Such thoughts could only remain in his mind.
Kaoru didn't voice them out, instead picking up his phone.
[How do you plan to handle Muto?]
This was a message from Horikita Manabu. Kaoru had previously told him he would arrange things properly.
[I'll give them some Personal Points. As for Muto-senpai, let me handle that personally.]
Since he needed to go out anyway, Kaoru could settle these matters along the way—not just for Muto Hiromichi, but also for people like Sato Keisaku.
Soon after, Tonokawa Sosuke also messaged him, cautiously probing his thoughts about Class 2-A's actions.
From Tonokawa's perspective, Horikita Manabu and Muto Hiromichi's actions likely had Kaoru's covert planning behind them, which violated their previous agreement.
[It wasn't me. Muto-senpai and the others had grievances against you.]
[I apologize, I know that. But I want to know, Mitoma-kun, what's your stance on our previous agreement?]
[Occasional collateral damage is inevitable until I confirm Nagumo has lost all ability to resist.]
[...]
The conversation fell into silence afterward. Kaoru could guess what he was thinking, but what was the point?
Now, Class 2-A only had two choices: either fully side with him or go all-in on Nagumo Miyabi, betting that Nagumo would continue winning.
There was no room for fence-sitting.
Currently, Kaoru clearly held the advantage.
If he provoked the lower classes of the second year a little, many might adopt the mindset of 'If I'm suffering, you shouldn't have it easy either' and drag Class 2-A down with them.
Nagumo had already realized this, which was why he coldly abandoned any rescue efforts, even giving up contracts with lower classes.
Now, Class 2-A had to protect itself.
Protecting themselves required sufficient points and means to suppress the entire year.
With points in hand, Nagumo could continue his usual strategy of allying with some while attacking others.
But for people like Tonokawa Sosuke, this overly cold and calculated approach was too cruel.
If even being in Class A couldn't guarantee their safety, they would still face expulsion—wouldn't that make them no different from the lower classes?
Moreover, most Personal Points were concentrated in Nagumo's hands, leaving their fates controlled by him—an unsettling thought.
Tonokawa Sosuke's original plan was to use Class Points to keep Nagumo in check, since avoiding expulsion required not just Personal Points but Class Points as well.
But with Kaoru continuing to attack Class 2-A like this, Tonokawa seriously doubted whether they could withstand it.
Kaoru didn't wait for his reply.
This exam had shattered their illusions, and it would take time for them to sort through their thoughts.
However, the fact that Nagumo didn't use any points left Kaoru somewhat disheartened.
On second thought, it precisely indicated Nagumo's growing distrust toward Class 2-A.
Therefore, Nagumo's current strategy was likely to conserve points, intending to drag him down together.
With this realization, Kaoru felt slightly more at ease.
Checking his girlfriend's messages, he chatted idly on his way back.
Then, he received utterly dreadful news, his expression involuntarily shifting.
...
January 23rd, February 15th, February 20th, March 8th, March 12th—and most crucially, Valentine's Day on February 14th.
Kaoru exhaled deeply, staring at the circles he'd drawn on the calendar, his scalp tingling with dread.
This semester was far busier than he'd anticipated.
First was Kushida's birthday, for which the little angel had specifically messaged him, reminding him not to forget.
How awful—Christmas had barely passed a month ago, and now he had to prepare another gift.
Kaoru found himself in a tight spot.
He hadn't expected to return to school last night only to face this dilemma the very next day.
To make matters worse, Kushida's birthday was tomorrow.
"Eh? Kikyo's birthday is coming up?"
Ichinose's voice came through the phone, sounding genuinely surprised.
"I just remembered it myself, so I'm a bit at a loss."
With no other options, Kaoru turned to his girlfriend for help.
"What do you think I should get her?"
Last Christmas had been perfect—the timing, the mood, the confession.
The Wedding Ring had been the ultimate surprise.
But a birthday was an entirely different matter.
Kaoru couldn't just pull out another Wedding Ring, nor could he casually gift just any reward.
"Maybe something she's been wanting? Have you noticed anything she particularly likes?"
"You've stumped me there."
"Eh? I thought you were good with girls?"
"You all misunderstand me too much. I'm not a mind reader—I can't possibly know everything."
"Mhm, that's your problem. You never seem to understand when it matters."
Kaoru felt slightly embarrassed, but fortunately, his girlfriend was understanding.
She quickly offered her suggestion.
...
That afternoon, after school.
Amidst the bustling crowd, Kaoru spotted Ichinose and Amikura Mako waiting for him—two lovely figures standing out like plum blossoms in the snow, effortlessly drawing attention.
"You don't mind Mako tagging along, do you?"
Ichinose smiled at him, her expression unreadable.
Truthfully, Kaoru felt a pang of guilt.
He hadn't told Ichinose about the ring, making it feel like he'd been sneaking around with her best friend behind her back.
In contrast, Mako seemed shy, her heart fluttering like a deer encountering its crush.
She instinctively averted her gaze when meeting Kaoru's eyes, tilting her delicate face slightly as if something nearby had caught her attention.
A closer look would reveal her fingers fidgeting unconsciously, her legs slightly tensed beneath the white thigh-high socks, as eye-catching as ice cream.
"Having two adorable beauties accompanying me? I couldn't be happier—why would I ever mind?" Kaoru couldn't quite grasp Mako's state of mind—whether she had told Ichinose about the ring incident or not.
However, considering their relationship, Kaoru felt it would be best to come clean as soon as possible.
"Such a smooth talker."
Ichinose Honami chided him playfully before cheerfully announcing.
"Anyway, today's mission is planning Kikyo's birthday operation!"
Indeed, since having a boyfriend came with its own troubles, as his girlfriend, Ichinose naturally took it upon herself to rise to the occasion—even if it sounded like she was encouraging her boyfriend to cheat.
"Target: Keyaki Mall!"
Before the two could react, Ichinose quickly grabbed Kaoru and Mako's hands and marched toward Keyaki Mall.
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