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『♪♩~ ♪~ ♬~ 』
It was nine in the evening, and the exam would officially end in just a couple more hours. Kumagawa was sitting in the lobby near the discussion rooms, quietly passing the time by reading one of his favorite manga.
Strangely enough, three people were casually chatting near him — Matsushita and Kushida. They seemed pretty close, though that wasn't surprising with Kushida involved. With her around, any conversation somehow felt pleasant.
What was abnormal was Kumagawa being in the middle of it. The cheerful aura surrounding the girls clashed sharply with his despairing and unpleasant presence. Still, none of the girls seemed bothered by it. Maybe they were just actively ignoring him — which, when you think about it, was kind of mean.
But Kumagawa didn't seem troubled. Being ignored by girls wasn't anything new, and in its own way, it had a certain charm. Especially when he was surrounded by beautiful girls.
Not that he was some kind of masochist who enjoyed being looked down on.
It was just normal.
And when you phrase it like that, no matter how you look at it — Kumagawa Misogi really was an unfortunate, misfortunate, and sad existence.
Same as always.
"Kumagawa-kun, Kumagawa-kun."
『Hmm? 』
Hearing his name, Kumagawa looked up from his book. Kushida was leaning slightly forward, smiling at him, with Matsushita sitting beside her.
"What would you buy for a birthday present?" she asked casually.
『Birthday present? For who?』
"Kokoro-chan," Kushida answered, as if it were obvious.
Kumagawa blinked once, then tilted his head slightly.
『Kokoro-chan... 』
Kumagawa seemed to be in deep thought as he softly repeated the name, "Kokoro-chan." Kushida, who probably understood Kumagawa more than most, could only assume he was thinking something entirely inappropriate about their classmate.
"Inogashira Kokoro. Did you really forget your own classmate's name? She's even in the same group as us." Matsushita added, looking a little troubled.
『Ahh, her. I just remembered we're from the Snake group. Our classmate... um, what was her name again? Miss. Deepwell or something? With a name like that, I bet she's the secretly the cute type. 』
It seemed he had genuinely forgotten, all while thinking something inappropriate—both equally bad in their own way. She couldn't even follow a single step of his thought process, let alone understand it.
Also... Miss. Deepwell?
What a cruel nickname for someone whose name he had just forgotten.
It was a pun based on Inogashira's surname, which meant something like "wellhead" or "top of a well." and the idea that she had deep thoughts or emotions hidden inside. But since Inogashira Kokoro was shy and reserved, saying something like that felt more like mockery than anything else.
"Kumagawa-kun... That's an awful thing to say. It could really crush someone's confidence, you know? If Kokoro-chan were here, she'd definitely be hurt. Forgetting her name and then calling her that... don't you think that's a bit much?" Kushida said, lightly frowning.
She was sure he'd play dumb and respond with something like, "What's wrong with that?" so she threw in a little guilt trip, halfheartedly.
But Kumagawa didn't respond right away.
『..... 』
Kumagawa Misogi couldn't say anything to refute it. Whether he felt guilty or not was anyone's guess. Still, Kumagawa was naturally the kind of person who'd go back on his word in an instant.
『Then I take it back. 』
He said it so casually, like it meant nothing at all.
What a seriously difficult guy.
Matsushita leaned in and whispered under her breath, "Is he actually messed up in the head?"
"He's... a little odd, sure. But I don't think he's that bad. Probably."
She tried to keep it friendly—just like always. Kushida couldn't let her usual image slip. No matter who it was, she had to act like everyone's friend. That she didn't treat anyone differently.
『I can hear that you know? 』
"Well, then maybe you should reflect on yourself," Matsushita replied without hesitation
Kushida looked at Matsushita with a strange look, like she'd just said something hard to understand.
Kumagawa? Reflect on himself? Is it really possible for someone like Kumagawa to reflect?
Humans have this thing called empathy—the ability to understand and share how someone else feels. It's like putting yourself in their shoes, trying to imagine their emotions.
But Kumagawa didn't even seem to have that.
Let alone empathy, Kushida felt like he didn't have something as basic as a heart.
『... 』
Kumagawa seemed to stop and think.
Was he actually considering about what Matsushita had just said?
『Okay, then I'll just think like that and reflect on my actions with sincerity. 』He said it without the slightest hint of sincerity. Kushida had already expected as much.
Brrr!
"Hmm?"
Matsushita felt a vibration in her pocket and took out her phone. It looked like a friend was calling her out to hang out, probably wanting to make the most of the last day of the "vacation" as the school called it, especially since the discussions were already over.
