From the mont we stepped foot into the library, I noticed that it was shrouded in a completely different atmosphere compared to the other day. Many students, both first and second-years, were gathered inside, notebooks and tablets spread out before them as they participated in what appeared to be various different study groups.
It seed most students hadn't grown complacent after finding a partner, instead, they had begun taking action right away.
For so reason, I was reminded of back when our class held a study session here a year ago.
"Well this is a bit troubling. There are more people here than before, so we might stand out a bit."
"Let's just try to blend in then."
Fortunately, the seats we used yesterday at the back of the library were still available.
Since it wouldn't have been strange if the seats were occupied, I turned and looked over at a certain soone elsewhere in the library.
It wasn't long before Hiyori noticed my gaze and waved at with a gentle smile on her face as she approached us.
"I thought that Ayanokōji-kun and Horikita-san would surely visit today as well, so I made a special request and had these seats reserved for you."
"Are you sure that's fine?"
"It would be a different story if the library was close to maximum capacity, but there's no need to worry about that."
Given the size of the library, there was plenty of space for everyone. Nonetheless, I appreciated her consideration.
"Please go ahead, feel free to take all the ti you need to discuss."
With that, Hiyori left, not particularly interested in lingering around any further.
"She's awfully kind, isn't she? Do you think she overheard our conversation yesterday?"
"It's hard to say. I think it'd be difficult given the distance though."
We sat in the sa seats as yesterday, as they had been expressly left open for us.
And then, we took out all of our study materials from our bags and began acting like we were there to study.
However, no matter how long we waited, Nanase never showed up.
"Nanase-san. She's late."
The eting ti was supposed to be after school at 4:30, but it was already past 5:00.
I had sent her multiple ssages by now, but it seed like she hadn't read any of them yet. At this rate we might have to personally go and check up on her, though that in itself would be tricky since we didn't know her current location.
"Should we go take a look in the first-year classrooms for the ti being...?"
Just as we were about to go look for her, Nanase showed up at the entrance to the library, seemingly flustered.
Once she noticed where we were, she approached our table, visibly out of breath.
"I-I apologize. I've kept you waiting for quite so ti...!"
"It's fine. I was just worried that sothing might've happened to you along the way."
"I was busy negotiating with Hōsen-kun, trying to get him to co along with sohow."
"Is that so... It doesn't look like there's been much progress on that front."
Given that she had co alone, it didn't seem like anybody else would be joining us.
"That said, he didn't stop you from coming to talk with us today?"
"He did not. He probably doesn't think that anything will be finalized without him."
No matter how much Nanase may try on her own, Hōsen had the final say.
Given his confidence, he probably couldn't care less about micromanaging every little thing Nanase wanted to do.
"It seems that we have no choice but to force him to et up with us after all."
"That's..."
"I already understand that things won't be resolved easily. But unless we discuss this in person, we'll just keep beating around the bush forever."
That seed like the last thing Horikita wanted to do without further preparation.
"That is certainly so... But..."
Nanase's words trailed off as she seed sowhat hesitant about sothing, but she quickly made up her mind and continued.
"Horikita-senpai wants to build an equal, collaborative relationship with Class 1-D no matter what it takes, right? Or am I misunderstanding sothing?"
"Yes. That's exactly right."
"Then... might I get you to hear out a proposal of mine?"
From the sound of it, Nanase had co here with a few ideas of her own.
"Even if I were to suggest to Hōsen-kun that we enter into an equal, collaborative relationship, it's clear that I would end up being rejected. I think it would be the sa even if Horikita-senpai were to et up with him personally. That being the case, how about you and I proceed with negotiations in secret?"
"Proceed with negotiations in secret? But your classmates wouldn't just obey without Hōsen-kun's permission, would they?"
"Yes. However, that's because I have yet to co forward as a leader."
With that, Nanase presented us with an unexpected proposal.
"I have judged that my class will not survive for much longer if we continue with Hōsen-kun's way of doing things. So, it is my hope that I beco the leader of Class-D before his dangerous ideals beco instilled in the class's mindset. And, as a stepping stone for that, I'd like to form a relationship with Class 2-D."
