After parting ways with Kamuro, Shiraishi sent another message, asking another student to meet him at the dormitory entrance.
Before long, the person he was waiting for arrived.
“This is our first formal introduction, isn’t it, Ayanokōji-kun.” Shiraishi extended his hand.
“I’m Shiraishi Makoto from Class A.
I believe we saw each other at the convenience store on the first day of school.” “Probably so, Shiraishi-kun.” Ayanokōji shook his hand briefly, his expression betraying nothing.
“As you know, I’m Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
What did you want to see me about this late at night?” “Nothing major.” Shiraishi glanced around, then asked: “Ayanokōji-kun, do you have any interest in Class A?” “…No.” Ayanokōji paused before answering.
“But you’ve been taking action with the goal of reaching Class A.” “I’m just going along with Horikita-san…” “Indeed.
Ayanokōji-kun doesn’t have many friends in Class D either.” “You’re going to make me sad saying that.” After a bit of verbal sparring, Shiraishi’s smile faded as he slowly got to the point: “To be honest, I’m rather afraid of you, Ayanokōji-kun.” “What do you mean by that?” “Exactly what I said.
I’m worried about what would happen if you got serious.” “…So you do know about me.” Ayanokōji’s expression remained unchanged, but a faint sense of pressure emanated from him.
“That’s right.
I know you’re from that place.” Shiraishi admitted openly.
There was no point hiding it from Ayanokōji—he wouldn’t care how Shiraishi knew about the “White Room.” Besides, Shiraishi already had valid channels to know about it: Kanzaki Ryūji and Sakayanagi Arisu.
Both were from wealthy family conglomerates and had knowledge of the White Room.
Ayanokōji stared at Shiraishi in silence for a moment before speaking: “You don’t seem like the type who’d try to force me to drop out.” “Not necessarily.” Shiraishi paused.
“If you start actively participating in exams and try to lead Class D to become Class A—then to protect my own class, I would.” “So you’re here to challenge me?” “Quite the opposite.
I’m here to propose a partnership.” Shiraishi shifted his tone.
“A partnership?” Even Ayanokōji Kiyotaka seemed unsure what areas they could cooperate on.
“On the 1st, your homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei, called you and Horikita-san in, wanting you both to contribute to the class’s advancement—am I right?” Shiraishi explained.
At this reminder, Ayanokōji recalled the other person he’d encountered in the office that day—Hoshinomiya Chie, the current Class A’s homeroom teacher.
Hoshinomiya had pulled him aside for a chat, and it was only Chabashira’s appearance that had separated them.
Shiraishi briefly explained the history between Hoshinomiya and Chabashira, then continued: “Hoshinomiya-sensei noticed you both that day.
She checked your entrance records and found that every single one of your exam scores was exactly 50.
So she sent me to assess whether you have the ability to lead a class.” “That’s why I’m here to negotiate with you.
I understand your capabilities better than anyone at this school, and I want to avoid the worst-case scenario.” “I’m sorry, Shiraishi-kun…
I don’t quite understand what you mean by ‘the worst-case scenario.'” “Why did Ayanokōji-kun come to the Advanced Nurturing High School?” Shiraishi countered.
“…I wanted to try living and going to school like an ordinary person.” After a few seconds of thought, Ayanokōji gave his answer.
“Conflict-avoidance” was just his cover—a manufactured identity to hide any behavior that deviated from a “normal student.” He was tired of being controlled by his father and longed for freedom.
But more importantly, he wanted to learn the “mundane” things his father deemed unnecessary, to understand the true meaning of “equality,” and to discover what “ability” really was.
“I’ll help you—prevent you from getting expelled for various reasons.
In exchange, I’d like you to hold back when you contribute to your class.
At the very least, don’t aim to become Class A.” “If I don’t agree, you’ll have me expelled immediately.” Ayanokōji scratched his head.
“It’s not that extreme.
The reason you’re at this school is precisely because it has the backing and power to resist your father.” Shiraishi smiled.
“But if your father gets word of your activities, he’ll try every means to circumvent the ‘rules.’ I don’t know how long the school can hold out.” In truth, the school had almost completely withstood pressure from Ayanokōji’s father—but only someone with a bird’s-eye view like Shiraishi could know that.
After a long silence, Ayanokōji said flatly: “It doesn’t seem like I have much choice.” “This condition isn’t so difficult.” Shiraishi’s tone softened.
“It won’t stop you from fulfilling your homeroom teacher’s expectations.
If Class D doesn’t reach Class A in the end, it’ll just be because the rest of the class wasn’t reliable enough.” “Fine.” Ayanokōji nodded lightly, accepting Shiraishi’s proposal.
“Then let me give you something as a gift.” Shiraishi pulled an electronic device from his bag.
“This is…
a recorder?” Ayanokōji looked surprised.
“Yes.
But I didn’t record anything just now.” Shiraishi handed the recorder to Ayanokōji.
“As I explained earlier, Chabashira-sensei clearly has a strong desire to reach Class A.
Just in case she catches wind of something from the outside and does something reckless, it’s better to be prepared.” “Thanks.” Ayanokōji pocketed the recorder.
“It’s getting late.
Let’s head back.” The two walked toward the dormitory building one after the other—and unexpectedly spotted two figures in the distance.
“No matter how much I try to avoid you, I can’t change the fact that you’re my sister.
If people around here find out about you, it will embarrass me.
Leave this school immediately.” “I-I can’t…
I won’t…
I absolutely will reach Class A…!” “How foolish.
I’ll make you taste the same bitter pill as before.” “Brother—I—” “You have neither the strength nor the right to rise.
Understand that clearly.” Just as Horikita Manabu grabbed Horikita Suzune by the collar, Shiraishi stepped into the light.
“President, even if you’re disciplining your sister, you shouldn’t be so rough.” “Shiraishi-kun.
Why are you here?” Seeing an outsider, Horikita released his grip on Horikita.
“I was studying and just got back.” Shiraishi held up his review materials—he hadn’t returned to the dorm since leaving the library.
“I was just handling a private matter with my sister.
Forgive the spectacle.” Horikita’s expression was unpleasant, clearly still irritated by his troublesome sister.
“No matter how you discipline her, you should be mindful that this is a school.” Shiraishi’s meaning was clear.
“Why don’t you leave her to me—arrange for Horikita-san’s expulsion or something.”