Because sending Asahina Nazuna back took some time, by the time Shikime Natsu returned to his own dormitory, it was already past eight o'clock in the evening.
Just as he walked out of the elevator, he saw three beautiful girls of different styles standing at the door of his room.
"Yo, the entrance to my room is quite lively today."
Shikime Natsu teased half-jokingly while taking out his key.
"Is this a preparation for a party?"
"Natsu, you're back."
Kushida Kikyou was the first to welcome him, a gentle and appropriate smile hanging on her face.
"Mn, come in."
Shikime Natsu nodded, opened the door, and let the three of them inside first.
Once inside the room, Kamuro Masumi acted just like she was in her own home, skillfully walking to the bedside and sitting down, occupying the most comfortable spot.
Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyou, on the other hand, appeared somewhat more restrained, both standing in the center of the room.
"I need an explanation."
Horikita Suzune was the first to launch an attack, those wine-red eyes staring coldly at Shikime Natsu, her complexion looking quite poor.
Because of that message from Shikime Natsu, those few idiots in the class had already exploded.
Especially Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji, who had been making a huge racket in the group chat, asking if they were being played, saying that they had clearly worked so hard to memorize the past exam questions and had even spent everyone's points...
Speaking of this, Horikita Suzune couldn't help but rub the space between her brows, evidently angered quite a bit by those pig-like teammates.
Clearly, that guy Yamauchi hadn't contributed money or effort, yet he was the one shouting the loudest when making a fuss; it really gave one a headache.
"Don't be in such a rush, Horikita."
Shikime Natsu unhurriedly took off his coat and hung it up, then turned and walked toward the small kitchen.
"No matter what happens, you have to let people eat their fill first, right? I'm almost starving to death."
"Have you guys eaten?"
He asked casually.
"I've already eaten, although it's a pity I couldn't eat a meal cooked personally by Shikime-san."
Kushida Kikyou answered with a smile, her tone carrying just the right amount of regret.
Kamuro Masumi just nodded silently, indicating she had also eaten.
Horikita Suzune answered that she had eaten, crossing her arms and waiting.
"Oh my, Horikita-san, don't be so anxious."
Kushida Kikyou smoothed things over from the side.
"Natsu hasn't eaten dinner yet. Let's talk after Natsu finishes his dinner."
Horikita Suzune glanced at her coldly.
Clearly, she hadn't said much after entering besides that opening question, yet this woman had portrayed her as an unreasonable and aggressive figure with just a few sentences.
Shikime Natsu didn't mind this strange atmosphere either. He deftly prepared dinner, then carried the plate to the table, sat down, and began to eat methodically.
After eating a few mouthfuls, he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned his head to look at Horikita Suzune, who was still standing.
"By the way, Horikita, since you're idle anyway, go change into the maid outfit and give me a massage."
"Hah?"
Horikita Suzune froze for a moment, then her brows locked together tightly as she looked at him in disbelief.
She was clearly here to question whether Shikime Natsu had leaked the matter, not to be a maid.
For Class A, swapping exam papers had no impact, but for Class D, this was a fatal blow.
Especially since they had spent over ten thousand points to buy those past exam questions which might have already turned into waste paper... How could she calm down about such a thing?
It was simply as uncomfortable as being placed in Class D—no, being placed in Class D was still slightly more uncomfortable.
Horikita Suzune stared dead at the guy with the terrible personality before her.
But she was also clear that if she didn't go along with his wishes, this bastard absolutely wouldn't say anything.
For the class, for her brother's acknowledgement... endure it!
Horikita Suzune took a deep breath, turned, and walked into the bathroom. Not long after, she walked out wearing that familiar maid outfit.
She walked behind Shikime Natsu and began to massage his shoulders. Although her movements were somewhat stiff and she couldn't quite control her strength, at least she was doing it.
Shikime Natsu narrowed his eyes comfortably while enjoying the delicious dinner and the beautiful girl's massage.
"So, what does Masumi want with me?"
He turned his head to look at the purple-haired girl sitting on the bed.
"Tutoring."
Kamuro Masumi spat out two words concisely. Although she said that, ever since she came in, Kamuro Masumi's gaze had been resting on Shikime Natsu the entire time.
Even she didn't believe this excuse herself.
Originally, she hadn't planned to come today, but seeing Shikime Natsu carrying Asahina Nazuna downstairs earlier, that nameless irritation in her heart couldn't be suppressed no matter what, and she had followed him here like a ghost.
Shikime Natsu didn't expose this cute deskmate's little lie and turned to look at Kushida Kikyou.
"Then what about Kikyou?"
"Didn't Natsu say he would teach me how to tutor the classmates? So I thought about learning how to be a maid that Natsu likes."
Kushida Kikyou blinked.
"However, the maid outfit is a bit impossible, because my personal points are a bit tight right now. Sorry."
Hearing this, Kamuro Masumi couldn't help but frown.