Both Horikita and I had never expected that she would propose sothing like this.
A tale of how Nanase Tsubasa would defeat Hōsen and beco the leader of Class 1-D.
If that happened, Horikita's goal of establishing an equal, collaborative relationship suddenly wouldn't be that far off anymore.
"We don't have the basis to judge which one of you is better suited to be leader. Either way, the only thing I can say for sure is that we're running out of ti."
With the special exam fast approaching, we simply couldn't afford to get involved in a fight over leadership right now.
"Many of my classmates don't approve of Hōsen-kun's way of doing things. In fact, after bringing it up these last few days, I've managed to get seven of them to agree to help ."
"And that's not just students with low Academic Ability ratings?"
"Yes. Of those seven students who are willing to negotiate, three have Academic Ability ratings of a B- or higher."
"...I see."
Horikita pondered over this for a mont. Three people was by no ans perfect, but if that number were to increase just a bit further, forming a collaborative relationship with Nanase as the focal point might not be the worst idea after all.
"Wouldn't it be problematic if Hōsen-kun realizes what we're doing?"
"Needless to say, that would be a disaster. That's why we'd have to keep everything secret from now until the deadline for choosing our partners on the day of the exam. If we submit the applications at the very last minute, he won't notice anything."
"But then it'd be difficult to win over the students who can study, wouldn't it?"
There was no changing the fact that the students with high Academic Ability ratings wanted to receive private points as compensation.
"Our class will help compensate you for that. Those of us who aren't very good at studying will get to avoid the three-month penalty thanks to you and your classmates. In other words, they'll have three months' worth of points to help supplent your losses. That way, even if you pay 200,000 points to help win over these students, you'll ultimately end up getting your money back. Although it would be for far less than the 500,000 points per person that Hōsen-kun is after, it should still be within the scope that my classmates would find acceptable."
In short, this ant that they would be cleaning up their own ss.
Originally, we were the ones who had to entice the honor students with points, but with this strategy, the less capable Class 1-D students would be the ones using their funds to help entice their peers.
"This way, we won't cause any problems for you and your class. Of course, Hōsen-kun will get angry once he learns of what we've done, but I will take full responsibility so that no harm befalls those who have lent a hand. What do you think?"
"That's... No matter how much you want to beco your class's leader, wouldn't this proposal place far too much of a burden on you?"
"It's fine. You've gone through the trouble of extending a helping hand, so I don't want to lose out on the trust you've shown or the opportunity you've presented with."
Nanase seed to be saying that it was a cheap price to pay if it ant that her classmates would be saved.
"Besides, even if I'm not recognized as my class's leader, at least I'll have helped your class in this exam."
If you only considered the imdiate profits, then Nanase's proposal was by no ans unattractive.
I found myself wondering how Horikita would respond to it.
"Thanks to this, I'm now absolutely certain that I want to have a collaborative relationship with Class 1-D."
"So, does that an that you're okay with my proposal?"
"No. I can't take you up on your proposal."
"But there's no other way..."
"All of Class 1-D's problems will be solved if you could just get Hōsen-kun onto your side. I don't think you actually want to be your class's leader; You just don't like the way Hōsen-kun is doing things, do you? That being the case, if Hōsen agrees to negotiate, there should be plenty of students willing to pair up, right?"
"That's... well, yes. I'm sure of it."
"Plus, if you and Hōsen-kun are in conflict with each other, it's possible that Class 1-D will be split into two instead of being united as one. There's no way I'd let that happen. So, how about you let help you change his mind instead?"
Apparently, this conversation with Nanase had caused Horikita to realize sothing as well.
That, as long as we can get through Hōsen, the rest of our problems would be solved.
"It's a risky gamble. If we fail, it may not be possible for Class 1-D and Class 2-D to work together in the future."
"I'm prepared for that... Well, that's not true. I think there's a good chance that our classes can work together. And that's not just , I'm sure that Hōsen-kun is thinking the sa thing."
"Even though he was so rude to you over the phone yesterday?"
