Horikita Suzune was about to discuss tutoring with Shimizu Akira when both their phones vibrated simultaneously.
"Kushida-san is summoning the whole class to the classroom..." Horikita read the notification softly.
"Let's go. Probably another important announcement." Shimizu gave her a meaningful look as they quickened their pace toward the classroom.
The cafeteria wasn't far from Class D—within five minutes, they'd returned.
The classroom gradually filled with students.
Kushida Kikyou clapped her hands with her signature sweet smile.
"Everyone, I've finalized arrangements with the student council regarding the 3 million points. They've approved a special loan service based on next month's projected class points for us."
The murmurs died down as all attention focused on Kushida.
"Simply put, we'll use next month's personal points in advance to cover this expense." Her cheerful tone swept across the room. *"So in May, each student will contribute 45,000 points, followed by 31,500 in June—including a 1,500-point interest fee."*
"This works for me."
*"Given our class performance, we should get 700-800 class points next month! Even at half that, we'd repay it in two months—no problem!"*
Most classmates readily agreed.
Kushida's smile remained radiant as she added, "But everyone must sign the agreement personally, or the student council won't approve the loan."
With that, she began circulating the classroom with the council's contract.
Each student signed without hesitation.
When she reached Shimizu, she leaned slightly to offer the documents. "Shimizu-kun, just yours left~"
Taking the papers, Shimizu's gaze inadvertently skimmed the page—already densely packed with signatures from his seated position near the back.
(So these are my future debtors...)
(And now I'm signing too? Does that mean I'll owe myself money?)
(Shimizu Akira's favors truly are endless.)
The amusing thought made him shake his head slightly.
He signed briskly and returned the documents to Kushida.
With the entire class's signatures secured, Kushida exited the room.
Shimizu and Horikita entered the library side by side.
They wound through the shelves until reaching a quiet study area in the depths—rows of wooden tables neatly arranged, each corner bearing a discreet sign: "Discussion Zone - Please keep voices low."
"Shimizu-kun, first find a junior high Japanese textbook." Horikita spoke softly, withdrawing a pristine hardcover from her bag as she took a seat.
Shimizu glimpsed the English title: And Then There Were None.
His brow arched—Agatha Christie's classic?
He recalled that groundbreaking mystery: ten strangers on an island, dying one by one... The originator of the "locked-room" trope that inspired countless works, from Detective Conan to Kindachi Case Files, even Umineko no Naku Koro ni.
He also noted how her address had shifted from the stiff "Shimizu-san" to the more familiar "Shimizu-kun."
The subtle change stirred something in him—but faced with her aloof demeanor, he opted to play oblivious.
Pointing it out would only make her revert to formality, ruining any tutoring prospects.
His eyes swept the library's spacious layout again.
The design was indeed unique—beyond traditional reading areas, several semi-open study zones were sectioned off. Nearby, upperclassmen huddled over shared coursework.
This closed-campus school's library was remarkably vast.
Books of every category lined the shelves, from foundational textbooks to specialized volumes.
In this near-isolated environment, the library naturally became the primary fount of knowledge.
Approaching the help desk, Shimizu addressed the librarian organizing catalogs: "Pardon me—where might I find junior high Japanese textbooks?"
The round-spectacled woman glanced up warmly. "Section D, third shelf. Organized by grade and subject."
"Thanks." Shimizu navigated the towering shelves.
He paused before the "Junior High Texts" section.
Detailed Modern Japanese, Introductory Japanese, Grammar Essentials... Rows of textbooks stood orderly.
Selecting several foundational ones, he finally pulled Introduction to Literature, checking its publication date.
"If Japanese fundamentals are the issue, I'd recommend Modern Japanese instead."
A voice clear as spring water sounded behind him.
Turning, Shimizu saw a silver-haired girl by the shelves—her entire aura radiating quiet intellect. She cradled a hardcover titled The Seven Black Cats, its gold-lettered Ellery Queen gleaming conspicuously.
Shimizu couldn't help a small smile. What day is it—meeting two mystery-loving girls in a row?
"Thanks for the suggestion." He readily swapped books as recommended.
The girl's eyes suddenly brightened. "Ellery Queen's works are marvelous. Would you like to try one, classmate?"
"Actually, I've already read some." His polite reply made her eyes widen slightly—as if she'd found a kindred spirit.
"Really?" Her voice rose briefly before she remembered their setting and hushed it. "Do you enjoy mystery novels too?"
Shimizu smiled nostalgically. "Used to be obsessed. Nowadays, I prefer lighter mystery light novels."
"Light novel mysteries... Like Hyouka?" The silver-haired girl blinked, then brightened—only to dim slightly. "Ah, forgive my excitement... With class duties, I likely won't have much library time lately."
Suddenly recalling something, she looked up with a polite, graceful smile. *"I'm Shiina Hiyori from Class 1-C. And you are...?"*
*"Shimizu Akira, Class 1-D."* He paused briefly before answering smoothly.
(Wait—Shiina Hiyori? The girl who later uncovers my true identity?)