"Suzune was relying on you. What kind of face do you plan to make from tomorrow onward…"
"Hey Ken, now that we know Ayanokouji left on his own, let's go back too."
Sudou bit his lower lip in frustration and was pushed by Ike to leave.
"We're still friends even if you left the class. If you ever encounter any problems, feel free to consult us."
Akito also gave a response and returned to the dormitory with Keisei.
I watched my former classmates leave and decided to return to the dormitory a bit later.
* * *
[1]: For some reason, Hirata addresses him as "Kiyotaka" here rather than "Ayanokouji-kun"—that isn't a translation mistake. We don't know why. It could be another mistake on Kinu's part; that wouldn't be the only mistake he may have made in this volume.
Chapter 4:
An Onlooker's Perspective
* * *
(Regarding the chapter title: 'An Onlooker's Perspective')[1]
THE MORNING AFTER the opening ceremony, I managed to have a quiet commute to school from the dorm without encountering any former classmates.
This was because I left for school over thirty minutes earlier than usual.
It wasn't because I didn't want to attract attention, and it wasn't just a whim either.
First, I needed to understand Class C in detail. That meant getting to know its internal situation, not just through OAA evaluations, but also by observing and listening to the students directly, finding more in-depth information.
For that, I had to move actively, not just sit and wait.
In the morning, who arrives at school the earliest and who arrives the latest?
Talkative students, quiet students, those who can read the room, and those who can't.
Observing such behaviors was the first step in getting to know them.
I arrived at Class 3-C and slowly opened the door to the classroom, which I expected to be empty.
However…
I suddenly encountered a situation that spoiled my start.
I thought I was the first to arrive at the classroom, but I wasn't the first one there after all.
Next to my seat, a female student was using her tablet.
When the door opened, she turned around with a slightly startled look.
I hadn't intended to open the door so loudly, but perhaps she hadn't expected another student to arrive so early.
However, her expression quickly softened.
"Good morning."
After a pause, I greeted the person I was seated next to, Shiraishi, who'd arrived first.
"Good morning to you, too."
She replied politely.
OAA: Shiraishi Asuka
Academic Ability B+ (76)
Physical Ability D (34)
Adaptability C+ (57)
Social Contribution C– (44)
Overall Ability C (54)
Shiraishi had above-average academic ability, but her physical ability was low, and she wasn't the type to actively socialize with others, and she also wasn't known for getting particularly friendly with other classes. This was the limited information I knew about Shiraishi from the past two years using the OAA.
From here, I began to memorize her appearance and characteristics anew.
Firstly, the beauty mark under her left eye, her beautiful long blonde hair, and her headband were noticeable. She had a calm aura, giving her the impression of a quiet student who wasn't one to cause a commotion.
In fact, during the past two years, from the brief encounters I had with her, I never felt that Shiraishi had a flashy personality. Although it was somewhat different from what I'd planned, this could still be the result I sought.
I didn't know when the seat changes would take place, but it was unlikely to be anytime soon.
If so, befriending a desk neighbor was the classic approach to school life.
It was just like how it started with a conversation with Horikita two years ago. I would walk the same path now, based on my past two years' experience. The question was how to start the conversation…
I didn't know anything about Shiraishi's personality, hobbies, or preferences from the data I had.
So, I needed to feel my way through from scratch. As I approached my seat, I realized that Shiraishi had been studying in the classroom this morning, holding a pen and working on something akin to an assignment on her tablet. I waited a moment before speaking.
We'd passed each other several times over the past two years, but this was the first time I tried to initiate a conversation.
"I didn't expect someone to be here already. You're rather early."
"…Yes, I woke up unusually early today. But you're early too, Ayanokouji-kun."
For now, a polite response followed our greetings.
She hesitated a bit with her words, perhaps because she wasn't used to me.
Or maybe she didn't want to talk, but given the situation with just the two of us here, she reluctantly replied.
I still couldn't read that much into it.
