Amane couldn't stand to watch Sudō's pathetic display any longer.
There he was, snot and tears streaming down his face as he hurled insults at everyone. Did he even know what he was saying anymore?
To put him out of his misery, Amane raised her fist.
This was her full-power strike.
If Sudō could take it, then maybe she'd see him in a new light.
She could guarantee it wouldn't kill him, but a little lesson was unavoidable.
After all, the last person who'd been on the receiving end of her beating, Kiryūin, was still alive and kicking. Even if she'd been on death's doorstep back then.
"Amane, wait!" At that moment, Horikita grabbed hold of Amane's arm.
"I have no grudge against Sudō. I'm doing this for you. Are you going to play the naive goody-two-shoes now?"
Amane's icy tone sent a shiver through Horikita's body. Yet, she met Amane's gaze with unwavering determination.
"If you're doing this for me, then I think it's enough. He's already learned his lesson, hasn't he?" Horikita glanced at Sudō, who was clutching his hand and sobbing—a truly pitiful sight.
Even someone as hard-hearted as Horikita found it difficult to watch. She didn't know what would happen if Amane threw that punch, but she knew Sudō was in no state to fight back.
If Amane went through with it, she'd just become the new bully.
"…"
Amane said nothing, but her stance softened noticeably.
Seeing this, Horikita gently lowered Amane's arm. "Let's go home."
At the word 'home,' the ice in Amane's expression melted away. "Mhm. Let's go home."
In one swift motion, Amane scooped Horikita up into her arms.
"H-Hey! Amane, what are you doing? I can walk on my own! There are people watching—put me down!" Horikita flailed in panic, pounding her fists against Amane's chest. Damn, why did it have to feel so solid?
"I want to hold you, Suzune," Amane said, leaving Horikita speechless.
This girl had fought someone for her in the middle of the night. Couldn't she at least hold her?
"Sigh. Just this once," Horikita conceded, closing her eyes. Out of sight, out of mind. If she couldn't see the strange looks from others, she wouldn't feel embarrassed.
Suddenly, she felt a soft press against her lips.
"Amane!!!" Horikita's eyes flew open, glaring at the smirking girl. Why did she have to pull these shameless stunts in public? Thankfully, Amane's back was turned to Kushida and the others.
Otherwise… she might as well start considering a transfer to another school.
"You closed your eyes, I thought—"
"You thought what?!"
"That's how they always do it in the dramas…" Amane pouted, looking at Horikita with pitiful, pleading eyes.
"Honestly… you're impossible. No more strange behavior," Horikita relented.
"Okay." Amane turned, still holding Horikita, and made to leave.
"Amane-san?" It was only then that Kushida dared to approach.
"Sorry, I got a little carried. Could you handle the cleanup, Kikyō-chan?" Amane dumped the responsibility on Kushida without a second thought.
"What are you talking about? You and Sudō wrecked the place! How am I supposed to explain this?" Kushida's eyes widened in disbelief.
The two of them had just had an intense brawl. The scene was a mess—books and stationery scattered everywhere.
Ike was knocked out cold. Ayanokōji looked pretty worse for wear. And why was Yamauchi lying on the floor?
Sudō was still there, cradling his hand and crying pathetically. God, how was she supposed to smooth this over?
"That's not my problem, Kikyo-chan. You don't want us to have zero points again next month and never make it to Class A, do you?"
Amane's words were like a devil's whisper, yet each one struck a chord in Kushida's heart.
She didn't care if Horikita and Sudō beat each other to a pulp. But no points meant no normal life, no social standing. She couldn't accept being unable to shine in her element.
"But someone has to take responsibility," Kushida conceded, taking a step back.
They could easily pin all the blame on Sudō, so why was she saying this? Because she didn't want to be the bad guy.
Only if Amane explicitly stated it was Sudō's fault could Kushida deflect any future resentment onto her.
Amane saw right through Kushida's little scheme. "Wasn't Sudō the one who started all this? Or are you saying Suzune threw the first punch?" Faced with Amane's cunning question, Kushida broke out in a cold sweat.
This was her first taste of how tricky Amane could be. If she said Sudō started it, people might still think she played a key role in his punishment. Kushida hesitated, torn.
"Sudō started it." Ayanokōji answered for Kushida.
Amane glanced at him. "You seem relatively unscathed, Ayanokōji."
"Just took one hit. It's nothing serious."
"That's good." Amane suspected Ayanokōji was holding back, but he had no obligation to help Horikita.
Besides, he and Sudō were somewhat friends. Remaining neutral instead of turning against them was commendable enough.
She didn't see a need to press him further—Ayanokōji was one of the more tolerable guys in class.
"If you have time, let me treat you to a meal on Suzune's behalf. You got hurt because of her, and I'd feel bad if we didn't show some appreciation." Ayanokōji was speechless. Could she be any more obvious about trying to recruit him?
He wasn't planning to join any cliques yet.
But purely in terms of utility, Amane and Horikita were probably the most valuable assets in Class D. He didn't want to burn bridges with them.
"In that case, I'll shamelessly take you up on that offer."
"It's settled, then." Amane nodded to them both in farewell.
As she carried Horikita away, she spotted Ichinose frantically rushing toward the room with a few boys in tow. Don't tell me… Was Ichinose a library committee member too? Nope. Time to make a quick exit.
Amane broke into a light jog, still holding Horikita, and didn't stop until they were clear of the library. Only then did she let out a sigh of relief.
"If you're tired, you can put me down now." Horikita, who had been lying quietly in her arms, heard Amane's slightly labored breathing and offered to walk.
But Amane held her tight. "I'm not tired. It's just that you're a little heavy, Suzune."
You're a little heavy, Suzune.
Heavy.
Heavy!
"What nonsense are you talking about? I don't even weigh 50kg, do I?"
"No way! You absolutely do! You're exhausting me!" Amane put on an exaggerated show of strain, making Horikita doubt her own existence.
Had she really gained that much weight since coming to school? Impossible. She exercised every day. If anyone was lazing about, eating and sleeping, it was Amane…
Suddenly, Horikita noticed the faint, rapid twitch at the corner of Amane's mouth. She was clearly struggling to hold back a laugh.
So that's how it is, Amane.
"Did you eat the vegetable salad I left for dinner?" Horikita asked, her tone deliberate.
Amane's steps faltered.
"Huh? You didn't… eat it, did you? I made it especially for you." Horikita deliberately emphasized her words.
"I-I did! Of course I did! I love everything you cook for me, ehehe."
"You finished all of it, right? If you didn't, I won't make dinner for you ever again."
Amane froze on the spot, utterly defeated. She felt like crying, but no tears would come. If only she hadn't said Suzune was heavy…
Ugh.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.