"No more points, what are we going to do now?"
"I used all my remaining points yesterday..."
After Chabashira-sensei left, the classroom was in an uproar, or rather, it was in a terrible state.
"Forget the points, it's a class problem... Don't mess with me. Why am I in D-Class?!"
Yukimura-kun's voice was filled with anger and rage. Of course he'd be upset, I am too.
The reason is probably something like gambling, including pachinko and horse racing, or the trouble caused by getting caught with a sugar mommy... Speaking of which, the school chairman is Arisu-chan's dad, right? A middle schooler who looks like he's leading his daughter astray, and he's involved in sugar mommy relationships and gambling... I can't really complain about being in D-Class. I don't know how much he can meddle, though.
"I know you're upset, but let's calm down for a bit."
Yosuke-kun, who was quick to sense the tense mood in the classroom, stood up to try and calm everyone down. However, if they were the type to be quelled by that, they wouldn't be called defective products.
"What do you mean, 'calm down'? Aren't you frustrated, being called a loser?!"
"Even if we're called that now, we can work together and prove them wrong."
"Work together? There's no way we can do that... And besides! Why didn't you warn us that the points would decrease, Saito?"
Yamauchi-kun muttered with a look of resignation in response to Yosuke-kun's words. But in the next moment, his hostility was directed at me.
Chabashira-sensei definitely knew this would happen.
"Yeah, that's right! You're smart, so you should have gone to the faculty room and asked! Maybe they would have told you!?"
Ike-kun followed up with a raised voice. Unable to accept the reality of being called a defective product, he's probably trying to find some inner peace by directing his anger at me.
As an older person, I'd like to just accept it, but considering the nature of this school, I can't overlook a statement that would put me in a bad position. Being isolated from the class is that dangerous.
"I can't overlook that statement, Ike-kun, Yamauchi-kun."
"Huh!? I wasn't talking to you, Horikita!"
Just as I was about to retort, an unexpected bit of cover fire came from Horikita-san, who had been quietly taking notes. Ignoring the flustered Ike-kun and the others, Horikita-san spoke calmly.
"In the first place, you two have no right to blame him at all. Who was it that was actively engaging in things like private conversations and unexcused absences, which were the cause of our class's points being reduced?"
"B-but, if someone had warned me, I wouldn't have done those things!"
He must be aware of his own actions. Ike-kun answered with a stammer.
"Exactly. But as far as I know, Saito-kun hasn't done anything to cause trouble. Don't involve my acquaintance in your frustration."
She's so cool... It would have been 100 points if she'd said "friend" instead of "acquaintance."
However, the atmosphere in the class had become so somber that I decided to follow up on the two of them to try and encourage them.
"Thanks, Horikita-san. But I understand what Ike-kun and the others are saying. I..."
"...Are you admitting that he has a point?"
"No. It's misplaced to direct it at me. But if you ask me if I did my absolute best, I can't say that I did."
I answered without flinching, even with all eyes on me. Horikita-san's displeased glare was so cute that I almost laughed, but I put on a serious face and addressed them.
"Looking at the points of the other classes, I think someone must have realized the possibility that points could decrease. So, it's my responsibility that I didn't notice it."
"N-no way. We didn't notice it at all either."
"Kushida-san is right. But what we need to do now isn't to complain or to blame someone."
Good, just as I expected, Kushida-san and Yosuke-kun took the bait. There's no way they wouldn't try to mediate here.
Kushida-san then stood in front of me and looked at Ike-kun and Yukimura-kun, who she was facing.
"Besides, it's only been a month since we started school, right? Just like Hirata-kun said, we can all work hard from now on. Am I saying something wrong?"
"N-no, that's... It's true that what Kushida said isn't wrong, but..."
Yukimura-kun's anger was already more than half gone. It would be difficult to argue back after being told that much.
"Y-yeah, you're right. No need to panic, right? ...Sorry, Saito. For saying whatever I wanted."
"It's totally fine. Let's all try to figure this out together from now on, okay?"
Thanks to the great play by Kushida-san and Yosuke-kun, we managed to get through this situation. I have no idea what kind of tests are coming up, but these two will be indispensable. I'm too lazy to do it myself.
----------
"Thank you for coming. I believe that with everyone's cooperation, it will work out."
