friends don't feel that discomfort. Kushida can enter even the intimate range of people she's not close with and they usually don't mind. She doesn't trigger their personal space. That's her special ability.

Of course, it doesn't work on someone like me who knows her true face. I feel uncomfortable the moment she approaches.

But Sakura doesn't know Kushida's true nature. She has no ability to sense it. This feels like... she's trying to escape.

As expected she chooses to run. In the process she even bumps into Hondo, who was walking by chatting with a friend and falls.

My prediction failed. According to my plan she'd follow Kushida, talk, hesitate and then step forward as a witness out of guilt. Choosing her as a chess piece without fully understanding her was my mistake.

Seems my pawn is more troublesome than expected. But that's fine. That just makes the eventual sense of achievement greater.

And that's precisely why Sakura is the perfect piece.

Plan change.

I can't leave this only to Horikita and Kushida. I'll approach her myself and persuade her.

Leaving Sudō bowing and Kushida comforting him behind, I walk straight up to Sakura.

“Sakura, can I talk to you for a moment?”

“A-Ayanokoji...”

I naturally step into her personal space. As expected she tries to back away but I don't let her. I close the distance even more.

“That digital camera, the screen looks cracked compared to before. You should've been more careful.”

“I-It's fine... it's my fault for not being careful. B-but I have an appointment...”

No no, it's too early to end the conversation.

“Sakura.”

“...W-why? I'm really not related to this incident...”

“You don't have to push yourself.”

She looks startled. Of course, no one's said that to her before. Horikita and Kushida were only focused on digging up the incident and making her testify.

And someone known for meritocracy, ruthlessness and cruelty like me saying this would be unimaginable. Especially since I declared I'd prove Sudō's innocence.

You don't need to understand. Just feel guilty in silence.

“Even if you were the witness you don't have a duty to reveal it. And forcing yourself to testify would probably be meaningless. If someone scary tries to pressure you, tell me anytime. I'll help you.”

Her face darkens further. Her guilt seems to be reaching its limit.

“I didn't see anything. You must have mistaken me for someone else...”

Good. If she opened up immediately I'd honestly be disappointed. Sakura Airi. I guarantee you'll become Sudō's witness. I'll make sure of it.

“Then that's fine. But if anyone pressures you, tell me.”

“...Thank you.”

After a small bow she leaves. With my broad-minded mercy the incident won't leave her mind now. She'll probably hide under her blanket in the dorm.

Even if you hide it I'll uncover it. Sakura Airi. What kind of darkness are you hiding and why do you try so hard to hide yourself from people.\\\\