"Since I've switched classes, it's like I'm a transfer student from a different school. Rather than being welcomed, I thought it'd be better to be the one doing the welcoming."
I decided to mix in some truths, planning to keep talking to Shiraishi until she blatantly showed disinterest.
Remaining silent in a classroom with just the two of us could be a problem.
"It's an interesting coincidence—two people who are early risers sitting next to each other in such a large, empty classroom."
"Maybe."
A coincidence. An unintended, slightly amusing overlap.
At least, Shiraishi didn't seem to be uncomfortable.
Now, how should I continue the conversation?
When it came to such situations… I found it harder to speak than I thought.
Various ideas came to mind, but I wasn't confident whether it was really okay to break the ice with them.
If it were Hirata Yousuke in this situation, he'd develop the conversation smoothly without making the other person wait, and he'd do so naturally without even planning it.
"Why did you decide to transfer to this class, Ayanokouji-kun?"
In my hesitation, Shiraishi posed a very natural question.
She continued, expressing her desire to know more.
"I can't believe you'd choose to drop to a lower class after finally making it to Class A."
"That might be true under normal circumstances."
"If it's not normal, then… why did you decide to transfer?"
As she asked that question, Shiraishi's eyes were direct and beautifully colored.
She seemed very keen on knowing the true reason.
"Hashimoto and the others should've explained it to you. I came to this class as reinforcement."
"Of course, I understand that. But that's to save us. No one has explained how this would benefit you, Ayanokouji-kun. I've heard rumors that you received a large number of Private Points behind the scenes or that you'll receive them in the future."
Shiraishi asked this difficult question without a hint of hesitation.
Perhaps the empty environment influenced her.
The answer to her question was simple.
To bring balance to the four classes.
For that, it was necessary to elevate Class C and Class D to catch up to the higher ranks.
To execute what would be impossible as an outsider, from within.
However, since the alliance talks hadn't been brought to light, that wasn't something I wanted to disclose yet.
"To put it bluntly, except for a few people, we're still skeptical about what kind of impact you can have on the class, and whether you can turn the situation around if you do have an impact."
"That's only natural."
"The discussion about whether you're necessary has also begun, Ayanokouji-kun."
"It's too late to start now. Couldn't you have opposed and refused my transfer?"
"That's a harsh opinion. The class was in chaos over Sakayanagi-san's expulsion during spring break."
One of the conditions for my transfer was receiving the entirety of Class C's consent.
With Sakayanagi gone and the class weakened both in terms of power and morale, the class was desperate for a quick recovery plan. Regardless of whether Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was capable or not, the proposal to pull someone from Class A and supplement the numbers wasn't a bad one. Hashimoto paid most of it, but the individual expenses weren't cheap.
It was natural to expect a performance that was worth the price.
"Indeed, only a few students would willingly drop from Class A to C."
"I thought it was similar to Katsuragi-kun's case, but he lost his place in this class. He probably also wanted revenge against Sakayanagi-san."
"Then you aren't considering the possibility that I had a conflict with Class A?"
Instead of giving the expected answer, I decided to throw a question in return.
"I don't think that's the case. Class A was relying on you, and I figured that you blended in well."
It may have appeared to be a string of mere flattery, but it was a fine line that also seemed to reflect her sincerity.
No, it would be better to take it as her being sincere and proceed with the conversation.
"I don't remember showing such an attitude to other classes."
"From the outside, you can see quite a lot. Plus, in the special exams at the end of our first and second years, you were entrusted with important roles. That wouldn't be possible without the class having both trust and confidence in you."
"I see. So, Shiraishi, how do you perceive my transfer?"
"As I just mentioned, I have a high regard for you, Ayanokouji-kun, so I honestly have high expectations. Besides, Hashimoto-kun and Morishita-san, the students who worked hard for your transfer, seem to regard you even more highly than I do… and—"
"And?"
Shiraishi's words, which carried implications, were interrupted by a male student who arrived in class right after.
"H-Hey, Shiraishi. Good morning."
