Right after the first discussion of the shipboard exam groups.

With Ayanokōji-kun and Karuizawa-san’s Rabbit Group discussion finished, we gathered to share information.

Since the cruise began, the terrace table on the deck had become our usual meeting spot.

Even drinks being free was honestly a huge help.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Matsushita.”

“No, it’s fine…”

I was about to say ‘it’s okay,’ but stopped.

Ayanokōji-kun and Karuizawa-san.

The distance between them is close. Physically, yes, but on Karuizawa’s side, it feels emotionally close too. Like she trusts him.

“Karuizawa. I’ll contact you later about that matter. You should probably consult Hirata too.”

“Yeah, got it. Thanks, Ayanokōji-kun. See you, Matsushita-san.”

Karuizawa jogs off.

Now then, I have something I want to ask.

“Ayanokōji-kun?”

“You’re misunderstanding.”

Seems he already knows what the issue is.

Well, knowing him, there must be a reason. I’ll hear him out first.

According to him, there was a conflict between Karuizawa and a Class C girl, and he stepped in to mediate.

Protecting Karuizawa is something worth praising.

“But that distance was too close.”

In retaliation, I press myself against him.

“Sorry. I did think it might not be normal for friends, but I wondered if my own sense was wrong. Also, I was concerned rejecting Karuizawa might make things awkward between you and me.”

“I trust you won’t be easily swayed, but be careful, okay? I’m here, and there are girls who might still try to go after you.”

His popularity is rising rapidly.

Ever since May, when he distributed past exam questions, he’s been popular within the class—even with me around.

Then came the beach volleyball and the island exam, and now even girls from other classes are paying attention to him.

He’s now as popular as Hirata.

I’ve been keeping a check on things by going on regular dates, but it’s still worrying.

“I see… I get it now.”

“Get what?”

I react immediately.

What exactly does he understand?

“That Class C girl, Manabe. She seemed somewhat interested in me. She even tried to invite me to volleyball. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but now I see.”

“That’s definitely it. If she asks you out, refuse, okay?”

“Yeah. But I already promised to meet her later to settle things.”

Apparently, Manabe tried to take a photo to confirm whether Karuizawa pushed Morofushi.

He stopped her and instead suggested meeting Morofushi together, which calmed things down.

Yeah… that sounds like she’s definitely interested.

“Not allowed. But since you already promised, I guess it can’t be helped. Still, take me with you.”

“Of course. I never said I wouldn’t.”

Manabe might be disappointed.

Still, this is the first time a girl is clearly making a move on him.

This is bad… I can’t just stay in a fake relationship.

If we don’t become real, someone might take him.

…But I know I have to be the one to say it.

I just don’t want to lose even this current relationship.

“Matsushita.”

He calls out to me while I’m feeling down.

“What is it?”

“I’ll cancel meeting Manabe after all.”

“Eh? Why?”

“It feels dishonest to meet another girl while having a girlfriend.”

“No, it’s fine. You already promised, right? Cancelling might be worse.”

“The purpose was to confirm Karuizawa’s situation. Since she admitted it, there’s no need for me to go.”

…He must’ve noticed I was feeling down.

And thought it was because of that.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just thinking I’ve got the best boyfriend.”

“Why the formal tone? Still, I don’t mind the compliment. Good luck with the negotiation later.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

* * *

Horikita and I called someone out.

“…Are you sure he’s the right choice?”

“Yeah. Ayanokōji-kun recommended him, and considering influence in class…”

I still remember him declaring everyone in Class C as his pawns.

“…Fine. Don’t regret it.”

Horikita clearly isn’t thrilled.

But we’ve already decided.

Even after waiting, he doesn’t show.

Ten minutes pass.

“Let’s go.”

“Wait. It’s like Miyamoto Musashi making Sasaki Kojirō wait.”

“…To gain an advantage. I see.”

Horikita sighs.

He’s thorough.

He finally appears thirty minutes late.

“Yo, Suzune, Matsushita.”

“You’re late.”

“Don’t be so stiff. We go way back.”

We don’t.

“Good evening, Ryūen-kun.”

“What, dumping Ayanokōji for me?”

“No chance.”

He really knows how to provoke people.

“Ayanokōji and you aren’t even comparable.”

“Heh. I don’t like your type either.”

Unexpected preference.

“Anyway, why’d you call me?”

“Want to team up?”

I cut straight to the point.

“…Oh?”

For the first time, he looks interested.

“Not Ichinose, but me. You sure?”

“We need to stop Class A. Ideally, we want them to lose 150 class points.”

“Heh, ruthless.”

“But discussing won’t work, especially against Class A. So we use patterns.”

“…The VIP pattern, huh?”

As expected.

He’s already on the same page.

“You already know your class’s VIPs, right? Let’s exchange three each.”

“Makes sense. But not for free.”

Here it comes.

“You’ll get our info too.”

“I want the bonus 500,000 private points too.”

“That’s absurd. Let’s go.”

Horikita stands, but I stop her.

“That’s too much. You want private points, right?”

“You can never have enough.”

His eyebrow twitches.

“You figured out Class A and C had a deal?”

“Just a guess.”

“…Impressive.”

“Your conditions?”

“First, I decide which groups you accuse.”

“…As long as it excludes your class?”

“Obviously.”

I inhale sharply.

This isn’t bad so far.

“Second?”

“I decide the timing too.”

That’s dangerous.

“So you’ll delay us and take all the points?” Horikita says.

“…Then I’ll set a 30-minute deadline.”

Still strange.

“And your side?”

“We’ll accuse after you.”

…This doesn’t make sense.

Why delay?

It only increases risk.

Something’s off.

“The first condition is negotiable. The second isn’t. This deal is off,” Horikita says.

I hesitate.

If this fails, we can approach Class B.

But then Ryūen will go to Class A.

What do we do?

At that moment, my device receives a message.

From Ayanokōji-kun.