Nowadays... it feels like the year just flies by in the blink of an eye.
This is Kinugasa.
I'm definitely getting older and while my hernia has been flaring up again a bit so I can't say I'm in perfect health in most other ways. I've actually been getting healthier year by year.
Things like my blood pressure and other numbers that used to be a little off are now steadily improving and at levels appropriate for my age.
Although it's just the hernia that's a persistent problem... That part's hard to do much about. But I'll keep doing my best.
Volume 3 will bring us into early summer a little ahead of schedule so that usual thing will be arriving a bit early too.
Volume 2 was a more relaxed, heartwarming installment overall but next time, things might take a slightly sharper turn.
That's Said....since it's me saying it, you should probably only take half it seriously
Even though it still feels like the story has a long way to go before the end, when I realize we're already approaching the end of the first semester, it hits me that time is passing faster than I expected. I try not to talk too much about the main story or what's coming next in the afterword, so I'll wrap this part up here.
Now for some random personal stuff that really doesn't matter. Feel free to skip it! (Just filling up space.)
Lately, I've really been feeling my age. Mostly when I realize how far I've drifted away from video games. To put it simply, even though I used to play games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros. all the time, now just playing with my kids for a few minutes is enough to wear me out. I don't even have a single game app on my phone besides COTE Merge Game
Y3V2: Shiraishi Asukaâs SS: The Voice Hidden Within
Over the course of more than two years of my school life.
I cannot deny that the feeling of I mustnât hear those words, and the feeling of I want to hear those words, had jumbled up into a confusing mess inside me.
"You might call me overly self-conscious, but Shiraishi, youâd been watching me to some extent even before I transferred classes; is that not the case?â
His gaze and his voice mercilessly pierced into me.
"Ah..."
Heâd seen me. He sees me.
Conflicting feelings continued flooding my mind simultaneously.
It would be easy to line up excuses, but that would be unforgivable.
"Ah... this wonât do, would it."
I have a noble cause. A duty as an observer.
To meet the expectations of Shirogane-sensei, I had continued to do the same thing every single day.
That day, when I was called into that room just before graduation.
My mission began ever since the day I learnt about you, and yetâŠâŠ.
"Won't do? What's wrong.â
There was nothing different from usual in Ayanokouji-kun's voice.
It wasn't that he had arrived at a firm conclusion; rather, my own irrepressible gazes and mannerisms must have given birth to his suspicion, I suppose.
Please, forgive me.
Please, just for this moment, allow me forget that duty.
"I am Shiraishi Asuka."
Our conversation(s) up until now had been a lie.
That's why, for my self-introduction at the very least, I wanted to speak from the heart, you know...
"Whoâare you?"
Would he answer me, I wonder.
Would he answer this question of mineâthe voice of my first true introduction who I had kept hidden deep withinâ.
Before my very eyes, Yamamura Miki continued to fidget and whimper and squirm and dither indecisively.
She is utterly incapable of being direct. But what irritates me is that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is just watching over her quietly, as though fancying himself as a father watching over his child's growth, waiting for her to find her words.
"That is to say, what I would like, to say is..."
In this world, time is money. I was planning on applying myself to some human-watching among the squirming masses outside after school today, so I'd like to wrap this up quickly.
Merely watching over someone isn't how you raise a child.
As someone who had successfully and splendidly raised a tadpole shrimp, after all, I would know.
I began moving silently and stood right next to Yamamura Miki.
Her eyes were locked only on Ayanokouji Kiyotaka in front of her, so there were no signs of her noticing me at all.
Yare yare. How pathetic, for a person who prides herself on her ability to tail others to be so easily approached from the side.
For someone like her, I shall grant her this special move.
"FwoohâŠ!"
I puckered my lips forcefully and launched a puff of my peach-scented breath, aiming for Yamamura Miki's ear canal.
"Hyaawawauwah!?"
I succeeded in startling her magnificently, causing her to let out a shriek the likes of which I'd never heard before.
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-what are, you doing......!â
"FuâŠ! This is the Ear Gun. All those caught unawares by it are startled."
"Iâm sure you just twisted 'Air Gun' to make it sound like something, but isn't this basically just an air gun, too?"
Indeed, the Ear Gun also uses the power of wind. To think heâd grasp the true principle of this special move in an instant...
