The Secret Filming Plan

In the nighttime café, Ibuki Mio's expression was incredibly complex.

From a young age, she had developed a reserved and indifferent personality, not inclined toward social relationships. Upon entering Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, she simply thought it would be good to graduate from here if it guaranteed her future.

But on the first day of school, she encountered a boy she couldn't stand—Ryūen Kakeru.

Ibuki Mio didn't want to become class leader. In fact, she didn't care who led Class C. But she hated being forced to do what she didn't want, especially under threat.

So, faced with Ryūen's provocations, she didn't hesitate to fight. With her martial arts experience, despite her small stature, she mastered a fighting style unique to her—kicks.

But after fighting, she realized Ryūen wasn't that strong. Apart from his physical strength, his combat experience wasn't much better than hers.

However, she quickly realized her mistake. If Ryūen wasn't particularly strong, he had a unique quality: an extraordinary pain tolerance.

Even when Albert Yamada, a classmate, struck him until he bled, Ryūen refused to give up, constantly provoking him.

Ibuki had no intention of continuing to fight such an individual and ceased hostilities.

She assumed that once Ryūen defeated Albert, Class C would be his. And deep down, she didn't care.

But now, this guy in front of her claimed the class leader had the power to control everyone's personal points. This revelation made her uneasy.

The idea that this detestable man could control the class's finances gave her chills.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked in a cold voice.

"It's simple. Ryūen doesn't fully control Class C yet, so he's not the leader." Seeing Ibuki take the bait, Hashima felt the plan was halfway successful.

He observed her face before continuing persuasively, "Even if you, Ibuki-san, aren't afraid of Ryūen, others might yield to his violence. If he manages to unite Class C, he could force you to vote for him. You don't want that, do you?"

"Indeed."

Ibuki nodded. It didn't matter who became leader, but certainly not Ryūen!

"Ichinose-san, explain our plan to Ibuki-san." Hashima turned to Ichinose Honami, who was listening quietly. "We should set a date tonight."

"Okay."

A warm smile appeared on Ichinose's pretty face.

At first, Ibuki was wary of Ichinose, even refusing to engage in a civilized conversation. But the pink-haired girl didn't give up. Drawing on her experience as a class representative, she managed to establish a connection, insisting on the importance of their discussion, until she secured this opportunity.

"The plan is for Ibuki-san to lure Ryūen and provoke him to hit you, while we film his act of violence."

Ichinose explained slowly, "Once we have the video, we'll submit it to the student council. Ryūen will then be suspended."

"How will that stop him? It's not like you're getting him expelled."

Ibuki didn't understand. It was only a temporary solution, without real consequences.

"It's not that simple," Hashima intervened. "The reason we want Ryūen suspended is that we have an important project requiring Class C's cooperation. But knowing his actions, we must first neutralize him."

"If Ryūen isn't suspended, we can't trust him, so the project can't move forward."

"A project? What project?"

Ibuki's eyes sparkled with interest at this revelation.

"We'll talk about it later. Once Ryūen is suspended, Ichinose-san and I will come to your class in person." Hashima dodged the question. "I promise you won't lose anything."

"...Hmph, who knows what you're up to."

Ibuki remained skeptical of these statements, but her aversion to Ryūen prevailed. She asked Ichinose, "I just need to lure him here?"

"Exactly. Even if you can beat him, we don't want to film a fight, but Ryūen attacking you alone." Ichinose added, "You'll just need to dodge."

"I understand."

Ibuki nodded thoughtfully. Her reflexes were good; dodging wouldn't be a problem.

"So, it's decided. Do you have a date in mind?"

"Uh..." Ichinose turned to Hashima. "What do you think?"

"As soon as possible."

Hashima glanced at the time. The café was about to close.

"I suggest executing the plan tomorrow, without giving Ryūen time to react. Ibuki-san, can you do it?"

"No problem. I can provoke him by saying I refuse to let him become leader."

"Perfect. Let's exchange contacts. Tomorrow, observe your class, and as soon as the opportunity arises, act."

Every plan required perfect timing. Waiting too long risked the operation's failure.

"Understood."

After exchanging contacts, the three students left the café and parted ways.

Under the moonlight, Ichinose's expression was melancholy. Hashima guessed her thoughts and asked softly,

"Is it because of the lie earlier, Ichinose-san?"

"Yes..." Her voice was muffled, betraying her distress. "I know it was to convince Ibuki-san, but I don't feel good about it."

'Ah... This girl is still playing the saint.' Hashima thought inwardly with disdain.

"Don't worry. Think instead that we're preventing further violence. By limiting Ryūen, we're protecting Class C."

Hashima's voice was soothing. "If it really bothers you, we can apologize together afterward."

"Everything will be explained, right?"

After a long silence, Ichinose raised her eyes to Hashima's ink-black gaze and murmured,

"Hashima-kun... will you lie to me one day too?"

"..."

'... Damn it. ..'