5 COTE

Quite a few eyes had been drawn to Tatsuya when he stepped out of class.

A few people called out to him, especially the girls but he ignored them and left the class.

"Hey, hasn't Tatsuya-kun been acting weird for the past few days?" Shinohara spoke, startling Kei.

"I guess, maybe he's worried about the class?" Matsushita chimed in, she couldn't exactly understand the sudden change in Tatsuya's behaviour either.

But she felt something was off.

"Yeah, he's trying to act tough so that we don't slack off. How cute~" Onedera spoke with mischief and Kei brushed it off.

Cute? Him? Hah!

The only reason she was still able to act like herself was because Tatsuya didn't bother her much, besides acting as an information channel sometimes.

"Yeah I know right, he told everyone that he doesn't want anyone to help Sudo and the others but look at him smiling at Horikita teaching them."

"Ano, are the rumours about him and Horikita being close true?" Some girl mentioned suddenly and a few depressed faces popped up.

"Probably but the matter is somewhat iffy, it's like they hate each other. Well, whatever I don't like Horikita-san anyway." Sato muttered while leaning on her desk.

"I guess she's a bit too arrogant for her own good."

"That reminds me, weren't Tatsuya-kun and Hasabe-chan close?"

Their eyes turned to Haruka who seemed engrossed in her phone. They had hit it out on the first few days but Haruka seemed to have distanced herself from them.

"Heh, she's going down the Horikita-san route, wanting to be aloof just because she has Tatsuya-kun's attention. So what if she has bigger..." The rest left unsaid as a sour expression formed over Shinohara's face.

"But I don't think they're going out... yet?" Sato muttered again.

"Mou, does it matter? Let's stop talking about them, since they want to act stuck up let them." Kei couldn't stand them bitching any longer. The longer she let them talk the more toxic it would get.

That's just how girl groups worked.

As the leader, it was her duty to control them and contribute to the bitching even if she wasn't interested. Karuizawa had a hunch that it was due to her that Hasabe had distanced herself from their group.

"Hirata-kun!!!~" she called out and dragged him with the girls for lunch.

...

Kushida also noticed him and avoided his gaze altogether. She was determined to not talk to him till the Mid-terms were over.

She definitely had to make fun of him once he was expelled!

"What's wrong Kikyo-chan?" Maezono asked after noticing Kushida had gone silent.

"Ah, hehe nothing. I was just worried about the class."

"That's so like you." Maezono muttered and Nene Mori bobbed her head, "Yeah! Yeah! Kikyo-chan is so kinddd!"

"Aah, C'mon don't tease me." Kushida giggled but paused abruptly after noticing something odd.

A brown-haired boy with a dull look on his face passed by her group silently. Kushida accidentally made eye contact with him for a split second before her smile faded.

Ayanokouji left the classroom.

"Haha, I'll leave guys I have something to do."

"Wah! Kikyo-chan you won't have lunch with u-us?" Inogashira asked with a sad expression and Kushida felt guilty.

She rubbed the back of her head bashfully, "I'm sorry Kokoro-chan I'll definitely have lunch with you tomorrow!"

After consoling her friend group a bit more she chased after Ayanokouji.

She hid her grim expression and donned her usual cheerful exterior.

Kushida had been hypersensitive regarding Tatsuya, the three idiots and Ayanokouji for the past few days.

Thankfully Tatsuya stopped contacting her while the idiot trio seemed to be studying diligently under Horikita during the ten-minute break after every class.

Ayanokouji hadn't been doing anything special either.

Everything seemed so normal, so relaxed.

But something just felt odd. Tatsuya didn't seem to be doing anything, was he truly just banking on the fact that they would earn low scores on the exams?

She couldn't help but feel disappointed and... cheated.

But maybe this was why she was feeling so off. There was definitely something wrong, it was similar to the calm before the storm.

Just what is he planning to do?

Suddenly, she noticed Ayanokouji up front. He had finally made a move.

She had been waiting for him to invite her since Tatsuya said that he was going to make some deal with a third year.

A deal that would allow even the idiot trio to score full marks. It seemed impossible.

But...

Why was his way of inviting her so weird?

She had made a few observations regarding him, even before Tatsuya mentioned him.

He was the only one who seemed to be friends with Horikita after all. She had to keep an eye on him and the moment she noticed him avoiding her or acting suspicious around her she would assume he knew of her secret too.

Well, that aside he was acting strange today.

Ayanokouji was someone who seemed to be introverted, or rather someone who didn't like crowds.

He didn't talk much and he usually left the class from the backdoor.

But why did he suddenly walk around the class and use the front door to leave today? Most people wouldn't notice this but Kushida who had been keeping an eye on him obviously noticed it.

She could possibly be overthinking it but the moment they made eye contact she was sure that Ayanokouji wanted her to follow him.

If she hadn't been so focused on his actions she wouldn't have been suspicious and just followed along with him naturally to gain more information about Horikita.

"Where are you going?"

She popped up before him, stopping him in his tracks.

"It's lunch. I thought I'd go to the cafeteria."

"Hmm. Mind if I go with you?"

"I don't really mind. But there are a lot of other people you could ask, you know."

"It's true, I do have a lot of friends to eat lunch with, but you don't have anyone, Ayanokouji-kun.

"Even though you'd usually reach out to Horikita-san, you haven't talked to her today. The other day, didn't you say something was bothering you about what happened in the faculty room? What was it?"

"Ah, that? Hmm..." Ayanokouji seemed to be hesitant before he nodded, "You can come with me and I'll tell you if you promise to not tell anyone else."

Kushida felt her heart pound, this was definitely what Tatsuya was talking about.

"Of course! I'm good at keeping secrets!"

Ayanokouji nodded once again and both of them headed to the cafeteria.

Kushida silently followed him, she wanted to keep her act up but just couldn't get in the mood. Maybe the anticipation of what was about to come had her on edge.

-x-X-x-

[Kushida]

After we reached the cafeteria I noticed Ayanokouji stop and scan the entire area.

I think I have an idea of who he's searching for. I wonder if it's a random third-year or someone he knew.

I would be surprised if someone like Ayanokouji was familiar with any third-year.

We navigated through the crowd and reached the meal ticket machine. He bought tickets for two portions but didn't line up at the counter. Instead, he went to the side of the vending machine and looked at students perusing the menu.

"What is it?" I tilted my head and looked puzzled when he began studying the machine.

I already had an idea of what he wanted.

"This might answer what was bothering me."

He continued observing students as they bought lunch sets from the ticket machine. After about twenty students, he seemed to have noticed something. He purchased his meal ticket and walked to the counter with heavy footsteps.

"Okay, let's go," he said.

"Hmm? Okay."

We quickly exchanged our tickets for our meals and sat down in front of the heavy-footed student.

"Um, excuse me. Are you an upperclassman?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Hmm? Who are you?" The student regarded us calmly, a look of complete disinterest on his face.

"Are you a second-year student? Third-year?"

"Third-year. Let me guess, you're a first-year?"

"I'm Ayanokouji, from Class D. You're also in Class D, aren't you?"

"What's that got to do with you?"

I looked at him with surprise, as if asking, "How did you know?"

Of course, I wasn't actually surprised, Tatsuya had explained a bit regarding this situation but he kept the details secret.

Just what did Ayanokouji want to do?

"Because he's limited to eating free meals. It's not very tasty, is it?" He asked.

That was a pretty rude statement. Ayanokouji was unexpectedly blunt.

"What do you want? You're really irritating." He took his tray and wanted to stand, but Ayanokouji stopped him.

"I want to ask you something. If you listen, I'll show you my gratitude."

"Gratitude?"

"Do you still have the problems from the midterm test from the first semester of your first year? Or, if not, do you happen to know someone from your class who does?"

I felt my heart pounding through my chest.

"A deal that would allow even the idiot trio to score full marks."

Tatsuya's words echoed in my mind as I instantly connected the dots. I knew I wasn't someone very smart or a genius but with hints and answers laid out like this, it would take an idiot to not notice.

It couldn't be... It couldn't be that the test from previous years was the same test we will be taking!?

Ha-ha-ha... This has to be a joke.

"Do you even understand what you're asking?" the third year said.

"It's not particularly strange, is it? I didn't think it was against school rules to study using old test problems."

"Why are you asking me?"

"That's simple. I believed I'd have the highest chance of success if I worked with someone who didn't have any points. Honestly, that free vegetable meal doesn't look good. Of course, things would be quite different if you actually liked eating the vegetable set. What do you think?"

"How much are you going to pay?"

"Ten thousand points. That's as high as I'll go."

"I don't have the old test problems, but…I know someone who does. If you want him to help you, though, you're going to need to offer at least 30,000 points. If you've got that, you're fine."

"I'm afraid that 30,000 is a no-go for me. I don't have that much."

"How much do you have?"

"Twenty thousand."

"Then 20,000… no, 15,000 should do. Nothing under that."

"15,000, huh?"

"If you'd go so far as to ask for old test problems from a stranger, then you must be pretty desperate, huh? Well, the school will mercilessly expel any student who gets a failing grade. None of my classmates are even here anymore."