"Now that you mention it, that's certaintly true. I shall grant you my praise, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
However, I did not reveal this special move merely for the sake of showing it off.
It was to give a push to the back of Yamamura Miki, who was too nervous to move forward.
As though to add the finishing touch, I gave her cheek a little pinch.
"Wh-what are you doing!?"
"How about it, Yamamura Miki. Don't you feel the tension in your shoulders has eased just a bit?"
She should now be able to reflect on her own situation for a moment, and with this, move forward.
And so, today once again, I have helped those around me.
What an outstanding person. What an outstanding genius. My own talent is frightening to beholdâ.
After finishing a good sweat, I left the gym with Ichinose and Amakura.
âWell then, Iâm going to make a quick stop on the way home,â Amakura said just after we stepped outside. She then quickly created some distance between us, waved her hand, and headed down the escalator.
âShe seemed to be in a hurry. Is she meeting someone?â
âNo, I think she was just being considerateâso that you and I could talk alone.â Whether it was out of thoughtfulness for two allied class leaders getting some time to bond, or for another reason entirely, the truth behind her actions wasnât hard to imagine.
âIf youâd like⊠want to walk home together? I guess asking like that makes it hard to say no, huh?â
âNo, itâs fine. I was planning to head straight home today anyway. Besides, we havenât had a chance to talk about the exam yet.â
âYeah? Iâm glad. That makes me happy,â Ichinose looked up at me, smiled slightly, and narrowed her eyes gently as we left the Keyaki Mall together.
The time had passed 6:30 PM, but it wasnât dark outside. Winterâs shadow had fully retreated, and the lingering light was a sign that spring was slowly beginning to stretch its stay.
âThis timeâs results were unfortunate.â
âEven if you take great care of your health, some things are just out of your control. It canât be helped.â
As expected by all the classes, this exam had taken place over the course of a week. Evaluation points were based on things like adherence to school rules and general conduct.
While we werenât told the detailed scoring, it was communicated that the four classes were nearly tied.
That was the result. It was a relief that Hoshinomiya-senseiâs reckless behavior didnât end up having a negative effect.
There was no change in class rankings, and the point gaps from Class A to Class D remained largely the same.
âThereâs no real problem. As long as we win the next special exam, we can make up for it.â âI see. Thatâs a confident and reassuring take. Iâll do my best to support you however I can.â âOf course, Iâm counting on you. Actually, I have another matter I want to consult you about. I want to increase the number of people in the gym. Would it be okay if I invited someone?â
âI think itâs a great idea. Iâd been a bit worried about the membership numbers and the gymâs revenue, even if itâs not my business,â Ichinose responded honestly, showing her support for the idea.
âBut you donât need my permission for something like that.â
âThatâs not true. The person Iâm thinking of inviting is from your class.â
âIs that so? Who is it?â
âIâm thinking of approaching Watanabe, Kanzaki, and Himeno.â I listed their names casually, making sure not to hint at any particular intention in the order or combination. And I deliberately didnât mention Hamaguchiâs name. However, such tricks were ultimately meaningless. Upon hearing the three names, Ichinose smiled.
âTheyâre an interesting trio. Lately, Kanzaki-kun seems to be keeping some distance from me, and on the other hand, it looks like heâs gotten closer to Himeno-sanâtheyâve been talking just the two of them now and then. I can tell heâs been trying to do something when I was showing a bit of weakness. If we start going to the gym together, thereâs a chance it could help break down any awkward walls. But if thatâs the case, shouldnât you invite Hamaguchi-kun too?â
It seemed like she had completely seen through my intentions. And impressively, she had a full grasp of the dynamics within her own class.
âAs for Watanabe-kun⊠I guess he just wants to get closer to Amikura-chan, right?â
As expected.
âYou got me. I figured youâd see through it.â
It was true that I genuinely wanted to bring more energy to the gym, but my motives for choosing those particular members had been seen through in an instant.
âI get it, really. But yeah, Iâd totally welcome it. I think Watanabe-kun will be fine as long as he pretends not to notice the real reason. But do you think Kanzaki-kun and the others would actually join the gym?â
âThey will. Noâthey have to.â
âYeah. It doesnât necessarily have to be through the gym, but Iâve felt for a while now that we really need to unite the class in a true sense sooner rather than later.â âThen donât hold back. Go ahead and invite them.â âYeah, thank you. Iâm really happy youâre helping like this, AyanokĆji-kun.â
Standing on my right, Ichinose gave me a bright, carefree smile. Then, for a brief moment, the back of her left hand brushed against the back of my right hand. And as her hand slowly moved closer again, our fingertips touchedâand then intertwined.