After school. Yosuke-kun had gathered the class together to have a strategy meeting. His charisma was genuine, and almost all the students except for Horikita-san and Sudo-kun participated. It seems he talked to each of them individually. His passion is impressive.
I'm participating properly, too. No matter how much of a hassle it is, not participating in a situation like this is just a bad move. The girls huddled in the corner are already talking bad about Sudo-kun, who isn't here. Well, in his case, it's his own fault.
"I'm surprised. I thought you'd be more actively involved."
It was Ayanokoji-kun, as usual, who spoke to me. We've been getting along well, even hanging out on a day off.
"Hm. To be honest, I don't feel that passionate about wanting to go to A-Class. I can get into a good university just by studying."
I've already finished the high school curriculum, you see.
I went to a science-focused university for medical school in my previous life, so this time I'm thinking of going for a humanities degree. What a luxurious life.
"Well, I just want the points. And since Horikita is like that, I'll pass this time."
I see. It would be a problem if Horikita-san was the only one of us not here.
"I get it. See you tomorrow then."
"Yeah. See you tomorrow."
With that, Ayanokoji-kun picked up his bag and stood up to go home. Just then, the school broadcast sound rang out, and an announcement echoed through the classroom.
"First-year D-Class students, Ayanokoji-kun and Saito-kun. Your homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei, is calling for you. Please come to the faculty room."
"...What did you do, Ayanokoji-kun?"
"It wasn't me... Honestly, this is a pain."
I teased him a bit, but I don't remember doing anything problematic either. I know Ayanokoji-kun isn't the type to do something like that, so there must be another reason for this Called.
I told Yosuke and the others that we were leaving and exited the classroom with Ayanokoji-kun.
"Excuse me. This is Saito from first-year D-Class. Is Chabashira-sensei here?"
I passed Ayanokoji-kun, who was hesitating in front of the faculty room, knocked three times, and opened the door. When I entered, I made eye contact with Hoshinomiya-sensei, the homeroom teacher for B-Class.
"Oh, if it isn't Saito-kun. Sae-chan? Uh, she was just here a minute ago."
"...Do you know her?"
Ayanokoji-kun muttered softly from a step behind me.
"Is the boy behind you also here for Sae-chan?"
"Yes. We were just called on the broadcast..."
"It seems she's stepped out for a bit. Why don't you come in and wait?"
"Oh, no. We'll just wait in the hallway."
Honestly, I was fine with it, but Ayanokoji-kun clearly looked uncomfortable, so we decided to wait in the hallway. I bowed and left, but for some reason, Hoshinomiya-sensei followed us.
"Is this the first time we've talked? I'm Chie Hoshinomiya, the homeroom teacher for B-Class. Sae and I have been best friends since high school. We call each other Sae-chan and Chie-chan, you know~"
"Oh, really..."
He's so confused, it's hilarious. I remember being surprised by how close she was when I went to B-Class. Ayanokoji-kun probably isn't very good with this type of person.
"Hey, why did Sae-chan call you? Hey, hey, why?"
"I have no idea..."
"You don't know? She called you without telling you why? Hmm? What's your name?"
Ayanokoji-kun looks at me for help with a troubled expression... Hang in there, this is a learning experience. Just to be clear, it's not that I find it a hassle to deal with her, not at all.
"...Ayanokoji, sir."
"Ayanokoji-kun, huh? You're quite handsome, just like Saito-kun. You must be popular, right? Have either of you gotten a girlfriend?"
"You should ask Tsugumi that. I'm not that popular."
Gah... He sold me out.
"Hmm? That's a surprise. If I were in the same class as you two, I definitely wouldn't leave you alone. You're not shy, are you? poke poke"
"..."
Unfortunately, the focus seems to be on Ayanokoji-kun still. She's poking his cheek with her index finger. This is getting a little pathetic... Maybe I'll play a little prank on her.
I gently lifted her wavy, semi-long hair, exposing her white ear.
"Huh, Saito-kun? ...Hyaah?! W-what are you doing!?"
Then, I blew air into her ear. The trick is to blow it so it feels like a whisper.
"He's a bit shy, so don't tease him too much."
"Y-you're the one who shouldn't be teasing an adult!"
