Chapter 17: She Joined the Class. Reina Gave Her a Combat Score. I’m In Hell.

Morning. I walked into class early.

Bad idea.

Because Akari was already there.

At my desk.

Feet up. Wearing my hoodie from yesterday.

"Oh. Morning, Kaito-kun. This seat's mine now, right?"

I blinked. "That's… my hoodie."

"I missed your scent."

I blacked out for a full two seconds.

Then Reina walked in holding a clipboard.

Behind her?

Yuna. Riko. Airi.

All carrying bento boxes.

All watching Akari.

The air was so thick, I could chew it.

---

Reina's "Harem Stability Report"

She slammed the clipboard on the podium.

"Due to the arrival of a new wildcard, we are resetting the scoreboard."

"What?!"

"Rules must evolve to match emotional instability," she replied. "Also, this is entertaining."

She raised a paper with Akari's name on it.

> Combat Rank: S-Plus

Flirt Skill: Maxed

Emotional Damage Output: Critical

Childhood Bond Bonus: 200%

Face-to-Face Fluster Damage: Fatal

Yuna dropped her bento.

Riko muttered, "This is war."

Airi whispered, "I have… work to do."

---

Lunch – Four Girls, One Desk, Zero Peace

I sat down to eat.

Yuna shoved her bento in front of me. "Made with love. Ignore the spice. It's only in one bite. Randomly."

Riko dropped hers. "Mine has no poison. Or manipulation. Just normal food."

Airi handed me hers silently. A small note read:

> "Analyzed Akari's patterns. Countering with emotional nostalgia and omega-flavored rice."

I was scared.

Then Akari leaned over and fed me a spoonful of curry.

"Say ah~"

Everyone froze.

I opened my mouth in self-defense.

The spoon went in.

And so did the fire.

The girls' pupils dilated.

Reina took notes like she was watching a nature documentary.

> "And here we see the alpha triggering an extinction-level jealousy response."

---

After School – Akari's First Strike

She cornered me behind the vending machines.

Quiet. Serious.

"I'm not playing, Kaito-kun," she said. "This isn't a game for me."

I swallowed. "W-What do you mean?"

She leaned in close. Close enough to whisper.

"I still like you. And I'm going to make you like me back."

I blinked.

Then gasped—

Because behind her, peeking around the corner?

Riko. Yuna. Airi.

Watching.

Silent.

Burning.

I died.

Again.