While eating, Shimizu Akira witnessed a rather interesting scene.
That same Class C student from the surveillance footage—the burly one named Ishizaki Daichi—was now flanked by two cronies, surrounding a lone Class B student at a nearby table.
"W-what do you want?" The boy's chopsticks trembled in his grip.
Ishizaki grinned maliciously. *"You're from Class 1-B, right? We saw you leave your classroom! Relax—we're just admiring your eating habits!"*
"Leave me alone! I can't eat like this!" The boy tried to sound firm, but his voice wavered.
"Hah?" Ishizaki spread his arms wide. "We're not doing anything. Not even touching you. If you've lost your appetite, that's your problem."
"The... the cameras caught this! You'll lose class points!"
"What'll the cameras show? Us standing here? Which rule does that break? No insults, no violence—nothing!"
"...Fine! I'm done eating!" The boy stood, pale-faced.
Ishizaki sidestepped to block him, smirking. "No rush! We're done too. Let's walk back together. Don't worry—we'll personally escort every Class B student, one by one!"
The group disappeared around the cafeteria corner.
(So Ryūen Kakeru's finally making his move? Targeting Class B already?)
Shimizu watched them leave.
This tactic—harassment without overt violence—was despicable but effective.
Only Ryūen could devise something so underhanded: no blows, no slurs, just malicious staring and relentless shadowing.
Even if reported, they could claim they were just "being friendly."
But enduring this psychological warfare would break anyone.
And if a Class B student snapped and threw the first punch? Heavy penalties awaited them.
Ryūen had perfected the art of plausible deniability.
Whoever got targeted would suffer.
(I wonder how Ichinose Honami will handle this...)
By the time the final bell rang, Class D's atmosphere had shifted subtly.
After Chabashira's morning bombshell—"flawed products" and 530 class points—the room had been tense all morning, interactions laced with barely restrained hostility.
But now?
Shimizu scanned the room, mildly impressed.
In just one afternoon, Kushida Kikyou had worked magic, transforming the mood entirely.
The morning's electric tension had vanished, replaced by laughter and lighthearted chatter.
(I could never pull this off.)
Not for lack of social skills—but faking smiles for everyone? Exhausting.
Kushida and Hirata stood at the lectern, outlining this month's class activities.
Though Kōenji Rokusuke and Sudō Ken were already absent—the former excused by his top-tier grades, the latter "prioritizing club activities" despite Hirata's pleading.
Shimizu shook his head internally.
Kushida's two-faced charm was at least calculated, but Hirata's pathological altruism?
That went beyond niceness—it was self-sacrificial obsession.
"By the way, Chabashira-sensei said we're re-electing the class president this month, right?"
A girl's voice cut through, laced with pointed reminder.
"So Kushida-san can't continue as president?" Another added, veiled hostility beneath her tone.
"It's Hirata-kun's turn now!" Several girls chimed in, seizing the opportunity.
Despite Kushida's "class angel" reputation, Hirata had his own devoted following.
"I-I don't mind either way..." Hirata offered a placating smile.
"No no!" Kushida bowed slightly, then beamed. "We should be fair. Honestly... I've felt guilty staying president so long."
She clapped her hands cheerfully. "How about this? Let's decide based on study session attendance!"
"Sounds good!"
"I'll join Hirata's group!"
"I pick Kushida's!"
The class quickly divided into factions.
Kushida leaned forward, her gaze skimming the room—lingering on Shimizu for a fraction too long.
"Most importantly, we must prepare for midterms! Both Hirata-kun and I will host after-school study sessions. Anyone struggling—"
Her voice sharpened imperceptibly.
"—especially* those who failed subjects, while not mandatory, should aim for 3-4 sessions weekly. Shimizu-kun!"
(...So I'm on the "failed" list too, huh?)
The belated realization tugged at his lips—being called out publicly was... unexpected.
(Hmm? Did I offend her or something? What's the meaning of this?)