She turned to Kushida and invited her along.
"Thanks, but I think I'll stay. There's still something I want to talk about with Kumagawa-kun."
"Is that so...?"
Matsushita gave Kumagawa a quick glance. Their eyes met for a moment.
Then, with a polite smile, she waved her hand.
"Well, I'll see you two later."
Kushida waved at her back, keeping her usual bright smile as she watched Matsushita leave the lobby and head somewhere else.
『Well, I'll assume you don't really have anything to say to me. But if I can ask, what did you want to talk about? 』
Kushida stayed quiet, choosing not to answer his question.
If she replied honestly, there was a good chance he'd just throw it back in her face. Something like, "Lying to your friends again, huh?" wouldn't be out of character for him. And the problem was that she couldn't exactly deny it without sounding like a hypocrite.
Being a liar was one thing. But being called a liar by someone like Kumagawa, an impulsive liar and a hypocrite himself, was something else entirely. Especially coming from him.
Because even if she managed to shoot back one line, he'd definitely return it with ten more, all worse than the first.
So it was better not to say anything.
『Well... it's not like it's my first time being ignored by a girl. And since you've got nothing to say to me, maybe I'll be the one asking the questions. 』
Kumagawa said it with a grin, looking oddly entertained by the whole thing.
『That girl—Inogashira Kokoro-chan. Miss Deepwell. The one in the same Snake group as me. The girl who always sits near the window, tugs on her sleeves when she's nervous, and brings a different animal keychain every day. The girl who always picks melon bread from the vending machine. The girl whose birthday is near.』
"Hold on, how do you even know all that?" Matsushita blinked, genuinely taken aback.
Did he make all of that up?
But if he did, some of it was too specific, he'd even listed things she hadn't noticed about that girl.
It was... a little creepy, honestly.
『Why would you even celebrate her birthday? Isn't that a little weird? 』
"Huh?" Kushida looked puzzled
What was this idiot even talking about now? Was he just rambling again? Or was he actually delirious?
『I mean, if you think about it... when someone celebrates their birthday, it means their age has increased by one, right? And if their age increases, that means they're one year closer to death. So why would anyone celebrate a birthday? In that case, isn't everyone basically celebrating the fact that Kokoro-chan is now one step closer to dying? 』
"....."
Kushida blinked slowly.
What is this idiot talking about?
It was the textbook definition of a glass-half-empty interpretation of something that's supposed to be joyful.
Sure, that was one way to look at it, but it was definitely the wrong way. A birthday does technically mark the passage of time, meaning yes, you're one year closer to death. So in the most literal, morbid sense, aging is a countdown.
But just because he was technically correct didn't make it any less absurd and appropriate.
That kind of thinking was like saying a school graduation isn't worth celebrating because it's just the school kicking you out into the harsh, unforgiving real world. You'd have to be looking at life from the most pessimistic and probably worst angle possible to casually spout nonsense.
"Hmm... How should I put this? Kumagawa-kun, that might be the dumbest take on a joyous occasion I've ever heard. The idea that a birthday is just a countdown to death is wrong from the very start. I really don't feel like wasting my time explaining why, but at the very least, buy her a present, okay? That's just basic social decency."
『You're right. Even if it's my girlfriend, going against the norm of society by not getting her a present would be unacceptable, wouldn't it?』
For some reason, in Kumagawa's head, Inogashira Kokoro-chan. was being treated as his girlfriend. Kushida felt sorry for this daydreamer, although the one she really felt sorry for was Kokoro-chan.
『If that's the case, then it looks like I have no one else to turn to but you, Kushida-chan. 』
"Sorry, but there's nothing about what you just said that I didn't find disgusting."
『Well, that is fine as well. 』
And just like that, Kumagawa gave up compeletely.
The person named Kumagawa Misogi really didn't have any principles. And even if he did, they were so loose he could betray them whenever he felt like it. He was the type of person who gave up just as easily as someone who would never give up in the first place.
Not that Kushida was surprised. That kind of attitude was normal for him... though, for some reason, it still irritated her a little.
She turned her attention back to her phone and started scrolling casually.
Even if she didn't want to admit it, being around Kumagawa was oddly relaxing. If only he wasn't so unpleasant to be around, and if he were a little more normal, maybe she wouldn't have minded spending time with him.
There was no need to wear a mask around him. No need to act cheerful, sweet, or likeable. She didn't have to suppress her emotions or constantly gauge the room.
That alone gave her a strange sense of freedom.