But then she seemed to realize instinctively that this was something she shouldnât do, and quickly pulled away in a panic. Her cheeks flushed red, and she averted her gaze. But slowly, her eyes returned to meet mine.
âS-sorry⊠Iâm sorry. I just⊠ended up wanting to touch you⊠even though weâre just friendsâŠâ
Even if we knew everything about each other, our relationship was defined as âfriends.â Even knowing that itâs just a difference in terminology, thereâs a massive, unremovable wall between us.
It would be easy to take her hand right then. Ichinose probably wouldnât dislike it if I did.
Her personality, her body, her mindâI donât hate any of them. In fact, sheâs far more attractive than someone whoâs only halfway genuine. Thatâs the truth.
As I continued to look at her, Ichinoseâclearly embarrassedâstill met my gaze.
Even though she knows parts of my darkness, she still has the capacity to accept me with a generous heart. Even soâ If you ask whether Iâm emotionally attached in a romantic sense at this very moment, Iâd have to say no.
I recall that recent afternoon I spent with Hiyori in the library after school, and the image of her holding flowers. A space filled with happiness, a sensation unlike anything Iâd ever experienced before. I clearly remember what I felt that day, that unfamiliar emotionâ and I find myself yearning for it.
ââWho are you thinking about?â
Perhaps she had entered my thoughts through the gaze we shared, as her lips quietly moved.
âWhy do you think that?â
âBecause⊠you looked happy, I guess.â
Ichinose has always been good at reading the mood and understanding others, but since that night, her perceptiveness seems to have taken another leap.
âSorry, you donât have to answer. Itâs not something a friend should intrude on⊠right?â
She showed a slightly lonely expression for a moment, but quickly returned to her usual self.
Eventually, we arrived in front of the dormitory, maintaining a slight distance between us.
âIâll be waiting for Kanzaki and the othersâ replies.â
âYeah.â
I watched her back as she ran ahead into the dormitory, then lifted my gaze slightly toward the sky dyed by the sunset.
The joy of experiencing a new emotion. And wondering how that emotion would influence meâand others.
Will it lead to prosperity, or ruin? Or perhaps, something else entirely?
Right now, Iâm living in a very fulfilling, satisfying moment. And for that, I must truly, deeply be grateful.
âIs AyanokĆji good at other sports besides fighting? He was pretty fast on his feet.â
âWho knows? Iâm not really sure about that. At the time of enrollment, I didnât have any major doubts, but thinking back on how he deliberately avoided getting high scores on written exams, itâs entirely possible that he also held back in sports heâs good at.â
âThen even if we found out he was in a club in middle school, itâs possible he was just holding back there too.â
ââŠYes. If he had truly outstanding talent in some particular sport, then whether it was inside or outside the prefecture, there should at least be some rumor floating around about himâŠâ
âI just tried searching for AyanokĆji-kunâs name, but nothing came up. I thought his last name was unique enough to catch something, but I couldnât find any trace of records from his elementary or middle school days. Just unrelated celebrities or politicians.â
Kushida-san said this while scrolling through her phone.
Until he entered high school, he wasnât the kind of student who would appear on the internetâfor better or worse.
Even though it could be considered a lead, it certainly wasnât enough to call it progress. Someone who holds a clue connecting to AyanokĆji-kunâŠ
âThat guy seemed like he knew something,â Ibuki muttered, as if recalling something. Almost at the same moment, I too remembered the person she referred to as that guy.
âWhat was his name again⊠um, the guy a year below usâŠâ
âAh, right. Yagami Takuya-kun.â
âYeah, Yagami. He was pretty intense, or rather, kind of dangerous. He went wild and caused a lot of chaos. I heard he beat up Komiya and the others on that deserted island. Didnât he also shout something about AyanokĆji?â
While Ibuki and I were recalling memories about Yagami-kun, Kushida, who had been quietly listening until now, stiffened at the mention of that name.
In the student council room, with Nagumo-senpai, Ryƫen-kun, and the teachers pressing him, Yagami-kun was expelled as the perpetrator of the assault incident that took place on the deserted island.