Hoshinomiya-sensei, with her face flushed red and her eyes teary, rubbed her ear and glared at me... She has a pretty good expression on her face. If we weren't a student and a teacher, I might have gone further.
"Are you embarrassed, Sensei? You're so cute~... Ouch!?"
"...I saw that. You're getting carried away, Saito."
"Sae-chan! Listen to this! This boy... Agh!"
"You too, Hoshinomiya. It's your fault for bothering my student in the first place."
Did she just hit me a lot harder than him...? I was trying to teach her that she'd get hurt if she got carried away... Right, Ayanokoji-kun?
"Honestly, it's half respect and half disgust."
Really...?
----------
After Tsugumi's outrageous behavior earned him a scolding from Chabashira-sensei, we entered the guidance room. Chabashira-sensei glanced at the round clock on the wall, and then suddenly opened a door in the guidance room.
"Should I boil some tea? Is hojicha okay?"
I picked up a container with powdered hojicha in it.
"I'll have some hojicha too."
"Don't do anything unnecessary. Just get in here and be quiet. Got it? Stay in here without making a sound until I say you can come out. If you break that rule, you'll be expelled."
"Huh? I don't understand what you're..."
Without being given an explanation, the door to the kitchenette was closed. I wonder what she's up to.
"...What's going on?"
Tsugumi also seemed to find it incomprehensible.
We waited quietly as instructed, and before long, the sound of the guidance room door opening was heard.
"Come in. So, what do you want to talk about, Horikita?"
It seems Horikita was the one who came to the guidance room. Her muffled voice could be heard from beyond the door.
"I'll be direct. Why was I placed in D-Class?"
"That's certainly direct."
"You said today that classes were chosen in order, with the most excellent students being selected for A-Class. And that D-Class is the last resort where the school's dropouts are gathered."
"What I said is a fact. It seems you think you're an excellent student."
They're really going at it. Now, what will Horikita's response to that accusation be?
"She'll definitely respond with confidence. This is classic her."
Tsugumi whispered to me. It seems he has the same impression of Horikita.
"I'm confident I solved most of the entrance exam questions, and I don't remember making any major mistakes in my interview. At the very least, I don't believe I should be in D-Class."
See? I was right. Horikita is the type of person who believes she is excellent. And it's not just a delusion; she really is excellent. In the recent test, Horikita was tied for second place.
"You're confident you solved most of the exam questions, huh? Normally, I don't show individual exam results, but I'll make an exception for you. See, I happen to have your answer sheet right here."
"Wow... She really set this up."
Next to me, Tsugumi muttered under his breath, looking as if he'd just chewed on a bitter insect. Indeed, if she called us here just to listen to this exchange, she's got a pretty good personality.
Horikita also seemed to realize that her protest had been anticipated and paused for a moment before speaking.
"You're quite well-prepared. ...It's as if you knew I would come here to protest."
"I am a teacher, after all. I believe I understand my students' personalities to some extent. Suzune Horikita. Your entrance exam results are exactly as I expected; you scored the fourth-highest among all first-year students. The difference from the top ranks is slight. It's more than a sufficient result. In your interview, there were no particularly concerning issues, and you were likely highly evaluated."
"Thank you. Then—why?"
"Before that, why are you so dissatisfied with being in D-Class?"
What a sly question. The answer is obvious.
"No one would be happy with a situation where they are not being properly evaluated. Especially at this school, where the class differences greatly affect our futures. This is only natural."
"Proper evaluation? Oh, come on, you have a very high opinion of yourself, don't you? —"
Horikita is answering without giving an inch against her teacher. Her tenacity is impressive.
"...How long are we supposed to listen to this?"
"...I don't know."
While we were having that conversation, Horikita muttered in a resigned tone.
"...I'll be taking my leave for today. But please remember that I am not satisfied."
"Understood, I'll remember."
The sound of a chair being pulled back was heard. The conversation seemed to be over. I had heard the content, but to be honest, I really wanted to pretend I hadn't. The possibility of this ending without anything else happening is...
"Oh, that's right. I had called two more people into the guidance room. They're related to you as well."
"Related people...? Don't tell me... Brother—"
"Come out, Saito and Ayanokoji. If you don't, I'll expel you."
