Amane watched the shifting expressions on Horikita's face, each one changing with the murmurs rippling through the classroom.
As much as it pained her, if Horikita was ever going to face reality, this was the best chance—a moment for her to see clearly exactly what kind of people she was so determined to protect.
Only by confronting the truth would she finally understand…
Forget climbing to Class A—wasn't it better just to enjoy school life together?
Right.
Amane had been hiding her own little thoughts all along. She'd already started working behind the scenes to help Horikita reach Class A, all so they could save the time and trouble of scheming for points.
Time that could be spent with her.
Why struggle under such a heavy burden when there was a simpler path?
Besides, dragging along a pack of ungrateful classmates wasn't worth it—Horikita had no reason to endure such thankless labor.
Wait… could it be that Horikita had some hidden… masochistic tendencies?
Just as Amane's thoughts began to spiral, a furious shout from the front cut through the noise and made her jump.
"Enough!!"
Hirata's voice was sharp, silencing the class's murmurs.
"Horikita may be related to the student council president, but I believe he would never show favoritism to Class D. But what are all of you doing now? Are you trying to force Horikita to go beg on your behalf? To pressure a girl into pleading with her own brother so you don't get expelled—have you no shame?"
It was the first time anyone had seen Hirata truly angry. Witnessing the class peacemaker lose his temper, the room fell silent in an instant.
"Yōsuke, calm down a little. No one meant it like that," Karuizawa quickly stood, trying to hold him back.
But then, Yamauchi chose to confront Hirata head-on.
"What do you know? It's not you facing expulsion!"
Only Yamauchi and Ike remained of the original trio of fools. Though their bond was only slightly beyond ordinary friendship, the shared label of "failing students" on the verge of expulsion had unexpectedly brought them closer.
Seeing Yamauchi talk back to Hirata, Ike—who had been hesitant—felt a surge of desperation. If he didn't fight for himself now, he'd be expelled for sure.
Might as well go all in.
So he spoke up in support of Yamauchi.
"If you don't want us asking Horikita for help, fine—then how about you, Hirata, find a way to keep us from getting expelled?"
The moment Ike spoke, he noticed the shift in how people looked at him—especially the girls.
He hadn't expected to become the center of attention like this. If he'd known, he wouldn't have let Yamauchi steal the spotlight earlier.
"Hey, you two…" Shinohara started, ready to scold Yamauchi and Ike, but Hirata stopped her.
"Enough, Shinohara. They're right—I can't save them from expulsion. It's only natural they'd blame me." He let out a heavy sigh.
"But…" Shinohara looked unwilling to accept it.
Why should Hirata be criticized when he hadn't done anything wrong?
Karuizawa's face was dark, her expression icy toward the two failing students.
Seeing her chance, Kushida stood up to play mediator.
"Everyone, please calm down. First, Hirata-kun, I think you've done all you can. This situation isn't your fault. And Ike-kun, Yamauchi-kun—you're going too far. If you want Horikita-san's help, you should ask properly, shouldn't you? By pressuring her like this, what if you make her angry? Do you really think Student Council President Horikita would stand by if his sister was being bullied?"
Kushida's words were pure diplomacy—smooth but empty, offering no real solution.
And at the end, she subtly hinted that Horikita might seek revenge, which made both Ike and Yamauchi pale.
"We don't want this either. It's Horikita who's being heartless," Ike tried to shift the blame onto Horikita.
Exactly what Kushida was waiting for. Seeing Ike deflect responsibility, Kushida walked over to Horikita.
With a pleading expression, she took Horikita's hand. To anyone watching, they looked like close friends—why else would they be so intimate?
For some reason, Amane's eyes fixed sharply on Kushida's hand.
Who knew what she was thinking.
"I know, Suzune, you want President Horikita to handle this fairly, without considering your feelings. But… we're all classmates. Please, I'm begging you—on behalf of everyone facing expulsion—please help us, help Class D. Please…"
As she spoke, tears traced down Kushida's cheeks.
"Kushida-san…" Sato Maya covered her mouth, moved by Kushida's display.
No one had expected her to care so deeply about those facing expulsion.
"She's right, Horikita. Would it really hurt to help a little?" Ichihashi Ruri added, supporting Kushida.
Karuizawa didn't object, and in no time, girls from the Karuizawa, Shinohara, and Kushida factions all turned their pressure on Horikita.
Only one person stood behind Horikita Suzune.
Amane.
"Amane, aren't you close with Horikita? Can't you ask her for us, too?"
Ruri threw a straight pitch right at Amane. If she caught it, she'd gain the friendship of most girls in the class.
And if she explained things afterward, even Horikita probably wouldn't hold it against her. But if she helped corner Horikita now, Horikita would instantly become isolated in this classroom.
On the other hand…
If she refused…
There was no benefit for Amane.
Her relationship with Horikita was already at that fragile stage—one layer from something more. Their bond wouldn't deepen over something like this.
Instead, she'd be dragged into the conflict.
Maybe even ostracized by the whole class—especially by the rage of those about to be expelled.
No doubt about it—if Amane sided with Horikita, they'd want to tear her apart.
So… wasn't the choice obvious? Hearing Ruri's words, many suddenly realized—if anyone could sway Horikita, it would be Amane.
All eyes turned to Amane, waiting for her decision.
Under the weight of their collective gaze, Amane slowly stood up.
The moment she rose, she sensed several pairs of eyes watching her with different intentions.
If she had to guess, the two from behind were probably Horikita and Ayankōji, who'd stayed quiet till now.
From the front, Hirata and Kōenji were looking her way.
Since when did Kōenji pay this much attention to her? Amane smiled at those facing expulsion and at those hoping she'd persuade Horikita.
For a moment, the whole class seemed to relax. If Amane stepped in, her words would carry far more weight than all their pleas.
Then, Amane spoke softly.
"Ugh, so damn annoying."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.