Chapter 348: Clearly she was first... / Kikyo, who loves her boyfriend so much
Horikita Suzune's cheeks flushed a visible shade of crimson. She turned her head away and let out a vague
"Mhm," which served as a silent acknowledgment.
Then, she stood up and walked away without looking back.
'Wait... it's just a date, is she really that shy?' Shimizu Akira couldn't quite grasp Suzune's logic. They had done things in the dorm that were far more embarrassing than this. Perhaps because they weren't an official couple, anything involving "emotional investment" or a "formal invitation" made her feel exceptionally restless?
"Shimizu, I have a request."
Akira was about to leave the classroom when Ayanokouji Kiyotaka called out to him.
"What is it?" It was rare for Ayanokouji to take the initiative to ask for a favor.
"One night last month, I received a call from an unknown number," Ayanokouji said in his usual flat tone.
"After it connected, the person just said my name and hung up. Judging by the voice, it was a male student, likely from this school. Since you know many people, can you help me investigate?"
He sent a stranger's phone number to Akira's phone. Akira checked it and confirmed it wasn't in his contacts. After thinking for a few seconds, he realized something. Based on his daily intelligence, this was likely a call from Ishigami Kyo from outside the school.
"Has he called again lately? Did you try calling back? Does it connect?" Akira pressed.
"He hasn't called since. The number rings, but no one picks up," Ayanokouji shook his head.
Akira tried calling the number himself. After ten seconds, he got the same prompt: no answer.
"No answer," Akira repeated, looking at Ayanokouji.
"Two possibilities: either the number is now invalid or specifically blocked for callbacks, or the person can only be reached at specific times or through specific methods."
Ayanokouji nodded, expressionless.
"I lean toward the latter. If it were a prank or a threat, once would be enough; there's no need to keep the number active."
Akira agreed. To go through the trouble of bypassing the system to call Ayanokouji just to say his name seemed too pointless if there wasn't a deeper goal.
"Alright, I'll keep an eye on it."
"I owe you another one," Ayanokouji replied.
'Another favor from Ayanokouji!' Akira thought.
'Actually, this guy owes me several by now.'
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After dinner, Akira returned to his dorm and immediately called Horikita Manabu.
"The school rules are clear: student phones cannot call or receive calls from non-preset numbers, and this setting cannot be changed with points," Manabu's steady voice came through the line.
"It is indeed a basic security system that restricts external network access."
"Manabu-senpai, has any student ever used a system loophole or technical means to crack this program?"
"As far as I know, no. Though the system is basic, Advanced Nurturing High is connected to a national-level security network."
"Then... if someone inside wants to call the outside, what's the most direct way?"
"Simple. The other party just needs to possess a phone certified by our school," Manabu explained succinctly.
"Just like during summer or winter breaks when students go out for competitions; you can still call them normally, right?"
He paused and added a key piece of information: "Also, the number you sent me—I checked it. It's a phone currently being used by a staff member on campus."
'I see.'
Akira understood instantly. Ishigami Kyo didn't need to crack any complex programs. He likely obtained a certified phone belonging to a staff member.
Unlike students, staff certifications are long-term, and they can enter and exit the school freely. If a legal campus phone leaked to the outside, it could be used to call Ayanokouji.
It sounded simple, but the actual execution was troublesome.
Staff are bound by strict confidentiality; they wouldn't just "lose" a key communication device. This meant Ishigami or the forces behind him had a way—through coercion, bribery, or cooperation—to get a staff member to comply. This was a pre-planned move.
"I understand, thank you, Senpai," Akira said. "Is it convenient to send me the identity of that staff member?"
"Yes. Is there anything else you need?"
"No, thank you, Manabu-senpai."
"There is no need for thanks between us. If you do it again, I'll be angry," Manabu said with a hint of dissatisfaction before hanging up.
'Seriously... these Horikita siblings are both so prickly!' Akira twitched his lip.
'Is the entire Horikita family built on the "Tsundere" attribute?'
Akira quickly sent an apology message. Manabu forgave him quickly.
Horikita Manabu: How is your chess coming along?
Shimizu Akira: I've finished all the introductory basics.
Lately, Akira had indeed been studying chess books whenever he had free time.
Horikita Manabu: Reading isn't enough. Find some time next week; we'll play a match. Let me see your understanding.
It wasn't just a game; it was a lesson or a test. The former President hadn't given up on polishing and guiding him in his own way.
Shimizu Akira: Okay. You set the time.
It was already March 4th. Graduation was less than a month away. The time left to spend with Manabu was dwindling, and Akira truly cherished it.
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Around 7:00 PM, Akira's phone buzzed. It was a message from Karuizawa Kei.
