A Heart Seeking Confirmation

In the quiet study room, the group from Class D began working on the test papers distributed by Horikita Suzune, while she worked on problems in her own workbook. A quiet atmosphere settled among the five people.

Unfortunately, this serious study atmosphere lasted less than five minutes before complaints began.

"Hey, is this test serious? Why are there problems I can't even understand?" Yamauchi threw down his pen and glared angrily at Horikita Suzune. "You didn't deliberately find difficult problems from higher grades, did you?"

"Yeah, I feel like you're deliberately making things difficult. These are such hard problems," Ike Kanji actively agreed after hearing Yamauchi's comments. "Are you really trying to help us improve our grades?"

"These problems were selected based on the average level for middle school students," Horikita replied calmly, raising her head. "If you can't solve them, leave them blank. That will help me understand your true level."

"You!"

The feeling of being humiliated instantly filled Yamauchi's mind. This was happening in front of Kushida, and this woman dared to look down on him.

"If you're looking down on us, then I don't think this study session needs to continue. I won't let someone who doesn't respect others teach me," Yamauchi suddenly crumpled the test paper in front of him and angrily glared at the black-haired girl.

"Kushida, say something to Horikita. She's clearly looking down on us. How can we study together like this?" Ike Kanji looked at his angry friend and began pressuring Kushida Kikyō, hoping she would condemn Horikita Suzune.

"Well..."

Kushida Kikyō only wanted to curse inwardly. They couldn't handle Horikita Suzune and now wanted her to step in?

"I think everyone should calm down first. We're here to study, not to argue," the short-haired girl wore a conciliatory smile as she addressed the angry Yamauchi and Ike. "Horikita probably didn't mean it that way. I guess she wanted to help everyone better but might have been a bit hasty."

After hearing Kushida's words, Horikita Suzune maintained her independent attitude and addressed the two boys opposite her: "This test was carefully arranged by me, perfectly suited to our current learning progress. If you can't even understand the problems, I find that incomprehensible."

"What!"

This statement was undoubtedly more powerful. Combined with Horikita's expression of genuine confusion, the level of humiliation increased even further.

After hearing this, Yamauchi and Ike both stood up from their chairs, their eyes filled with angry flames.

"Damn it! Do you know what you're saying?"

"Everyone, please don't argue. This is a study room," Kushida urged when she saw the sudden commotion.

"Hmph, if she maintains this attitude for the study group, then sorry, I won't participate." Yamauchi Haruki never wanted to come in the first place, and was only here for Kushida Kikyō. He definitely didn't want to face the always superior Horikita Suzune.

"Yes, unless Horikita apologizes, we can't continue studying," Ike chose to stand with Yamauchi.

"An apology is impossible. I'm helping you. If you don't cooperate, there's nothing I can do," Horikita Suzune coldly looked at the two boys in front of her, indicating she would absolutely not back down.

"Then that's it. We're leaving!" Yamauchi Haruki turned to Kushida and said, "Thanks for inviting us to the study group today, Kushida. But I won't study with someone who looks down on people. Maybe next time we can study together again."

"Yes, Kushida can call me next time, as long as she's not included."

Both Ike and Yamauchi made it clear they would absolutely not study with Horikita Suzune, while the person sitting next to them, Ayanokōji, who had been looking down at his test paper, seemed to remain an outsider.

But in the next moment, he felt Yamauchi put his hand on his shoulder and say loudly: "Ayanokōji probably doesn't like people who look down on others either, right? Do you want to leave with us?"

"Uh..."

Ayanokōji Kiyotaka looked up at the current situation. After thinking briefly, he decided it was better to follow the crowd.

So he stood up, nodded to the two girls, and left with Yamauchi and the others.

A supposedly good study session lasted less than ten minutes before falling apart. Horikita Suzune looked at Kushida beside her, then got up to pack her things. She certainly wouldn't stay here—if it weren't for promising Hashima Hikaru, she would prefer studying alone in her dormitory.

"Horikita, will you still come to the study group next time?" Kushida called after her.

"...If you continue to organize it, I'll come."

After saying this, Horikita Suzune walked out of the study room with her bag. Looking at her retreating figure, Kushida's expression instantly darkened.

From organizing the study group until now, she had only exchanged a few words with her. What use was that?

There was no way to build a relationship, let alone find an opportunity to ask her about that matter.

"Damn it..."

The short-haired girl took out her phone and began messaging Hashima Hikaru.

Kushida Kikyō: Hashima ... I just failed.

At that moment, sitting in his dormitory, Hashima Hikaru saw Kushida's message and had a somewhat amused expression. He quickly typed a reply.

Hashima Hikaru: What happened? Did Horikita not agree?

Kushida Kikyō: Horikita agreed, but the study session didn't go smoothly. We encountered some minor issues.

"Minor issues?"

Hashima Hikaru thought for a moment but quickly realized it was probably because Class D students weren't willing to study hard. After all, as the lowest-ranked class, their average quality was predictable.

Hashima Hikaru: Did Kushida get closer to Horikita?

Kushida Kikyō: Just a little bit, but I still feel distant from her. However, Horikita said she would come again next time I organize a study group.

"Hmm, she's really that serious?" Hashima Hikaru couldn't help thinking about the message he sent yesterday. Although he was coercing Horikita, he hadn't expected her to go this far.

Hashima Hikaru: Isn't that good? Kushida can continue organizing study groups in the future and will surely win over Horikita.

Kushida Kikyō: That's what I think too, but I'm still a bit worried.

Hashima Hikaru: Kushida doesn't need to worry. I believe in your abilities.

"Tsk."

After seeing the other's roundabout words, Kushida Kikyō recalled her thoughts from last night.

Why would Hashima Hikaru help her?

After replaying everything in her mind, Kushida Kikyō took a deep breath. She decided to test Hashima Hikaru's attitude once more and get a definitive answer. Only then could she feel comfortable continuing to use him.

After all, all her current considerations were based on her own guesses. Rather than guessing at Hashima Hikaru's true attitude, it was better to take the initiative.

Kushida really disliked this feeling of uncertainty and lack of control. Plus she still hadn't defused the Horikita Suzune bomb. If she could successfully have Hashima Hikaru as an excellent assistant, he might be able to help her come up with ideas in the future.

Additionally, he was a leading figure in Class B. No matter how you looked at it, this was absolutely a win-win situation.

Kushida Kikyō: Um, Hashima , are you free later?

"Oh?"

The boy looked at the new message from Kushida Kikyō, curious about what she wanted to do.

Hashima Hikaru: I am. Does Kushida have something she wants to discuss?

Kushida Kikyō: Can we meet later? I have some things I want to say to Hashima .

Hashima Hikaru: Sure, where?

Kushida Kikyō: How about on the stone pathway around the perimeter of the artificial island? We can enjoy the scenery too.

Hashima Hikaru: Alright, I'll come right away.

Kushida Kikyō: Mm-hmm, I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Hashima Hikaru held his phone, his eyes flashing with contemplative light.

This was truly a case of "just what I wanted." It was an excellent opportunity. He planned to first gauge Kushida's attitude, and if he could successfully dispel her wariness, all the better.