However, back then, there was a moment when I suspected someone else might have been pulling the strings behind the scenes. I had this vague feeling that everything mightâve been orchestrated by AyanokĆji-kun himself.
There was no proof, and it was nothing more than intuitionâbut now, that old suspicion was beginning to resurface.
âAmasawa also showed up at the end. And those strange adults barged in too.â âThatâs right⊠They claimed to be associated with both Yagami-kun and Amasawa-san.â
âI think so too. My memory has faded quite a bit, but I definitely remember hearing that.â
Yagami-kun and the others tried to get AyanokĆji-kun expelled. And itâs believed that AyanokĆji-kun lured Yagami-kun out by setting a trap using a letterâŠ
Whatâs certain is that Yagami-kun and Amasawa-san were connected. But whether there was any connection with AyanokĆji-kun remains uncertain for now.
âYagami, Amasawa, and AyanokĆjiâcould they have gone to the same middle school, or been acquaintances from way back? Iâd say thatâs more than a plausible possibility. For now, why not try searching for Yagami and Amasawa too?â
âUnfortunately, nothing came up. I just tried.â Kushida-san had apparently already started searching and turned her phone screen to show the results.
At that moment, something I had completely forgotten until now suddenly came back to me.
âWait. Come to think of itâYagami-kun went to the same middle school as me.â
âHuh? Seriously? Then doesnât that mean he had nothing to do with AyanokĆji? Why didnât you remember that sooner?â
âI couldnât help it, could I? I didnât even know him back in middle school. But Kushida-san is different.â Until now, Kushida-san had been silently listening, but she quietly set her phone down on the table.
âKushida-san, you went to the same middle school as meâand you did know Yagami-kun. Isnât that right?â
âThen this is on Kushida! Just spill it already!â
âYagami Takuya⊠huh.â
After quietly listening, Kushida-san continued.
âWell, since AyanokĆji-kun transferred out, thereâs no point in hiding it anymore, so Iâll tell youâbut Yagami-kun and I arenât from the same middle school.â
ââŠEh?â
âWhat? What do you mean? This is getting really confusing.â
Ibuki-san was clearly confused. I felt the same way.
Right after the new first-years had enrolled last year, I distinctly remembered Yagami-kun coming to the second-year classroom and having a conversation that implied the two of them had gone to the same middle school.
There had never been any reason to doubt that, and I had completely believed it without question. But now, that entire foundation had suddenly crumbled.
And then Kushida-san explained to us why she had said that.
There were students from her middle school who knew her true nature. Although she had no memory of a junior student named Yagami Takuya, he clearly acted as if he knew her.
Fearing what might happen if she denied knowing him and he exposed her past, she decided to lie and go along with the idea that they were from the same middle schoolâfor the time being. She did it to try to gauge just how much Yagami-kun really knew.
And that decision led to the worst outcome. Yagami-kun hadnât even gone to the same middle school as her, yet he still knew the details of her pastâand in exchange for not exposing it, he demanded all sorts of cooperation from her.
Apparently, Amasawa-san was also involved in the matter.
Bright Red
Bright Red
Classroom of the elite year 2 Manga bonus illustrations
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Calender illustration project
August
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Cote fan art by shuku mubi
His account link -
x.com/shuku_mubi?t=_I4mJADpUognuqJWvAfGcA&s=09
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New cote anime illustration
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Year 3 volume 2 Afterword
Nowadays... it feels like the year just flies by in the blink of an eye.
This is Kinugasa.
I'm definitely getting older and while my hernia has been flaring up again a bit so I can't say I'm in perfect health in most other ways. I've actually been getting healthier year by year.
Things like my blood pressure and other numbers that used to be a little off are now steadily improving and at levels appropriate for my age.
Although it's just the hernia that's a persistent problem... That part's hard to do much about. But I'll keep doing my best.
Volume 3 will bring us into early summer a little ahead of schedule so that usual thing will be arriving a bit early too.
Volume 2 was a more relaxed, heartwarming installment overall but next time, things might take a slightly sharper turn.
That's Said....since it's me saying it, you should probably only take half it seriously
Even though it still feels like the story has a long way to go before the end, when I realize we're already approaching the end of the first semester, it hits me that time is passing faster than I expected. I try not to talk too much about the main story or what's coming next in the afterword, so I'll wrap this part up here.
Now for some random personal stuff that really doesn't matter. Feel free to skip it! (Just filling up space.)