"I see. I understand. I'll pay you 15,000 points."

"Then we have a deal. Of course, I'll have to ask you to transfer the points in advance."

"Fine, but if you do anything to stab us in the back, I won't forgive you. Even if you're an upperclassman, I'll do anything and everything I can to make sure you're expelled."

That was unexpectedly scary for Ayanokouji. I think I understand why Tatsuya told me to pay attention to him.

"You're a freak. Fine, I get it. Besides, when you transfer points, there's always a record of it. If a rumour spreads that some first-year students ripped me off, it'd look bad."

"All right then. Since I'm paying you 15,000 points, can you toss in a little bonus? I want to see the answers to the surprise test that we took after being admitted."

"All right. I'll toss that in, too. I think that your concerns are pointless, though."

His words were the final nail in the coffin as I froze. The senior understood why we were asking for the previous papers.

"Thank you very much."

After we made our deal, he quickly left. He probably didn't want to be noticed.

Ayanokouji then proceeded to mention how he noticed the hint Chabashira-sensei dropped. He also found the three final questions which seemed unsolvable odd.

But I wasn't paying much attention to him or his explanation; only when he mentioned that it was insurance for saving Sudo and the rest did I break out of my reverie.

Inwardly, my body felt cold as Tatsuya's smiling face popped up in my mind.

That demon knew from the start that there was a method to score full marks, but he told no one.

He even knew Ayanokouji would notice this and help the idiot trio. That bastard... He knew it, he knew of this method. Then why...?

Unwillingly, a shiver crawled down my spine, surprising Ayanokouji.

Why did he make such a contract?

I'm sure there are no loopholes in it, so why was he so assured that the idiot trio would get expelled?

I didn't shiver because I was scared about Tatsuya being expelled but because I knew that something bad was going to happen.

I didn't, for a second, believe Tatsuya would simply allow himself to be expelled.

Whatever he was going to do... It was probably going to tear the class apart.

I've noticed it.

I've noticed how he's stopped caring much about his public image.

Being tardy in class, and giving dismissive replies to his classmates.

Everything was a precursor to what was coming.

Tatsuya was going to sacrifice his reputation to expel them, and I couldn't stop the fear bubbling in my heart.

Even with these test papers available, Tatsuya was sure he would be able to expel the three of them.

"Is everything okay? You look pale, Kushida," Ayanokouji seemed concerned, but I didn't pay attention to his words.

I could only hope Ayanokouji and Horikita wouldn't fail.

Just what was Tatsuya going to do?

Why... Why was he so confident?

-x-X-x-

[Ayanokouji]

I discreetly clenched my fist in triumph. The questions here matched the old ones, and if I'd memorized the previous test, a near-perfect score seemed achievable.

Glancing around for assurance, I didn't notice any confused students. Many seemed to have engaged in last-minute studying. I carefully answered all the problems.

The second and third period exams were for Japanese and chemistry. While working, I realized Horikita's guidance in the study group aligned with the test content. She accurately predicted problems from the lessons.

Then came the fourth period, Mathematics. Abnormally difficult mock test questions appeared, but the content was the same as the old exams. Even if others struggled, memorizing answers would suffice.

After the break, our study group, including Ike, Yamauchi, Horikita, and myself, gathered confidently.

"An easy victory! We've got this test on lock!" Ike exclaimed. "I feel like I might get 120 points," he added confidently. Yamauchi seemed equally optimistic.

They reviewed old test papers for a final check.

"Is everything okay Sudo?" Ike noticed Sudo intently looking at the old test material.

"Well, yeah. I actually fell asleep." He bashfully rubbed the back of his head while letting out a chuckle, "Thankfully Ayanokouji woke me up."

"Ah, that." Yamauchi muttered, "I guess I did find it weird to get a call late at night from another man but you seemed to need it!" He gave me a thumbs up.

I shrugged, "I was just worried."

"Na man you're a life saver. Though I still doubt I'll get above 50 in this exam, I suck at English. They look like magical letters to me!" Sudo seemed a bit frustrated.

"Well, just memorise the shorter answers worth more points. You don't have enough time to be looking around, as long as you pass we can build your basics back up."

"Horikita..." Sudo muttered and Horikita glared at him.

"Don't get any funny ideas, I don't want you to be a burden to the class anymore. Don't keep causing trouble."

Yamauchi and Ike shared a look while muttering, "Tsundere..."

Horikita's hand moved to her compass, and both of them ran away in fright. Sudo also went back to focusing on the old test material.

"What do you think?" Horikita turned towards me and asked casually, but the slight glance towards the person sitting in front of me conveyed her intentions.

"They shouldn't fail. At least I don't think there's any way for them to fail after the work they put in." I wonder if she would notice what I'm hinting at.

"I don't believe it's possible for them to fail now. As Kushida said while handing out these papers, the senior she got them from said the questions were the same for the last two years. It wouldn't make sense to suddenly change it, even if there were changes it should be minimal." She seemed confident.

My eyes were drawn to the girl with short beige-colored hair. She was currently surrounded by a bunch of students thanking her.

Though I find it odd that Karuizawa's group was holding a conversation amongst themselves.

I nodded, "Yup, it's highly unlikely."

Horikita seemed satisfied with my answer, but maybe she was deliberately speaking loudly, expecting some kind of response from Tatsuya.

Yet, Tatsuya seemed uninterested and was quietly listening to music. The flash of disappointment in Horikita's eyes was quite amusing.

"Hey, why do you think Kushida suddenly stopped attending the study group? I haven't seen her talking to Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo either since the first study group." I was curious about her thoughts.

"Huh? Well..." Horikita seemed to be seriously pondering my question. If it were any other student she would've brushed my question off.

There were many off things about Kushida I had yet to unravel, with the biggest being the relationship of her with Horikita.

Well, more like understanding what exactly happened between them. I've already drawn out the most likely scenario behind their relationship.

"I don't know... What did she say when you invited her for the second time?"

"She sounded sorry. Long story short she promised another group of students with tutoring so she couldn't help us."

"Well, that sounds reasonable. Maybe she's come to terms with the fact that I despise her." Horikita sounded happy.

This person...

"That's quite the heavy word there."

"You don't need to concern yourself with it." She went back to revise her material but she suddenly froze.

She turned to me with a hesitant look before it disappeared and she regained her calm. She looked back into her material.

I guess she's realized the most important factor in play here.

For that, she was even willing to ask me something like that.

I sighed before calling out to her, "Hey, Horikita."

She turned to me with a confused look as her phone beeped.

"You... What's this? What are you doing?" She looked baffled as her private points suddenly increased by 50,000.

"I lied to someone about my balance, it'd be troublesome if they asked to check my phone. Can you hold on to them for a bit?"

Horikita's face alternated between baffled and anger.

"You... You're a really bad liar."

I guess I'll have to improve on that.

I looked away from her and stared at Tatsuya's back.

But Horikita.

My help only extends to the point it does not inconvenience me.

This is as far I'll go.

Standing against Tatsuya has already disrupted my plans far enough.

I won't allow this peaceful life of mine to crumble down just to carry you on my back.

I hope you come out well after this exam, Horikita.

***

The exams concluded without a worry, everyone was happy.

Even Sudo looked cheerful as he ran to Horikita's desk, "I think I'll definitely score above 45 in English! Damn!"

Horikita leaned away from him and shoo'ed him away, "You're too close."

"Ah, yea."

"Damn you dog, if you score more than me than best believe I'll pound you to the ground." Yamauchi came over in high spirits and threatened Sudo playfully.

Ike burst out in laughter as Sudo pulled Yamauchi in a headlock.

It looked so cheerful, so harmonious.

The class was overwhelmed with joy which didn't even fade as Chabashira-sensei walked in with her usual strict expression.

The class noticed the rolled up piece of paper in her hands but their confident look didn't fade away.

"Would you guys like to see your scores right now?" She asked, her usual cold voice dull.

"Yeah!"

"Of course! We all definitely passed Sae-Chan-Sensei!" Ike yelled!

"Hell yeah!" Sudo also bellowed.

"We don't mind Chabashira-Sensei. I believe everyone in this class definitely passed... right?" Hirata said but there was a faint tremor in his voice.

Ayanokouji noticed this and he felt something was wrong.

But suddenly Horikita noticed something too.

Chabashira-Sensei had a grim look in her eyes and her lower lip was quivering unnoticeably.

"Sensei, please show us the results."

Everyone agreed, they were ready. They had done their best, studied with all their might, and thanks to Kushida they had the old study material to rely on at the last minute.

What could go possibly go wrong?

Even the idiot trio should pass... right?

...

Chabashira turned around and with heavy steps unfolded the piece of paper before sticking it on the blackboard.

The class slowly looked through the marks with occasional cheers of joy.

There were two neat rows of perfect scores.

"HELL YEAH!" Sudo cheered the loudest, his voice rumbling in the classroom. He pumped his fist in the air as the class giggled at his antics.

"Damn, that was close." Ike heaved a sigh of relief, "I can finally see girls in bikinis... hehehe." He giggled.

Yamauchi said nothing but there was a smug look on his face, as if saying this was expected.