"Good morning, Yoshida-kun."
Although their seats were spread apart, Yoshida called out to Shiraishi as soon as he entered the classroom.
Then, after giving me a sharp look, he put his bag on his desk and approached us.
"What's up, Ayanokouji? You're quite early this morning, huh?"
"Not really. I intended to be the first one here, but Shiraishi arrived earlier."
"In that case, come as soon as the gates open starting tomorrow. Being the first to arrive at school is one way to set an example. Continue until everyone in the class acknowledges you."
"I see."
The school allowed entry at 7:15 in the morning—quite early.
That's quite a harsh suggestion, but it might actually be a good idea to do that for a while.
"Isn't that a bit much?"
Right when I was about to agree with him, Shiraishi gently responded to Yoshida.
"That said, what exactly do you mean by everyone acknowledging him?"
"Well, um, I hadn't thought that far…"
Confused by the unexpected counterattack, Yoshida couldn't hide his bewilderment.
"In that case, if you felt like it, Yoshida-kun, couldn't you alone just continue refusing to acknowledge him, so it would never end up being the entire class?"
"No, I wouldn't do that!"
"If it's a misunderstanding, shouldn't you retract your previous claim first?"
"Okay, I understand. I'll retract what I just said, so forget it."
Flustered, Yoshida strained his voice as he spoke with Shiraishi.
"I'm glad. I thought you'd understand."
"Well… maybe I did say a bit too much."
"That's right. Yoshida, you're popular in the class, so why don't you help Ayanokouji-kun get along with our other classmates?"
"Huh? Eh? Me, help Ayanokouji?"
"Isn't that okay?"
"It's not okay, don't make light of me!"
Yoshida was popular in the class. I noted those words in my mind, but whether they were true or just flattery was unclear at the moment.
"Is that so? Then, if I may be so bold, may I volunteer? I might not be able to connect with the boys, but I think I can with the girls. Some time soon, perhaps during a day off, I'll introduce you to some friends, so could you join us?"
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm—that might just be true.
It seemed there was no reason to refuse Shiraishi's offer.
"I'll take you up on that offer."
"Wait a minute! I guess I have no choice but to help you out too."
Despite saying that he didn't want to be made light of earlier, Yoshida retracted his previous statement as he leaned forward.
"Is that okay, Yoshida-kun?"
"Well, I did feel a bit bad for refusing the welcome party. It must've taken a lot of courage to transfer to a class that was an enemy until recently. Since it is a new class, you need some support, right? So, when should we do it? I'm free anytime."
Yoshida asked while directing a smile at me, or rather, towards Shiraishi.
"Alright. I'll contact you when it's decided."
"Okay! Don't get sick until then, Ayanokouji."
Overwhelmed by the intense energy, I simply nodded for now.
Soon after, Class C students began to appear in the classroom one after another, and Yoshida hurried back to his seat.
"Yoshida-kun's quite simple, isn't he?"
Shiraishi muttered, briefly glancing at Yoshida.
Then, she turned back to me.
"He likes me."
"So it seems."
It was clear that he had some affection for her, but it was rare for the recipient to state it with such certainty.
"That's why he couldn't stand me going out with other boys on days off, or maybe he was hoping for some progress with me. Even if the day comes when Yoshida-kun and I are the only humans left on Earth, I still wouldn't choose him."
She was aware of her attractiveness to the opposite sex, but she didn't seem to enjoy it.
Is it simply because she isn't interested in someone she doesn't like, or is it taken for granted?
"Next time, please be sure to tell me the reason why you transferred."
Shiraishi smiled as she looked away, signaling that she hadn't forgotten.
A kind neighbor—but maybe that wasn't all there was to my analysis regarding Shiraishi.
* * *
[1]: The title, "傍目八目," is a Japanese saying that means "outsiders have a better grasp of the situation than the people involved."
Part 1
* * *
IT WAS THE first Saturday since I transferred classes.
Regardless of whether I changed classes or year, my routine remained basically the same.