"I'll just tell myself that he was being tsundere. At least for now."
Having understood what Horikita was trying to say, Nanase nodded in agreent.
"I was right to make ti to et with Horikita-senpai and Ayanokōji-senpai again today. It seems my hunch wasn't incorrect after all."
"What do you an by that? I rejected your proposal, didn't I?"
"No, you didn't reject anything. You and I have been on the sa page since the very beginning."
"That... Does that an you were thinking of trying to persuade him this whole ti as well?"
"That's right."
Apparently, the proposal Nanase had put forward about becoming her class's leader had been a test of sorts.
She had given Horikita the choice to slight the future of Class 1-D in favor of short-term profit. If Horikita had taken her up on the offer, she wouldn't have been willing to collaborate with us any further.
"Just as Horikita-senpai said earlier, we're running out of ti. We can't move forward without getting the two of you in the sa room together, even if it ans we have to force the matter. Could you give so ti so I can get everything in order for the two of you to et? I'll definitely bring Hōsen-kun before you by Sunday, the day after tomorrow."
It didn't seem like Nanase was testing us this ti, given how earnestly she lowered her head to Horikita.
By waiting until Sunday, the amount of ti we had left would naturally decrease by that much more.
Due to this, Horikita turned and looked at , her eyes hesitantly seeking confirmation.
Thinking that there was nothing wrong with taking a risk, I nodded to her in response, and with that, the hesitation in her eyes vanished.
"I believe you. I'll look forward to eting with Hōsen-kun on Sunday, the day after tomorrow."
"Yes... Absolutely. However, I'd like to avoid eting in a public place as much as possible. After all, Hōsen-kun may act rather reckless depending on the circumstances."
"Alright. Then how about we rent a Karaoke room? I'm also fine with eting up at night soti if that's more convenient for him."
Indeed, eting in the dead of night on a Sunday would substantially reduce the risk of being seen by others.
"I understand. I'll make sure he knows."
Just as the conversation was beginning to co together, Horikita's cell phone vibrated.
After looking over the ssage she had received, she let out a sigh.
"What's up?"
"The study session. It seems like they're short on hands since I'm not there."
Before I realized it, it was already 5:30.
"I think we've just about wrapped up this conversation. Could I ask that you take care of the rest, Ayanokōji-kun?"
"Will do."
After a light bow to Nanase, Horikita quickly gathered up her things and left for the study session.
Horikita was responsible for supporting the entire class, and as such, was always tasked with moving about everywhere.
"Horikita-senpai is quite busy."
"That's what it takes to lead a class."
"I hope I can be an amazing student like her a year from now..."
"Horikita didn't ask about this in detail, but what do you plan on saying to lure Hōsen out?"
"That... Well, while I don't mind answering that for you, why don't you tell about yourself first, Ayanokōji-senpai?"
"About ?"
The sun was beginning to set for the day, dying the world outside a brilliant shade of orange.
"Horikita-senpai is the leader of your class, but you're different, aren't you?"
I see. Nanase wasn't sure if it was appropriate for to be here or not.
If I said that Horikita was just forcing to co along with her, that'd probably be enough to shut her up.
"Senpai... What kind of person are you?"
When I didn't answer, Nanase propped her arm up on the table so as to hide part of her face.
It seed like sowhat of a defensive posture, done so as to prevent anyone other than from seeing her mouth and eyes.
"Won't you answer?"
"It doesn't seem like you're looking to ask about my relationship with Horikita, are you?"
It was sothing different than that. She was looking to ask about what kind of human being I was.
"Yes. I suspect that Ayanokōji-senpai may be a wicked, dirty person. At least, that's what I think."
Her words were both intense and direct. Though, despite that, Nanase was looking at with eyes full of honesty and confidence. I wasn't sure what I had done to make her look at that way. Given all of our interactions so far, she couldn't have been able to find out very much about . While she and I weren't the most compatible, I couldn't rember saying anything that would warrant her calling 'wicked'. Nanase Tsubasa may in fact be the enforcer who I've been looking for.
