Shimizu Akira slowly clenched his fingers. When he had gripped the other person's wrist earlier, he had used at most 30% of his strength.
There was never just one way to solve a problem.
Theoretically speaking, solutions could be divided into two paths: force and strategy.
In this so-called civilized society, people always praised winning through intellect.
But sometimes, force was indeed the most straightforward solution—especially when your opponent simply couldn't understand reason.
Shimizu Akira had never been one to follow conventions, so this time, he simply resolved the trouble with force.
"Solving problems with violence? How barbaric."
A familiar voice rang out from behind him, accompanied by the crisp sound of a cane tapping against the floor, growing closer.
Sakayanagi Arisu had appeared at his side at some point, her lips curled in a faint, teasing smirk.
"Sakayanagi-san, watching me again?" Shimizu Akira glanced at her sidelong. "You're even more of a heavy girl than I thought. If I dated you, you'd probably install spyware on my phone, wouldn't you? Textbook 'heavy girl' behavior."
The term "heavy girl" made Sakayanagi Arisu's expression freeze—a rare sight.
She had been secretly observing this boy since the entrance ceremony—especially after witnessing that peculiar scuffle with his classmate.
"Tell me your name," she suddenly demanded, staring directly into his eyes, her tone leaving no room for refusal.
"Shimizu Akira," he answered carelessly. "I've got things to do, so sorry, but I don't have time for this back-and-forth with you."
Though she had the silver hair he rather admired, right now, he wasn't in the mood to deal with such a troublesome person.
"Make a bet with me," Sakayanagi Arisu tapped her cane lightly against the ground. "Let's wager on when Kamuro Masumi will make her move."
Just as Shimizu Akira was about to refuse, she suddenly raised five slender fingers.
"50,000 points as the wager." The silver-haired girl's lips curled in a confident smile. "Do I have your attention now?"
"Ah, I see." Shimizu Akira looked at her with an amused smirk. "You've finally realized why I refused."
"Of course." Sakayanagi Arisu nodded slightly. "You have zero interest in things that don't benefit you, right?"
During the entrance ceremony, she had been pondering this very question.
It wasn't until a few minutes ago that she realized her mistake—this bet held no appeal for him.
So, without hesitation, she offered half of her current points.
50,000 points converted to yen was merely 50,000 yen—pocket change for the young lady of the Sakayanagi family.
And in this special school, she was confident that with her intellect, earning it back would be effortless.
Shimizu Akira tapped his fingers against his arm, deep in thought.
50,000 points on the first day of school… not bad.
"Too little?" Sakayanagi Arisu asked when he didn't respond immediately, her cane tapping the floor lightly.
"What are the rules?" Shimizu Akira finally spoke.
"Simple." Her lips curled into a sly smile. *"We each predict the exact moment Kamuro Masumi will attempt her theft. Whoever correctly calls out the one-minute window before she acts wins. The prediction must be made at least 20 seconds in advance—no last-second guesses."*
Her cane traced an elegant arc in the air. "If you're wrong, you must wait for the other person to speak first on the next attempt."
Shimizu Akira raised an eyebrow. "You're really treating someone's theft like entertainment, huh?"
Sakayanagi Arisu let out a soft laugh. "Isn't it more fun this way? Turning mundane life into a game of strategy." She tilted her head. "What's wrong, Shimizu-kun? Did your sense of justice suddenly kick in?"
Just as Shimizu Akira was about to retort, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
Pulling it out, he saw Chabashira Sae's name on the screen.
"Hold on." He gestured for Sakayanagi Arisu to wait. "Need to reply to a message."
The silver-haired girl twirled her cane gracefully, giving him a "by all means" gesture.
[Chabashira Sae]:Where are you? Come to the office if you're free.
Shimizu Akira typed quickly:
[Shimizu Akira]:Something urgent? Don't tell me the reward for that thing came through?
An almost instant reply:
[Chabashira Sae]:Sharp as ever. Details in person.
Glancing at Sakayanagi Arisu, who was waiting patiently, he continued typing:
[Shimizu Akira]:Can't right now. By the way, can points really buy anything in this school?
[Chabashira Sae]:As long as it doesn't break rules. Why, something you want?
[Shimizu Akira]:Yeah. How about this—I'll pay 10,000 points if you run an errand for me.
A pause. Then:
[Chabashira Sae]:Interesting. What exactly do you want to buy?
A few minutes later.
The two of them had silently positioned themselves in the convenience store, hidden behind the same familiar shelf.
Before long, Kamuro Masumi's figure appeared between the aisles.
She pretended to browse some notebooks before subconsciously drifting toward the alcohol section.
"Targeting booze, huh?" Shimizu Akira murmured. "Makes sense—minors can't buy it."
"Hence the theft." Sakayanagi Arisu agreed softly before suddenly pulling out a luxuriously wrapped candy from her pocket. "Shimizu-kun, want one? I brought them from home—they're quite good."
Her slender fingers deftly unwrapped it, offering it to him.
Shimizu Akira narrowed his eyes. "Sakayanagi-san, are you trying to shut me up with candy so you can call the prediction first?"
"My, how cruel." The silver-haired girl feigned hurt, though the amusement in her eyes betrayed her.
"...Fine, I'll play along." He took the candy but, as he leaned down, picked up the discarded wrapper.
"Don't litter."
Sakayanagi Arisu spun her cane dismissively. "What does it matter? Someone will clean it up. That's what these convenience store workers are for, no?"
Shimizu Akira studied her for a long moment.
Her contempt for ordinary people was practically engraved in her bones—she didn't even bother hiding it.
Still, the candy was delicious. At least the young lady had good taste in snacks.
—I'll make sure that arrogance costs her later. Heh.
"Shimizu-kun," Sakayanagi Arisu suddenly whispered, "I'll add another 50,000 points for first call rights this round. Only I get to speak. Deal?"
Her cane tapped lightly, her eyes gleaming with absolute confidence.
Shimizu Akira nearly choked on the candy. "You'd trade points for that? Another 50,000? Aren't you afraid of losing everything?"
She tilted her head, smiling triumphantly. "Well, in this school, points can buy anything, can't they?"
Sakayanagi Arisu twirled her cane, chuckling. "If I lose even like this, I might as well live on free meals this month."
She said it like a joke.
But Shimizu Akira didn't laugh.
Instead, he looked at her with something close to pity.
(Ah, what a poor, pitiful child—)
He thought silently.
(This proud young lady has no idea…)
(She's about to hand over all her points on the very first day of school.)