After receiving a brief supplementary explanation from Chabashira-sensei, we were dismissed.
Machida is from an opposing faction, and even though Morishige is a spy, he had been acting as part of the Katsuragi Faction until the other day, so they aren’t close at all; as soon as the explanation ended, both of them left the room immediately.
As expected, teamwork doesn’t seem to exist among the Class A members assigned to the “Rabbit” group.
Stepping out of the room, I checked my phone—which had been on silent—and found an email from Hashimoto stating that Ryunkel’s gathering time was at 8:30 PM.
In that case, I guess I’ll come back here around 8:00 PM to pass along that matter…
Honestly, Ryunkel, if you had just given me your email address back then, I wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble.
Now then, that leaves me with about two hours to kill…
In the spirit of the exam’s theme, “Thinking,” why don’t I think about the exam details and my own approach while having dinner?
“…Why on earth did I end up eating dinner alone with you?” “Come on, don’t look so annoyed, Masumin.
It’s my treat.” “The food here is completely free anyway.
And don’t call me Masumin.” “…Would ‘Camuron’ have been better?” “That’s not the issue!” “But doesn’t it sound a bit like ‘macaron’?
Though I really don’t think something that fancy suits you at all.” “Listen to me!
And what is that supposed to mean?!” While walking through the cruise ship, I happened to spot the Sakayanagi Faction’s Bishop—Masumi Kamuro, a.k.a.
Masumin—heading to the restaurant.
So, I changed my plans, semi-forcibly tagged along, and sat down for a meal with her.
Every once in a while, the leader’s close aides need to deepen their friendship, after all.
“Why are you in such a bad mood?
You usually eat lunch with everyone in the faction, and it’s not like you hate me, Masumin.” “…I certainly don’t hate you, but how can you assert that so confidently?” “I can tell those things right away.
D-Class’s Kushida-chan is amazing, you know?
She hates me so much that if this country weren’t governed by the rule of law, it wouldn’t surprise me if she came to take my life.” “…Kushida?
That Kushida?
That’s hard to believe.
What on earth did you do to her?” “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” I am a little curious about why someone who harbors that much aversion toward me would still interact with me so amicably.
You could say I find it hard to comprehend, though.
“…To get back to the topic, sure, I don’t hate you.
But…
think about how a girl looks to the people around her when she’s eating alone with a guy who has a girlfriend.” “Arisu and I aren’t actually dating yet, though?” “Setting your bothersome relationship aside, the people around us don’t see it that way.
…Actually, you two are intentionally making yourselves look like that, aren’t you?” Well, that’s true.
If those around us recognize us as a couple, it saves us the troublesome hassle of people asking us out.
Girls who don’t know Arisu well will give up on unrequited love just from her looks, and girls who do know Arisu well will be far too terrified to even try.
The reverse is pretty much the same.
“I wanted to avoid troublesome things too…
What are you going to do if weird rumors start spreading because of this?” “It’ll be fine.
Most students’ impression of me is ‘a bit of an oddball,’ so they’ll probably just write it off with, ‘Well, it’s Honjo…'” “If you’re self-aware, fix it a little bit…” “No way.
Life is only worth living if you live it as you are; otherwise, what’s the point?” “Living as you are…
huh.” For some reason, Masumin’s expression darkened.
Seeing as she follows Arisu under compulsion yet doesn’t seem to mind it all that much, it looks like this girl carries a rather heavy past…
Oh well, I’ll leave it alone.
She probably wouldn’t want to talk about it anyway, and to begin with, I’m not interested in other people’s pasts.
“…Setting that aside, what are you going to do about this exam?” “Coast through it as planned.
The rest of the Sakayanagi Faction can just follow Katsuragi’s instructions again.” “Right…
In that case, how we move will be decided at the meeting after Katsuragi receives his explanation.” “Huh?
Meeting?” “You got an email from Katsuragi earlier, right?
Telling us to gather on the 2nd floor at 9:00 PM.” “First time I’m hearing about this.” “…Maybe Katsuragi didn’t bother contacting you because he figured you wouldn’t listen anyway.” “Curse you, Katsuragi.
Excluding me is unforgivable.
