Perhaps having lost all reason, Yamauchi Haruki began attacking everyone, even claiming it was Kaoru's scheme.
He agitatedly shouted names like Karuizawa Kei, Kushida Kikyo, Sakura Airi, and Hasebe Haruka, insisting they were all Kaoru's people and that he himself was helping the class.
Immediately after, Yamauchi Haruki started cursing Ryuen and Sudo, calling them liars who had deceived his feelings.
Fortunately, Chabashira Sae forcibly escorted Yamauchi Haruki away.
It was likely the withdrawal procedures would be completed today.
As soon as the two left, Class D fell into an awkward atmosphere where everyone exchanged uneasy glances.
With no further arrangements, theoretically, they could leave the classroom after the exam ended, so some began to move.
Seeing people exit the classroom, others gradually stood up as well.
Some girls glanced at Hirata Yosuke, who looked utterly gloomy and exuded a low-pressure aura, ultimately deciding not to approach him.
"Eighteen Praise Votes, hehe~ Airi is in third place!"
Hasebe Haruka giggled as she hugged Sakura Airi, taking advantage of the latter's flustered state to poke her blushing cheek.
"I knew he'd find out about Airi. It actually makes me a little jealous."
Perhaps because they were in the classroom, Sakura Airi's face turned crimson, but she didn't dare break free from the embrace, whispering.
"I... I don't know. He must care about you too."
"Ahaha, just kidding~ Thanks for comforting me, Airi. It warms my heart, hiks..."
Hasebe Haruka ruffled her hair, wondering why she insisted on this plain appearance when she was actually an Internet Idol.
'Wait, Internet Idol...'
It suddenly dawned on Hasebe Haruka—no wonder he took a liking to Sakura Airi.
Was it the producer's old habit acting up again?
However, seeing Sakura Airi's alluring figure, she had to admit the producer had a sharp eye—a Big breasts innocent beautiful girl idol, coupled with her extremely timid personality.
Hasebe Haruka gritted her teeth.
Sooner or later, she'd throw a punch at that flirtatious pervert!
Just as Airi felt at a loss, Kushida and Karuizawa locked eyes across the room.
"Ahaha, I accidentally got first place~ Thank you, everyone, for voting for me."
The little angel spoke words of gratitude with an adorable smile, making her appear gentle, considerate, and even slightly flustered—the epitome of a good girl.
However, Karuizawa understood the underlying meaning.
Because Kushida had received thirty-eight Praise Votes.
Karuizawa was certain the little angel couldn't possibly have such terrifying influence.
Although she was well-liked, it was only in the sense that everyone saw her as a nice girl, not as their best friend.
It might sound hard to understand, but that's how friendships among girls work.
For instance, Karuizawa's past relationship with her was merely that of casual playmates—they could hang out sometimes, but she was just a common good friend to everyone.
Most of the time, Karuizawa was well aware that Kushida didn't belong to her inner circle, so she wouldn't involve Kushida in certain matters.
Thus, Karuizawa believed Hirata Yosuke would likely have more influence than Kushida—at least the girls were willing to give their Praise Votes to Hirata.
Yet now, the top spot wasn't Hirata's but Kushida's, indicating the latter had received Praise Votes from outside Class D.
Karuizawa suddenly felt a sour sting of jealousy.
She didn't understand why she was feeling this way—there was no reason for such envy, yet she couldn't help it.
Not just Kushida, but what was with Airi earlier? How could someone so invisible get so many votes?
Karuizawa felt utterly bitter.
She told herself she shouldn't be this way, but the more she sternly reprimanded herself, the more aggrieved she felt.
Kushida, who had been exchanging pleasantries with those around her, noticed Kei's troubled expression and immediately understood.
She quickly made an excuse and led Kei out of the classroom.
"First of all, I had no idea—it wasn't me," Kushida promptly distanced herself from someone.
"I know," Karuizawa replied dejectedly.
Her situation was identical to Kushida's; there was no way that person wouldn't know.
"You've always been more popular than me. It's no surprise everyone voted for you."
