There was a new discovery about Ayanokoji, but it didn't affect daily life much. I went to school as usual.
When I arrived at the classroom, there was a tense atmosphere in so parts, likely due to what happened with Ryuuen yesterday. However, around Shiina, the atmosphere was relaxed, and Shiina herself was blushing intensely as she fidgeted.
The guys talking around Shiina turned curious gazes toward as I entered the classroom. When Shiina noticed , she blushed even more and turned away.
I was curious about what they were talking about, but my crisis managent instincts kicked in. Despite being shocked by Shiina's reaction, I acted as if I hadn't noticed anything and took my seat.
As I sat down, Ibuki, who was in the next seat, gave a aningful glance.
"What's with that look?"
"...Are you dating Shiina?"
"...Huh?"
What's this girl talking about? I was bewildered because I hadn't expected Ibuki to say sothing like that.
"There were people listening to your conversation with Shiina yesterday, and now there are rumors that you two are dating."
If they're referring to yesterday's conversation, it must be about the promise to go out with Shiina.
"No, we just made plans to go out. Besides, Shiina and I wouldn't make a good match."
"I don't think that's what they an."
I wanted to ask Ibuki what she ant by that, but the entire class suddenly quieted down.
When I looked toward the door, I saw Ryuuen, looking battered, with Albert Yamada standing behind him like a bodyguard.
Ryuuen stood in front of the platform, and Albert positioned himself to Ryuuen's right rear.
"Albert has joined my side. What about the rest of you?"
The class was shocked by the statent that Albert had joined him. The class murmured, and Ryuuen banged his fist on the podium to quiet them down and focused their attention on himself.
"Leave the class under my care for a while. Those who achieve results will receive rewards; those who harm the class will be punished. That's my policy. Follow , and I will ensure you rise higher. If the class declines because of , I will accept all of your fists and curses."
Ryuuen's bold speech captivated the class. Even I was slightly surprised by Ryuuen's change in deanor from yesterday.
The class didn't seem fully convinced by Ryuuen's speech yet, as there were no voices of support. However, Kaneda, who had expressed willingness to leave things to Ryuuen yesterday, started applauding, which gradually encouraged the class and led to applause echoing through the room.
"Alright. Let briefly explain our future plans while Sakagami isn't here."
"First, Komiya, Kondo, there's sothing I want you two to do."
They were surprised to be called out and hesitated as they walked to Ryuuen's desk.
"Um, what... what do you want us to do?"
"Don't be timid. If you do what I ask, I'll reward you. There's nothing to lose."
They seed relieved by Ryuuen's response and nodded.
"Sakagami will be here soon. We'll discuss the details at noon, so relax until then."
Ryuuen said this as he left the podium and sat at his desk. At that mont, he looked at with a fierce smile. Thankfully, the teacher arrived soon after, and the atmosphere returned to normal, and the usual day began.
What an incredible growth rate. I never expected such rapid progress in just one day.
He understands what I say, even taking it as a challenge.
And to think he managed to get even Albert, the crucial figure in dominating the class, to follow him in such a short ti.
With the Ryuuen from earlier, it would have taken several more days to get Albert to follow. Though not straightforward, he managed to gain Albert's obedience this morning to dominate the class.
He hasn't changed his approach but has refined his thods.
Such astonishing growth rate. Such remarkable talent.
Truly fascinating.
If this continues, Ryuuen will beco an undeniable presence, not only for but also for Ayanokoji.
I'm looking forward to it, Ryuuen.
.....
The morning after Ryuuen beca the leader:
I was chatting with Shiina when Ryuuen, who usually arrives last, ca to school earlier than usual. As he stood in front of the platform as usual, simultaneously, Albert and Ishizaki stood behind him on his left and right.
Ishizaki, though battered, expressed admiration for Ryuuen and said he now strongly supports him.
"I have sothing to distribute to you all."
With that, Ryuuen began handing sothing to each of us, including Ishizaki and Albert.
"It looks like past exam questions."
"Yeah, seems like it."
Shiina, who was next to , seed to notice as well and leaned in a bit to say while peeking at my face. Shiina is naturally like this, so it's unavoidable, but such actions make very nervous, so please spare .
"Those past exam questions were from the previous test. It's confird they'll be used again in the upcoming midterm. Study with these."