It was her customary pajama photo. This time, she wore a pale yellow set and struck a playful pose with a smile. However, her complexion looked poor, and her eyes held a weariness she couldn't hide. She was forcing a smile.
Akira frowned. A few minutes later, Kei called.
"Hello." Her voice lacked its usual forced liveliness.
"Akira-kun, is it a good time to talk?"
"Yeah. What's up?"
"You'll... protect me in this class vote, right?" she asked after a silence.
"I will," Akira answered quickly.
"We had an agreement." He softened his tone.
"Don't worry too much. Aren't you popular with the girls? They won't give you criticism votes."
"I see..." Kei's voice remained heavy. Then, as if getting serious, she pressed: "What if... what if Hasabe Haruka, Sakura Airi, and I all tied for votes? Who would you help?"
'What kind of death-trap question is this?' Akira felt black lines down his forehead. "Impossible. I won't let it happen. Kikyo is controlling the class atmosphere; I'll talk to her and make sure she manages it."
"Wait... you just solve the problem that easily?"
"What else? This is the real world. Three people tying exactly is too much of a coincidence. Your premise doesn't hold."
"Then... forget this exam. In the future, if I and any other of your girlfriends were both facing expulsion at the same time, who would you save?" she persisted.
"Both," Akira said matter-of-factly.
"Logically, since so many are being expelled in this exam, the school will likely control the expulsion rate later. The next crisis won't be until next semester. I have 35.5 million points now; I'll have over 40 million by then. Saving two people isn't a problem."
The other end was quiet for a while. Then, a soft "Hmph."
"What's the 'hmph' for?"
"Listen, Kei" Akira said, imagining her pouting.
"What are you dissatisfied with? Did you want me to say 'I'd save you and abandon my girlfriend' or vice versa? That's too cruel. If I had to pick one and watch the other leave, I'd be devastated. Do you really want to see me crying my eyes out?"
"..."
Kei pulled the phone away and burst into a light laugh. She couldn't help it. Imagining the serious Akira with snot and tears running down his face was too much.
"You're laughing?"
"Mhm," she whispered back, her voice soft.
"Feeling better?"
"Mhm," she said again, a bit of a nasal tone to her voice.
"Wait! How did you know I was in a bad mood?!"
"From your pajama photo," Akira said simply.
Kei quickly looked at the photo she just sent. She looked... ugly forcing that smile! Was that really her?! How could she have sent that! She tried to unsend it, but the time limit had passed.
"Delete it!" she commanded playfully.
"Got it, got it," came the reply.
Kei sighed in relief.
"Why did you suddenly ask me that?" Akira asked.
"Guess," Kei said, twirling her hair.
"Could it be... because you found out Haruka and Airi are my girlfriends, you felt insecure and called me?"
"Eh?! How... how did you..."
"Haruka told me you visited her. You two have never had a good relationship; I'd be more surprised if I didn't figure it out."
'No, no, no!' Kei thought.
'It's normal not to figure it out! No normal person connects those dots!'
She took a deep breath.
"So... out of the three of you, who confessed first?"
"They did."
"And you just... accepted?"
"Mhm."
"The location... was it during the training camp?" "Mhm."
'What 'Mhm'?!' Kei almost threw the phone.
They got together during that camp! Where could you even find a private corner in that place?
In the middle of the night, in the dark... they confessed at the door?! Shameless! Airi couldn't have done it; it must have been that "home-wrecker" Haruka!
"Wait... why did you accept?"
"Well, I plan to have a harem. They were serious, they didn't mind the harem, and I liked them, so we're together."
Kei almost blurted out, "Then why wasn't I okay back then?" But she swallowed it.
During her first "confession," they had no emotional foundation, and her motive was impure. The second time was a joke.
'Clearly I was first' she thought.
'Whether it was the first confession or joining the boxing club. Why did it turn out like this?'
She was fuming.
She suppressed her thoughts and got to business.
"Anyway, today after school, I saw Manabe Shiho meeting Class A's Hashimoto Masayoshi privately near the old gym warehouse!"
"Really?" Akira was surprised.
"What were they talking about?"
"I was too far away. But Manabe looked excited when she came out, and Hashimoto left with a smile."
'Interesting.'
At the exact moment Class D fell into chaos, Hashimoto appeared. It seemed Sakayanagi Arisu was indeed trying to influence Class D's vote.
"Kei," Akira's voice turned gentle.
"You helped me again. I owe you another favor."
"That's three, right?" she laughed lightly.
"Yeah... three. Have you thought about what you want?"
"I have. All three."
He waited. After a few seconds, her voice returned.
