Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji weren't completely oblivious. Exchanging a glance, they immediately sensed the dozen or so hostile stares directed their way.
Horikita Suzune's sharp gaze, in particular, felt almost tangible—piercing through them like a blade.
Her eyes screamed: You two are the ones dragging Class D down.
Without the surveillance footage as proof, you'd be nothing but dead weight to this class.
Ike Kanji sneakily glanced at Shibata Sae, an inexplicable guilt creeping up on him.
He wasn't a bad person at heart, so he simply bowed his head and admitted fault: "Sorry, I really didn't know skipping class or being late would deduct class points at the start. Now that I do, I promise I won't do anything to hurt the group's interests—after all, it affects my monthly private points too."
Yamauchi Haruki, however, reacted entirely differently. Without hesitation, he retorted: "We haven't even leased the cameras yet! What right do you have to accuse us? And saying our class points will hit zero is just fearmongering! We'll still have at least 300 or 400 by month's end!"
"Fine." Horikita sneered. "Then let's wait until the cameras are up and show the whole class exactly who's dragging us down!" With that, she sat back down.
Truthfully, Horikita wasn't deliberately targeting them. She'd always believed that sincere repentance was enough.
As Ike said, the point-deduction rules had been deliberately hidden by the school. She didn't expect them to take full responsibility—but at the very least, their attitudes should be corrected.
Ike's response was passable. Apologizing openly in front of the class took guts.
Regardless of his capabilities, his sincerity was commendable.
But Yamauchi Haruki?
His grades were abysmal, and his attitude was even worse.
Truly, some people won't admit their mistakes until faced with irrefutable proof!
Once the surveillance footage was in front of him, let's see what excuses he could possibly make!
Horikita recalled how this idiot had openly mocked her as "flat-chested" in front of Shimizu Akira—she'd nearly punched him then and there.
In short, Horikita Suzune's impression of Yamauchi Haruki had hit rock bottom.
In her eyes, if this useless waste had no redeeming qualities and no intention of improving, he should be kicked out of Class D ASAP!
She wasn't Kushida Kikyou, the peacemaker, nor was she Hirata Yōsuke, the eternal nice guy.
She'd never considered herself some kind of saint.
That whole "I must carry every Class D student to Class A" sense of duty? Ridiculous! All she needed was Shimizu Akira's support and her brother's acknowledgment!
The same girl who couldn't be bothered to offer her seat on the bus—since when did she care about everyone's feelings?
Yet, to her surprise, her blunt remarks didn't provoke backlash. Instead, they earned nods of agreement from several classmates.
(So this is what it feels like... to be looked at with admiration.)
Horikita had to admit—this sensation was unexpectedly pleasant.
For the first time, she'd experienced the taste of being respected by others.
Not bad at all.
"Not bad. You're finally getting it." Shimizu shot her a glance, the corner of his lips quirking up.
"What do you mean?"
"In terms of likability, you'll never match Kushida. In leadership charm, you're far behind Hirata. But precisely because you don't care about pleasing anyone, you can pinpoint problems without hesitation." He paused. "Keep this straightforward style, and followers will come naturally. When that happens, the class president position is still within reach."
For once, Horikita didn't retort. She fell into deep thought.
If even Shimizu says so... does that mean I really can aim for class president?
A moment later, she suddenly looked up, meeting his gaze head-on.
"When the class president election comes next month... will you vote for me?"
Shimizu chuckled softly, locking eyes with her. "Of course. Honestly, I hate wishy-washy leadership styles. People who slack off and cause point deductions should be kicked out outright."
(A decisive, reward-and-punishment approach... doesn't clash with my persona at all.)
Horikita narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling as though she'd finally found her place in the class.
During lunch break, Shimizu Akira hurriedly finished his meal and returned to his dorm.
Messages from all four class representatives flooded in simultaneously—each questioning the validity of his so-called "surveillance camera access."
Ryūen Kakeru demanded past footage as proof. Sakayanagi Arisu doubted whether he'd actually obtained official authorization from the school.
Shimizu was prepared.
He first extracted recent surveillance clips from all four classes, then compiled screenshots of the publicly available contract he'd signed with the chairman two days prior.
After sending this evidence to each of them, they fell into stunned silence.
However, what caught him off guard was the sudden ringing of his phone.
The screen displayed "Ichinose Honami"—his main account, of course.
His alternate identity, "Tsuki Ao," had long been set to block all calls—not even a notification sound was allowed.
If someone randomly called and exposed his double life? Unacceptable. Better safe than sorry.
"Shimizu-kun..." Ichinose's hesitant voice came through. "Um... could I borrow a bit of your time?"
Unlike last time, Shimizu responded naturally. "Sure, go ahead."
"...I might not be able to give you extra private points next month." Her voice dropped. "I've... run into some minor trouble."
"That's fine." Shimizu paused, then suddenly remembered something. "Actually, those 80,000 points from before—I should've returned them to you anyway. That was your money to begin with."
His impression of Ichinose Honami had always been positive. He still remembered how, at their first meeting, she'd extended a helping hand without hesitation.
As an individual, he wouldn't go easy on Class B—but at the very least, this personal debt had to be repaid in full.
"Ah... actually, that's not why I called..." Ichinose sounded hesitant, but she let out an awkward laugh. "But I really can't refuse your offer. I am short on points... I'm troubling you again, huh?"
"Don't overthink it." Shimizu cut her off. "Those 80,000 points were yours to begin with. I'm just returning what's rightfully yours. This isn't charity, and it's definitely not a loan!"
"...Mhm!" The girl responded softly before quickly hanging up.
"...Ichinose Honami is way too easy to handle!" Shimizu stared at his phone, struck by the sudden realization.
It was her points to begin with. After being transferred back and forth twice, it almost felt like he was lending her money!