There was a reason why I suspected this.
Even though my expulsion was the primary objective for the White Room student, there would probably be more to it for them than that. They would surely look to make contact with up close, interested in observing the human being known as Ayanokōji Kiyotaka. At least, that's how I saw it. They weren't rely interested in my expulsion; They wanted to prove that they were better than . If they didn't, 'that man' would never approve of them.
This was probably the thought process I would have if I was the one tasked with expelling the person known as Ayanokōji Kiyotaka. However, for soone supposedly from the White Room, her words felt a bit out-of-place.
"When I'm with you like this, Ayanokōji-senpai seems like an ordinary person to ."
"By that, are you saying that you normally see as an unordinary person?"
"...No. That's not it."
Although Nanase denied it, I found myself wondering if that was what she truly thought.
I had t with Nanase a total of four tis now, and I had noticed that strange look of hers each ti. It seed as though I was just about to find out where she had co from, but I could feel my chance to pry deeper slip away from .
"I'm sorry, please forget I ever asked. The most important thing right now is figuring out how our classes can cooperate with each other."
Together, we rose up from our seats and turned to leave the library.
As we dispersed, I rembered that there was sothing I wanted to ask of her.
"Co to think of it, back when we first t, you said that you'd only lose out on 240,000 private points if you lost three months worth of points. Why was that?"
By now, Nanase's expression had gone back to usual, without even a trace of how it had been only monts earlier.
"Why, you ask? I simply calculated that, as long as our class maintained the 800 class points given to us upon enrollnt for three months, one person would end up with 240,000 points..."
Nanase responded as if bewildered that I had even asked.
Apparently, this new batch of first-years had started out with a different sum of class points than we had.
"The number of class points we were given at the beginning of last year was 1000."
"Eh? So you're saying that there's a 200 point difference then?"
"That seems to be the case. I wonder what it's like for Class 1-A and 1-B?"
"I believe they have 800 points as well. At least, that's how Shiba-sensei explained it to us."
Why was there no official notice though? I would think that it would feel sowhat unfair if they found out that they were given fewer class points than in previous years. Was it because 80,000 points a month was still quite a lot, so the school didn't think it mattered very much? No, if that was the case, the school would have notified them of that from the start. It would've made more sense for the school to co clean about it to the students rather than try to hide it and give them a reason to be dissatisfied later.
There were probably several other things different from last year that I still didn't know about.
"You know that your lifestyle has an influence on your class points, right?"
Back when Shiba-sensei, the horoom teacher of Class 1-D, broke up the conflict in front of the second-year classrooms, he had ntioned sothing related to that, saying: 'I'm sure you've been hounded on the school's rules to the point where your ears hurt.'
"Yes. We've been told that tardies, absences, and talking during class can all affect our class points."
Was it possible that the school had lowered the initial amount of class points as compensation for explaining the rules to them at the start of the year? Even if the school tried to hide it, the first-years would've probably realized the importance of following the rules due to the Social Contribution category in the OAA app.
Although I could accept this line of reasoning, Nanase seed to be lost in thought altogether.
Then, she let show an expression that seed as though she had thought of sothing, but that disappeared almost imdiately.
It was very subtle. Sothing that I had only noticed because I had t with her so many tis over the past several days.
However, since Nanase didn't seem to want to say anything, I had no interest in asking her about it.
Together, we left the library and, after a while, we arrived at the school's entrance.
"Well then, Senpai, I'll take my leave now."
"Nanase. This isn't ant as a way of thanking you for telling about your class points earlier, but have you ever heard about sothing called a protection point?"
As we were about to part ways, I called out to her and asked her one last question.
"Protection points? No, this is the first I've heard of them."
"It's a point system where a student who has one can use it to protect themselves from an expulsion. Although, even amongst all of the second-years, only a select few students have one, so it's not surprising that you didn't know."
"I see. That's good to know... But why are you telling this?"
"You gave information. I just thought I should return the favor."
Saying no more than that, she and I parted ways.
I had decided to test Nanase. To see if she had the skills to make the best use of the information I had given her.
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