Putting up a front all day, every day, and only being honest with herself in the few quiet moments she had—it built up over time. Even if she could handle it now, doing it for the next three years would take its toll.
So being able to drop the act, just a little, without fear of judgment... it was a rare kind of relief.
After a few minutes of peaceful silence, Kumagawa spoke again.
『Hmm? It's Ichinose-chan and Ayanokouji-kun. 』
Following his gaze, she looked up and saw the two of them walking toward them.
"Good Evening, Kumagawa-kun, Kushida-san."
"Good evening, Ichinose-san," Kushida replied with her usual bright smile, switching back into character effortlessly. It was almost scary how naturally she could turn it on and off like flipping a switch.
『Hello, Ichinose-chan. You seem to be in a good mood. Did you finally find yourself a nice boyfriend?』
"E-eh!? Wh-what are you talking about, Kumagawa-kun!? I don't have anyone like that!"
She seemed a little too flustered for such casual teasing—especially considering this was one of Kumagawa's more tame remarks. If he wanted to, he could've said something far worse.
『If not, then did you happen to find, do, or experience something good to be that happy? You look like you're glowing today.』
Before he'd said anything, Ichinose's expression already had a certain shine to it. Even though she wasn't openly smiling, her whole demeanor gave off the impression of someone in a very good mood.
"Ahaha, really? Is it that obvious?" she said while scratching her cheek, slightly embarrassed. "It's not a big deal or anything, but... yeah, something like that? You might've already figured it out, Kumagawa-kun. You're weirdly sharp with these things."
『???』
This time, the one who spoke wasn't Ichinose—it was Ayanokouji, who had been silently standing beside her the whole time.
"She figured out our class's strategy during the exam."
Ayanokouji began to explain the plan Horikita had come up with. The strategy was simple: Class D would secretly swap phones to hide the identity of the VIP.
With today being the last day of the discussions, the Rabbit group decided to make one final push—they suggested that everyone show their phones to confirm who the VIP was and work together for a win, and aim for Outcome One.
After some pressure, everyone eventually agreed. They each revealed their phones and showed the messages they received from the school. According to the message, Yukimura was revealed as the VIP. And since the message wasn't fake, that meant Yukimura's phone had originally received the VIP notice.
But Ichinose exposed trick with a simple phone call.
The messages might have been swapped, but the phone numbers weren't. Phone numbers are tied to the devices themselves and can't be changed, so Ichinose used that fact to expose the deception.
"In the end, Horikita's strategy was compeletly seen through."
"He he he, it's a bit embarrassing if you phrase it like that," Ichinose said, scratching her cheek with a shy smile. "I just happened to notice something odd, that's all."
Even as she tried to sound modest, a hint of pride slipped through her voice.
"But I get the feeling... Kumagawa-kun might've figured it out too, if he were in my place. Right, Kumagawa-kun?"
Now everyone look at kumagawa.
『Eh? I don't know what you're talking about. Even if you told me that a strategy like that could work, there is no way a someone like me could see through that kind of strategy. 』
"'Someone like you?'"
Ichinose tilted her head in confusion.
Even Ayanokouji looked at him with slight confusion. He understood why Ichinose would confuse if Kumagawa say something confusing such as that. After all, she'd experienced Kumagawa's deception firsthand—of course she'd place a certain level of trust, or wariness, in his abilities.
『I don't know how you view me as a person, but let me be clear about something. 』Kumagawa's tone changed into something a little more serious
『I'm not blessed with great intellect. I'm not blessed with great talent. I'm not blessed with great strength. I'm not blessed with great beauty. I'm not blessed with great charisma and I'm not blessed with luck either. 』
He said it plainly, with no trace of shame.
『So even if you hold me in high regard, there's no way someone like me could figure out or put together a strategy like that. 』
For all his flaws, or maybe because of them, he sounded almost proud.
『Besides, is that really all, Ichinose-chan? 』
Kumagawa seemed oddly conclusive in his words.
"..."
Ichinose stared at him silently for a moment, then let out a soft smile of her own. It was the kind of smile that said, as expected.
"You really don't miss anything, huh, Kumagawa-kun."
Then, she turned toward Ayanokouji.
"Though what Ayanokouji-kun said is true, I don't think he mentioned the most important part yet."
"The most important part?"
Ayanokouji and Kushida both looked to Ichinose, prompting her to continue.
"Earlier, during the group discussion, I mentioned something about how the SIM cards are locked to each phone, right? But... there's actually a way to unlock them. I checked with Hoshinomiya-sensei to confirm. She told me that if you spend enough private points, you can unlock the SIM and use it on a different device."