Lately, I've really been feeling my age. Mostly when I realize how far I've drifted away from video games. To put it simply, even though I used to play games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros. all the time, now just playing with my kids for a few minutes is enough to wear me out. I don't even have a single game app on my phone besides COTE Merge Game
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Y3V2: Shiina Hiyoriâs SS - A Wavering Heart
Returning to my dorm room, I sat on the edge of my bed as to rest my body.
In my hand was a single poppy flower.
Simply by gazing at it, I couldn't help but feel my heart being fulfilled.
I simultaneously recall the sight of Ayanokouji-kun whoâd come to see me in the library.
How it happened immediately after I had resolved to convince myself that I had come to hate him.
How he told me he wanted to see me again tomorrow.
My resolve to break away from him had already flown away somewhere.
âItâs frightening to feel so fulfilledâŠâ
A day that had threw my heart into turmoil, yet one that turned into something truly wonderful.
Even I am deeply shocked myself. That such a large and powerful emotion had been hiding within me.
I understand it now.
That I see Ayanokouji-kun as a man, as a member of the opposite sex, and have fallen in love with him.
***
Spinning the flower gently, I let out a small sigh.
"It's okay, right......? To keep on loving him like this......"
I asked the poppy that would never answer me.
Ayanokouji-kun and Karuizawa-san have broken up.
So, I know that it's not wrong for me to love him.
But I don't have the courage to tell him how I feel, and above all else, we still remain in different classes.
As we continue to compete for Class A, these emotions surely wonât lead to anything good.
Can I really fight against Ayanokouji-kun's class while I'm still in love with him, I wonderâŠâŠ
"I..."
Itâd be best if I cast aside such covetous thoughts and be content to remain as his precious friend.
Wanting anything more than that is wrong.
In the first place, there is no guarantee that Ayanokouji-kun even sees me that way
Remaining as we are right now.
Remaining like this.
Not too close, not too far.
Itâd be a happier fate for my first love to end while it remains faint and fleeting, I think.
"Surely... that's the correct answer, right?"
I asked the poppy flower one last time.
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Bright Red
Y3V2: Shiraishi Asukaâs SS: The Voice Hidden Within
Over the course of more than two years of my school life.
I cannot deny that the feeling of I mustnât hear those words, and the feeling of I want to hear those words, had jumbled up into a confusing mess inside me.
"You might call me overly self-conscious, but Shiraishi, youâd been watching me to some extent even before I transferred classes; is that not the case?â
His gaze and his voice mercilessly pierced into me.
"Ah..."
Heâd seen me. He sees me.
Conflicting feelings continued flooding my mind simultaneously.
It would be easy to line up excuses, but that would be unforgivable.
"Ah... this wonât do, would it."
I have a noble cause. A duty as an observer.
To meet the expectations of Shirogane-sensei, I had continued to do the same thing every single day.
That day, when I was called into that room just before graduation.
My mission began ever since the day I learnt about you, and yetâŠâŠ.
"Won't do? What's wrong.â
There was nothing different from usual in Ayanokouji-kun's voice.
It wasn't that he had arrived at a firm conclusion; rather, my own irrepressible gazes and mannerisms must have given birth to his suspicion, I suppose.
Please, forgive me.
Please, just for this moment, allow me forget that duty.
"I am Shiraishi Asuka."
Our conversation(s) up until now had been a lie.
That's why, for my self-introduction at the very least, I wanted to speak from the heart, you know...
"Whoâare you?"
Would he answer me, I wonder.
Would he answer this question of mineâthe voice of my first true introduction who I had kept hidden deep withinâ.
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**Y3V2: Morishita Aiâs SS - Ear Gun**
"Um... I-I... That is to say..."
Before my very eyes, Yamamura Miki continued to fidget and whimper and squirm and dither indecisively.
She is utterly incapable of being direct. But what irritates me is that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is just watching over her quietly, as though fancying himself as a father watching over his child's growth, waiting for her to find her words.
"That is to say, what I would like, to say is..."
In this world, time is money. I was planning on applying myself to some human-watching among the squirming masses outside after school today, so I'd like to wrap this up quickly.
Merely watching over someone isn't how you raise a child.
As someone who had successfully and splendidly raised a tadpole shrimp, after all, I would know.
I began moving silently and stood right next to Yamamura Miki.
