After school, most students were packing their bags, with only a few having no intention of returning home.
They gathered around Katsuragi Kohei.
The Katsuragi faction was discussing strategies, or rather, their positioning in the upcoming exam—whether they should fully cooperate with Sakayanagi Arisu or take the opportunity to sabotage her plans.
Of course, they didn't voice the latter idea openly, merely asking Katsuragi what to do and what his thoughts were.
To be honest, although Kamuro Masumi wasn't deliberately paying attention to the Katsuragi faction's situation, she knew those surrounding Katsuragi Kohei were his staunch supporters.
The Katsuragi faction wasn't united.
Besides the core members, the rest were either former Sakayanagi supporters they had won over or observers/swing voters from the class who had been waiting on the sidelines.
Kamuro Masumi couldn't help but sigh softly.
Even in a disadvantaged situation, the Sakayanagi faction had stubbornly survived, closely following Sakayanagi Arisu.
Based on her understanding of this little princess, this conflict would continue until one side was completely defeated.
"Sigh, we're about to become second-years soon. When will this situation end?"
Suddenly, someone inadvertently voiced her inner thoughts.
Kamuro Masumi turned to see Hashimoto Masayoshi also watching the Katsuragi faction's movements.
Perhaps her gaze was too noticeable, as Hashimoto Masayoshi looked back at her, slightly surprised, and offered a faint smile.
"Sorry, please forget what I just said."
"Some say you're also responsible."
Kamuro Masumi withdrew her gaze, packing her bag to leave the classroom.
"Lately, you've been promoting that 'iron triangle' idea. I think it's quite good."
"Haha, not fully following the little princess's orders is indeed my fault."
Hashimoto Masayoshi said, "But I'm not the only one who hasn't been taking action."
Before he said this, Morishita Ai and Kaoru had already left the classroom.
These people completely disregarded the upcoming exam.
Kamuro Masumi felt somewhat frustrated.
Why did he leave so quickly?
She could only see him in the classroom—couldn't he have stayed a little longer?
"I'm not interested in your affairs."
"Ahaha, actually I feel somewhat similar to you, though perhaps more cheerful and carefree. Those without achievements should just wait quietly for those with capabilities to work hard."
"You've suddenly subverted my impression of you."
"What impression?"
"I thought you were someone completely self-absorbed."
"...Is that so?"
Hashimoto Masayoshi laughed, pointing at himself, "Sorry, my standards for myself are quite flexible."
Kamuro Masumi stared at him for a moment without responding, picked up her backpack, and turned to leave the classroom.
...
Meanwhile, Ichinose Honami was smiling as she bid farewell to her friends and caught up with their homeroom teacher Chie Hoshinomiya.
She accidentally caught sight of Kamuro Masumi's retreating figure.
She remembered she was Kaoru's... female friend?
Ichinose Honami couldn't find more precise words for the moment - calling her his woman would feel rather strange.
A volatile element temporarily remaining outside their small circle - that description fit better, similar to people like Asahina Nazuna and Sakayanagi Arisu.
This won't do.
If these people keep maintaining such distance, we can't achieve an ending where everyone finds happiness.
Just then, Ichinose Honami noticed the shadows cast by sunlight filtering through tree branches.
Though the grand flower season was yet to come, some cherry blossoms had already begun blooming quietly.
The soft clusters of flowers outlined the shape of spring, and petals dancing with the wind unknowingly brushed against her toes.
"Sensei, do you have someone you like?"
"Ara ara, is this about romance? Is Honami-chan wanting to consult me about love troubles?"
"I'm curious about adult relationships."
Chie Hoshinomiya pressed her index finger to her lips, signaling Ichinose Honami to lower her voice.
The latter obediently closed her mouth.
"The adult world is quite realistic. It's better for young girls not to inquire too much about these things," the homeroom teacher said. "Men are troublesome. Even when they just want to have fun, they insist on believing you're their destined one and won't stop pestering you. So annoying."
"Does teacher have much experience?" Ichinose Honami asked. "Like dating multiple people simultaneously..."
"Ehehe, I knew you'd ask that. Tell me, did that bastard from Class A do something to you?" Chie Hoshinomiya's eyes burned with gossipy flames.
"Even back in my day, we never tried anything like what you kids are doing!"
Ichinose Honami felt somewhat embarrassed.
She shouldn't have approached this unreliable teacher who always claimed to have experience but actually only had theoretical knowledge.
For instance, Chie Hoshinomiya often earnestly taught them about high school romance, but Ichinose Honami knew this woman never had a boyfriend during her own high school days.
Still, even if Hoshinomiya had experience, she probably couldn't solve her problem anyway.
What would the future hold?
She didn't care.
This time, she would at least hold tightly onto Kaoru and never let go, even if it killed her.
...
"It appears everyone is present. Please each draw one slip. The student who draws the paper with a red dot will be granted selection rights."
Mashima picked up a lottery box and walked before the students.
Present were Sakayanagi Arisu, Ichinose Honami, Ryuen Kakeru, and Kushida Kikyo - all representing their respective classes' Command Towers.
"I'll go last." Sakayanagi Arisu smiled and said, "They say blessings come to those who wait. I like that notion. Please begin, Ichinose-san."
"Sounds good! I won't hold back then!"
Ichinose Honami offered a faint smile.
Some people had no one to blame but themselves for not seizing opportunities—this wasn't child's play where turn-taking mattered.
Mashima didn't intervene, allowing Ichinose Honami to reach into the lottery box.
She drew a slip of paper marked with a red dot.
"It seems waiting doesn't always bring blessings, Sakayanagi," Ryuen Kakeru nearly laughed aloud.
Sakayanagi Arisu's expression remained unchanged as she chuckled softly.
"Hehe, luck isn't solely defined by my draw. Please designate a class, Ichinose-san."
Any rational person would have chosen Class 1-D, the weakest among them.
Students like Kushida Kikyo present here were deemed insignificant by both Sakayanagi Arisu and Ryuen Kakeru, as all four classes had coincidentally made the same decision: assigning students with Protection Points as Command Towers.
"Sakayanagi-san seems quite composed. Is it because Class A faces anyone with ease?" Ichinose Honami didn't make an immediate decision, her gaze fixed on Sakayanagi Arisu.
"Not at all." Sakayanagi Arisu maintained her smile. "This is just how I am with everyone."
Ichinose Honami knew about her wager with Kaoru, understood this was her final chance, and was aware of the consequences if she lost the bet.
"I see. I understand now. The class Class B designates this time is—"
Perhaps recalling past grievances or recent words exchanged, Ichinose Honami felt grateful for the insights shared with her.
Whether considering personal motives or class interests, there was only one choice to make.
"—Class A."
She knew this was the outcome Sakayanagi Arisu welcomed—no, the other had intended to defeat her from the start.
Sure enough, as she spoke, Sakayanagi Arisu's body began to tremble slightly, her face glowing with a dangerous radiance.
"Hehe, I'm honored."
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