Next time it’s his birthday, I’m going to send him the latest state-of-the-art hair dryer.” “Stop with that subtle harassment…” After that, our casual conversation proceeded quite pleasantly.
Eventually, when the time was right, I parted ways with Masumin and headed toward the 2nd floor.
…When I see Katsuragi, I think I’ll bully him a little.
On my way to the 2nd floor, I ran into two handsome guys I knew.
“Ah, Honjo-kun.” “Oh, Hirata-kun…
and Cozy?
Weren’t you in the ‘Rabbit’ group with me?” “I was called out by Horikita.
Do you have business with someone, too?” “Just with Ryunkel.” “Ryunkel…
you mean Ryuen-kun, right?
Being in the same group as him—we need to be careful…
Still, between today and the final day of the deserted island exam, are you two on good terms?” “We’re not on good terms.
I asked for his email address before, and he wouldn’t even give it to me.
That stingy purple-long-hair.” “I-I see…” Despite how I look, I’m actually the type to hold a grudge.
While chatting like that, we arrived at our target floor, where Katsuragi and Horirin were facing off in front of a few student spectators.
Wow, what a sight—makes me want to call security.
“I’ve been wanting to speak with you again properly.
Starting tomorrow, we’ll be cooperating as part of the same group.” “You wanted to speak with me?
You didn’t seem to pay me any mind when we met the other day, though?” Ah, that.
Natural high-horse behavior without even realizing a girl was weakened by illness.
To think the exam results turned out like that afterward—what a total clown.
“To be honest, that was the case until now.
However, looking at the extraordinary results of the previous exam, it’s impossible not to take notice.
Especially knowing that you were the key player behind it.” Though in reality, it probably wasn’t Horirin, but Cozy standing right beside me with an innocent face.
I guess a clown really stays a clown no matter how far he goes.
How pitiable.
“If you happen to climb up to Class C in the future, we will crush you without mercy.” “That’s quite a self-serving statement.
Is Class A, sitting comfortably in first place, really feeling intimidated just because we climbed up to Class C?” “Once a class turns the tables after a hierarchy has been established, it’s only natural to be on guard.
That goes for Class B and Class C as well.” Katsuragi spat out threats while glaring at Horirin alongside what little remained of his faction.
Maybe I really should call security…
I mean, Katsuragi, you’re talking big, but this exam is the last one where you get to decide class policy, you know?
“Making assumptions about other classes’ intentions isn’t very commendable.” Unable to watch such a terrible scene any longer, Class B’s Ryuji Kanzaki—a.k.a.
Zaki-chin—passed by my side and stood next to Horikita.
Class B and Class D are practically in an alliance, so having someone arbitrarily decide that they’re targeting you too would naturally be annoying, yeah.
“There’s no need to force yourself to go along with Katsuragi’s talk.” “No need to worry.
If I can wipe away the image of being looked down upon, I welcome it.” “I see.
So you weren’t satisfied with the dismissive treatment so far.
It’s true that in my class, there are those who treat Class D with contempt.” Like Totsuka, Totsuka, and maybe Totsuka.
“The incident on the deserted island certainly changed that view just a little.
…But don’t think you stand on equal footing just because you succeeded once by chance.” “…What do you mean by that?” “Anyone can have a stroke of luck once.
You shouldn’t get carried away just because your strategy happened to succeed a single time.
The gap in Class Points is still clear as day.” What is with that sore-loser warning reeking of small-fry energy?
It’s making me feel sad as a classmate, so could you stop?
…Besides, Horirin isn’t getting carried away in the slightest.
Because it wasn’t even her strategy to begin with.
“Hirata, you got dragged into a troublesome group.” “That’s true.
With Katsuragi-kun, Kanzaki-kun, and Ryuen-kun…
a tough fight is inevitable.” “Did someone call me?” Answering Hirata’s mutter, I took unnecessarily loud steps as I walked toward Horirin and the others.
Ryunkel and his merry crew have arrived.
“Kukuku.
Quite a gathering of small fry you’ve got here.
Mind if I spectate too?” “…Ryuen.
Are you at this time slot too?
