Shiro POV
Mashima-sensei entered the classroom with a wide smile plastered on his face. A rolled piece of paper was in his hand, most likely the test results. After standing in front of the podium, he addressed us in a tone that seemed calm and pleased.
Tomonari: "Good morning students, I hope you are all well. Here are the results of your Midterm examinations." He then pasted the piece of paper on the board.
Tomonari: "I'm impressed. Most of you had a score above 80, which is quite commendable." Looking at the results, it seems that everyone scored very well. I scored 100 in all subjects while Arisu had all of her scores above 95. Hashimoto, Kito, and Ai had all their scores except English above 90 while having 83, 81, and 87 respectively.
Katsuragi had all of his scores above 90. The only ones who had a score that was lower than 80 were Yahiko, Yamamura, and Mikami, who had 76,77, and 79 respectively. It still isn't a low score, so to speak.
Tomonari: "Congratulations," He then took out a red pen and drew a red line beneath Yahiko's name.
Tomonari: "You all have successfully passed the test." Great. All the students started to cheer after hearing his words. It really was a happy moment for them.
*grrrrh* Uh oh. Looks like I have to go to the bathroom.
Shiro: "Sensei, may I go to the bathroom?"
Tomonari: " Yes you may, Takahashi-kun." I then exited the classroom and went to the bathroom.
While sitting on the toilet, I wondered what happened in Yuki's and Kiyotaka's classes. Surely, Class B would've passed with flying colors thanks to Yuki's and Ichinose's help and leadership. As for Class D, I can't say for certain but I believe that Kiyotaka would try to make Class D prevail and prevent its downfall.
Why would he do that? I'm not very certain but that's not important. What's important is that he, along with Yuki and Class C, will be a thorn in Class A's side. In that case, I will have to do something about it. It'll be difficult, especially when facing Kiyotaka, but I will do whatever it takes to win. Whatever it takes.
A little while later, I exited the bathroom. However, as I was heading back to class, I saw Kiyotaka heading somewhere and was secretly being followed by Horikita. Hmmm? Curious, I secretly followed them. I then stopped as I saw Horikita spying on Kiyotaka who was engaged in a conversation with Chiyabashira-sensei. Let's listen to a bit of it.
Sae: "Ayanokouji, I personally hold you in rather high regard. I've thought so since assigning this test. Obtaining the old test problems was certainly one correct solution. Such a notion goes beyond the range of what many would have considered. Furthermore, you distributed the old test problems to everyone in class and raised the average scores. I have to praise such a logical decision. Honestly, you did very well." Oh? Now that's a very interesting strategy. This further proves that he doesn't want his classmates expelled.
Kiyotaka: "Kushida was the one who obtained the problems and distributed them. I didn't really do anything." Playing dumb now, are you?
Sae: "I understand why you don't want word to get out, but don't forget that there are senior students, too. I already know that you contacted a third-year student." It seems they monitor each of the students all the time. They have quite a reach on what students are doing.
Sae: "However, despite your bold move in obtaining those questions, you made a mistake in the end. That's why your plan failed. If Sudou had memorized the material more thoroughly, he wouldn't have failed in any subject, right? Honestly, why don't you just give up and let Sudou get tossed out? Wouldn't things be easier in the future?" So Sudou is on the verge of expulsion, huh? And Kiyotaka is trying to negotiate with Chiyabashira-sensei to prevent his expulsion. I'm interested in how this goes out.
Kiyotaka: "Honestly, you're probably right. However, I decided to lend a hand. I suppose it's too early for me to give up. I've one thing left to try." He then took out his student ID. Wait, is he trying to-
Sae: "What are you planning?"
Kiyotaka: "Please sell me one point that I can apply to Sudou's English test." I knew it.
Sae: "..." Chiyabashira-sensei's eyes widened, and then she laughed loudly.
Sae: "Hahahahaha, That's a rather interesting idea. You really are a different kind of student. I never imagined you'd try to buy points."
Kiyotaka: "You said so the day we were admitted, didn't you, sensei? You said that we can buy anything with our points. The midterm test is just one more 'thing' at this school, after all."
Sae: "I see, I see. You certainly could view it that way. However, do you even have enough money on hand to afford it?"
Kiyotaka: "Well, how much does one test point cost?"
Sae: "Now, that's a rather difficult question, isn't it? I've never been asked to sell test points before. Let's see... Seeing as how this is a special occasion, I'll sell a test point for the exceptional price of 100,000 points."
Kiyotaka: "You're cruel, sensei." Everyone at this school had spent at least some of their points. No one had 100,000 to spare.
Suzune: "I'll pay too." She said as she came out of hiding and revealed herself to Kiyotaka and Chiyabashira-sensei.
Kiyotaka: "Horikita..." I honestly didn't expect that from her.
Sae: "Heh. Just as I thought. You two are interesting." She then took Kiyotaka's student ID and later on, Horikita's ID as well.