Her eyes were locked only on Ayanokouji Kiyotaka in front of her, so there were no signs of her noticing me at all.
Yare yare. How pathetic, for a person who prides herself on her ability to tail others to be so easily approached from the side.
For someone like her, I shall grant her this special move.
"FwoohâŠ!"
I puckered my lips forcefully and launched a puff of my peach-scented breath, aiming for Yamamura Miki's ear canal.
"Hyaawawauwah!?"
I succeeded in startling her magnificently, causing her to let out a shriek the likes of which I'd never heard before.
"Wh-wh-wh-wh-what are, you doing......!â
"FuâŠ! This is the Ear Gun. All those caught unawares by it are startled."
"Iâm sure you just twisted 'Air Gun' to make it sound like something, but isn't this basically just an air gun, too?"
Indeed, the Ear Gun also uses the power of wind. To think heâd grasp the true principle of this special move in an instant...
"Now that you mention it, that's certaintly true. I shall grant you my praise, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
However, I did not reveal this special move merely for the sake of showing it off.
It was to give a push to the back of Yamamura Miki, who was too nervous to move forward.
As though to add the finishing touch, I gave her cheek a little pinch.
"Wh-what are you doing!?"
"How about it, Yamamura Miki. Don't you feel the tension in your shoulders has eased just a bit?"
She should now be able to reflect on her own situation for a moment, and with this, move forward.
And so, today once again, I have helped those around me.
What an outstanding person. What an outstanding genius. My own talent is frightening to beholdâ.
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Illustration context
After finishing a good sweat, I left the gym with Ichinose and Amakura.
âWell then, Iâm going to make a quick stop on the way home,â
Amakura said just after we stepped outside. She then quickly created some distance between us, waved her hand, and headed down the escalator.
âShe seemed to be in a hurry. Is she meeting someone?â
âNo, I think she was just being considerateâso that you and I could talk alone.â
Whether it was out of thoughtfulness for two allied class leaders getting some time to bond, or for another reason entirely, the truth behind her actions wasnât hard to imagine.
âIf youâd like⊠want to walk home together? I guess asking like that makes it hard to say no, huh?â
âNo, itâs fine. I was planning to head straight home today anyway. Besides, we havenât had a chance to talk about the exam yet.â
âYeah? Iâm glad. That makes me happy,â
Ichinose looked up at me, smiled slightly, and narrowed her eyes gently as we left the Keyaki Mall together.
The time had passed 6:30 PM, but it wasnât dark outside.
Winterâs shadow had fully retreated, and the lingering light was a sign that spring was slowly beginning to stretch its stay.
âThis timeâs results were unfortunate.â
âEven if you take great care of your health, some things are just out of your control. It canât be helped.â
As expected by all the classes, this exam had taken place over the course of a week.
Evaluation points were based on things like adherence to school rules and general conduct.
While we werenât told the detailed scoring, it was communicated that the four classes were nearly tied.
That was the result. It was a relief that Hoshinomiya-senseiâs reckless behavior didnât end up having a negative effect.
Horikita Class- 1240 Points
Ryuen Class- 1081 Points
Ayanokoji Class- 867 Points
Ichinose Class- 864 Points
There was no change in class rankings, and the point gaps from Class A to Class D remained largely the same.
âThereâs no real problem. As long as we win the next special exam, we can make up for it.â
âI see. Thatâs a confident and reassuring take. Iâll do my best to support you however I can.â
âOf course, Iâm counting on you. Actually, I have another matter I want to consult you about. I want to increase the number of people in the gym. Would it be okay if I invited someone?â
âI think itâs a great idea. Iâd been a bit worried about the membership numbers and the gymâs revenue, even if itâs not my business,â Ichinose responded honestly, showing her support for the idea.
âBut you donât need my permission for something like that.â
âThatâs not true. The person Iâm thinking of inviting is from your class.â
âIs that so? Who is it?â
âIâm thinking of approaching Watanabe, Kanzaki, and Himeno.â
I listed their names casually, making sure not to hint at any particular intention in the order or combination.
And I deliberately didnât mention Hamaguchiâs name.
However, such tricks were ultimately meaningless. Upon hearing the three names, Ichinose smiled.
