For once—truly for once—I woke up before Kiyotaka-kun.

How many times had I slept in his arms in the same bed by now?

But today was different.

Usually, when I woke up, I’d hear his “Good morning.”

He would fall asleep after I did, and wake up before me.

And then he would wait until I woke up in his arms.

We’d get out of bed together, change clothes, wash our faces, brush our teeth, and have breakfast.

That was our routine when we slept together.

But today was different.

I didn’t hear his voice, and he was still peacefully asleep.

It was the first time I’d seen his sleeping face.

Long eyelashes.

A well-defined nose bridge.

Healthy-colored lips.

They were things I always saw, but looking at him like this, his face really was well-formed.

He had ranked fifth in the “most handsome” rankings when we first enrolled, but that was probably because of his gloomy atmosphere back then.

In reality, he was number one…

Though maybe that was just my bias as his girlfriend.

Unable to hold back my affection, I kissed his cheek.

Whether he woke up or not, I didn’t mind either way.

“Mm… good morning, Chiaki.”

“Good morning, Kiyotaka-kun.”

He woke up, just as I expected.

“Sorry, I fell asleep.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize for waking you.”

“No, it’s about the right time. What do you want for breakfast?”

“Hmm… toast and coffee should be fine.”

“Sounds good.”

We went through our morning routine and ate breakfast.

Today, Class A’s ten selected events would be announced.

It was also the day Kiyotaka-kun had invited me to practice for them.

However, he predicted that Sakayanagi would almost certainly choose chess.

He said that when they spoke before, she had expressed a desire to face him in a perfect-information game like chess.

If that was the case, even from my perspective, the chances of her choosing chess were extremely high.

She seemed incredibly prideful, after all.

…Speaking of Sakayanagi, I remembered something she said when we first met.

‘White Room.’

I clearly remembered how shaken Kiyotaka-kun had been when he heard those words.

I didn’t intend to pry into his past, but I couldn’t help being curious, so I tried searching for “White Room” online and in the library.

But nothing came up.

Since it’s called a “room,” it probably refers to a specific place, but the fact that there was no information at all—even on the vast internet—was strange.

Was it some kind of code word between her and him?

Or…

…No, I should stop.

There’s no point thinking about it further.

I’ll just wait until he decides to tell me.

After finishing breakfast, we got ready.

Even though we’re a couple, leaving the room at the same time would draw suspicion, so I left much earlier and returned to my own room.

I grabbed my school bag and headed out again to meet him.

Kiyotaka-kun was in front of the dorm, talking with a few classmates.

“I’m kind of worried about going up against Class A…”

“It’s true there’s no guarantee of victory. But that doesn’t mean we have no chance. Hirata has recovered, and I think our overall strength isn’t inferior to Class A.”

“But what if we hold everyone back…”

“I know you’ve all been putting in effort. Inogashira and the others attend study sessions regularly, right? Whether it shows results this time or not, it will definitely become strength for the class in the future.”

It seemed they were discussing concerns about the special exam.

Kiyotaka-kun was gently reassuring them.

I thought I might be interrupting, but he noticed me and raised his hand.

“Morning, everyone.”

“Good morning, Matsushita-san.”

“Morning.”

I expected we’d all head to school together, but surprisingly, Kiyotaka-kun told them to go ahead, and we ended up walking alone.

“You’re popular.”

“I’ve been taking over consultations while Hirata was down. That’s all.”

“No matter the reason, getting along with classmates is a good thing.”

I don’t think he’d ever cheat, so even if I feel a little jealous, I’ll let it go.

We arrived at the classroom and took our seats.

After chatting for a bit, Chabashira-sensei entered and homeroom began.

The topic was, of course, the special exam.

The ten events submitted by Class A were:

Chess

Flash Mental Arithmetic

Modern Literature Test

Social Studies Test

Beach Volleyball

Math Test

English Test

Large Rope Skipping

Dodgeball

Just as Kiyotaka-kun predicted, chess was likely their main play.