"Yay, we'll finally get some points!" Sato cheered and hugged Shinohara.

"We did it... Kikiyo-chan..." Inogashira whispered with a cute smile as Kushida smiled back at her but the look in her eyes betrayed her shaken feelings.

She discreetly glanced at Tatsuya.

Don't tell me everything was false bravado...?

Hirata looked at the scores and calmed down. His trembling hand finally relaxed. His chat with Tatsuya a few days ago had left him shaken.

Thankfully his worries had not passed.

"Calm down. You guys did well, I didn't expect such scores from so many of you." She pointed at the sheet with a surprised expression yet no one noticed the grim look in her eyes.

"About 22 of you have reached perfect scores in multiple subjects. It's an unprecedented spectacle for Class D, to say the least." She sounded impressed.

Class D themselves were baffled. The result sheet was filled with nothing but 100's.

Yet there was something odd.

Karuizawa's group of eleven girls— Every single one of them was cheering ecstaticly, thanking Karuizawa.

"Yahoo! Yama-kun, thanks!" Hasabe waved from across the class and Tatsuya waved back at her with a smile.

Horikita watched this happening with a baffled look. She wasn't looking at Tatsuya but the class as a whole.

Chabashira let the class celebrate before raising her hand.

"But—"

Her words were like the arrival of the Grim Reaper. Everyone paused and simultaneously turned towards her with a confused look.

"Everyone's passed, right? Everyone got above 32 in every subject." Okitani muttered but it echoed loudly in the silent classroom.

Chabashira looked around, pausing at Horikita's pale face, Ayanokouji's dull face and Tatsuya's calm expression.

She then picked up the red marker and walked to the board with an ominous gait.

She drew a red line just above Sudo's English score of 43.

"You have failed Sudo."

Sudo stood up with a startled expression- No.

A horrified expression.

"You're kidding! How the hell did I fail?"

"I acknowledge your efforts but let me finish. Honestly, it's not your fault... this shouldn't be happening." She whispered the last part to herself.

She then drew a red line just above Yamauchi's chemistry score of 42.

Yamauchi's phone fell from his hand, the sound of metal hitting the floor tiles was like a rude awakening for the entire class.

"H-Hey... What's happening, have both of them failed? Will they be expelled?"

Similar doubts crept up in everyone's mind as they looked at their teacher who had a grim expression on her face.

"You have failed Yamauchi."

But she didn't stop.

She raised her hand once more as everyone's breath hitched.

Ike's heart started pounding, he could feel something heavy in the air and after witnessing Sudo and Yamauchi's result he felt something was wrong.

His face grew pale with sweat and fear appeared in his eyes.

And as if to add to his despair Chabashira drew a red line just above his Math score of 42.

"You have failed Ike."

"The three of you will be expelled and will be provided with an official notice before the end of today's classes."

Her words were like a precursor to chaos.

"The hell! What the fuck are you talking about?" Sudo yelled, "I passed!"

"Why do you think so?"

"Whaddya mean why!? I scored above 32 obviously!"

"You're very clearly misinformed, Sudo." Chabashira said, "The passing grade for the class is determined by the average marks scored. In English, the average score is 87.6 which divided by 2 is 43.8. The passing grade for English is 44 marks, you have failed by one mark Sudo."

She paused.

"The passing grade for Chemistry and Maths is 43. Both of you have also failed by one mark each." She said while eyeing the dumbfounded Yamauchi and despair-stricken Ike.

"I can't accept this!"

Everyone looked toward the panicky Hirata with a surprised expression, they had never seen him like this.

"Isn't there any way to save them Sensei!?" He yelled with anxiety and Kushida also jumped from her seat.

"Please tell us if there's a way Sensei!" She yelled with a teary expression, "We can't let Ike-kun, Yamauchi-kun and Sudo-kun get expelled!"

"There's nothing I can do," Chabashira replied coldly but there was pity in her voice which went unnoticed.

The class was filled with heavy silence and Chabashira sighed.

"Homeroom is now over, I'll leave." She turned around and started heading towards the door.

"Chabashira-sensei, may I have a moment of your time?" Though she'd stayed silent until that moment, Horikita raised her slender arm in the air and spoke. Thus far, Horikita had never voluntarily made any remarks. Chabashira-sensei and the rest of the class appeared shocked by this abnormality.

"Well, this is unusual, Horikita. Why?"

"Earlier, you said that the previous test had a passing grade of thirty-two points. You arrived at that number by the same formula you showed us today. Were there no mistakes in calculating the passing grade for the last test?"

"There were no mistakes."

"Then, that raises one more question. I calculated the average score for the previous test to be 64.4 points. If I were to divide that by two, I would get 32.2 points. In other words, higher than 32 points. Despite that, the passing grade was set at 32. That means that you left off the decimal. That contradicts what you did this time."

"Th-that's right. If you follow what you did last time, the passing grade for the midterm should be forty-three points for Sudo!"

In other words, Sudo's overall grade should have meant that he just barely passed.

"I see. Did you anticipate that Sudo, Yamauchi and Ike would just barely pass, then? You scored exceedingly low in all subjects, after all."

"Horikita, you…"

Sudo had realized something. The other students gasped as they also realized what had happened. Horikita had gotten very low scores in all five exams.

Her scores ranged from 55 to 68, with the lowest being in English.

"You really—"

Sudo, Yamauchi and Ike noticed what she'd done. To lower the average score for the tests, Horikita had purposefully botched her own grade as far as she could.

"If you believe that my thinking is incorrect, could you please tell me why the calculation differs between this test and the last test?" she asked.

The last ray of light. The class' final hope.

"I see. In that case, I'll explain in more detail. Unfortunately, your calculation is off. We didn't simply omit the decimal when we calculated the passing grade. We rounded the numbers up or down. On the last test, we rounded down to thirty-two points, and on this, we rounded up to the nearest one, which was 44, 43, 43. There's your answer."

Chabashira explained slowly.

"Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

The class didn't care as much as Hirata did, as long as it wasn't them that was getting expelled it was fine.

Airi who was sitting silently in the corner glanced at Tatsuya with fear. The smile on his face was unsettling. Whenever he smiled like that something bad was about to happen.

"T-this doesn't make sense... I shouldn't have scored so low..." Ike muttered as Horikita's expression twisted into one of anger.

Sudo also heard this and mindlessly mumbled, "I thought I'd definitely get above 45..."

Yamauchi didn't say anything but the look on his face said enough.

Koenji got up and started leaving, Chabashira raised a brow in question, "I simply do not wish to spectate the upcoming ugliness. It's nothing but unsightly."

With these words, he left.

Ayanokouji sighed before pulling his phone out.

Just as everyone was giving up a cry of protest sounded.

"You...!" Hirata yelled in anger, everyone was surprised by his outburst but the class was thrown into commotion as he turned around and glared at Tatsuya hatefully.

Horikita flinched as she remembered what happened a few days ago, the look she sent towards Tatsuya was one of sheer surprise.

Did he... do something?

"What's wrong, Yosuke?" Tatsuya tilted his head and asked with a gentle smile.

"Shut up!" Hirata growled coldly as everyone flinched. They never expected such a frosty look from Hirata.

He walked to Tatsuya's seat.

"Why..." He muttered, "Why would you do this...?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Tatsuya looked confused.

Hirata started shaking with anger, he bit his lower lip in frustration and turned around, staring intently at Chabashira.

"Could I please see their papers Chabashira-Sensei," Hirata said with a heavy expression.

Chabashira's eyes sparkled as she nodded. Sorting through the papers, she handed three sheets to Hirata, who scanned them.

To the class's surprise, Hirata stood up abruptly with a shocked look.

"S-Sensei..." he raised one paper, Sudo's English exam sheet, "Why is there an 8-point deduction on Sudo's paper? And—"

Grabbing Yamauchi and Ike's papers with anger, he continued, "Why do both of them have deductions as well!?"

"Hah?" Sudo, springing alive, rushed toward Hirata and snatched his paper.

A vein burst from his forehead, "Oye! What the heck is this? I've scored 51; what's with the minus eight?"

He raised his sheet in anger, revealing a very clearly written [51- 8].

The class erupted in outrage, "Sensei, what's the meaning of this?"

Ike and Yamauchi ran toward Hirata as well, their seats creaking loudly due to the force they were pushed with.

"You can't just expel me for no reason!" Ike clutched his sheet, hope bubbling in his heart once again.

"At least tell me why you've unfairly deducted my marks!" Yamauchi, with a crazed expression, sprung up from the back.

Giving hope on the edge of despair was like drugging yourself.

"Unfortunately, I can't give you any details regarding it," Chabashira shook her head.

"Why did the school deduct their marks?"

"That's so cruel..."

"Will they unfairly expel us like this as well?"

"Why aren't they telling us the reason for the deduction? Can they just lower our marks without any explanation?"

Hushed whispers echoed in the class as fear enveloped everyone's hearts. Why couldn't the school at least tell them why?

What if...

What if they were next...?

Chabashira raised her hand, attempting to quell the chaos.

"As a teacher, I can guarantee the school has no involvement in this decision. Everything has proceeded fairly and within the school rules," Chabashira said with a stern expression.

