The uninhabited island exam ended in a victory for Class D.

Starting next month, our class points will be 461.

It’s no exaggeration to say we’ve now set our sights on Class C, a complete change from when we had zero points.

And the one responsible for that is my boyfriend, Ayanokōji-kun.

However, this time, he reported to the class that the leader deduction he carried out was actually Horikita-san’s achievement.

He said the idea was to split the credit—he would take the spot occupations, and Horikita-san the leader deduction—so that he himself would be less likely to be targeted by other classes.

But I could tell there was another reason behind it.

Because of her performance during the uninhabited island exam, the gap between Horikita-san and the rest of the class has been shrinking.

If, in this situation, she’s credited with gaining a large number of class points, it would lead to her being accepted as a class leader alongside Hirata-kun.

Putting Horikita-san at the forefront as a leader and nurturing her—that’s probably what Ayanokōji-kun is aiming for.

“Yeah, that’s right. Impressive.”

Ayanokōji-kun affirms my deduction with his usual expressionless face.

“The de facto leader of Class D right now is Hirata. He has high ability and charisma, but he’s a bit too soft. If Horikita brings out her potential and becomes a leader, that problem is solved. Competing with other classes will also help her grow.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if you supported her from behind the scenes?”

“There’s no guarantee I’ll always be in a position to help.”

So depending on the special exam, there may be situations where she can’t rely on his guidance.

“Got it. Then I’ll do my best too when that happens.”

“Yeah. Help out everyone in the class.”

“Ah, there you are. Hey—Matsushita-san, Ayanokōji-kun!”

We’re interrupted mid-conversation by Karuizawa calling out.

She walks over to our terrace table with Hirata.

“We’re about to grab something to eat, want to join?”

“Sounds good. Ayanokōji-kun, you okay with that?”

“Yeah. If you don’t mind, we’ll join.”

Since the double date at the pool, the four of us—me and Ayanokōji-kun, and Karuizawa and Hirata—have been eating together more often.

Of course, we didn’t have that luxury during the island exam, but on the cruise ship, we’ve been spending a lot of time together.

Karuizawa and I were already in the same group, and Hirata seems to hold Ayanokōji-kun in high regard.

We can also discuss class matters, so it’s natural that the four of us gather like this more often.

“Ayanokōji-kun, thanks for the island exam. The class being able to come together was thanks to you and Horikita-san.”

“I just did my part as a member of the class. You’re the one who agreed to let me take the leader role. You probably wanted to discuss it with everyone first. Thanks.”

They exchange thanks.

The leader of Class D and the student he trusts most—what a good duo.

And both of them are good-looking, so it’s easy on the eyes.

We enter a teppanyaki restaurant Karuizawa found and place our orders.

Even though we’ll be getting over 40,000 points next month, our wallets are still pretty empty right now.

So having free meals is a blessing.

“I feel like the class has really come together after the island exam.”

“At the very least, our teamwork is better than before.”

“Boys and girls really didn’t get along before. Now it’s… normal, I guess?”

“I still don’t like Yamauchi though.”

That’s probably true for everyone.

Even Hirata can only give a strained smile—there are limits to even his ability to smooth things over.

While we’re chatting after lunch, all four of our devices receive a message at the same time.

No—not just us. Everyone in the restaurant pulls out their devices.

And then an announcement echoes throughout the entire ship.

“Attention all students. A special exam will begin shortly. Please gather at the room and time specified in your email.”

Another special exam.

It’s only been three days since the island exam ended.

No wonder everyone is unsettled.

But the four of us remain relatively calm.

We have Hirata, the class leader, Ayanokōji-kun who played a major role in the last exam, Karuizawa who leads the girls’ group, and me, who can support all three of them.

“Already the next exam. For now, let’s all compare the contents of our emails.”

At Ayanokōji-kun’s suggestion, we show each other our emails.

Most of the content is identical—only the meeting time and location differ.

Except for Ayanokōji-kun and Karuizawa. Their emails are exactly the same.

“So we’re split into groups for this exam. Ayanokōji-kun and Karuizawa are in the same group, right?”

“Ayanokōji-kun, take care of Karuizawa, okay?”

“Nice to be working with you, Ayanokōji-kun.”

“Yeah, likewise.”

Karuizawa looks a bit relieved.

If the groups are small, she can’t really use her usual strength of leading the girls’ group.

Being separated from Hirata is also a concern, but being paired with Ayanokōji-kun is reassuring.

We wait for 18:00, the meeting time for their group.

* * *

“Ayanokōji-kun, what do you think the exam will be about?”

“Hard to say… but I doubt it’s a written test during summer vacation.”

“That’s a relief. I’m bad at studying.”

That much is obvious from her grades.

As I listen, I recall what I know about her.

Karuizawa Kei.

Hirata’s girlfriend, and part of the same group as Matsushita.

Top of the class hierarchy and leader of her group.

Not as capable academically or physically as Matsushita, but she has a kind of influence that Matsushita doesn’t.