Sae: "Fine. I accept your deal. I'll sell you one point to apply to Sudou's test, taking a combined total of 100,000 points from you both. As for the matter of Sudou's expulsion, you can inform the class that's no longer the case."
Kiyotaka: "Is that okay?"
Sae: "You promised to pay me 100,000 points. There's nothing more to be done." Chiyabashira-sensei seemed simultaneously exasperated and amused.
Sae: "Horikita, do you understand how talented Ayanokouji is? At least somewhat?" Is she trying to prove something to her?
Suzune: "I wonder. When I look at him, all I see is a disagreeable student."
Kiyotaka: "What do you mean by 'disagreeable'?"
Suzune: "You get low scores on purpose when you could easily score higher. You were the one who came up with the idea of getting the old test problems, but you gave Kushida-san the credit. You were even crazy enough to buy test points. I don't think that you're special or just deviate from the norm. I think you're disagreeable." So she found out the secret of his low scores, huh? This is becoming very interesting.
Sae: "Perhaps the pair of you really can reach the higher-level classes."
Suzune: "I don't know about him, but I most definitely will."
Sae: "No one from Class D has ever been promoted before. The school has already labeled you defective and will coldly toss you aside. How will you accomplish your goal?"
Suzune: "If I may, sensei?" Horikita unwaveringly returned Chiyabashirasensei's gaze. "Honestly, maybe the students in Class D are defective. However, that doesn't mean they're trash." Oh?
Sae: "What's the difference between a defective product and trash?"
Suzune: "The difference is paper thin. However, with repairs, a defective product may become a superior article."
Sae: "I see. When you say it like that, Horikita, I admit it sounds oddly persuasive." I shared the same thought. From my analysis, Horikita Suzune is a person who has a superiority complex and doesn't care for others. However, this seems to be a new development as she seems to be caring for her defective classmates.
Shiro: 'You're nourishing her quite well, Kiyotaka.' A faint smile appeared on Chiyabashira-sensei's lips as if she had noticed her faint growth.
Sae: "Well, I look forward to seeing what you do next. As your homeroom teacher, I'll be sure to watch over you with great attention and care." With that, Chiyabashira-sensei headed toward the faculty room, leaving the two of them in the hall.
Kiyotaka: "Well, let's head back. Class will be starting soon." I was about to head back when...
Suzune: "Ayanokouji-kun."
Kiyotaka: "Hmm? Oof!" Horikita chopped him on the side.
Kiyotaka: "What was that for?"
Suzune: "For whatever." She then left him alone while he clutched his side in pain. She seems to be a really bothersome person. After she went out of earshot, Kiyotaka stopped clutching his side and looked in my direction.
Kiyotaka: "Come out, Shiro." As expected, he spotted me. I then came out of my hiding place and greeted him.
Shiro: "It seems that things turned out quite alright now haven't they?"
Kiyotaka: "It seems so."
Shiro: "And since you spotted me, I guess that you've spotted her as well."
Kiyotaka: "Indeed. You may come out as well." What came out of the other side was a girl with beautiful blonde hair and navy blue eyes. In other words, Yuki.
Yuki: "Aw! I can't believe that you spotted me as well, Shiro. I didn't even know that you were here as well."
Shiro: "You shouldn't underestimate me, Yuki."
Kiyotaka: "What are you two doing here?" He asked with his normally blank tone and expression.
Shiro: "I saw you going somewhere and Horikita was following you, so I decided to check out what was happening."
Yuki: "Same here. Except that I saw and heard more than what he did." She replied with a sort of haughty voice.
Kiyotaka: "Hmm, I see."
Shiro: "I thought you wanted to live a peaceful life, Kiyotaka. Why did you prevent an expulsion?"
Kiyotaka: "Who knows?" He replied calmly and vaguely.
Yuki: "Oh well, let's forget that! After all our classes are over, let's hang out in Keyaki Mall together." Hmm, I don't mind going to Keyaki Mall for a while.
Shiro: "Sure. I'm ok with it."
Kiyotaka: "I'm afraid that I ca-" Before he could finish, Yuki aggressively grabbed his arm.
Yuki: "Yes you will. Are we good?" She replied with a sweet but viscous smile.
Kiyotaka: "Y-yeah, we're good." He stuttered after seeing Yuki's "smile".
Yuki: "Yay! Let's go! See you after school's over." She then abruptly left.
Kiyotaka: "*Sigh*"
Shiro: "Kiyotaka."
Kiyotaka: "Hmm?"
Shiro: "I feel sympathy for you. May your misery be lessened."
Kiyotaka: "Thanks."
Shiro: "However, I must say this." I then stared at him with my cold eyes and so did he.
Shiro: "Don't get in my way."
Kiyotaka: "Let's see." With that, we began to head back to our respective classes. As I'm heading back, there is a sudden thought occurring in my head.
Shiro: 'I wonder, will Class C make a move soon or not?'
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