"You... You're fucking with me!" Sudo rushed forward but a few students including Hirata grabbed him.

Chabashira seemed unperturbed as she sighed, there were barely a few minutes left before she had to leave and declare the results to the higher-ups.

Karuizawa seemed shaken by Sudo's sudden behaviour but she hid it well. She slowly turned to the cause of this chaos and trembled in disbelief.

How...?

"Sensei."

Suddenly a calm pierced through the ruckus, silencing the noisy classroom.

Everyone turned toward Horikita who had a grim expression. Her black hair sat elegantly behind her with a small little braid hanging on the side of her calm face.

Her violet eyes shone with clear anger, but it wasn't directed at Chabashira.

"Sensei, can you tell us the reason for these deductions?"

"Don't make me repeat myself. I can't reveal the details regarding this decision no matter how many times you ask."

Horikita stepped out from her desk and started walking towards the podium.

"Let me rephrase that question," All eyes were on her, "Is it possible for us to make you explain the reason behind these deductions?"

Chabashira paused.

The question seemed similar to the last one but the wording mattered.

She nodded and everyone's eyes lit up.

"One more question, what will it take for you to give us a clear answer?"

Chabashira stayed silent, expressing her denial as the class' mood soured.

"She's messing with us, I'm tellin' ya!" Sudo once again tried to rush forward but Hirata stopped him.

"You said that the school has no involvement, is that correct?"

Chabashira nodded at Horikita's question as her lips unnoticeably curled up.

"Then that's to say there's some external factor for this deduction. When you say the school is not involved I presume behaviour and such do not come under play?"

Chabashira nodded once again.

The class was slowly but surely swept away by the rhythm being created in the class due to Horikita and Chabashira's back and forth.

Ayanokouji looked at their interaction with his usual dull gaze.

"So that leaves the only one viable conclusion, a student is involved in this decision..."

Chabashira didn't answer and remained silent.

"... What's she saying?"

"A student is involved...?"

"Wait-" Suddenly a few people looked at Tatsuya, Hirata's sudden anger and disbelief aimed at him fresh in their minds.

"Tatsuya-kun...?"

The person in question was leisurely listening to music with a happy smile.

His behaviour was too out of place for the current atmosphere.

"Sensei, how much would I have to pay if I were to ask you for an explanation."

"Huh? Pay?"

"What's she saying?"

"Is she crazy?"

"Wait— is she trying to bribe Chabashira-Sensei?"

Another bout of hushed whispers occurred.

"Horikita..." Sudo muttered, feeling guilty for having Horikita embarrass herself like this for them.

"50,000 Private Points."

But unexpectedly Chabashira-Sensei answered causing the class to fall silent.

Class D quickly fell silent, they just couldn't understand what was going on. Horikita was buying an explanation... using private points?

"I see."

Horikita nodded in response and stood next to Chabashira.

Sae raised a brow in question but Horikita ignored her before turning to face the class.

"I hope you realise that coming clean right now is better than having me forcefully drag your name out. At least the possibility of forgiveness will still be on the table if you come and explain yourself."

Nobody responded but everyone knew she was talking about Tatsuya.

Tatsuya didn't respond, still engrossed in his music.

Not yet... He was waiting, it didn't matter if she exposed him right now. What came after was much more important.

Horikita frowned before letting out a sigh.

"Sensei I would like to buy the explanation for these deductions." Horikita turned towards Chabashira with her phone in hand.

"Alright..."

After taking the points she turned towards the class.

"Yamamoto Tatsuya has paid me 3.1 Million Private Points to deduct 8 points from Sudo's English Exam, 12 points from Yamauchi's Chemistry Exam and 11 points from Ike's Maths Exam."

Her words were like a pebble dropping in a pond. Ripples of chaos and confusion travelled through the entire class.

"...W-what?"

A whisper full of confusion broke the heavy silence in the class. While every other class was probably proceeding with their day as normal Class D was in the midst of unexplainable hell.

"This doesn't make sense! How can a student just buy the right to lower someone else's marks?" Horikita herself wasn't expecting something like this as her face distorted into a frown.

The classroom fell into stunned silence, the weight of Chabashira's revelation hanging thick in the air.

As the eyes of his classmates bore into him Tatsuya's nonchalant demeanour which seemed weird turned eerie as cold silence settled in.

"Sudo's English, Yamauchi's Chemistry, Ike's Maths... Why?" Hirata demanded, his fists clenching into a tight ball.

Tatsuya seemed to have finally realised the commotion in the class, he turned his gaze away from the window and ignored Hirata.

He removed his earphones, his gaze locking onto Horikita. "Well, well. Looks like you're quite the negotiator, Suzune."

Ignoring Tatsuya, Horikita pressed on. "Explain yourself. Why would you spend such a significant amount of private points to sabotage your classmates?"

To spend so many points... Even Class A as a whole didn't get 4 million private points a month. That was saying he had almost spent about 40 students' month's worth of private points.

No—

Ayanokouji came to a quick conclusion.

Tatsuya had spent more private points than Class B and Class C had earned in a month.

"Why...?" Tatsuya seemed to have whispered and the class turned quiet, waiting to hear what he had to say.

"I don't know really... I did want to test the school system and see how far I could go with it."

"Are you kidding me?" Horikita spat angrily, "Even if you're cruel enough to test the system by expelling three students why would you choose from your own class? No, why would you choose three people in the first place? Couldn't one be enough?"

Horikita's onslaught of questions seemed to have pushed Tatsuya into a corner, the class thought.

Tatsuya frowned as if thinking hard before he looked seriously at Horikita.

"I thought it'd be fun, I guess."

Karuizawa shuddered and a chill ran down every student's spine. Their view of Tatsuya couldn't have changed more drastically.

The room buzzed with whispers as the class struggled to comprehend Tatsuya's audacity.

Yukimura couldn't believe his words, "Testing the system? You jeopardized your classmates' futures for a whimsical experiment?"

"How could h-he do something like that?"

"Was he acting all along?"

"That's terrifying... He's... he's like a psychopath..."

"I know they're annoying but expelling them... Was he serious back at the swimming pool?"

"No wait, that's not important why does he have so many points...?"

"Yama-kun...?" A broken voice called out but Tatsuya didn't pay her attention, he would deal with her later.

The nature of his actions came to light. The class looked at him with betrayal and distrust, who was to say he wouldn't expel them next?

Tatsuya leaned back into his chair as he quietly listened to his classmates' accusations.

The complaints and accusations were nothing but the buzzing of annoying mosquitoes. Even if it was fun to see their reactions at first it was slowly getting annoying.

His eyes peered over every student one by one and slowly the voices of complaints died down. Those shouting turned quiet or turned away, not matching his gaze.

Who dared to attract his anger?

The strong ruled over the weak and the weak feared the strong. That was the ultimate way of life.

Don't think the laws were made to keep humans in control. Laws were made to keep the poor in control.

No matter how harsh that sounded, it was the truth.

"Alright, I'll stop stressing you guys. I have my reasons to expel them and it's only for the benefit of the class. Do you really want to keep perverts who wanted to place cameras in the girls' changing room? Or someone that would hit you out of anger, didn't he push Hirata rather roughly for a simple argument?"

Words of logic calmed the class but it delved into another round of chaos.

"What...? Cameras?" Hasabe muttered with a freaked out expression and Karuizawa's face turned pale.

The hostility was driven back to the trio.

Sudo had his head down and he seemed to be shaking.

"NO! It was a joke! We weren't going to do that!" Ike yelled and Yamauchi hurriedly nodded, "Why would we even do that? It's fucking illegal, I don't want to go to jail."

But no one seemed to trust them.

"You're playing with people's lives! Do you even understand the consequences?" Hirata yelled furiously at Tatsuya, "Everyone has flaws, they promised me to change! I talked to them after you said those things to me! They promised to change!!!"

Hirata seemed to be trying to convince the class.

He couldn't believe the person he had trusted all this time would betray them like this.

Kushida whose eyes were filled with shock turned to Chabashira with pleading eyes, "S-surely this can't be allowed, right Sensei?"

"The system possesses its 'flaws', and astute students may exploit them." Chabashira sounded withered out, her eyes portraying a lack of focus.

It seemed like she had gone down the memory lane, to the time she was once a student as well...

Sudo's frustration boiled over. "Flaws? This is more than just a flaw! It's a loophole that allows someone to mess with my life!"

Tatsuya shook his head, "What's the point of this farce? They're expelled. Please don't keep Sae-Sensei standing like that, it's rude."

Hirata froze as soon as he finished speaking and Ayanokouji shook his head, if Hirata wasn't weak under pressure he would've been able to grasp the method to save them.

But Hirata wasn't the only one with a sharp mind in this class.

"No, we can still save them."

Horikita's calm voice echoed and everyone turned to her as Tatsuya's eyes widened.

"You're really stubborn, Suzune..."

Tatsuya realised what she wanted to do and didn't for a second mistake it as trying to save the idiot trio.

Her actions held a deeper meaning.

Horikita ignored him and turned to the class.

"If he can pay Sensei to deduct their points then we can obviously pay Sensei to increase their points." She turned to Chabashira, "Is that correct, Chabashira-Sensei?"

