Shimizu set the notebook down and stood, intending to visit the restroom—but as he rose, his gaze caught on Sakura's glasses.
(Huh? No distortion?)
(...Are those fake?)
The difference between prescription lenses and fashion glasses was obvious.
Real myopia lenses would blur vision for normies, yet his view of her eyes was crystal clear.
(A "seal" for her looks?!)
Countless anime tropes flashed through his mind:
—The plain-glasses girl who's actually a stunner or secret heir.
(Class D's full of wolves in sheep's clothing...)
He mentally listed the suspects:
—Ayanokōji. The guy's acting skills were god-tier—sometimes he played the fool so well it felt meta.
—Sakura Airi. Fake glasses = hidden ace.
—Even Matsushita Chiaki from Karuizawa's clique was sketchy. She played the follower, yet her note-taking focus rivalled top students'.
Stranger still, she'd been stealing glances at him and Ayanokōji lately...
(Especially this Matsushita... Could she be sandbagging?)
Her observational style, those fleeting sharp looks—she might rival Ayanokōji and Kōenji.
(Class D's waters run too deep...)
Returning from the restroom, Shimizu's phone buzzed.
Chabashira Sae had transferred 25,000 points with a memo:
[Class funds.]
(Fast worker...)
He accepted the transfer without hesitation—this was their prearranged deal.
(Guess the campaigning's over...)
Back at his seat, the crowds around Hirata and Kushida had thinned.
Hirata's female fans lingered, blushing over "study tips"; Kushida's male orbiters hovered, even carrying her notes.
A perfect balance—just as he remembered.
Then, Kushida approached, her smile radiant.
"~Mind if I interrupt?"
She clasped her hands, eyes sparkling. "Shimizu-kun, Horikita-san, could you transfer your fees to me? Your two votes mean so much!"
"Sure." Shimizu agreed—then pivoted: "But I've been wondering... what powers do vice-reps have? Did Chabashira-sensei promise you perks?"
This had bugged him: why fight so hard for a pointless title?
Kushida's smile flickered, but she recovered fast.
"Oh, nothing special! I just want to serve the class~"
Shimizu narrowed his eyes.
(Shouldn't have asked...)
(But she seems sincere?)
(You got vice-rep and turned into a workhorse? Impressive.)
He transferred the 25,000 points—Chabashira's money anyway.
"Thank you! I'll lead Class D properly!" Kushida sighed in relief, then turned to Horikita.
"I'm voting for Hirata."
Horikita's bluntness was expected.
Since day one, her disdain for Kushida had been palpable—or rather, her disdain for everyone.
Kushida's relentless friendliness only deepened the aversion, like a vampire forced into sunlight.
Yet this time, Horikita glanced at Shimizu—and though her tone stayed icy, it lacked vitriol:
"...Hirata's more suited to lead."
For the first time, she'd voiced an opinion to a classmate.
(Yesterday's scolding did something...)
Kushida beamed. "I totally respect that! Hirata-kun is amazing~"
Her eyes darted between them, lingering on Horikita's tense face.
"But if you ever change your mind... I'm here!"
A flawless play—gracious yet opportunistic.
"You could learn EQ from Kushida."
Horikita scoffed. "...That level of fakeness is beyond me."