After finishing breakfast, I was thinking of going to the gym when I noticed a message on my phone.
[Would you like to go to the gym together today?]
It was an invitation from Ichinose, who was also my gym buddy.
I was planning on going to the gym even if I hadn't received her message, so I sent a confirmation message, and it was immediately read.
After several exchanges, we decided to meet at the gym and started getting ready.
Students were gathering by the entrance of Keyaki Mall, waiting for it to be open, and although I didn't join them, I tried to kill time from a distance when Housen Kazuomi, a student from Class 2-D I don't usually interact with, approached me.
Due to his imposing physique and appearance, the nearby first years started to distance themselves as if they were fleeing.
Last year, interactions with the first years started right at the beginning of our second year.
On the other hand, there hadn't been any chances to get to know the new first-year students this year yet, so no one knew anyone's face or name.
It wouldn't be strange if someone with remarkable talent had enrolled—
While I was thinking about that, Housen came close to me.
He was indeed one of the students who'd caught a lot of attention last spring.
"Hey Ayanokouji-paisen[1]. I've been hearing some flashy rumors lately about a stupid senpai who voluntarily transferred to Class C amidst its fall. What's the deal?"
He eagerly asked the question, but his eyes weren't smiling.
He didn't seem very interested in the topic itself.
"Well, who knows what the intention is?"
When I deliberately responded as if it were someone else's business, Housen smiled a bit and came even closer.
"Hah, well, I guess it doesn't matter."
Clearly, that wasn't the reason why he was here, and Housen continued speaking.
"It's just that my skills have been getting dull lately, and it's bothering me. I'm looking for someone to be my punching bag. Got any ideas?"
He swung his large arm around, saying something suggestive.
"Sorry, but I'm not interested in fighting."
"What's the deal, you're no fun."
"If that's what you're looking for, you should ask Ryuuen."
I thought I'd provided some excellent information, but Housen gave an exaggerated sigh and expressed his dissatisfaction.
"That guy is a chicken who won't fight one-on-one."
"Then you should fight multiple people at once. It'd be exciting."
"Once, maybe, but it's too much trouble when it's hectic all the time."
If Housen went after Ryuuen, he'd likely win on the spot. However, at any point in time, Ryuuen would retaliate using whatever underhanded method necessary. Housen seemed to have predicted as much.
During the deserted island exam, they'd directly clashed. However, since then, there hadn't been any incidents that required school intervention.
No one would willingly go after Ryuuen at this school, except perhaps the uninformed first-year students. In a sense, he'd established an effective defense mechanism.
"By the way, does it look like you can move up to Class C?"
Since it was pointless to keep talking about such menacing topics, I casually asked about the second years' situation.
Housen and the other second-year students had spent the year without any class changes.
However, all classes, including Class D, were still in a good position to win.
"Who knows? As long as I get money, that's all I care about. I've thrown that responsibility to Nanase."
"Nanase? I didn't think you were the type to delegate tasks to others. Though, that's a good decision. Nanase seems more capable of being a solid leader than you, Housen."
"You said it. So, you wanted to fight me after all, huh? Then—"
Housen tried to steer the conversation back to violence.
"Ayanokouji."
As I faced the aggressive Housen, a slightly tense Chabashira-sensei appeared. At the sight of the teacher, Housen quietly clicked his tongue and walked away as if he'd been interrupted.
"See you later, Paisen. I'll have fun with some interesting first years for a while, and after that, you'll be my sparring partner."
"I'm not interested."
I figured I'd at least reply, so I did so in a voice too low to be heard.
The moment I finished replying to the departing Housen from over my shoulder, Chabashira-sensei pulled my arm.
"Come with me for a moment."
Without allowing any room for objection, Chabashira-sensei led me to a corner.
"What is it?"
"…I wanted to talk to you. As your homeroom teacher… no, as your former homeroom teacher, I thought it might be inappropriate to carelessly make contact, but I couldn't help wanting to check something."