Chabashira seemed stunned for a second but she nodded.

Light returned to Hirata's eyes as he hurriedly turned to Horikita.

Ike, Yamauchi and Sudo felt their heart race.

They could be saved!

"Please save me Horikita-san! I promised Hirata-kun that I'd change! I wasn't lying!" Yamauchi yelled and Ike nodded along with him hurriedly.

Sudo was also looking at Horikita with pleading eyes. His anger towards Tatsuya knew no bounds but at the moment saving himself came first, otherwise, all his dreams would crumble and shatter.

"Then how much is one point, Sensei?" Matsushita asked with a curious expression she seemed to be enjoying the show.

"100,000 private points."

Her words did nothing to calm the class.

"What!?"

"... You can't be serious."

Some muttered but the smart ones already had grim expressions. People like Mii-chan, Yukimura, Matsushita and Kushida had already calculated that each deduction took 100,000 points from the information Horikita bought earlier.

"Everyone!"

Horikita spoke once more, she had taken charge. Her driving factor was destroying Tatsuya's plan or at least a part of it.

"Since there's a way for us to save them, I hope everyone can be empathetic and contribute some points."

The moment she mentioned that they would have to give points everyone froze. It was fine until the point that they had to contribute.

Kushida in particular had a baffled expression.

This stupid bitch! She's going to waste my points! Goddammit!

The notion of self-sacrifice was a grand one but it was merely admired, not many wished to have it.

Horikita bowed her head, "Please. I understand that it may seem not worthwhile for you considering we already lack points but think about the future. This school is one where we'll have to fight other classes to reach Class A."

She looked up, "Do you think we can compete with them with three fewer students? Sudo has extraordinary physical strength and even basketball skills. Ike has survival skills and experience in camping, and Yamauchi... He should have something as well. While we may not know if their skills are needed, it is better to have options available."

She copied Ayanokouji's words.

"Our future fights will be 37 against 40! And Koenji doesn't seem to want to participate, so that makes it 36 against 40!"

"Do you all think that's realistic?"

Her words were slowly hammered into everyone's head. The usually cold and silent girl had taken everyone under control.

The class realised, no matter how miffed they were, no matter how irritating it might seem to spare their points for three disagreeable students, graduating from Class A was the most important goal.

"To show my resolve I'll be giving 50,000 points myself while keeping a few thousand for necessities." She locked her gaze with Hirata who immediately walked up to her side.

"Please! I don't want anyone to be expelled! We have no right to dictate anyone's life. We have no right to decide someone's fate! It's absolutely cruel and evil. They promised to change and I trust them! I'll be giving my own 40,000 points, please!"

He bowed sincerely as a few students winced. Their hearts wavering due to Hirata's words and especially his expression.

They had never seen the kind and gentle Hirata in so much pain.

Even Ike and Yamauchi bowed their heads with regretful expressions. The weight of their actions poured down on them.

Sudo hesitated with a conflicted expression but his clenched fists ultimately relaxed as he bowed his head as well.

"Please save us!" The voices of the three echoed loudly.

Kushida clenched her fists and gritted her teeth as she stood up with a 'smile'. "I agree with Hirata-kun and Horikita-san. I don't think we should ruin the lives of three of our friends when we have the option to save them."

"I'll be giving my 60,000 points as well. Everyone, will you not help us?" Her angelic eyes peered at everyone taking their attention away from her extremely manipulative words.

First, she deemed not helping them as ruining their lives, how could young impressionable teenagers bear such guilt? And if they still didn't think much of it Kushida's pleading as a cute girl and terming Sudo and the rest as friends was the final nail in the coffin.

"But Horikita-san, what if Tatsuya-kun just deducts their points once again?"

Matsushita reasoned as the class flinched, their eyes slowly turning to Tatsuya who had an amused look on his face, as if watching children playing around.

Usually, she wouldn't jump out like this but with a demon sitting in the back, ready to expel anyone he deemed useless, she had to show some worth and with all the attention on Tatsuya no one would pay much attention to her.

While she enjoyed pretending to be average she had no wish to fight Tatsuya in the off case he suddenly decided to cut her off.

"No. He shouldn't have that many points, do you think he would have so many points left after such a heavy transaction? And let's presume he still has this many points, will he go against the class' will to save them? We all want to save them and rise through the ranks, to not be called defects."

Horikita might not be as good as Hirata and Kushida when it came to socialising but deductive reasoning and logical debates were her forte.

"Would he destroy all over our efforts and continue his delusions of deeming three fellow classmen as 'waste', especially when these 'waste' want to improve? I don't think you'll trample over the sincere efforts of your friends, would you Yamamoto?"

All eyes turned to the 'gentle' and 'kind' Tatsuya. The eyes that held adoration and respect for him were filled with fear, hostility and distrust.

Tatsuya closed his eyes and didn't respond much to the class' frustration.

If he held onto his stance of expelling them then all the respect and adoration he had gained would crumble away.

A good move Horikita. I truly admire your quick thinking, to think even in the worst-case scenario you're fighting tooth and nail for any advantage possible.

Classroom of the Elite?

A worthy designation.

In the end, everyone agreed and contributed their points. With Horikita, Hirata and Kushida contributing 150,000 they needed just around 4000 private points from every student excluding Tatsuya.

After receiving all the points Horikita turned to Chabashira-Sensei.

"Sensei, I'd like to pay you 300,000 private points to add one point each to Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi's failed exams and prevent their expulsion." Her voice was firm and steady.

"Alright, the transaction is complete. Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi you've passed." Chabashira nodded and informed them with a smile.

A sense of unity grew in the class as everyone smiled with relief.

Together, with everyone's help, they saved three of their classmates!

Clack! Screech!

The sound of a chair being pushed back echoed as the metal ground against the floor. The class froze as the sound originated from the back of the class.

An ominous premonition appeared in everyone's heart and the air turned cold.

They slowly turned back to see Tatsuya with his bag in hand walking towards the exit of the class. Yet his expression was frighteningly calm.

He displayed no frustration over having wasted over 3 million points.

It was eerie.

For a moment everyone froze, it was as if time had been stilled.

A small gentle smile crept over Tatsuya's face as raised his hand which held his phone.

Beep!

Everyone's face turned horrified as they heard a loud ring. They stiffly turned towards Chabashira-Sensei who was also frozen in place.

She blankly pulled out her phone.

"Yamamoto Tatsuya..."

She muttered, her voice echoing loudly in the classroom full of pin-drop silence.

"... Has paid me 300,000 points."

"YAMAMOTO!!!"

A furious beastly roar erupted from Sudo as he rushed to Tatsuya.

The thin line preserving his sanity was the chance of being saved but he...

His final hope, his dreams, his career.

Everything destroyed.

The class felt their heart stop as the distance between them closed in an instant.

"Sudo-kun, No!" Horikita instinctively yelled, trying to stop him once she realised it was Tatsuya Yamamoto he was trying to attack.

Yet it was futile.

Tatsuya's movements were lightning-fast, his hand closing around Sudo's neck in a vice-like grip.

Horikita flinched as she subconsciously rubbed her neck, slightly trembling.

Despite the height and build of Sudo, Tatsuya effortlessly lifted him off the ground, showcasing strength that seemed beyond human.

The classroom gasped collectively, the tension in the air palpable.

"You're brave," Tatsuya said calmly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Sudo struggled in vain against Tatsuya's hold, his anger now met with an unyielding force. He thrashed around wanting to punch and kick but suddenly the grip around his neck tightened remarkably.

His own hands instinctively reached to his neck which was bulging with veins. His face which was growing red was full of agony.

Bam!

In the same instant, Tatsuya flicked his hand and Sudo went flying, crashing into the wall.

"Sudo!" Ike and Yamauchi hurried to him, trying to help him.

The rest of the class was frozen in fear, no one dared to move in their seats. Many students even held their breath, afraid of catching his attention.

Kushida paled as she suddenly realised something.

Why did he only reduce Ike's, Yamauchi's and Sudo's marks by only the amount necessary to expel them even with tens of millions of points? Did he not know that the class could also pay 300,000 points and buy one point each to save them?

No... He knew.

He knew that Horikita would oppose him, trying to sabotage him in any way possible. He intentionally created a situation where the class could still hope to save them before crushing it all together.

This whole situation wasn't due to Horikita exposing Tatsuya. He intentionally let himself be exposed- No!

He never cared about his image in the first place.

To crush the entire class like this was simply done to make us realise one thing.

Yamamoto Tatsuya wanted the class to realise that they were on different levels.

It was a display of dominance.

Yamamoto Tatsuya...

You...

You monster.

...

Ike and Yamauchi who were helping the coughing teary-eyed Sudo flinched at the sound of footsteps nearing them.

They stiffly looked up only to see Tatsuya's frosty eyes. The calm, nonchalant, look gone.

Instantly Ike and Yamauchi cowered back, their eyes filled with anger, hate and... fear.

"Yamamoto! Stop!" Horikita cried out again.

"I'll forgive you for going against me just this once Suzune." His voice was no longer playful with her, "I hope it doesn't happen again."

