Approximately one hour after Arisu stole my first kiss, I had lunch alone for the first time in a while. I then received a call from Chabashira-sensei, telling me that Horikita-san—no, Suzune-chan—was in stable condition.
"Okay, Suzune-chan, say 'ahh!'"
She'd been moved to a separate room so I wouldn't catch her cold, but I wasn't afraid of that. I held up a spoon with a big smile, but even though her fever had broken, Suzune-chan's face turned red and she looked away.
"I can eat by myself. And besides, that lipstick on your mouth..." she started, but I cut her off.
"Oh, no you don't!"
She couldn't escape my spoon attack with such a weak denial. A girl who works hard deserves a reward. I thought I heard her say something, but it must have been an attempt to evade me.
"...A-ahh..."
Resigned, Suzune-chan shyly chewed what I'd given her. She looked so much more childlike and cute than the serious girl I knew in the classroom.
"Good girl. How is it? It's just plain porridge, but it tastes good after you haven't had it for a while, right?"
"It's nothing special... but yes, it's not a bad feeling. Not after we achieved such an overwhelming victory."
As she said that, Suzune-chan stared at me. Oof, that's a bit of a low blow.
"I've already contacted the mastermind, Ayanokoji-kun, so wait a bit. Once he gets here, he'll explain everything."
"...Fine. I'll be listening closely, so you'd better be prepared."
Her previous sulky expression must have been an act, as Suzune-chan laughed softly, teasing me. She's become so much more expressive since we started school. It makes me happy.
As we were talking, a knock came from the door. Huh, that was fast.
"Coming!"
"...I'm coming in," a voice said, and the door opened to reveal our resident peacemaker, Ayanokoji-kun, looking awkward.
I haven't talked to him since he retired Suzune-chan from the exam, so things are a little tense between us. Actually, I bet he was waiting right outside the door, like a husband waiting outside the delivery room.
"Pfft... Ahahaha! Are you that nervous? Look, even Suzune-chan is surprised!"
"Hmph... This isn't surprise, it's contempt. I can't believe this is the same person who did what he did."
Suzune-chan gave Ayanokoji-kun a glare. He looked embarrassed and scratched his cheek.
"Horikita. I'm truly sorry for what happened—"
"Save the apologies for later. What I want is an explanation."
"...Right."
"I'll decide whether or not to forgive you after I hear it."
Whoa, Suzune-chan, that's so cool. I can't believe she's the same girl who was just shyly saying "ahh" a minute ago.
At her words, Ayanokoji-kun sat down in the guest chair and began to explain our actions during the special exam. He must have prepared his explanation beforehand, because he started talking very smoothly.
"You know the results of the special exam, right?"
"Yes. Class A is 4th with 15 points. Class C is 3rd with 50 points. Class B is 2nd with 140 points. And Class D is 1st with 355 points... Frankly, it's unbelievable. The math doesn't add up unless you guys guessed two of the other class leaders correctly. What in the world did you do?"
Even when she's sick, she's still meticulous about taking notes. Typical Suzune-chan. She must have tried to figure it out on her own, but she looked at us, completely at a loss.
"We guessed Class A and Class C. The breakdown is roughly as follows—"
Ayanokoji-kun explained the results:
Class A: "Had their leader guessed by every class."Class B: "Guessed Class A's leader, but were guessed by Class C."Class C: "Guessed Class A's and Class B's leaders, but were guessed by Class D."Class D: "Guessed Class A's and Class C's leaders."
"Wait, wait a minute. How do you know the results of the other classes' leader guesses? You were working with Class B, but what about Class A and Class C?"
Class A completely cut off all communication with other classes, and Class C was our enemy. It would definitely be strange for us to have such detailed information.
"Let me explain it step-by-step. First, before the special exam began, Tsugumi and I made a deal with Class A."
That's right. To explain our actions, we first had to explain our collaboration with Class A, or rather, Arisu-chan.
"With Class A?"
"To be more precise, 'a part of them.'"
She definitely didn't see that coming. The idea that a student from Class A, who were thought to be completely unified, would make a deal with us, their enemies... I bet even the teachers didn't know about this. The way Arisu-chan avoids conflict and then stabs you in the back is enough to give me shivers, even as her ally.
"You know a Class A student named Sakayanagi, who is close with Tsugumi, right?"
"...Yes. I know her very well."
Hmm, she said that with a certain nuance. It reminded me of a dramatic scene we once had.
"...Good. Then this is easy. The deal Tsugumi made with Sakayanagi was to 'dismantle Katsuragi's leadership system in Class A.' As a result of this exam, Sakayanagi will be the one to lead Class A from now on."
Suzune-chan seemed surprised that Class A had been split behind the scenes. She put a hand to her chin, thought for a moment, and then murmured in understanding.
"You knew Class A's leader because a student who supported her told you, right?"
"That's right."
"...But still, something's wrong. If that were the case, would she really leak information to all of Class B, C, and D? Wouldn't it be more natural to think there was a traitor in the class?"