Chabashira-sensei expressed her pent-up feelings.
Her expression lacked vigor, and she must've been in deep thought this week.
"So you've been following me from the dormitory."
"…You noticed?"
"Well, it was quite obvious."
Her tailing skills were on par with Morishita's, and to put it nicely, they weren't good.
"There was no guarantee I'd be leaving the dorm. How early were you waiting for me, exactly?"
It was still quite chilly in the mornings, despite it getting warmer by the day.
It was cold enough to catch a cold, but she didn't seem to mind.
"That doesn't matter. What I want to hear about is the class transfer… the transfer matter. What were you thinking when you decided to transfer without telling anyone…?"
"The transfer matter, huh? Honestly, I've been asked the same question so many times this week that I've grown tired of it, regardless of gender or year."
However, it was the first time a teacher like Chabashira-sensei had confronted me. From a teacher's perspective, it would be impossible to react to every single student's actions and transfers.
"Explain what's going on."
"It's difficult to explain when you ask like that. There shouldn't be any problem with a student exercising their rightful option to transfer classes."
I had no obligation to explain the circumstances.
Chabashira-sensei, fully aware of this, wouldn't back down at such words.
"Isn't there something inconvenient… something that forced you to transfer?"
"And what would that be?"
"That's…"
When questioned back, Chabashira-sensei choked on her words, unable to articulate them clearly.
"I forgot to mention earlier, but the issue I mentioned about dealing with Hoshinomiya-sensei has been resolved, so you can rest assured. I don't think she will cause any more trouble for the teachers or the school."
"You…!"
She almost blurted something out impulsively, showing her true feelings.
Though, perhaps she couldn't hold back after all. She grabbed my shoulders and started opening her mouth.
"Is it really because of me? Because I was troubled with Chie's problem… Did you sacrifice yourself to solve it?"
"I thought you might think that way, Chabashira-sensei. But don't worry. I had intended to transfer classes even before Hoshinomiya-sensei's issue came up."
She looked into my eyes, trying to ascertain whether it was the truth.
However, she couldn't dispel the concern that I was covering things up with a lie.
Still, she should've understood that I had no hesitation and not a trace of regret.
"It doesn't seem like you're simply being considerate…"
"Yes. I had narrowed it down to either Class C or Class D early on. It wasn't because I had complaints about the teacher or the class."
"What's the reason then? Why do something so meaningless…?"
"Whether it's meaningless or not depends on how you see things. You know I'm not obsessed with graduating from Class A, right?"
"Yes…"
"This transfer is entirely for my own sake. I judged that it'd be difficult to accomplish what I need to do in this school while remaining in your class. However, I will not disclose what that task is here."
With this much said, she could understand that the transfer was intentional.
However, I wouldn't provide excessive details.
Chabashira-sensei might unexpectedly share this conversation with Horikita and others.
"It's about time for me to head to the gym, so I'll be excusing myself."
As a teacher, she probably couldn't probe any further.
She nodded quietly, trying hard to control her expression.
"Understood. I see… sorry for taking your time."
I left Chabashira-sensei standing there and headed to the gym on the second floor.
* * *
[1]: For those who don't remember, "paisen" is Housen's informal way of saying the honorific, "senpai."
Part 2
* * *
IT WAS PAST noon, and Keyaki Mall was overflowing with students at lunchtime.
After parting ways with Ayanokouji in front of the gym, Ichinose, who descended to the first floor alone via the escalator, had plans to have lunch with classmates at 12:30.
"Ichinose-se~npai!"
On her way to the destination, Ichinose was called out by Amasawa Ichika from Class 2-A.
Although there weren't any deep connections between them, they occasionally chatted and were on friendly terms.
Amasawa approached with an innocent smile, and Ichinose responded in kind.
"Did you go to the gym today?"
Amasawa looked up at the gym on the second floor and asked Ichinose without much of a greeting.
"Yeah, just for about an hour though."
"Maybe I should join too~ Lately, my body feels so sluggish."