Horikita's fists clenched as her nails dug into her palms but she didn't say anything.

Tatsuya turned to the class.

"You all seem to be misunderstanding something."

"To save them seems to be the class' will but—"

His voice was as cold as his gaze.

"—Do you think your will matters?"

The correct answer was 'yes' right?

After all, the will of the class should be superior to a single student.

Yet no one answered.

Tatsuya seemed satisfied by the class' answer and simply walked out of the class as those holding their breaths gasped for air.

Ike, Yamauchi and Sudo had eyes full of despair.

Their fates had been sealed.

All because of the decision of a single student.

...

The moment Tatsuya exited the class he was met with a crowd of people.

From Class A- Katsuragi, Yahiko, Arisu, Hashimoto and Kamura.

From Class B- Ichinose and Kanzaki.

From Class C- Ishizaki, Albert, Ibuki and Ryuen.

It seems like Class D had caused quite the commotion.

Tatsuya tilted his head with a smirk, "Enjoying the show?"

Ryuen's eyes flashed with excitement as he briefly glanced at the despairing Yamauchi, Ike and Sudo before the door closed. He turned to Ibuki and seemed to mock her, "And you were calling me the tyrant, kukuku."

Ibuki clenched her fists in anger but didn't respond.

"Indeed, Yamamoto-kun has put on a splendid display. I quite enjoyed it." Arisu smiled yet her eyes were sharp as she locked gazes with him.

Even though they couldn't see what was happening, everything was quite audible.

"I don't like how you went about your way of conducting this so-called- Testing the System." Katsuragi frowned before shaking his head, "But I suppose I have no say in how you handle your Class."

Tatsuya respected him for this, righteous yet not pushy.

"Oye, Mr. Tyrant, had your fun huh? With what I've just seen I'm pretty sure you could've had the Class under your control from the start."

"The irony..." Kamuro muttered.

Ryuen calling someone else a tyrant had to be the best joke of the year.

"When was the class not under my control?"

Hearing that Ryuen paused before chuckling, "I see... Though I guess you do realise your earlier methods were quite naive."

"You can call them naive but that wasn't my goal in the first place." Tatsuya seemed to have thought of something interesting as he glanced at the calm-looking Ichinose, "Though, things have changed I suppose."

Hmm?

Ryuen noticed this, "What, going to stay silent Ichinose?"

Ichinose frowned while Kanzaki was glaring at Tatsuya.

"I didn't want it to be like this. I was hoping for my suspicions to be wrong. I didn't think you'd be so cruel Yamamoto-kun."

Tatsuya noticed her calling him using his last name instead of 'Tatsuya' like before.

"Do you think your way of leading Class B is right, Ichinose?" Tatsuya also dropped the formalities and asked, the subtle tone caused the rest to stay silent.

They could sense something from his words and obviously, Ichinose did too.

"I don't know whether my methods to lead the class are right or wrong but there's one thing I'm sure of," With her gaze full of conviction she locked eyes with Tatsuya, "My way of leading the class makes sure everyone is happy. My way of leading is the Class' will. I will fight with everything I have to make sure all of my classmates graduate from Class A."

Her emphasis on all made Tatsuya raise a brow. The bravery she had to say those words to his face was commendable.

Hearing that Tatsuya smiled, the corner of his lips gently curving up but it didn't feel comforting or warm.

It was eerie.

****

"Alright, Ichinose."

Tatsuya's voice shifted once again, now as gentle as ever.

"If that's what you think, then I wish you good luck. May your graduation be a reunion with all forty of your classmates by your side."

His seemingly benign words carried an undertone, leaving an ominous resonance in the air. Kanzaki behind her flinched, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"My, my, Ichinose-san, it seems like that's quite a threat," Arisu fanned the flames, "He seems to be underestimating you."

Ichinose shook her head, "I never wished to be enemies with you Yamamoto-kun. But I'll never agree with what you did today, future class battles may turn difficult but that has no relevance to my morals and methods."

Her words carried a sad air. She genuinely considered Tatsuya as a friend and if it was just expelling three of his classmates she could still put it behind her.

It was his class, he could do whatever he wished even if she didn't agree with it. That wasn't enough to break a friendship.

She wouldn't just forget the enjoyable moments they had hanging out or the occasional help he gave to her or her classmates.

But to completely disregard the class' will and shatter their hopes was something only a sadistic individual could do.

And in the odd case, it was not simply due to sadism then the calculative measures he took to completely take the class under his control were nothing but horrifying and... cold.

"Can I ask one question before I leave, Yamamoto-kun?"

Tatsuya nodded as he noticed Ishizaki mumbling something to Ryuen.

He ignored them for now.

They were irrelevant.

"Do you feel bad for them, Yamamoto-kun?"

Her question was pretty simple and he really just had to answer in 'Yes' or 'No'.

But Tatsuya remained silent, intentionally confusing Ichinose.

Ichinose's face took a complicated expression as a sad glint flashed in her eyes once again.

She felt hurt.

She turned around and walked away with Kanzaki. Kanzaki had stayed silent during the conversation but he was the one with the most thoughts.

His heart was filled with an ominous premonition.

Tatsuya watched her walk away and understood her feelings.

I know you feel betrayed, Ichinose.

But the beginning of your hell has just begun.

I hope you can pull through and not break down.

...

With Class B gone silence reigned over once again.

Katsuragi stepped forward, his demeanour composed. "Yamamoto, you've made quite a statement here. But what's the endgame? Are you going to attack Ichinose's class now?"

"Whether I want to break her or her class depends on my mood."

"Fufufu, What an arrogant statement." Arisu interjected, "Was all this farce simply a way of getting Class D determined and not fooling around, to show their worth... or are you just revelling in power?"

Tatsuya's smirk widened. "Worth is subjective. Power, on the other hand, is undeniable, little girl."

"Little girl?" Ryuen who was enjoying the show suddenly laughed, "Kukuku, what an appropriate nickname."

"I'd rather have you not interrupt my conversation with Yamamoto-kun, Magneta-kun." She eyed Ryuen before turning back to Tatsuya.

"I hope you have enough power to match your arrogance. I'll be looking forward to it after doing a little clean up in my own class." She shot Katsuragi a glance and walked away, her cane rhythmically hitting the ground.

Kamuro followed behind her along with Hashimoto. Hashimoto looked at Tatsuya for a split second before smiling in a friendly manner.

Katsuragi shook his head and placed a hand on the shoulder of the raging Yahiko.

"It was interesting to meet you, Yamamoto but I'll advise you to change your ways. You don't have to let hate pile upon you, you were doing well before. Though I would like to ask how you gained so many points, I think you won't answer."

He too left with Yahiko following behind him.

Class A was also gone.

Tatsuya looked at the remaining four and felt confused, his gaze awkwardly travelling to the tall black guy with shades on.

Wasn't he from America? Wouldn't that make him a fellow countryman?

It would be fun to talk with him in English later.

"Why aren't you gone yet?"

While they were an interesting bunch, at the moment Tatsuya had no interest in them.

"Yamamoto. Prepare yourself, once I'm done with Ichinose and Sakayanagi I'll be going after you." His eyes were full of excitement and his wide grin reached his ears.

"Oh? Why didn't you mention Katsuragi?" Tatsuya had an idea why but he was curious to see what he would say.

"Don't act dumb with me, Yamamoto. You know exactly why. That little girl will make sure Katsuragi falls from his stance at trying to rival her before moving on to us. She's also got a few screws loose, unfortunately for the bald guy his righteousness will be his fall."

"I suppose you're right." Tatsuya nodded in agreement and started walking away. He could tell they would keep on talking if he stayed there.

Now that the exams were over and he had the class under his control it was time to target girls from other classes.

So far he had only touched girls from his own class but it was time to expand his domain.

He let out a little laugh as he walked away.

...

Ryuen chuckled but didn't follow him.

"Ryuen-san..." Ishizaki muttered

"What is it Ishizaki?"

"Why did you say that? Isn't it better to deal with Yamamoto first? He seems a bit scary..."

"He's not wrong on that... I don't like the vibes from that guy..." Ibuki muttered shuddering for a second. She didn't know if it was an illusion but she felt Tatsuya looking her up and down.

"Hmm? Are you trying to say he's scarier than me?" Ryuen gave him a glance from the side of his eye before walking towards his own class.

"Uh-," Ishizaki shook his head hurriedly, "No, no. That's not what I meant. I'm just saying he might cause trouble for the class while we deal with the others."

Albert nodded but didn't say anything.

"You're worrying about the wrong thing." Ryuen shook his head, "Yamamoto Tatsuya is a self-fulfilling person. From the earlier conversation, I can tell he won't focus on anyone but Ichinose. He won't stop till he completely destroys her class."

"Destroy her class...?" Ibuki questioned as Ryuen's expression turned serious for a moment.

"This person doesn't care about the class battles, Ibuki. He could easily establish dominance by expelling a bunch of students from our class or Class B but he instead chose to terrorise his own class."