âTheyâre an interesting trio. Lately, Kanzaki-kun seems to be keeping some distance from me, and on the other hand, it looks like heâs gotten closer to Himeno-sanâtheyâve been talking just the two of them now and then. I can tell heâs been trying to do something when I was showing a bit of weakness. If we start going to the gym together, thereâs a chance it could help break down any awkward walls. But if thatâs the case, shouldnât you invite Hamaguchi-kun too?â
It seemed like she had completely seen through my intentions. And impressively, she had a full grasp of the dynamics within her own class.
âAs for Watanabe-kun⊠I guess he just wants to get closer to Amikura-chan, right?â
As expected.
âYou got me. I figured youâd see through it.â
It was true that I genuinely wanted to bring more energy to the gym, but my motives for choosing those particular members had been seen through in an instant.
âI get it, really. But yeah, Iâd totally welcome it. I think Watanabe-kun will be fine as long as he pretends not to notice the real reason. But do you think Kanzaki-kun and the others would actually join the gym?â
âThey will. Noâthey have to.â
âYeah. It doesnât necessarily have to be through the gym, but Iâve felt for a while now that we really need to unite the class in a true sense sooner rather than later.â
âThen donât hold back. Go ahead and invite them.â
âYeah, thank you. Iâm really happy youâre helping like this, AyanokĆji-kun.â
Standing on my right, Ichinose gave me a bright, carefree smile.
Then, for a brief moment, the back of her left hand brushed against the back of my right hand.
And as her hand slowly moved closer again, our fingertips touchedâand then intertwined.
But then she seemed to realize instinctively that this was something she shouldnât do, and quickly pulled away in a panic.
Her cheeks flushed red, and she averted her gaze. But slowly, her eyes returned to meet mine.
âS-sorry⊠Iâm sorry. I just⊠ended up wanting to touch you⊠even though weâre just friendsâŠâ
Even if we knew everything about each other, our relationship was defined as âfriends.â
Even knowing that itâs just a difference in terminology, thereâs a massive, unremovable wall between us.
It would be easy to take her hand right then.
Ichinose probably wouldnât dislike it if I did.
Her personality, her body, her mindâI donât hate any of them.
In fact, sheâs far more attractive than someone whoâs only halfway genuine. Thatâs the truth.
As I continued to look at her, Ichinoseâclearly embarrassedâstill met my gaze.
Even though she knows parts of my darkness, she still has the capacity to accept me with a generous heart.
Even soâ
If you ask whether Iâm emotionally attached in a romantic sense at this very moment, Iâd have to say no.
I recall that recent afternoon I spent with Hiyori in the library after school, and the image of her holding flowers.
A space filled with happiness, a sensation unlike anything Iâd ever experienced before.
I clearly remember what I felt that day, that unfamiliar emotionâ
and I find myself yearning for it.
ââWho are you thinking about?â
Perhaps she had entered my thoughts through the gaze we shared, as her lips quietly moved.
âWhy do you think that?â
âBecause⊠you looked happy, I guess.â
Ichinose has always been good at reading the mood and understanding others,
but since that night, her perceptiveness seems to have taken another leap.
âSorry, you donât have to answer.
Itâs not something a friend should intrude on⊠right?â
She showed a slightly lonely expression for a moment, but quickly returned to her usual self.
Eventually, we arrived in front of the dormitory, maintaining a slight distance between us.
âIâll be waiting for Kanzaki and the othersâ replies.â
âYeah.â
I watched her back as she ran ahead into the dormitory,
then lifted my gaze slightly toward the sky dyed by the sunset.
The joy of experiencing a new emotion.
And wondering how that emotion would influence meâand others.
Will it lead to prosperity, or ruin?
Or perhaps, something else entirely?
Right now, Iâm living in a very fulfilling, satisfying moment.
And for that, I must truly, deeply be grateful.
1 month ago | [YT] | 194
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Bright Red
Part 2 of the conversation
âIs AyanokĆji good at other sports besides fighting? He was pretty fast on his feet.â
âWho knows? Iâm not really sure about that. At the time of enrollment, I didnât have any major doubts, but thinking back on how he deliberately avoided getting high scores on written exams, itâs entirely possible that he also held back in sports heâs good at.â
âThen even if we found out he was in a club in middle school, itâs possible he was just holding back there too.â
ââŠYes. If he had truly outstanding talent in some particular sport, then whether it was inside or outside the prefecture, there should at least be some rumor floating around about himâŠâ
âI just tried searching for AyanokĆji-kunâs name, but nothing came up. I thought his last name was unique enough to catch something, but I couldnât find any trace of records from his elementary or middle school days. Just unrelated celebrities or politicians.â
Kushida-san said this while scrolling through her phone.