Kushida felt troubled. If Kei held a grudge against her, how would they play "It Takes Two" together in the future? Though she had felt a little smug initially.
"Never mind, let's go find him tonight," Kushida said. "Your birthday is the day after tomorrow. If he doesn't give a proper explanation, I'll help you beat him up."
"Who are you planning to beat up?" Horikita Suzune happened to step out at that moment.
"Horikita, perfect timing. Join us tonight," Kushida enthusiastically invited her.
In an instant, Horikita saw through her scheme.
It was always like this—Kushida was especially eager to see others make peace signs.
"I'm on my period," Horikita stated expressionlessly, without a hint of embarrassment.
Kushida was momentarily stunned, then snapped indignantly, "Who said it was that kind of thing? You're such a pervert, always thinking about lewd stuff!"
Horikita's eyes widened in disbelief.
How could Kushida say such a thing? Everyone knew the biggest perverts were her and Kaoru.
Then she heard Kushida muttering under her breath, "Horikita's on her period... so mine will probably be next week. Annoying..."
Karuizawa couldn't take it anymore, her face slightly flushed. "Can you two please stop talking about this?"
With their bickering, Karuizawa's gloomy mood had largely dissipated.
"Do whatever you want. I won't disturb you tonight," Horikita said before leaving the hallway.
She was heading to the first floor—the school always posted exam results on the bulletin board there.
"Don't mind her. If that pervert calls her, she'll come obediently," Kushida remarked, fully understanding Horikita's personality.
It was hard to get her to take initiative—even if you pulled her hair, she'd calmly keep reading and ask.
"Are you done?"
"Honestly, every time you act like this, I start questioning my life." Karuizawa quipped, "When the little angel turns into a little devil, it would shatter some people's dreams if they saw it."
Kushida giggled, "But you're in a better mood now, aren't you?"
Karuizawa froze for a moment, then broke into a smile.
Back when they were both wearing masks, she had felt that Kushida isn't on her side.
But now, with the masks off, she couldn't help but see Kushida as one of her own.
Thus, the two began discussing how to squeeze... no, teach Kaoru a lesson tonight.
When they reached the first floor, they noticed a group of people gathered around the bulletin board, including Ichinose Honami.
"Hey there, Honami!"
Ichinose Honami, who had been reading the bulletin board, turned around and saw Karuizawa and Kushida standing behind her.
She immediately smiled.
"Hey, Kei, Kikyo!"
After greeting them, Ichinose introduced the people beside her, "These are my good friends from class, little Chihiro and Mako."
Shiranami Chihiro looked at the two somewhat timidly, while Amikura Mako stared intently at Karuizawa, thinking, 'Why does this person look a bit like me?'
"Ahaha, nice to meet you. But we've actually met before, right, Shiranami-san, Amikura-san?"
Kushida radiated an angelic aura from head to toe, overwhelmingly bright—especially effective on Shiranami Chihiro.
"We've met a few times. Kushida-san left quite an impression on me," Amikura Mako replied, feeling immense pressure.
'Is this the kind of company my Honami usually keeps to maintain her position as the main girl?'
"Amikura-san left a deep impression on me too. It's rare to see girls at the gym," Kushida said as she walked up to the bulletin board and casually glanced up, noticing a few lines of text.
The results of the first-year class voting are as follows:
Class A: None.
Class B: None.
Class C: Komiya Kogo (Expelled)
Class D: Yamauchi Haruki (Expelled)
...
"It's the first time someone has been expelled," Ichinose Honami sighed softly. "Even though we passed this exam, I'm not sure if it's a good thing."
But that wasn't what Kushida Kikyo was concerned about.
She spotted Ichinose Honami's name, with an astonishing sixty-eight Praise Votes.
In comparison, her own results seemed insignificant.
Class A had Sakayanagi Arisu, and Class C had Ryuen.
'What? His name isn't here?' This left Kushida Kikyo utterly puzzled.
She had even voted for him!
Could it be that too many people in Class A dislike him?
Kushida's speculation wasn't unfounded.
After all, she understood how boys thought.
Discovering a Harem Overlord in their midst—it was a miracle they hadn't dragged him out and burned him.
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