Why were these guys all so obsessed with maid outfits?
"So that's how it is."
Shikime Natsu nodded, then took out his phone and performed some operations.
Kushida Kikyou's phone rang once.
She took it out to look and froze instantly, her eyes filled with disbelief.
[10,000 Points received.]
He just gave it like that?
Just how rich is this guy?
Not only Kushida Kikyou, but even Horikita Suzune, who was massaging him, froze.
One had to know that she had struggled for a long time over those 10,000 points back then, and she even paid for this maid outfit out of her own pocket.
Yet now, Kushida Kikyou just acted a little spoiled, and Shikime Natsu directly gifted her 10,000?
Also, this guy Kushida Kikyou... did she come over just for this kind of boring thing? Clearly, the matter of the past exam questions is more important!
"That... Natsu, this is too much..."
Kushida Kikyou snapped back to reality and declined with a smile.
"I'll definitely return it to you once I save enough points later."
"No need."
Shikime Natsu waved his hand generously.
"Just take it as a gift from me to you. After all, I haven't given you any gifts yet, Kikyou."
If Class D could get one hundred Class Points this time, it would be exactly enough for 10,000. However, Shikime Natsu wasn't a stingy person; he was always generous toward cute girls.
He had plenty of points in hand; keeping them saved up had no meaning.
As for the fact that 20 million personal points could prevent expulsion, Shikime Natsu didn't care. He had enough confidence to protect the people he wanted to protect.
"Then... then thank you, Natsu."
Kushida Kikyou smiled sweetly on the surface, but was cursing frantically in her heart.
Who on earth gives a maid outfit as a gift to a girl?!
This is clearly to satisfy your dark and dirty desires! Disgusting! Pervert!
Having dealt with Kushida Kikyou's side, Shikime Natsu turned his attention back to the meal in front of him and continued eating leisurely.
Horikita Suzune's brows furrowed tighter and tighter.
He asked Kamuro Masumi, asked Kushida Kikyou, but deliberately skipped her, right?
This guy is definitely doing it on purpose!
Wait a little longer...
Horikita Suzune took a deep breath, telling herself to be calm.
The current her, after this period of "training," had seen a significant improvement in her endurance.
Finally, Shikime Natsu finished the last grain of rice, put down his chopsticks, and sighed with satisfaction.
"Horikita."
Horikita Suzune's spirit rose, thinking he was finally going to start explaining.
"Go wash the dishes."
Shikime Natsu pointed to the empty plates on the table.
Horikita Suzune was very angry, but she endured it in the end, silently picked up the plates, and walked into the kitchen.
When she returned after washing the dishes, she stood in front of Shikime Natsu again, her eyes written full of "You can speak now, right?".
Shikime Natsu acted as if he didn't see it, reaching out to touch his own shoulder with a heavily implied meaning.
Still want a massage?!
Horikita Suzune gritted her teeth but still walked over obediently and continued the work from just now.
Kushida Kikyou watched from the side, dumbfounded.
Is this that aloof Horikita Suzune who usually looks down on everyone in the class?
How come in front of Shikime Natsu, she's ordered around so casually and doesn't dare to lose her temper?
Could it be that Horikita Suzune is an M?
Although she knew Horikita Suzune must be very angry inside right now, this intense contrast still made Kushida Kikyou feel extremely shocked.
To her, Horikita Suzune could say those hurtful words without mercy, so why did she misfire against Shikime Natsu?
Truly a bully to the weak and fearful of the strong!
The atmosphere in the room became somewhat strange.
Shikime Natsu enjoyed the massage, lamenting secretly in his heart that Horikita Suzune's endurance had indeed improved a lot. It seemed his training was quite effective.
After a while, feeling it was about enough, he finally spoke to break the silence.
"Regarding the reason why the past exam questions can't be used..."
Shikime Natsu spoke unhurriedly.
"Actually, it's very simple. The senior who sold you guys the exam questions was discovered."
"And the person who discovered him was precisely that Student Council Vice President who controls the entire second year, Nagumo Miyabi."
"So, not only was the transaction discovered, but Nagumo Miyabi is also now crystal clear on who the buyers are."
"Nagumo Miyabi..."
Horikita Suzune's brows instantly furrowed.
Of course she remembered this name, that Student Council Vice President who made one feel very uncomfortable.
She didn't expect it to be discovered by him...
If this matter reached her brother...
Thinking of this, Horikita Suzune's heart instantly sank to rock bottom.
Her brother would definitely think she was the kind of useless person who could only pass exams by relying on underhanded methods like cheating, right?
But... but she clearly didn't need this kind of thing! The ones who needed this weren't her!
How should she explain to her brother? Or rather, would her brother even listen to her explanation?
Horikita Suzune fell into a struggle.
"So... those 10,000 points... are basically... gone down the drain?"
Horikita Suzune spoke up to ask again.
"That's not necessarily true."