I knew it. I looked at Tsugumi, who sighed and stood up. He seems to have steeled himself... I guess I'll go, too.
"...I'm sorry, Horikita-san?"
"How much longer do you think it's gonna take for them to come out?"
"You... you were listening to my conversation?"
Tsugumi's face was filled with a sense of regret. His usual cheerful personality was nowhere to be seen.
Come to think of it, when Horikita questioned me about my physique, Tsugumi also helped me get out of it. He seems to respect other people's pasts and secrets. Chabashira-sensei should take a page from his book.
"We were listening. From start to finish."
"...Sensei, why did you do this?"
Horikita immediately realized that this was a set-up. She was clearly upset.
"I judged it to be necessary. Now, I'll tell you why I called you two into the guidance room."
Chabashira-sensei casually dismissed Horikita's question and shifted the topic to us.
"I'll be taking my leave now..."
"Wait, Horikita. It would be in your best interest to stay and listen until the end. It might be a hint for you to get into A-Class."
Horikita, who had started to turn away, stopped and then sat back down in her chair.
"First, let's talk about you, Saito."
Chabashira-sensei picked up a clipboard and spoke with a grin.
"I said that to Horikita, but you really are an excellent student, aren't you?"
"Well, I've always been good at studying."
"Is that so? Then, let's talk about your academic ability first. Saito, do you remember how you felt about the entrance exam?"
"It was so-so, I guess?"
Tsugumi scratched his head as he answered. Is he in a bad mood, or is it just my imagination?
"I have your grade report that I prepared right here... In this entrance exam, you got perfect scores in Japanese, Math, Science, and English. You lost a few points in History, but even with that, your total score puts you in a tie for first place. To call that 'so-so' is quite sarcastic, isn't it?"
...That's incredible. He got perfect scores in four subjects on that test. I knew he was something else from his scores on the pop quizzes, but I didn't think he was this good.
"And you have also achieved excellent results in sports, correct? Track, soccer, swimming, baseball, and so on. You've even been in the newspaper as a leader in team sports. I think you are a rare student in the school's history."
"...Thank you."
I just don't understand why Tsugumi is in D-Class. Unlike Horikita, he has a lot of cooperation, and above all, he's a good person who was kind to me when I was a loner.
And as if his topic was over, Chabashira-sensei turned to me.
"And Ayanokoji, you are a truly interesting student. I was thinking of a personalized instruction plan based on your entrance exam results, and I noticed something interesting about your test results. I was honestly shocked at first."
The familiar entrance exam answer sheets from the clipboard were slowly lined up. "Japanese 50 points, Math 50 points, English 50 points, Social Studies 50 points, Science 50 points... and your last pop quiz was also 50 points. Do you understand what this means?"
Horikita looked at the test papers in surprise and then shifted her gaze to me.
"Coincidences are scary, aren't they?"
"I don't think that's a plausible excuse..."
Quiet, Tsugumi. I'll stick to my guns now.
"Why... did you do something so nonsensical?"
"No, I told you, it's a coincidence. There's no hidden genius plot here."
"I wonder about that. He might be even more brilliant than you, Horikita."
Horikita flinched. Sensei, could you please stop meddling?
As if she could read my mind, Chabashira-sensei gathered the documents in her hand and stood up.
"I'm leaving now. The faculty meeting is about to start. I'm closing this room, so all three of you get out."
Without waiting for our opinion, Chabashira-sensei threw us out.
I wanted to complain about what a pain it was with Tsugumi, who was also Called, but the moment I saw his expression, I lost the will to do so.
"Tsugumi? Hey."
When I tapped his shoulder, Tsugumi turned to me with a blank expression.
"Hm, oh, sorry. What is it, Ayanokoji-kun?"
"Nothing, just that this was a disaster."
"...Yeah. It was."
...What's with that look? I thought I had gotten to know Tsugumi pretty well over the past month, but I had never seen 'that' before. It was an expression uncharacteristic of someone who rarely shows negative emotions, a mixture of exasperation, pity, and anger.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah... I'm fine. I'll return that question to both of you."
Tsugumi's eyes were on Horikita, who was walking a step ahead of us.
"Hah. I wonder what she's so obsessed with..."
I couldn't understand who that last statement was directed at.
============
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