Rabbit Group, first discussion.

Machida from Class A declared that all of Class A would not participate in the discussion.

In response, Ichinose from Class B took charge of the situation.

Perhaps thanks to her personality, the group—excluding Class A—maintained a superficially good atmosphere.

However, there was one problem.

“Hey, Ayanokōji-kun, who do you think the VIP is?”

Karuizawa asks beside me.

As the VIP herself, she’s asking about the VIP’s identity to remove suspicion from herself.

That’s fine, but she’s still sitting way too close. It might make the other classes suspicious.

“I’d like to say someone from Class A who refused discussion is suspicious, but apparently all Class A groups are doing the same. There’s too little information right now to say.”

“I see. But the test just started, we’ll gather info eventually. Let’s do our best, Ayanokōji-kun!”

Despite being the VIP, her acting is impressive.

I suddenly feel an unpleasant gaze and glance over.

A Class C girl—she introduced herself as Manabe Shiho.

She’s whispering with Yabu and Yamashita from the same class.

I’m not sure if it’s about us, but she’s clearly suspicious of something.

Other students already know I’m dating Matsushita.

Ichinose, sitting right in front of us, is giving an awkward smile, clearly unsure how to react to the distance between me and Karuizawa.

Troublesome if rumors start spreading.

“What do you think, Manabe?”

I shift the conversation.

Luckily, this is a discussion setting for the exam, so there’s no issue addressing her.

“Huh, m-me?”

Caught off guard, Manabe struggles to respond.

“You were looking over here, so I thought maybe you suspected I was the VIP.”

“You? Well… you’re good at volleyball and all, but I don’t think VIPs are chosen based on ability. I don’t think you’re the VIP at all.”

She speaks quickly.

From her words, she must’ve seen us playing beach volleyball at the pool earlier.

And her tone isn’t hostile—if anything, it’s friendly.

Then her suspicion must be directed at Karuizawa, not me.

“If it were based on ability, Class A would have all the VIPs.”

“Yeah, exactly!”

She looks oddly happy that I agreed.

“You’re really good at volleyball, Ayanokōji-kun. I saw you at the pool.”

“Same! Your jump was amazing.”

As expected, they were there.

Ichinose agrees too.

Manabe glances at the clock—discussion time is almost over.

“I’ve been a bit interested in volleyball too. If you’re free after this—”

“Ayanokōji-kun! Let’s go eat after this!”

Karuizawa cuts in immediately, pretending to be oblivious.

“Hey, I was talking to him!”

“So what? We eat together all the time. And you’re from another class—what, are you a spy?”

Harsh words.

Accusations like that are hard to refute.

“By the way, Karuizawa, didn’t you have trouble with Rika before summer?”

Manabe changes the topic.

Rika… I don’t recognize the name.

“Who?”

“Morofushi Rika. Glasses, hair in buns. I heard you shoved her at a café.”

“…Don’t know her. Don’t accuse me.”

That reaction is familiar.

There was a slight pause, and her eyes wavered.

But she won’t admit it.

The argument escalates.

“Let’s confirm with Rika. If you’re innocent, it’s fine.”

Manabe takes a hard approach.

She’s about to take a photo to confirm.

“No, stop!”

Karuizawa reacts strongly, knocking her phone.

That would escalate things, so I step in, stopping Karuizawa’s arm and covering the camera.

“Thanks.”

“Thanks, Ayanokōji-kun.”

Both thank me.

“Manabe, don’t take the photo. Karuizawa doesn’t want that.”

“But—”

“It’s not confirmed she did it. Let me go with you to talk to Morofushi.”

“O-okay!”

The alarm signals the end of discussion.

Everyone looks relieved.

“Let’s go, Karuizawa.”

“…Okay.”

She’s unhappy, but accepts it.

“Sorry, Ayanokōji-kun.”

“For what?”

Once outside, she apologizes.

“What Manabe said… it might’ve been me.”

“I see.”

“Do you hate me now?”

“You should reflect, but I don’t despise you for that. Do you want to apologize?”

“…I do, but if I bow my head, others might think I can be pushed around…”

So she fears losing her status.

Understandable.

“It’s fine. Apologizing is necessary. If they try to take advantage, that’s another issue. If anything happens, I, Hirata and Matsushita will protect you.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. I promise.”

“…Okay. I’ll apologize.”

“We’ll arrange it so it’s just the two of you.”

“…You’re like a dad or teacher.”

…That’s not a great comparison.

* * *

After gathering information with Hirata, we identified Class D’s VIPs.

Dragon Group: Kushida

Horse Group: Minami

Rabbit Group: Karuizawa

With only three groups, we can’t determine the pattern yet.

Horikita told me to figure it out anyway, but that’s unrealistic.

We need at least three more groups’ data.

While messaging Matsushita, I relax on the deck.

Being alone is rare lately.

But it doesn’t last.

I wander down to a deserted lower deck.

“Ayanokōji-kun?”

I knew I was being followed.

Kushida Kikyo appears.

“It’s been a while since we talked alone.”

“Yeah! You’ve become pretty famous lately!”

She looks cheerful, but inside she’s not.

I’m no longer someone she can easily eliminate.

“I held back at first, but now I have to try for points.”

“Even so, that kind of result isn’t normal. What are you?”

“What about you?”

“I’m a kind, sweet girl who wants to get along with everyone.”

Impressive answer.

“And you?”

“Matsushita’s boyfriend.”

“Are you joking?”

Apparently not acceptable.

“Did you know? Matsushita likes high-spec guys. She probably did compensated dating in middle school.”

“I’ve never heard that.”

“You’re being fooled. She probably slept with old men for money.”

Her insults are harsh.

“Anyway, let’s get to the point.”

“The point?”

“Expel Horikita.”

So that’s her goal.

“I refuse.”

“Forgot what I have on you?”

“What?”

“That you tried to rape me.”

“That’s false.”

“Even if it is, I have evidence.”

“It won’t hold up.”

“Then I’ll spread it.”

“Try it.”

I show my recording.

Her credibility would collapse.

“What!? When did you record that!?”

“I knew you were following me.”

She tries to grab it, but fails and falls.

“Still careless.”

“Ayanokōji…”

She wants to scream, but can’t.

“You can’t control me. Stay quiet for three years, and I’ll do nothing.”

“…I’ll make you regret this. I swear.”

She leaves, seething.

Regret, huh.

Will I ever feel that?