Suzune-chan is right. That would defeat the purpose of secretly trying to overthrow him. If Arisu-chan's class lost points because of a traitor, her position in the class would be in jeopardy.
"Fortunately or unfortunately, the Class A leader lost their key card in a way that would hide the treachery. And then, coincidentally, Tsugumi found it and left it at the Class B base camp in the middle of the night."
"...I'll just pretend I didn't hear what you guys did," Suzune-chan said with an exasperated sigh, guessing what I'd done from Ayanokoji-kun's veiled words.
"Ahaha... You can ask the Class A student what happened. But don't mention my involvement, okay?"
"Fine. So how does this all connect to what happened on the sixth day? I understand that you were working in secret. All while I was the leader."
Ah, Suzune-chan is sulking. She's probably sad that she was left out... But honestly, you can't be a true friend to Ayanokoji-kun unless you know his past...
At Suzune-chan's words, Ayanokoji-kun glanced at me and then began to talk, a little haltingly.
"You remember the deal we made with Ryuuen, right?"
"Of course. No matter how you look at it, we owe him for the private points we were able to keep."
The deal to pay him a continuous stream of private points in exchange for him delivering supplies to Class D.
"After we made that contract on the first day, my goal for this exam was a simple one: 'somehow nullify the monthly 150 class point payment.'
"...Did you really think you could do that?"
"To be honest, it was a long shot. That's why I didn't tell Tsugumi about it at first. With our deal with Class A and Tsugumi's abilities, a win in the exam itself was a sure thing."
That's some unconditional trust he has in me... He must have been worried about letting me take the lead.
"And then I noticed Ibuki. If I could blackmail Ryuuen with proof of her theft, I could negotiate. Originally, he probably intended for her to use the digital camera in her bag to get proof that Horikita was the leader, but I broke it. Without it, Ibuki would have no choice but to try and steal the key card, right?"
"A digital camera... and evidence... I see. Ryuuen-kun was also making a deal with Class A. Is that right?"
Based on what Ibuki said, there was someone she couldn't trust. That leaves only Class A. I can't imagine Ryuuen-kun going to all that trouble just to get evidence for himself.
"That's right. If our key card had been stolen, we would've been guessed by two classes. We would have gotten 220 points, which would have put us in first place, but the morale of Class D would have hit rock bottom."
Imagining that scenario, Suzune-chan's face tightened in fear. The fact that we were in danger of losing was probably not a good feeling for her.
"But... how did you know Ryuuen-kun was going to ambush you? It's just as likely that he would've given up."
"I thought so too at first. But on the fourth night, I changed my mind after I saw the remaining Class C students."
Ah, that's when I had Ayanokoji-kun go to check on them. He continued to speak matter-of-factly, as we silently urged him to go on.
"The remaining students were Ishizaki, Albert, and Ryuuen. Considering the points they were using for supplies, it meant only those three and the students they'd hidden at the B and D campsites were left."
"There's only one reason to keep only the students with fighting prowess," I said.
Ayanokoji-kun nodded in agreement. It wasn't an impossible idea, and in fact, it fit his reputation perfectly, but I'd subconsciously ruled it out.
"Ryuuen's goal was probably to use violence to make either Tsugumi or Horikita, or both, obey him. He was obsessed with the mastermind from the Sudo incident."
After the Sudo incident, no one would be foolish enough to go to the special building where there are no surveillance cameras. But a survival exam in a place where teachers and other students can't see them? You could say it was the perfect opportunity.
"And Ayanokoji-kun saw this as the 'perfect opportunity,' too. The perfect opportunity to blackmail Ryuuen-kun and get a better contract."
I said it in a slightly mean way, and Ayanokoji-kun looked embarrassed.
"...Yeah. And the next day, I moved the underwear Ibuki had put in Ike's bag to Tsugumi's. If Ibuki hadn't done it, I probably would have done something similar."
Ugh. So I'm a panty thief in every timeline.
"And then I led Ibuki on and had her deliver a message to Hirata, which led to what happened."
His tone was normal, but there was a hint of tension in his voice. Even after doing all that, Ayanokoji-kun still sees Suzune-chan as a friend. His cold, calculated thinking that she would accept it because she's so focused on winning was at war with his human-like emotion of fearing her disapproval.
---------
A bad silence hung in the air. This was the first time I'd ever hated being silent with these two.
"...Sigh. You really are an idiot, Ayanokoji-kun."
The silence was broken by Suzune-chan's sigh. She didn't hide her utter exasperation with the clumsy man in front of her.
"Idiot... Me?"
"A complete and utter idiot, right, Suzune-chan?"
"Yes. You did all that, and all I feel from you now is an apology. I'd love to know what kind of thought process leads to such contradictory feelings."
Suzune-chan had reached the same conclusion I had.
---------
Towards the impossibly smart, yet hopelessly clumsy Ayanokoji-kun.
