Karuizawa Kei's refusal to pay the class fee wasn't just about lacking points—though that was true.
There was a deeper reason.
She needed to maintain her "gyaru" persona—someone who couldn't care less about class affairs, who scoffed at authority.
Just like the girls who'd bullied her in middle school. They, too, had ignored their class reps with mocking smiles.
The irony? She was becoming what she once hated—wearing the same smirk, striking the same poses.
But her "gyaru" act was only skin-deep.
She played the brash, selfish role, yet never crossed the line.
No targeted exclusion, no secret group chats to isolate others, certainly no physical harassment in restrooms.
Early on, she'd considered it.
To protect herself—to never be a victim again—she'd even debated copying her past tormentors.
But in the end...
She stopped short.
A tragic cycle.
The victim mimics the abuser... yet can't fully become one.
On Day 1, she'd quickly befriended:
Satō Maya (the quintessential gyaru)
Matsushita Chiaki
Mori Nene
This wasn't just making friends.
It was building a fortress—her first line of defense in this unfamiliar environment.
Satō, especially, was key.
Her natural gyaru charm, her effortless vibrancy—these were traits Karuizawa studied relentlessly.
In this dog-eat-dog school, she'd do whatever it took to survive.
Now, she typed furiously in their 4-person group chat:
[Karuizawa Kei]:"NO WAY! Why pay 25K when we already KNOW the intel?!"
She silently apologized to the mysterious informant.
(Sorry... it's worth it... but I gotta keep up appearances... Also, I'm broke!)
[Satō Maya]:"? Kei, since when do you care about fees? Weird!"
[Satō Maya]:"What's up with you?"
[Mori Nene]:"Yeah! You're being extra stubborn!"
Karuizawa's fingers froze.
(Shit... Was that not 'gyaru' enough? Aren't we supposed to be capricious?!)
But if real gyarus called her out... had she overacted?
(But... this is my first time playing this role...)
(I'm just copying what I've seen! I can't actually bully people!)
Would one slip-up expose her? Get her kicked out? Then cornered in the restroom like before—?
Her hands trembled over the screen.
But she steadied herself.
This was just her old habit—overanalyzing every word.
They were just casually complaining. Nothing more.
Spotting Shimizu nearby, she latched onto his presence like a lifeline.
At least he was here.
Their deal stood.
He'd protect her.
With him around, middle school wouldn't repeat itself.
This time... the ending would be different.
Shimizu, oblivious to her turmoil, noted her sudden pallor—then the resolve that flashed in her eyes when they met his.
(Wait, do I buff people now?)
Her shift was too abrupt to decipher.
Before he could ponder further—
Knock. Knock.
"Shimizu-kun, it's Matsushita Chiaki..." A hesitant voice. "Kei mentioned visiting you. Is she there?"
Shimizu's brow arched.
Concise. Logical. Purposeful.
Classic analytical type—just as he'd pegged her.
"She's here." He nodded at Karuizawa. "Want to talk outside?"
"..." Karuizawa coughed. "Just... let her in?"
Shimizu shot her a knowing look. "Whatever you're overthinking—it's probably nothing."
He headed for the door. "I'll get it."
This was just small talk. Consider it after-sales service for those 80K points.
Matsushita stood outside, poised and polished.
Among D-Class girls, her graceful bearing stood out—the mark of good upbringing.
"Come in." Shimizu stepped aside.
She hesitated, but upon seeing Karuizawa, entered with a nod.
Approaching her friend, Matsushita's eyes lit up with realization.
"I get why you've been so weird."
Karuizawa's fingers twitched.
"You're broke, aren't you?" Matsushita grinned. "Why hide it?"
"..." Karuizawa blinked, then slumped in relief. "Hah... busted."
"Relax! Maya and Nene pitched in 8K each. I'll add 9K. That covers your fee, right?"
"Wait—you pooled money for me?!" Karuizawa gaped. "Th-Thanks! Next month, I'm treating you all!"