"Really? If you're interested, why not try it out or come for a visit? We can go together if you want."
"But I tend to spend a lot of money, so the monthly expense is kind of painful."
"There are programs that can help keep the costs down, you know?"
"Really? Oh, by the way, Ayanokouji-senpai goes to the gym too, right?"
Amasawa suddenly mentioned Ayanokouji's name with sparkling eyes.
"Yeah, Ayanokouji-kun seemed interested too. When I invited him, he joined."
"I see. Maybe I'll give it some proper thought then."
Ichinose kept smiling as she looked at Amasawa's face.
"Hm? Does Ayanokouji-kun's presence matter for you to join?"
"It does matter. I like Ayanokouji-senpai a lot."
Having said so, Amasawa showed a cute expression and made a heart shape with her fingers.
"Eh?"
Ichinose widened her eyes at the unexpected confession from her kouhai.
"Oh, I mean I like him as a senpai, not that there are any romantic feelings~"
"I see."
However, Ichinose continued to face Amasawa with a smile, without changing her expression.
But why did Amasawa suddenly bring up Ayanokouji's name and make such suggestive remarks?
This was a topic that rarely came up in their relationship up until that point, so Ichinose was puzzled.
Amasawa sharpened her gaze in response to the slight change in emotion Ichinose showed.
"I was just kidding~ Actually, I really do love him in that way."
She stopped using roundabout expressions and said it outright.
"Could you perhaps want me to help you with something…?"
A confession of love for a senpai.
If that was what Amasawa wanted help with from Ichinose, it'd make sense.
Ichinose thought as much, but Amasawa immediately shook her head to deny it.
"I definitely don't have the courage to confess, but I do feel a bit jealous when I see Ichinose-senpai getting along so well with Ayanokouji-senpai. Maybe there's something going on between you two…?"
"Me? I'm not in that kind of relationship with Ayanokouji-kun."
Ichinose calmly denied it, but Amasawa grew more suspicious.
"Really? Senpai, you're so cute, I really thought that I wouldn't stand a chance if you were my rival."
"It's true, so don't worry."
Despite Amasawa's exaggerated crying face, Ichinose responded seriously.
"You're not… lying, are you? Ichinose-senpai, you wouldn't lie to me, right?"
"Of course, I wouldn't lie. Though, if that's the case, going to the gym might be a good idea. It could be your chance to get closer to Ayanokouji-kun."
Ichinose had been maintaining her mature front throughout. However, on the inside, as Amasawa kept bringing up romantic topics involving Ayanokouji, she sensed a different image from her than before.
She was clearly feeling around the circumstances and probing into them.
Keeping up the act, Amasawa nodded happily and moved closer to Ichinose.
"Ichinose-senpai, are you perhaps getting a bit carried away lately?"
Up until now, Amasawa had been playing the part of a good girl with Ichinose, but just then, she quietly spoke in a more venomous manner.
A normal person might've been shocked or taken aback by Amasawa's sudden change.
However, Ichinose didn't show any change in her demeanor.
"If it seemed that way, I'm sorry. I didn't intend that at all…"
It was unlikely that Ichinose could've anticipated such a question beforehand, but if Ichinose really hadn't, she appeared too calm—that was how Amasawa analyzed the situation.
"I'm pretty sharp, you know. I thought it'd be tactless to ask directly, but Ichinose-senpai, there's something between you and Ayanokouji-senpai, isn't there?"
"Something? There's really nothing… You really seem to worry about this stuff when it comes to Ayanokouji-kun, don't you?"
"I told you, I love Senpai. That's why I can understand certain things. Aren't you getting a bit too carried away, Ichinose-senpai?"
"Carried away?"
Leaving Ichinose's response aside, Amasawa continued the conversation alone.
"After all… you've slept with Ayanokouji-senpai, right?"
'I wouldn't lie'—right after securing such a statement from Ichinose, Amasawa threw in the bomb she'd prepared.