---------
"If we had just left things as they were, the team would have been split, our key card would have been stolen, and Ryuuen-kun would have gotten everything he wanted. There's no telling if Class D would have recovered from that. But because of you, we won the special exam by a landslide. We don't have to pay Ryuuen-kun any points at all. Nothing bad happened."
"Except maybe Suzune-chan's cold getting worse?"
She glared at me. Scary. While I was joking around, Suzune-chan looked Ayanokoji-kun straight in the eye, her gaze filled with strong determination.
"Thank you, Ayanokoji-kun. I'm grateful... Well, as for this matter, it's my own fault. If I had been as capable as you two from the start, things might have gone more smoothly..."
"Horikita..."
Ayanokoji-kun was stunned, but Suzune-chan didn't stop.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I haven't given up. Someday, no matter how long it takes, I'll be able to stand beside you two... And that goes for you too, Saito-kun."
"Huh? Aren't you going to call me Tsugumi-kun?"
"...Shut up... It's a little embarrassing."
Sorry, I was just trying to tease her a little. But at least I'm not the one getting a reaction like that. Look at Ayanokoji-kun's face.
"...Sorry. I'm going to step outside for a bit. I'll be right back... I think."
Ayanokoji-kun turned his back and tried to leave the room.
"Ayanokoji-kun...? We're not done—"
"Suzune-chan."
"..."
She was about to call him back, but I cut her off. Ayanokoji-kun had done enough. I called out to him just as he was opening the door to the hallway.
---------
"Kiyotaka-kun!"
---------
"!...What?"
Ayanokoji-kun—no, Kiyotaka-kun—flinched and answered without turning around. I spoke to my adorable Kiyotaka-kun with a cheerful, yet gentle and compassionate voice.
---------
"You did a great job! You must be tired!"
---------
"...That's not fair," he muttered, and then left the room.
See? You're an amazing person.
As I was lost in my thoughts, I noticed Suzune-chan, who had remained in the room, was giving me a stern look.
---------
"...Is there nothing for me?"
"Huh... What should I do... A celebratory kiss?"
Gross. Even I think that's disgusting, and I'm the one who said it. Suzune-chan's shoulders twitched and she froze. I'm definitely acting weird because of what happened with Arisu-chan. I need to reflect on my behavior.
"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—"
"I'll take it. Let's do it."
"Huh?!"
Suzune-chan took out a tissue and, for some reason, wiped my lips a few times. Huh... Is she really going to do it?
"I wonder what you ate to get lipstick on your mouth."
"Huh? Ate? Lipstick... Oh."
I screwed up... The tissue in Suzune-chan's hand was stained with a pale pink color. How can I explain this? I'm in a pinch. I kissed another girl an hour ago, and now I've been caught. And wait, did I eat my lunch with pink lipstick on my lips? That's so embarrassing.
"Ah, no... this is—"
"It's fine. It seems I'm just a cheap girl to you, someone you can be with an hour after kissing someone else."
"That's not it, Suzune-chan. We promised you wouldn't belittle yourself, right?"
Although what she said was technically true, I couldn't let it slide. When I said that a little forcefully, Suzune-chan fell silent for a moment, then looked down and muttered softly.
"Then, if I told you to abandon her and come to me, would you?"
"Ugh... that's..."
That's a tricky question. I'm not sure how to answer that. As I stumbled over my words, she suddenly stood up and pressed her forehead against mine. I thought her fever was gone, but her forehead was surprisingly warm.
"...Oh well. I have a new goal now anyway. I'll be expecting a different reward from this one."
"Wait, Suzune-cha—"
"I'm coming in, Horikita. I have something I want to talk to you about regarding my past..."
"Ah..."
The worst possible timing. Ayanokoji-kun, who looked a little more cheerful, had returned. Our foreheads were still touching when he saw us. He glanced back and forth between us a couple of times, then bowed his head with an expression of profound apology.
"...My apologies. It seems I've intruded."
"Ah..."
My voice was hollow. The sound of the door closing echoed through the room. Immediately after, I heard the sound of footsteps pounding in the hallway, as if he was trying to run away.
"Go after him," Suzune-chan said with an icy stare. I felt like I would obey any command she gave me right now.
---------
"Kiyotakaaaaaaa!"
---------
I thought this was going to end on a touching note! I'm not letting you get away!
"Sigh... Nothing ever goes smoothly."
============
🚀 Want Full Access NOW & Bonus Content?
"Loving this story so far? You can read ALL chapters RIGHT NOW by joining my P4tr3on!
✨ Unlock instant access to the full completed novel
✨ No waiting for daily updates
✨ Support your favorite degenerate author (that's me!)
Only $5.99 for the full experience!
🔗 Check my profile for the Link!!
Free readers - don't worry, I'll still be posting daily updates here. But P4tr3on members get the VIP treatment!
Your support helps me create more wild stories like this. See you on the dark side! 😈"