"The second night after the special exam ends... I want you to leave that entire night to me. Not as a boxing club member and manager, or as someone returning a favor. Just... dinner together, then going somewhere where it's just the two of us for a while. Phones on silent, ignoring everyone."
A pause. "That is my first request."
"Okay," Akira replied without hesitation.
"That night is yours. You pick the place."
Kei let out a breath of relief.
"Mhm, it's a promise. I'll send the time and place. Bye."
She stood before the bathroom mirror. The weariness in her eyes faded, replaced by a firm, resolute determination.
She couldn't go on like this. It was time for a "straight-ball" attack.
A gyaru should act like a gyaru, shouldn't she?
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Around 9:00 PM, a knock came at Akira's door. It was Kushida Kikyo. She was in her winter uniform, but unlike her usual cheerful self, she was silent and looked upset. She closed the door behind her.
'Looks like my girlfriend is in a bad mood today.'
Akira pulled her to the bed and sat down.
"What's wrong? Tell me."
"Hmph! It's Mei-yu!" Kikyo snapped.
"Ever since the training camp, she's made two new friends—Ichinose Honami and Shiina Hiyori! She hasn't been asking me to go shopping lately. And fine, but I heard... when it came to love troubles, she didn't come to me first, she went to that Ichinose woman! You knew about this, didn't you?"
"I did," Akira nodded. "It happened yesterday after school."
Kikyo was fuming. She cared deeply about the "order" and details of relationships. Why would Mei-yu go to Honami before her?
"When did she mention it to you?" Akira asked.
"She only ran to me today at noon!" Kikyo pouted.
"Did she message you yesterday?"
"Yes, she said she wanted to find time to talk about something important."
"There you go," Akira smiled.
"Did she eat cake with you?"
"We did!"
"Dummy," Akira patted her forehead.
"You're overthinking. Her first instinct was to talk to you. You guys are fine."
"What do you mean?"
Akira explained that Mei-yu likely messaged both her and Honami, but bumped into him and Honami at the cake shop by chance. Honami guided the conversation out of her.
"She bought that cake for you, not Honami. She wanted to have the cake ready before she told you. You're overthinking it."
Kikyo's dissatisfaction vanished.
"Is... that so?"
"Of course! You're Kikyo! Everyone loves you. When they have trouble, they think of you first."
Kikyo broke into a sweet, triumphant smile.
She was Kushida Kikyo, after all! Her mood shifted from cloudy to sunny, and she jumped into Akira's arms, hugging him tight.
Her boyfriend was so smart, always noticing the small things and knowing exactly how to coax her. She kissed his cheek several times. She really loved him.
"Did you test Hirata's attitude?" she asked.
"Yeah. He has no interest in dating. Even if Mei-yu confesses, it won't work out."
"That guy definitely has a 'landmine' in his past," Kikyo scoffed.
"If he dares suggest you give up your points tomorrow or slanders you..." Her voice turned cold.
"I'll guide the votes to kick him out."
"I don't think it'll come to that," Akira kissed her cheek to calm her.
"Hmph, he better not act up," she huffed.
"By the way, I've contacted most of the class. For this vote, we're giving the praise votes to you. That way you'll get the Protection Point. It's an extra layer of safety."
"Wait, for me? Wouldn't it be better for you to keep it?" Akira was surprised. Kikyo was the most popular person in class.
"No, it has to be you," Kikyo said seriously.
"I want you to have that safeguard. I'm not discussing this; I'm informing you."
She understood his character. If they were ever in a "one or the other" situation, he would save her or his other loved ones before himself. She tapped his forehead.
"You always say you have a plan or points. But points and layouts can fail or be betrayed. Only a Protection Point is a rule-given absolute right. It's tied to you. To me, it's more powerful than 20 million points.
So listen to me. The class will concentrate the praise votes on you. Not for yourself, but... so I can feel more at ease."
Akira looked at her. In her beautiful eyes, he saw only his reflection and a fierce, protective love. He realized her feelings for him were far deeper and more concrete than he had imagined. She wasn't just enjoying his protection; she was dominantly trying to build the strongest defense for him.
He smiled. "If there's such a good deal, I'll accept it gratefully!"
"Don't thank me. There's no need for that between us." Kikyo gave a satisfied smile.
"But once you have it, no doing anything reckless! If you do dangerous things just because you have an extra life, I won't forgive you!"
"I know, I'll listen to you," Akira laughed.
"One more thing," Kikyo's eyes sparkled.
"Making Horikita that woman suffer last time felt great... but it only lasted a few minutes. You won't disappoint me tonight, right?"
Akira understood the hint instantly.
He pulled her down onto the bed.
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