Amasawa naturally didn't know whether there was any physical relationship with Ayanokouji, but she always kept an eye on his surroundings. From Ichinose's dejected state after the end-of-year special exam to her recovery today, and the close distance and smile she showed Ayanokouji at the cafe after the opening ceremony—there was no doubt that there was a catalyst for her recovery, and it was certain that Ayanokouji was involved. From that perspective, it wouldn't be surprising if there were certain things that they couldn't share with others.
She didn't care about the truth of this question. She just wanted to see Ichinose's agitation.
"Does that have anything to do with me getting carried away?"
"Huh…? You're not denying it? I'm genuinely surprised."
"It was you who asked me not to lie, Amasawa-san."
From early on, Ichinose had already realized that Amasawa was speaking with ill intent, but as a senpai and—albeit presumptuously—as a friend, she tried to maneuver without hurting her.
"I see. Hmm, that's certainly true."
Keeping up a smile until the very end and being kind was easy, but even if the true intention of the claim wasn't clear, she decided it was better to face it head-on without running away.
"So, you admit that you slept with him?"
Without voicing her answer, Ichinose smiled back as a response.
"So, you were lying to me even though you guys are dating."
"I'm not dating Ayanokouji-kun."
"Eh? But isn't that contradictory? You mean to say you slept with him even though you're not in that kind of relationship?"
"Ayanokouji-kun and I are bound by a strong bond. That's all there is to it, I suppose."
"S-Strong bond… pfft, kihahaha."
Amasawa narrowed her eyes with an overtly clear laugh.
"Ichinose-senpai, you're really getting carried away. You should face reality a bit more."
"What do you mean by reality?"
"Ayanokouji-senpai has enjoyed your attractive body, right? But thinking that you gained a bond through that is naive, or rather, too optimistic. Once he enjoys it enough, he'll get bored. Then, like Karuizawa-senpai, you'll be discarded along with that bond, thrown away like trash once your usefulness ends."
If you get too close to Ayanokouji, you'll end up regretting it—that was the message Amasawa wanted to convey through all her provocative statements thus far.
"Do you have a favorite food, Amasawa-san? Something special you don't usually eat."
"Eh? A favorite food?"
Amasawa answered with a laugh as if the topic had suddenly changed.
"Maybe cake."
She answered seriously with a few ideas in mind.
"And if you eat that cake, you'd want to eat it again, right?"
"That's true."
"But if you could eat cake every day, anytime you want… yeah, even if it's your favorite food, you'd get tired of it, right?"
"Of course, I'd probably get sick of even seeing it for a while."
Their opinions matched, and they nodded at each other.
"That's why you shouldn't eat too much. Since it's your favorite food, you should only eat it on special occasions. Until then, you need to resist the urge. It's because you can't eat it despite it being right in front of you that the desire to eat it grows stronger. Once you've had a taste, then…?"
Nothing had changed. She still had on the same gentle smile directed towards her kouhai.
But beneath that smile, Amasawa felt she'd caught a glimpse of Ichinose's true nature.
"You're saying you're that special cake, but you're dangerously full of yourself. Do you really think it'll go that smoothly? The person in question is Ayanokouji-senpai, after all. If you're thinking he's some ordinary guy, then your thinking is even sweeter than cake."
"You seem to know a lot about Ayanokouji-kun."
"Yeah, well, probably even more than you Ichinose-senpai, yeah? He's the type to keep a lot of secrets, you know?"
For the first time since their conversation started, Ichinose looked away from Amasawa and surveyed her surroundings.
Then, she returned her unchanged gaze to Amasawa.
"There are no more secrets between me and Ayanokouji-kun."
She expressed a straightforward attitude that showed her unquestioning trust in Ayanokouji.
Seeing this, Amasawa couldn't hold back her laughter and held her stomach with both hands.
"Ahahaha, that's a funny joke, Ichinose-senpai. To think that sleeping with Ayanokouji-senpai makes you feel like you know everything, that's just adorable~ I might fall for you."