Since I started dating Matsushita, we’ve interacted more after the double date.

We’re on speaking terms now, but she’s still somewhat mysterious.

Even now, she’s standing unusually close to me.

Not quite arm-in-arm, but close enough that it’s hard to deny.

Is this normal distance between friends of the opposite sex?

She knows I’m Matsushita’s boyfriend.

So what’s her intention?

“Isn’t it that room?”

“Looks like it.”

We enter the designated room.

Five minutes early, and three people are already inside.

At the back is Mashima-sensei, and beside him, Yukimura and Sotomura.

“So the remaining members are Ayanokōji… and Karuizawa.”

“Those two are the last members?”

Yukimura and Karuizawa both frown slightly.

They don’t make a scene, but they clearly don’t get along.

“Why are Ayanokōji-dono and Karuizawa-jō together? And why so close… could this be a love triangle!?”

“I was eating with Matsushita and Hirata. We got the email and came together.”

“So it was a double date! Curse you, happy people!”

Sotomura dramatically shouts, drawing confused looks from Karuizawa and Yukimura, while Mashima-sensei rubs his temples.

“Excuse us.”

We take our seats.

“…Now that everyone’s here, I’ll begin explaining the special exam.”

Karuizawa looks uneasy, but we’ve already agreed she should just listen quietly.

The rules are as follows:

• First-year students are divided into 12 groups based on the Chinese zodiac

• Each group has 3–5 students from each class A–D

• The exam revolves around a ‘VIP’. At 8:00 AM on the first day, everyone receives an email, and the chosen VIP is notified

• The exam lasts until 9:00 PM four days later, with one free day in between (effectively two days)

• Groups meet twice daily for discussions

• Answers are submitted by email between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM on the final day

• Results fall into four categories

Result 1: If all non-VIP students correctly identify the VIP and their class, everyone gets 500,000 private points, and the VIP gets 1,000,000

Result 2: If any non-VIP fails, only the VIP gets 500,000

Result 3: If a non-VIP correctly identifies the VIP early, they get 500,000 and 50 class points, while the VIP’s class loses 50

Result 4: If a non-VIP guesses wrong early, their class loses 50, while the VIP’s class gains 50 and the VIP gets 500,000

Results 3 and 4 are far more likely.

Once the VIP is known, early accusations are inevitable.

“Ugh, this is complicated…”

Karuizawa and Sotomura look overwhelmed, while Yukimura seems to understand fine.

“Think of it like a werewolf game.”

“Oh yeah, that was popular! Have you played it, Ayanokōji-kun?”

“No.”

“Then let’s play sometime!”

She feels unusually friendly.

Even Yukimura and Sotomura look suspicious.

“I’m glad I’m in the same group as you. This exam seems boring.”

“There’s no time to be bored. If we handle this well, we could move up a class.”

Yukimura snaps back.

But Karuizawa’s response is harsher than expected.

“Excuse me? I already know that. And we only got here thanks to Ayanokōji-kun and Horikita—not you. Right, Ayanokōji-kun? You’ll figure out the VIP too, right?”

Yukimura looks ready to explode.

Even Mashima-sensei and Sotomura seem sympathetic.

“Not necessarily. We’ll need everyone’s help. Yukimura, Sotomura… and Karuizawa too. Let’s work together.”

“Ugh… fine, if you say so…”

Not convincing at all.

Their individual impressions of me aren’t bad, but their relationships with each other are terrible.

For a class, our teamwork is awful.

“…We’ll discuss strategy after this.”

“Sorry, we’re skipping that. Let’s go, Ayanokōji-kun.”

Before I can respond, Karuizawa drags me out.

I leave a silent apology to Yukimura.

At this rate, spending two days in this group might give me a stomach ulcer.

Better to finish this quickly.

* * *

After parting with Karuizawa, I email Hirata, Matsushita, and Horikita about the exam.

Then I go check on another group.

As expected, it’s filled with key figures:

Katsuragi from Class A, Kanzaki from Class B, and Ryūen from Class C.

From Class D—Horikita, Hirata, and Kushida.

“Strange you weren’t selected.”

“You, Hirata, and Kushida make sense. I slacked off early on.”

Then Ryūen approaches.

“Too bad you’re not in this death group.”

“Honestly, I’m relieved.”

“Don’t play dumb. I’ll crush you eventually.”

Horikita steps in.

“We’ll win again.”

“You? Impossible. You relied on Ayanokōji last time.”

He saw through the deception easily.

Then Katsuragi speaks.

“I’ve heard about you. Hidden ability… impressive.”

“You overestimate me.”

“I don’t. I consider you, Horikita, and Ryūen the biggest threats.”

A serious and capable man—very different from Ryūen.

“We’ll aim for Class A too.”

“…Then we’ll face you seriously.”

They enter the room.

A fierce battle awaits inside.

“Horikita, do your best.”

“That goes without saying.”