"The problem with guys like him is that the more power they have the more unbridled they get. The most important point is finding out how he gained that many points, until I find out how he got those points it would be too dangerous to go against him. Don't underestimate the power of private points. You've just witnessed what he did with a few million points... That's why I decided to go against Ichinose and Sakayanagi and to make him busier I'll focus on Sakayanagi."

A light flickered in Ryuen's eyes.

"If he enjoys playing with Ichinose then let him. In the meanwhile, I'll find the perfect method to use against him." He looked towards his lackeys and grinned wildly, his eyes full of joy, "And... You're supposed to save the best for the last, right?"

-x-X-x-

[ Karuizawa Kei]

[Tatsuya: Meet me in my room at 2.]

Looking at the message on my screen I felt my heart turn cold.

I turned the screen off and tossed my mobile away before turning to my side, curling up on the soft cushion of the bed.

It was 1:40 pm and since it was Saturday I was supposed to go to lunch with my girl group but I guess that was impossible now.

I don't know why he's calling me but I don't think it'll be anything good.

Just why did I have to suffer like this?

I thought I could leave everything behind and start anew.

All of a sudden I felt something cold go down my skin. I lifted my hand and touched my cheeks only to feel something wet.

"Oh... I'm crying?"

I didn't notice it but tears started to stream down my face and no matter how hard I tried to calm myself it just wouldn't stop.

Why?

Why was I crying?

I wiped my eyes with my sleeves and got up from the bed. I fixed myself in the mirror before putting on my signature smile and left the room.

I had to be strong.

-x-X-x-

It didn't take me long to reach his dorm and I rang his bell.

The most annoying part was trying to avoid prying eyes.

As Hirata's 'girlfriend', getting caught going into Tatsuya's dorm room alone after cancelling my plans with my friends would be too suspicious.

It would be too big of a hit to my reputation among the girls.

At present none of them really hated me because while I took Hirata Tatsuya was still there for them to bag.

To be honest, every day Tatsuya lived without announcing a relationship was a day of relief. The moment he got a girlfriend, that girl would become a rival to me for the leadership of the girls.

That would be troublesome.

As I was lost in my thoughts, the door opened and I unwillingly flinched in surprise.

But since I didn't want anyone to see me I hurried inside his room without even waiting for him to say anything.

"Wow, you're pretty enthusiastic." He playfully teased me and I felt anger well up inside me but I did my best to remain calm.

"Don't waste my time. I was supposed to go out with my friends." I retorted in defiance, I wouldn't act weak— No.

I couldn't act weak.

"Aww, I thought you wanted my attention from the beginning of the semester, why are you being distant, Karuizawa?"

His mock sadness did nothing to soothe my anger but I couldn't retort.

It was the truth.

He was my first and best option to reign over the girls in the class. The problem with Hirata was that he didn't really treat me any different than other girls, which I don't blame him for, but that wasn't the best method possible to maintain my position.

For example, if I bump into let's say Mii-chan while walking absent-mindedly, Hirata would ask me to apologise instead of trying to gloss over the matter.

Him being my boyfriend was not providing me status, but only out of pity.

But Tatsuya was perfect in that regard, I just knew that if I could grab him he would be the best candidate.

He would side with me.

It was a hunch, but I was sure of it.

But he avoided me...

I don't know why but he didn't talk to me much. This caused me to panic, I hoped no girl would think Tatsuya disliked me.

If that happened it was only time before I was bullied again.

I... I couldn't let that happen.

Not again.

So I hurriedly contacted Hirata and directly stated my request along with telling him about my past. I knew he wouldn't take advantage of me, that was the little bit of reassurance I had.

I was hoping to take a bit more time but I was anxious.

Thankfully, things started going well after that.

I made friends, I was able to laugh and enjoy my school life like never before. Hirata also never troubled me or pressured me into anything which I was afraid of.

Everything was going so well...

So why?

Why was my peaceful and blissful life in the hands of Yamamoto Tatsuya?

He wasn't kind like Hirata, he was simply a poser. His real personality was unknown which terrified me.

Every day after that, I lived in fear.

Would he tell everyone? Would everyone bully me again?

I wouldn't be able to take it...

I don't think I'll be able to live anymore if that happene-

"You're quite the deep thinker aren't you?"

I was suddenly shaken out of my thoughts and I felt confused by his question.

"You've been staring blankly at the floor for three minutes straight."

Huh? Wait- Ah, I was lost in my own head.

But why didn't he say anything? Was he just watching me silently?

What the hell is wrong with this guy?

"Can you please just tell me what you want already?" I don't want to stand here for a second longer.

I was mentally tired, whenever I was near him my mind went on to speculate the worst possible scenarios.

Every time I'm near him my heart races, pounding against my chest as I wait for his words fearfully, hoping to never hear—

I leaked the photo of your scar, Karuizawa.

"Were you crying?" He asked suddenly and I froze in place.

How did he know?

I applied a decent amount of concealer and foundation before stepping out, I also put on a bit of eyeliner.

"Your eyes look puffy and... You could say I know you quite well."

"Again, you and your bullshit." I sneered but felt unsettled inwardly. Did he really know that I would cry every time he called for me?

"Alright, I won't hold you up for long Karuizawa, I know you have to hang out with your friends." He pulled out his phone and I felt my heart go cold for a second before I heard a buzz in my own phone.

I looked at the image he sent me and gave him a questioning glance.

"Use this for your studies and have every girl from your group memorise the answers."

"Wait what are you even talking about?" I raised my phone and showed him the screen, "You called me here to give me some study material?"

I couldn't believe this guy.

This was simply infuriating.

"Look, I like teasing people but this isn't how I do it."

Yeah, you blackmail people with their most feared secrets. Woohoo!

"It's the questions that'll come on the exam," he paused, "Exactly the same."

All of a sudden I felt my heart stop.

"W-what?"

"You're joking right?"

It was a really ridiculous joke but...

The look on his face was serious.

"I'm not."

"B-But this is cheating! How did you even get these!?"

I couldn't work my mind around it. How did he even get his hands on these?

"Why does it matter how I got them? And don't worry it's not cheating. They're past-year exam questions. If it was not allowed it would've been mentioned."

"No wait that still doesn't make sense, why do you think the questions will be the same this time?" I asked but he showed me something else.

It was the mock exam papers. Two different ones but with the exact same content, the only difference was that one of them was fully answered.

If I had these answers I could've gotten a perfect score!

But—

"Why are you giving this to me?" I don't for a second believe he's doing this out of the goodness of his heart.

Tatsuya Yamamoto was a sadistic lunatic!

The amount of times he had forced me to get him apple juice from the vending machines was inhumane!

It didn't matter if I was with Hirata or my friends!

"Guess."

I really hate him. Why can't he give a straightforward answer? Is he allergic to simply getting to the point?

"No, never mind. I'll go. I just have to make sure everyone memorises this yeah?" I can't be bothered anymore.

As long as I could leave this room it didn't matter why.

He nodded and I made my way to the door.

It didn't seem like he was going to stop me and I sighed in relief.

But just as I was about to reach the door knob I felt a large hand grab me and pull me back.

I looked back in surprise.

"W-What are you doing?"

I whispered fearfully.

His face was dangerously close to mine. I don't know why he suddenly pushed me against the wall but my heart which had calmed down was once again running on full throttle.

"Karuizawa."

He spoke my name and looked at me intently, the look in his eyes was dangerous.

"W-What?" I whispered again.

I didn't want to anger him.

It was pathetic.

Despite acting tough I was still the same submissive little girl from back then.

I hadn't changed at all, it was an illusion I had created for myself.

"Why are you shaking?" His voice was calm as ever but there was no gentleness in it.

It sounded flat.

"I'm not."

I denied it as I looked down and saw my trembling hand.

"You are. You're scared of me Karuizawa." He sounded interested as he leaned in further, his nose was almost touching mine.

"How about I make a deal with you, a deal that should take care of your anxiety."

Hearing that I couldn't help but wonder how it would feel, how amazing would it be if I didn't have to be afraid? How amazing would it be if I didn't have to face nightmares every night?

"What d-deal?"

Instead of answering me he forcefully grabbed my chin and pressed his lips over mine.

I froze as he grabbed my head and pushed his lips further in. I raised my arms to push him away but I put them down the same instance.

All resistance from my body was gone. His strength was so great that I couldn't hope to resist.

His lips locked with mine. It was my first kiss and I didn't know what to do, I felt awkward, guilty, nervous and my heart raced all at the same time.

I felt like I was betraying Hirata.

My mind was a jumbling mess as he continued to kiss me deeply.

After a few seconds, he let me go.

"Every day you will come to my room and kiss me on your own accord. As long as you don't miss a single day I will never share this photo or your past with anyone. In fact, I'll make sure no one dares to threaten your status, you'll have my assurance on that. Follow me and I'll make sure no one will ever bully you, Karuizawa Kei."

"On the surface, you'll be Hirata's girlfriend but in reality, you'll be mine."

I listened to his words in a daze as I shivered. For the first time today, I raised my head and intently looked at his eyes.

There was no hint of lies and I felt my heart flutter.

"But... Why didn't you let me become your girlfriend from the start if you knew about me?"

I was confused, he definitely did not get his information about my past from Hirata and the scar didn't give any substantial information.