"Just like how people can't learn everything just from having a physical relationship, Amasawa-san, you also have some other kind of connection with Ayanokouji-kun, right? But isn't that just making you feel like you know him, rather than you actually knowing him?"
"Um, excuse me? At least within this school, I understand Ayanokouji-senpai the most—"
"Ayanokouji-kun told me everything, much more than what you think."
Under Amasawa's doubtful gaze, Ichinose continued without a hint of hesitation.
"Like matters, for example, about the White Room."
"Huh?"
Amasawa, who had been gleefully smiling from a supposedly superior position until now, momentarily stiffened.
However, she quickly relaxed and resumed her composure.
"Don't joke around, Ichinose-senpai. Ayanokouji-senpai would never talk about that to an outsider."
"Maybe so."
Unless put in a dire situation, Amasawa's heartbeat wouldn't falter.
However, it was a different story if a word that absolutely couldn't have been said on a whim were to come up.
"Hold on. Did Ayanokouji-senpai really talk to you about the White Room, Ichinose-senpai?"
That seemed impossible.
Even if it wasn't forbidden, discussing the White Room with unrelated students while seeking a normal school life was 100% unlikely, Amasawa was convinced of that.
"It seems we have a common secret now, Amasawa-san."
"No, wait. How much did Senpai tell you?"
Unbeknownst to herself, Amasawa's smile had faded.
Even in the face of a flustered Amasawa, Ichinose didn't change her demeanor much.
"I can't tell you that. It might be the same as you, or even more."
"That can't be. But… Ayanokouji-senpai… would he really...?"
Inside, Ichinose was smiling.
She only knew the term 'White Room' from overhearing it during the deserted island exam during her second year. Ayanokouji had denied knowing about it, and even now, he hadn't told Ichinose anything regarding the truth. However, from Amasawa's attitude suggesting that she knew something about Ayanokouji that others didn't, she deduced that there was a possible connection to the White Room. If Amasawa was unrelated to the term White Room, then that in itself was an advantage for Ichinose, proving she knew Ayanokouji better; thus, the truth didn't matter either way.
Directly translated as "white room[1]," it could be the name of a high-level cram school or something akin to a nickname, she had imagined, but this interaction revealed that Amasawa likely originated from there.
Ichinose felt a warm feeling enveloping her as she learned something new about Ayanokouji.
"I have to meet up with some friends soon, so I'm going to go now. Oh, and if you have any requests regarding the gym, feel free to ask anytime, I'll be waiting."
With that, Ichinose started walking.
"…Shoot. I'm the one getting carried away here."
After a while, Amasawa pinched her own cheek with a wry smile.
She'd only intended to tease Ichinose, but it resulted in the opposite effect.
Realizing she'd been the one countered and teased instead, she started mumbling to herself.
"I'm getting goosebumps. Ayanokouji-senpai has his hands full with more than just an ordinary busty senpai."
Amasawa started to walk, but she stopped almost immediately.
"Ayanokouji-senpai is a boy too after all, maybe after getting a taste, he's now been made to wait before getting the next one, and ended up obeying Busty-senpai because of it…? Or not. There's no way that'd be the case here."
Still, she revised her view of Ichinose, whom she hadn't thought highly of at all until then.
It was undoubtedly Ayanokouji who changed Ichinose.
But the change was due to Ichinose's own strength.
"It's going to be an interesting fight for all the third-year senpai. Well, I need to get serious about that side of things too, to make Ayanokouji-senpai happy."
The reason she remained at this school.
To not let that go to waste, and for the sake of her goal, Amasawa began walking again.
* * *
[1]: Atsuomi's "White Room" is written in katakana, ホワイトルーム (pronounced, howaito ruumu, borrowed from lit. "white room"), which is the Japanese writing system that transliterates English and other foreign languages into Japanese syllables. Here, Ichinoseis translating the loaned words into their actual Japanese term (白い部屋).
Chapter 5:
Convolution
* * *
A WEEK HAD passed since our third year began.