In that instant, Ayanokouji felt a faint electric current run down his spine. It wasn't fear, nor was it panic—just a subtle jolt of tension at the realization that Ichinose had anticipated more than expected.
Still, his face remained the same. Whether he was truly surprised or not didn't matter. Since his expression, as always, barely change.
"Huh? So, what does that mean?" Kushida asked, still not following.
But before Ichinose could answer, Kumagawa spoke in her place.
『Kushida-chan, in this exam, modifying or tampering with the emails sent by the school is against the rules. That means you can't delete, forward, or fake them. But the school also allows pretty much anything as long as you pay for it with points. So the SIM cards are probably a loophole—something the school left in on purpose for students to figure out and use. 』
Kushida glanced at Kumagawa, slightly puzzled.
"Didn't you just say you can't come up with plans like this?"
『I can't. 』
Kumagawa shrugged.
『I'm just adding to what Ichinose-chan already said. That's all.』
Kushida couldn't really argue with that. Technically, he wasn't wrong. So she stayed quiet and let Ichinose continue with her explanation. Still, she threw a quick glare at Kumagawa. Maybe it was just her imagination, but she felt like he was mocking her the entire time.
"You're right, the rule is that we can't tamper with the school's emails. But if you unlock the SIM and move it to another device, the message comes with it. That way, you can make someone else appear to be the VIP without breaking any rules."
Ichinose calmly explained her reasoning while holding her phone in one hand.
"This is just my prediction, but based on how today's discussion went..."
She tapped on her phone quickly and typed a short message.
"The real VIP is Karuizawa Kei-san. Am I right?"
She turned the screen around and showed it to the others. It was a draft of the betrayal message she could still send. The submission deadline hadn't passed yet—it was still before 9:30 PM, and Outcome Three was still within reach.
But her finger didn't move. She just held the phone there, quietly. Her confidence was there, but so was hesitation. Her eyes wandered, and almost involuntarily, they landed on Kumagawa.
"Why did you think it was Karuizawa?" Ayanokouji asked, breaking the silence.
"H-huh? A-ah..." Ichinose blinked a few times, flustered. "The same reason as Yukimura-kun, I guess. She was acting strange. Normally, she doesn't care much about you, Ayanokouji-kun... but today, she kept glancing at you. Her expression was tense. She was nervous the whole time."
She paused.
"But even then, there's still a chance I'm wrong. That's why I couldn't bring myself to send the email....Even now."
Ichinose's voice softened at the end, almost disappearing under her breath. Once again, her eyes shifted toward Kumagawa.
During the past three days, she had found herself reflecting more than usual. She cannot help but to think about herself as a person, and her class as a whole.
And of course, Kumagawa noticed. After all, he was the one who planted that seed of doubt. But if you asked him, it wasn't really his fault. If Medaka's presence wasn't so overwhelming, maybe Ichinose wouldn't have wavered this much. So, technically, he was innocent.
After a short pause, Kumagawa finally spoke, with a relaxed smile on his face.
『It seems you're still conflicted, huh? 』
Ichinose turned to look at him. So did everyone else.
『Then, as a humble student of this prestigious elite school, allow me to offer a word of guidance to our lost little lamb, Ichinose Honami-chan.』
He placed a hand on his chest, as if imitating someone far more noble than himself.
『 "Students should own their dreams. It's your job to overcome your flaws and chase them. It doesn't have to happen today, whether it takes ten years, a hundred years, or a hundred thousand years from now. As long as you have a heart full of conviction, that's all that matters." 』
He stared at Ichinose.
『That's probably the kind of thing Medaka-chan would say. So... what will you do now, Ichinose-chan? 』
Ichinose seemed momentarily stunned.
A heart full of conviction.
She didn't know much about this Medaka person was, but someone who could say something like that must be admirable.
Human nature doesn't change easily.
But it can change.
Whether for better or worse... that depends on what you choose in the moment.
It doesn't have to be now. It doesn't have to be instant. But conviction—that much, she could choose.
So, with a heart full of conviction, Ichinose pressed the button on her phone.
A soft beep followed. Then, a vibration. Not just her phone, but Ayanokouji's and Kushida's too.
All three of them looked down.
Rabbit Group, Outcome Three—secured.
Ichinose look at the three class D student in front of her.
"I decided to betray the Rabbit Group for the sake of my class. I'm sorry, Kushida-san, Ayanokouji-kun... and Kumagawa-kun."
Ichinose looked at them with a smile filled with conviction.
『END』
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Read this one.