Hirata also told me that Tatsuya knew we were in a false relationship, or rather that he knew I would approach one of them for a fake relationship.

"Oh, I said I'd protect your status right? What I'm about to do in a few days will be detrimental to you if you pose as my girlfriend."

"H-huh, why?"

I asked, the feeling from the kiss still lingering.

"You don't need to know," He smiled like he usually did in class and said, "You asked why I gave you the papers right? I just didn't want you to be expelled."

"...You're lying."

He was definitely lying but the look in his eyes made my heart skip a beat.

I turned around and simply ran away from his room.

I didn't look back and hurried into the elevator. After pushing the button to my floor I saw my reflection on the silvery metal surface

Was I blushing...?

Impossible.

I shook my head.

So I had to kiss him every day to protect myself?

That was fine.

This was nothing, something like this wouldn't phase me.

It was nothing compared to back then.

-x-X-x-

[Hirata Yosuke]

To me, my classmates are important existences.

…No, that's not quite right.

To me, my class is the important one.

I know very well the contradiction within that statement.

To protect my important friends, I have to protect the class.

If I can protect the class, I can protect my friends.

The class is a gathering of several students. There are as many different ways of thinking as there are a number of people. They start fighting each other over the most insignificant things.

That's why I have to protect them.

Eventually, protecting my class became my duty.

To protect the class I'd do whatever it took.

That's why... That's why...

"I didn't quite get that, Tatsuya-kun," I asked, my voice full of genuine confusion.

The man in front of me smiled. It was a smile I was familiar with.

His smile usually lifted my mood.

It often reminded me of my purpose and gave me comfort that I was not alone in wanting to protect the class.

To not let that horrible incident from years ago occur once again.

I was happy that I wasn't alone in trying to help the class with everything.

"I'll expel three students during the Mid-terms, Hirata." He spoke once again, repeating the words I forcefully ignored the first time.

His expression, his voice— it no longer felt warm.

There was this eerie air about Yamamoto Tatsuya that always unsettled me. It became more apparent after the incident at the swimming pool with Sudo.

"Uhm, why would you do that?" I was too confused to speak properly, I was bewildered.

The heavy chatter within Pallet was tuned out, the discreet glances of the girls I usually felt disappearing.

For now, I ignored the fact of whether he could actually expel students on his own whim or not.

"Hirata, what do you think is the most important thing for our class? For Class D?"

What's the most important thing?

It was... It was unity.

"To help each other," I answered confidently.

Tatsuya took a sip from his coffee and frowned, "It's too sweet..."

Well, that was unfortunate.

"You can get a free refill if it tastes too unpleasant."

"Oh yeah, I never actually tried that." He chuckled before looking at me, "Unity you say? Interesting. But what if a few students are causing this unity to break?"

"Who?"

He probably had a few people in mind and it was better to understand who he was talking about before giving my opinion on the matter.

"Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi."

Involuntarily I frowned. Was this whole conversation really tied back to the incident from the swimming pool? Was Tatsuya really that petty?

"Why Ike and Yamauchi?"

I could understand why Sudo but why was he targeting Ike and Yamauchi as well? That made no sens—

"Do you like to pretend to be blind, Hirata Yosuke?"

His words caused me to freeze as I looked over at his mocking expression.

He was right...

I knew why it would be beneficial to expel Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi.

Objectively, Sudo was too rash and many of our classmates feared him, he was in simple words a bully that minded his business but touch his nerves and he'll try to beat you down.

Ike and Yamauchi were immature perverts. I don't understand why they act like that. Do they not understand their behaviour itself is the reason why they're unable to make friends with the girls?

Not to mention they were causing the majority of the boys' population to be labelled as perverts in the Class by dragging them into their ridiculous plans.

How could I not see how this was dividing the class?

In the future, if there was a dispute between the girls and the boys it would not end peacefully. It would become another annoying chore for whoever would take the class responsibility.

And for that reason, it had to be me.

I would bear this burden.

And that was why I won't look at things objectively. I won't judge people without trying to see if they would change.

Just like how I did.

In the past, I made a rational, objective decision.

Due to that, my friend ended up attempting suicide.

I could never bear to do that again.

That was why I agreed to help Karuizawa by sacrificing my own dating life.

I didn't deserve it.

Helping Class D was atoning for my sins.

That was why...

"I still don't think that's the right way to do things, Tatsuya-kun." I was firm in my decision.

To protect my important friends, I have to protect the class.

If I can protect the class, I can protect my friends.

"So you're saying no matter how much trouble Ike, Sudo or Yamauchi cause you'll try to understand them?"

I thought he would use the word 'protect' but I was never able to guess anything Tatsuya wanted to do from the start anyway.

"Yes. I understand how you might see expelling them as the right decision but does it not matter how they would feel?"

"I don't see them considering how the girls feel when they keep shouting about boobs and pussy in class like degenerates. Or how the other boys feel when they try to not involve themselves with them and get labelled as gay."

I winced at that.

I didn't know what to say.

"But that still doesn't warrant expulsion, right? That would be similar to ruining their career. They will have a black mark of getting expelled from high school forever stuck with them."

The consequences were too great for that.

What if any one of them felt their life was over after getting expelled? Especially Sudo who was so passionate about Basketball?

Would he still be able to have a career with such a label on him? It would be extremely hard.

Sudo isn't one to give up mentally but how am I supposed to know that with surety?

Prevention was better than cure.

"Have you tried talking to them Tatsuya-kun?"

I'm sure he hadn't. In fact, the way this conversation was proceeding I was fearing the worst.

"I don't think they'll listen to either you or me Hirata. They hate us for being Ikemen or something. As for Sudo, he's been ignoring me." He sounded amused for some reason but I ignored that.

"So that means you haven't talked to them yet."

It was better to not let him play with words. My tea had already gone cold, should I still try drinking it? Tatsuya had paid for it, it would feel awkward if I wasted it.

Taking a sip from the tea that had slightly lost its flavour I put the cup back down and waited for his answer.

"Haaa..." He let out a tired sigh, "No, I haven't."

"Then let me talk to them once." I didn't particularly care whether he had the ability to expel them or not, or rather something inside me told me he did.

No, what was important was to drive the notion of expelling classmates out of his mind. It was a dangerous mindset to have.

To discard people because they were worthless was inhumane.

Which was why...

"I'll convince them. I'll make sure they change their behaviour and turn out for the better." My voice which was full of conviction seemed to annoy him.

"I guess I should've known..." He shook his head, "I won't give you my word for it but do what you want."

Alright, good.

"Excuse me."

But suddenly he called for the waiter, who arrived quickly.

"Can I ask for another serving of Milk Tea?"

Huh?

"Alright, sir." The waiter nodded and left while I looked at Tatsuya with a questioning gaze, his coffee wasn't finished.

Was it really that sweet?

"Milk Tea, when cold, isn't particularly delightful." He glanced at my cup when I realised it was for me.

"You really... You didn't have to do that Tatsuya-kun."

"Just put the cold one aside, drink the hot one."

"But that'll be wasting it for no reason."

"Goddammit Hirata, can you not be troublesome? You're basically telling me that I've annoyed you by getting you another drink."

"Wait no- I didn't mean that. You did it out of goodwill after all."

Times like this made me relax, having friendly banter without being in a large group was really joyful but I wasn't able to fully enjoy this.

Not while knowing that the close friend I had, sitting in front of me, was planning to expel three students from the class I swore to protect.

All of sudden, Tatsuya's phone buzzed and he looked at it with a puzzled gaze before turning back to me apologetically.

"Sorry Hirata, I'll have to leave. What bad timing." He sounded annoyed.

"No that's alright, I'm sure you have something important to do. I'll drink the tea don't worry." I joked at the end and he seemed to have found it funny.

Guess that worked.

"Hirata," Tatsuya turned back to me and gave me a sad smile which puzzled me, "No matter what you do you won't be able to stop me."

I froze hearing that.

The unsettling feeling I always felt from him was practically blaring from his body. It was almost like I could feel something intangible like an aura.

He felt detached from us- No.

Everyone apart from him.

It was as if there was a boundary separating Tatsuya from the rest.

"Because I genuinely consider you as a friend, Hirata. I wanted to tell you about this in advance." He paused.

"I can tell something bad happened to you in the past and due to that you're weak to pressure, I don't want you to break down and only because of that I'm even telling you this."

That made sense.

He had absolutely no reason to call me out here just to say that he'd expel our classmates. There was no possible reason for this.

It felt good that he considered me as a friend. I also considered him a true friend, someone that I didn't need to protect but someone who could protect the class with me.

But—

I didn't like it one bit. I didn't like how sure he was.

It was as if no one could stop him from expelling them.

Why did he have so much confidence?

"I know you'll come to hate me after the Mid-terms are over but keep these words in mind, don't let past faults dictate your future. Rather learn from them and use them for the better. Don't let past sins control you."

He stood up from his seat and left promptly not giving me a chance to retort.

He was really too observant. How had he guessed so much just from my behaviour?

I sighed with a heavy heart.

"Why did it have to be like this..."

I whispered as I hoped that I wouldn't lose the one and only person I genuinely considered as a friend.