Overall, the events leaned heavily toward intellectual competitions—very much like Class A.

Unlike ours, there were few events decided by a single top scorer.

Only flash mental arithmetic fell into that category.

The rest were based on total scores.

Against a class with many consistently strong students, that put us at a disadvantage.

Also, beach volleyball stood out.

Our pair had become well-known before summer break.

It was actually unfavorable for Class A.

So why include it?

Was it a bluff to make us remove it, or did they have a hidden expert?

Aside from that, the physical events were rope skipping and dodgeball.

Both required large teams—20 and 18 people.

Depending on usage, some students might have to participate twice.

Combined with the four test events requiring many participants, Class A held a major advantage.

Even if Kiyotaka-kun and Horikita were exceptional, individual scores had limits.

Total-score events favored larger numbers.

“This might be pretty tough depending on luck…”

“…Chabashira-sensei, I have a question.”

Horikita raised her hand.

“What is it?”

“The events are selected randomly, but… is it possible to purchase the selection rights with private points?”

…If that were possible, it would be a huge advantage.

We could choose guaranteed wins.

I hadn’t even thought of that.

Her ability really is impressive.

“Also, I believe that out of the seven events, three may be selected from each class’s submissions. The school values fairness.”

“…Interesting question. I cannot answer your prediction. And you didn’t expect an answer either.”

Chabashira looked pleased.

She seemed proud of our growth—and hopeful we could reach Class A.

“As for selection rights, they can be purchased. However, they are extremely expensive. Only one event can be chosen. It must be declared before the exam day. The cost is 10 million points.”

“10 million!?”

Everyone shouted.

That was an absurd amount.

Even with 100—no, 130 class points at stake, it was too risky.

“10 million is too much… thank you, sensei.”

“That’s fine. If you have more questions, come to the staff room later.”

After she left, we quickly began strategizing before the next class.

Ideas and countermeasures flew around the room.

Meanwhile, Kiyotaka-kun remained silent.

* * *

After school, I called someone out.

“You called me out at a time like this… this must be about the year-end special exam.”

“That’s a good guess… but that’s only worth 50 points, Katsuragi.”

“…So there’s more. Let’s hear it.”

Katsuragi urged me to continue.

But first—

“Your prediction on Sakayanagi’s five chosen events.”

“Heh. You’ve figured out she hasn’t told anyone her true choices. Impressive.”

He praised me, but he lacked the energy he once had.

Losing leadership and Yahiko had clearly weighed on him.

“Well?”

“Don’t rush. If I’m going to betray my class, I want proper compensation.”

He said it deliberately.

He needed justification.

“Compensation? Points? Leadership?”

“…I wanted those once. But now… there’s something I want more.”

He gripped his arm tightly.

“To avenge Yahiko… Sakayanagi’s defeat.”

“I see.”

“Will you cooperate?”

“If my prediction helps defeat her, my loyalty is worth that price.”

He listed likely picks: chess, English, math, flash arithmetic, modern literature.

Physical events were likely decoys.

“Beach volleyball?”

“Hashimoto and Kamuro are decent, but no match for you and Matsushita. It’s just a feint.”

“I see. Thanks.”

He turned to leave—then stopped.

“…You said earlier that it was only 50 points. So there’s more?”

I nodded.

“My reward is… giving you the chance to defeat Sakayanagi yourself.”

His eyes widened.

“Katsuragi. Transfer to Horikita’s class.”

“…What?”

“It’s not a bad deal. We’re Class B, and with your information, we could surpass Class A.”

We needed strength after losing Kushida.

He was the perfect addition.

“…But the cost? 20 million points?”

“No problem. I can secure it.”

“…I see. You’re serious.”

He paused—then decided.

“…Very well. I accept.”

“Then it’s settled.”

Thus, Horikita’s class gained a powerful ally.