Shikime Natsu shook his head.
"As long as you can ensure Nagumo Miyabi doesn't report this matter to the school, this money won't count as completely wasted."
"How is that possible to achieve?"
This time, Class D could be said to have suffered a double loss. Not only did they lose points, but if the school found out, who knew what kind of punishment there would be.
"If it can't be done, then there's no other way."
Shikime Natsu spread his hands. Since the fire wouldn't burn him, this appearance made Horikita Suzune quite furious.
Kushida Kikyou squeezed out a smile and said, "Although there are only two weeks left, as long as everyone works together, it will definitely be no problem."
"I hold absolutely no hope for someone like Yamauchi."
Horikita Suzune said coldly.
"That idiot will only drag us back."
This was undisguised malice and contempt.
Kushida Kikyou rarely stood on the same front as Horikita Suzune on a matter, and although she thought the same in her heart, she still had to maintain her persona as the "little angel" on the surface.
"Although Yamauchi-san is indeed a bit clumsy sometimes, he is actually working hard too..."
"Working hard?"
Horikita Suzune scoffed, obviously not believing this nonsense at all.
Was there anyone in Class D who didn't know what kind of virtue Yamauchi Haruki possessed?
Kamuro Masumi listened to this conversation from the side. Although she didn't speak, she couldn't help but lament in her heart that Class D's situation was truly difficult.
"Do you have any other solutions?"
Horikita Suzune suddenly turned her head, staring dead at Shikime Natsu.
Hearing this, Kushida Kikyou's heart tightened violently.
Originally, she had planned to ask Shikime Natsu secretly when no one was around.
If she could get a solution from Shikime Natsu to help Class D survive this crisis, then her popularity in the class would definitely soar again, thoroughly surpassing Horikita Suzune.
Unfortunately, this bitch beat her to it!
"Of course there is a way."
Shikime Natsu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
"However... there is no free lunch in this world. Horikita, what price do you intend to pay?"
"Add another fifteen days."
Horikita Suzune said without hesitation.
"In this case, I'll be your maid until the end of June. Is this enough?"
"Tsk tsk tsk."
Shikime Natsu shook his head.
"Not enough, Horikita."
This still isn't enough?!
Horikita Suzune's eyes widened, those wine-red pupils filled with anger.
"Don't push your luck too far!"
I'm already slaving away for you for a month, what more do you want?
"Cough cough, pay attention, Horikita. Right now, you are the one begging me~"
A punchable, extremely punchable expression.
Horikita Suzune swallowed her anger.
"That... what price does Natsu need?"
At this moment, Kushida Kikyou hurriedly interjected.
"Can I help?"
She absolutely could not let Horikita Suzune take all the credit!
Shikime Natsu looked at the two with a smile.
"The price... is actually quite simple."
He took out his phone, pulled up a video, and handed it to the two of them.
"I want you two, for the remaining days of May, to take turns doing this action every day."
In the video, a cute girl wearing a maid outfit was casting "magic" on a plate of omurice—
Making a heart shape with her hands, twisting her body, she shouted sweetly: "Become delicious, Moe Moe Kyun~♡"
Watching the video, Horikita Suzune's face instantly turned so red it looked like it was about to bleed.
She raised her head, staring dead at Shikime Natsu with a murderous gaze.
This guy... really wants to humiliate her severely!
"No problem!"
Before Horikita Suzune could speak, Kushida Kikyou had already agreed without hesitation.
As long as it could increase her popularity, what did this bit of shame matter? Acting cute was her forte anyway.
"I won't do it!"
Horikita Suzune gritted her teeth, refusing decisively.
She wouldn't do such a stupid and shameful thing even if it killed her!
"Is that so?"
Shikime Natsu took back his phone. He wasn't surprised by her refusal, merely asking indifferently.
"Horikita, do you want to advance to Class A?"
"Or perhaps... if you have a better way to solve the current predicament... Of course, if you did, you probably wouldn't be asking me for help, right?"
This sentence was like a sharp sword, stabbing straight into Horikita Suzune's heart.
Indeed, if there was a way, how could she possibly come to beg this guy with the terrible personality?
But... if she refused, Class D would definitely lose one hundred Class Points. At that time, it would be a blow to Class D's morale, and with fewer people, it wasn't clear if it would affect future exams.
Kushida Kikyou watched Horikita Suzune's conflicted and painful expression from the side, her heart simply blossoming with joy.
However, on the surface, she still stepped forward pretending to think for Horikita Suzune's sake.
"That... since Horikita-san isn't willing, then count her share on me too? I can do double!"
"No can do."
Shikime Natsu ruthlessly rejected Kushida Kikyou's kindness.
"Rules are rules. It must be the two of you taking turns."
After speaking, he turned to look at Horikita Suzune, looking at her with a smile that wasn't quite a smile. Spending time with different beautiful girls was his happiest time in this school.
"So, Horikita, what is your answer?"
____
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