The first day of…
no, wait—it was the second day, but it was the first day of classes.
Since it was the first day of classes, everyone had arrived fairly early.
Some students had even brought cushions for their seats, coasters, and small hanging pouches for the sides of their desks.
Though it was only the second day, basic circles of acquaintances had already formed, with several small groups scattered around the classroom chattering away.
In contrast, Shiraishi, sitting alone at his desk, looked somewhat out of place.
“Shiraishi-kun, how was your yesterday?” Hamaguchi Tetsuya, who had just entered the classroom, greeted him proactively.
“Pretty good.
I looked around the school and got a general feel for things.” Shiraishi responded with a smile, but his eyes were fixed on the classroom entrance—the person he was looking for had just arrived.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Sensing that Hamaguchi wanted to continue the conversation, Shiraishi raised his hand lightly to cut him off, stood up directly, and walked toward Ichinose Honami.
“Uh…
huh?” Hamaguchi stared at Shiraishi’s movements, momentarily stunned—until he saw Shiraishi stop beside Ichinose, and his expression suddenly grew far more intrigued.
But then he saw Shiraishi call over Kanzaki Ryūji as well, and any interest in watching a potential scene instantly faded.
“Almost thought there was going to be some drama.” Though somewhat curious, Hamaguchi didn’t dwell on it, turning instead to join the other students.
…
“So, Shiraishi-kun, what did you need us for?” Ichinose asked softly from behind him.
Kanzaki remained silent, his gaze shifting briefly between the two of them before settling quietly on Shiraishi—clearly waiting for an explanation.
“I’d like to consult Hoshinomiya-sensei about a few things.
I was hoping the two of you could bear witness for me.” Mindful that they were in the hallway with other students nearby, Shiraishi didn’t say more.
The three of them arrived at Hoshinomiya Chie’s office.
However, since it was almost time for class, there were other teachers present as well.
Was Chabashira also in this office?
Recalling the history between the two teachers, Shiraishi considered briefly, then sent a message to Hoshinomiya through his student terminal before heading toward the health room.
Before long, Hoshinomiya arrived with her keys.
“My, my—a student coming to consult with their teacher on the second day of school!” Hoshinomiya’s voice was exceptionally bright, managing to sound endearing without coming across as affected.
But Shiraishi knew Hoshinomiya’s “dark history,” and his expression remained unchanged as he said flatly, “Could you please open the door quickly, Sensei?
We don’t seem to have much time before class starts.” “Boys without patience aren’t popular with girls, you know~” Hoshinomiya pouted in feigned displeasure, though her hands moved quickly.
After unlocking the health room, she led the three of them inside.
Shiraishi gently closed the door and cut straight to the point: “Hoshinomiya-sensei, I have several questions I’d like to ask.” “First, I’ve noticed that upperclassmen don’t treat lower-ranked classes—whether in their own grade or ours—very well.
Does the ABCD designation represent a class’s standing, or something similar?” “Second, there are bulletin boards on the upperclassmen’s floors displaying class points, and the amount of class points seems to correspond to class rankings.
I’d like to confirm whether there’s a direct connection between the two?” “Third, both the cafeteria and convenience store offer free items.
Does this mean the points the school distributes each month can fluctuate, or perhaps even drop to zero?” The three questions came out in rapid succession.
Shiraishi stared into Hoshinomiya’s eyes, waiting for her response.
Knowing the answers already, he wasn’t actually concerned with what Hoshinomiya would say.
His goal was to have Ichinose and Kanzaki learn the school’s rules firsthand.
“Oh?” Hoshinomiya’s tone noticeably deepened, her lips pressing together slightly.
“Little Shiraishi certainly has a lot of questions.
But I can answer all of them.” “There is indeed a relationship between upperclassmen’s class points and class rankings.
Private Points can also change.
And ABCD does, to a certain extent, represent how outstanding students are.” Hoshinomiya smiled.
“So, now that you know that, Little Shiraishi, do you have any other questions?” “What exactly is the difference between ABCD classes?
And if our class’s points exceed those of the current Class A, what would happen?” Shiraishi fired off his next two questions.
“Little Shiraishi really has figured it out, hasn’t he~” Hoshinomiya’s eyes sparkled.
“The difference between the four classes is that the preferential treatment you know about—including guaranteed admission to elite universities and top companies—is only available to the best class: Class A.
However, if your class points surpass Class A, then you’ll become the new Class A and enjoy those benefits.” She blinked.
“Congratulations, Little Shiraishi—you’ve discovered the hidden boss.” “Then…
I’ll just come out and say it.” Shiraishi noticed that Ichinose’s and Kanzaki’s expressions had clearly shifted—clearly surprised by the questions and their corresponding answers.
The two of them were smart enough to realize what those answers implied.
“Class Points and Private Points should be linked.
Based on the comparison with the second and third years, the ratio is probably 1:100.
That means our initial Class Points should be 1,000 points—the same for all four first-year classes.” Shiraishi paused briefly, then continued: “And since Class Points represent class rankings, the four classes will inevitably diverge.
I don’t think the school will delay announcing the truth for long—maybe as early as next month.” “Meaning we’ve already started the first round of the ‘exam’?” Ichinose, who had been listening silently all along, spoke up instinctively.
Shiraishi turned to look at her—her usual gentle demeanor was gone from her face.
She turned to Hoshinomiya: “Is that right, Hoshinomiya-sensei?” “Little Ichinose is so clever too~” Hoshinomiya’s eyes narrowed into slits.
“And now, can you guess what the exam is about?” “Maybe monthly tests?” Kanzaki finally spoke.
“Based on monthly test results—the best-performing class gains points, the worst loses points?” “It could also be conduct and discipline.” Seeing that Hoshinomiya wasn’t offering any hints—likely bound by the school’s rules from saying more—Shiraishi took over: “This exam has no given scope, so we can only start from our identity as ‘students.’ Whether it’s test scores, or discipline in class and around school, all of it could be part of the evaluation.” Ichinose and Kanzaki nodded in agreement with Shiraishi’s reasoning.
Hoshinomiya broke into a radiant smile: “Little Shiraishi is amazing—I’m starting to admire you a little myself~ As far as I know, no one in this school’s history has ever figured out these rules this early.” “It was just a bit of observation and thinking.” Shiraishi glanced at the clock, exchanged a look with Ichinose and Kanzaki, and said, “Hoshinomiya-sensei, it’s almost time for class.
We’ll head back now.” “Make sure to come visit me often, okay~ Your teacher gets so lonely in the health room all by herself~” Hoshinomiya put on a tearful expression as she watched the three leave, a peculiar gleam flickering in her eyes.