Or are you just walking by by chance?” “Unfortunately, looks like I’m in the same time slot as you guys.” Unlike Katsuragi’s henchmen, the three students trailing behind Ryunkel were terrified, quiet, and submissive…
Not merry at all, yeah.
“Are you about to put on a show?
How about titling it ‘Beauty and the Beast’?
What do you think, Honjo?” “Hmm…
cliché and lacks a twist.
Let’s go with ‘Remember to Carry Your Personal Alarm!'” “Kuhahaha!
Now that’s a good one!” Holding his stomach as he laughed, Ryunkel was nevertheless met with a calm counter from Katsuragi.
“I’ve realized one thing.
I thought this group was gathered from students with high academic performance, but looking at you, that doesn’t seem to be the case.” “Academic performance?
Ridiculous.
What value does that crap have?” “Now that really is a regrettable statement.
Academic ability is the most important factor determining one’s future.
You do know that Japan is a meritocratic, academic-focused society, right?” “If you genuinely believe that, then stop struggling in vain and obey Sakayanagi already.
Presuming to act big when you’re in 3rd place…
right, Honjo?” “Seriously, so true.
During the deserted island exam, he tried to boss me around—the 1st place holder…
when he’s just in 3rd place.” “Whose side are you on?!” “I’m on Arisu’s side.
Which means I’m the enemy of Katsuragi, who opposes Arisu.
Do you understand?” I received glares from several people, including Horirin, but since Ryunkel isn’t opposing Arisu yet, he isn’t an enemy.
Katsuragi is the enemy.
He left me out, so he’s the enemy.
Absolutely the enemy.
“…I have no intention of forgiving your ruthless behavior.” “Ah?
Ruthless?
I don’t recall anything like that.
Be specific, Katsuragi.” “Not giving me your email address even though I asked for it.” “I wasn’t talking to YOU!
…Wait, you were still holding a grudge over that?!” “I was so hurt~ You gave it to Hashimoto, so why wasn’t I good enough~?” “Ah, damn it, you’re so annoying!
Fine, I’ll give it to you, so be grateful!” “Yay~ Ryunkel is so generous~♪ You purple-long-hair~♪” “I knew it, I’m gonna kill you!” “R-Ryuen-kun is getting pulled around…” “It really seems that the most troublesome person to deal with when aiming for Class A is Honjo-kun…
in many ways.” Leaving the righteous, indignant Katsuragi behind, we devoted ourselves to exchanging email addresses.
It must have been a humiliation to be treated like that, but honestly, neither I nor Ryunkel had any eyes for Katsuragi anymore, so it couldn’t be helped.
“Ah, right, Ryunkel.
About that contract matter…” “Ah?
What about it out of nowhere?
If you’re going to ask to cancel it now—” “I’ll cover the entirety of the Sakayanagi Faction’s share.” “…Are you saying that seriously?” “According to teacher, I’m apparently the student who has gathered the most Private Points in history.” When I showed off the information I had indirectly heard from Horirin previously, Ryunkel flashed a sinister grin.
“Kukuku…
Looks like you’re even more capable than I anticipated.
…Since my pockets are going to be well-lined anyway, it might be interesting to drag you down along with Sakayanagi and then recruit you.” “That does sound interesting, but can you really win against Arisu?” “Spout all the nonsense you want.
I’m the one who will win in the end.” “Is that so…
I’ll be looking forward to you guys challenging her, Ryunkel.” “Wash your neck and wait for it.” Well then, I’ve taken care of all my business, so I guess I’ll head back.
“Wait, Honjo-kun!
What is this contract about?” “I have no obligation to tell you~ Well then, adios.” Leaving behind the members—starting with Horirin—who looked like they had a lot more to say, I departed from the 2nd floor.
Now then, it’s about time for self-study.
During the deserted island exam, my training inevitably leaned toward the physical side, so I’ll have to make up for it by immersing myself entirely in studying over the remaining seven days…
Eh?
Class meeting?
Like I give a damn.
I wasn’t invited, after all.
I was left out.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Author’s Note: That night…
after receiving a long, novel-length email from Kiriha-kun, deep wrinkles were reportedly etched onto Ryuen-kun’s temples.