Ryuuen said this, and voices of joy erupted. For so reason, Ishizaki and Albert, standing beside Ryuuen, looked pleased.
"Komiya, Kondo. This is your reward. Take it."
Ryuuen said this and operated his phone for the next batch. Imdiately, notifications sounded on Komiyama's and Kondo's phones.
"Eh!? 30,000 yen as a reward!?"
"That's your reward for the job done. I'll punish failure, but those who work get rewarded. So take it."
Despite the fear the word "punish" instilled in the class, the talk of rewards and past exam questions lifted the mood. In this school, failing a test is as serious as expulsion, and Ryuuen found a surefire way to avoid it. It's only natural that he receives praise.
"By the way, just so you know, anyone who scores below 70 on the next test will face consequences."
With Ryuuen's final words, the classmates shivered but started looking through the past exam questions.
...
"How about this book?"
Currently, Shiina and I are at the library, spending a peaceful ti discussing our impressions and recomnding books, trying to forget about today's events.
"I've seen this before, but the way emotions are depicted... huh?"
"Is sothing the matter?"
"No, I was just surprised to find chess in the library."
We're in the section with mystery novels, where I usually sit and read. Today, due to upcoming tests, it's very crowded, so we're reading on the opposite side.
There are several chessboards set up there, and as I glance over, I spot soone.
No, I've been spotted.
"Hey, Shiina, shall we head ho now?"
"Huh? What's wrong all of a sudden?"
"Well, you see..."
"Oh my, what a coincidence to et you here, Hikigaya-kun."
–––––Ah, I've been caught.
As I ponder how to leave, a clear voice cos from behind . When I turn around, I see soone with short hair, translucent silver strands, and a cane for support. There's only one person I know who fits this description.
"I've missed seeing you lately."
She says teasingly with a chuckle. I've seen this carefree expression before.
"Sorry, Sakayanagi, but if you think I'll be moved by those words, you're mistaken."
"Oh? Then why is your face turning red?"
"Hah, obviously because I'm excited."
"You confessed quite refreshingly."
Despite telling her to shut up, I can't help but feel nostalgic seeing Sakayanagi laugh so happily.
Arisu Sakayanagi.
The daughter of the chairman of this school and soone affiliated with the White Room who took in.
A year ago, when I was being sheltered by Sakayanagi, she kept company and played chess with . I've beco used to her playful banter.
"But anyway, couldn't you have co to see earlier? You knew I was in Class A, right?"
I've seen her potential when playing chess and such, and it's incredibly high. Even if she can't participate in sports, her intellect exceeds expectations. It's no wonder she's in Class A.
"Well, I did know, but I wanted to experience being a high schooler on my own for a bit."
"Hehe, I see. But I've been lonely, you know. What will you do about that?"
"...I'll make it up to you."
"Hehe, alright. Looking forward to it, Hachiman."
She continues to tease whenever sothing happens. Even so, she's a genius for teasing in my vulnerable monts, and I'm reminded of that once again.
"...Oh."
I was engrossed in conversation with Sakayanagi, but Shiina interrupts.
"You're Shiina Hiyori, right? I'm Arisu Sakayanagi."
"Yes, nice to et you. By the way, what's your relationship with Hikigaya-kun?"
"My relationship with Hachiman... well."
Sakayanagi hesitates for a mont, then decides.
"We're... engaged, I suppose."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, don't you know? My father ntioned it."
"That must have been when he was drinking. I rember it vividly too."
"Let's not ask why you rember it so vividly."
She continues to tease with a chuckle.
Glancing at Shiina beside , her face turns bright red at the ntion of "engaged."
"I have sothing to do today, so I'll excuse myself here. Hachiman, if you're going to propose, make sure to do it properly."
"Yeah, yeah."
She waves elegantly until the end, teasing all the while, then leaves.
anwhile, Shiina pouts at with a glare.
"S-Shiina?"
"Hmm... Hachiman. Do you rember our last promise?"
She's started using my na without realizing, but I find Shiina's current deanor so terrifying that I forget about it.
"Oh, yeah. The promise to go out."
It's the first ti I've found Shiina scary.
"Please invite out as soon as possible."
"Y-Yeah."
With a smile that seems different from usual, I can only reply to her.
=================================
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