Until he entered high school, he wasnât the kind of student who would appear on the internetâfor better or worse.
Even though it could be considered a lead, it certainly wasnât enough to call it progress.
Someone who holds a clue connecting to AyanokĆji-kunâŠ
âThat guy seemed like he knew something,â
Ibuki muttered, as if recalling something.
Almost at the same moment, I too remembered the person she referred to as that guy.
âWhat was his name again⊠um, the guy a year below usâŠâ
âAh, right. Yagami Takuya-kun.â
âYeah, Yagami. He was pretty intense, or rather, kind of dangerous. He went wild and caused a lot of chaos. I heard he beat up Komiya and the others on that deserted island. Didnât he also shout something about AyanokĆji?â
While Ibuki and I were recalling memories about Yagami-kun, Kushida, who had been quietly listening until now, stiffened at the mention of that name.
In the student council room, with Nagumo-senpai, Ryƫen-kun, and the teachers pressing him, Yagami-kun was expelled as the perpetrator of the assault incident that took place on the deserted island.
However, back then, there was a moment when I suspected someone else might have been pulling the strings behind the scenes.
I had this vague feeling that everything mightâve been orchestrated by AyanokĆji-kun himself.
There was no proof, and it was nothing more than intuitionâbut now, that old suspicion was beginning to resurface.
âAmasawa also showed up at the end. And those strange adults barged in too.â
âThatâs right⊠They claimed to be associated with both Yagami-kun and Amasawa-san.â
âI think so too. My memory has faded quite a bit, but I definitely remember hearing that.â
Yagami-kun and the others tried to get AyanokĆji-kun expelled.
And itâs believed that AyanokĆji-kun lured Yagami-kun out by setting a trap using a letterâŠ
Whatâs certain is that Yagami-kun and Amasawa-san were connected.
But whether there was any connection with AyanokĆji-kun remains uncertain for now.
âYagami, Amasawa, and AyanokĆjiâcould they have gone to the same middle school, or been acquaintances from way back? Iâd say thatâs more than a plausible possibility. For now, why not try searching for Yagami and Amasawa too?â
âUnfortunately, nothing came up. I just tried.â
Kushida-san had apparently already started searching and turned her phone screen to show the results.
At that moment, something I had completely forgotten until now suddenly came back to me.
âWait. Come to think of itâYagami-kun went to the same middle school as me.â
âHuh? Seriously? Then doesnât that mean he had nothing to do with AyanokĆji? Why didnât you remember that sooner?â
âI couldnât help it, could I? I didnât even know him back in middle school. But Kushida-san is different.â
Until now, Kushida-san had been silently listening, but she quietly set her phone down on the table.
âKushida-san, you went to the same middle school as meâand you did know Yagami-kun. Isnât that right?â
âThen this is on Kushida! Just spill it already!â
âYagami Takuya⊠huh.â
After quietly listening, Kushida-san continued.
âWell, since AyanokĆji-kun transferred out, thereâs no point in hiding it anymore, so Iâll tell youâbut Yagami-kun and I arenât from the same middle school.â
ââŠEh?â
âWhat? What do you mean? This is getting really confusing.â
Ibuki-san was clearly confused. I felt the same way.
Right after the new first-years had enrolled last year, I distinctly remembered Yagami-kun coming to the second-year classroom and having a conversation that implied the two of them had gone to the same middle school.
There had never been any reason to doubt that, and I had completely believed it without question.
But now, that entire foundation had suddenly crumbled.
And then Kushida-san explained to us why she had said that.
There were students from her middle school who knew her true nature. Although she had no memory of a junior student named Yagami Takuya, he clearly acted as if he knew her.
Fearing what might happen if she denied knowing him and he exposed her past, she decided to lie and go along with the idea that they were from the same middle schoolâfor the time being. She did it to try to gauge just how much Yagami-kun really knew.
And that decision led to the worst outcome.
Yagami-kun hadnât even gone to the same middle school as her, yet he still knew the details of her pastâand in exchange for not exposing it, he demanded all sorts of cooperation from her.
Apparently, Amasawa-san was also involved in the matter.
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