"Why do I have to participate too?"
Saiki Kusuo voiced his confusion.
Horikita Suzune stood in front of him, her gaze unwavering as she seemed to peer into his soul. "First, your grades are average, but you're more than capable of tutoring them. Plus, you all seem pretty close."
She's got the wrong idea. When did I get close to them?
Saiki thought but kept it to himself.
"Second, our class points depend on everyone's test scores. I want everyone to improve so we can reach Class A. We're still 400 points behind, and we need to close that gap as soon as possible!"
Horikita's voice was firm. She genuinely wanted the class to improve, but she also wanted to test Chabashira Sae's claim about Saiki's scores being manipulated.
Saiki was reluctant. He didn't want to deal with these people—none of them were easy to handle. Plus, joining the study group would eat into his free time.
But refusing would only invite more trouble. With a sigh, he nodded.
"Alright, let's meet at the library after school tomorrow. That's all for today."
Horikita spoke almost commandingly before leaving. Her goal achieved, she saw no reason to stay.
"Well, that's it for today, I guess."
The mood had soured, and Sudō Ken and the others left, leaving only Kushida Kikyō in the room.
Hey, you're leaving without cleaning up your mess?
"Oh, everyone's gone. Saiki-kun, let me help you clean up! Sorry for making such a mess!"
Kushida smiled warmly, taking charge of tidying the room.
[I must maintain a perfect image—every detail counts. This way, Saiki and the others will trust me more. Then, I can use them to expel that bitch Horikita Suzune.]
Her hatred for Horikita is intense—almost obsessive. But Horikita doesn't seem to know much about her past.
Saiki thought.
Without my psychic powers, I'd probably think Kushida's a great person. No wonder she's popular. But knowing her true self, there's no going back.
After a few minutes, the room was spotless. Kushida clapped her hands and smiled at Saiki.
"All done! I'll be going now!"
As she left, Saiki sighed in relief. Finally, it's over.
He scanned the room for anything suspicious—cameras or other devices. With his X-ray vision, he found nothing unusual.
"Wait."
On his bed lay a black object—a student's phone, likely Kushida's.
Did she leave it on purpose? No, I didn't pick up any thoughts about it. She probably just forgot.
Saiki picked up the phone, considering his options.
Ignore it? No, if she realizes it's missing and comes back, I'll be stuck here all night.
Take it to lost and found? Not ideal. If it's a classmate's, it's better to return it directly.
Teleport it? No, long-distance telekinesis isn't precise. I can only swap its position with something else—too risky.
After weighing his options, Saiki decided to return the phone himself.
"Great."
He used his clairvoyance to locate Kushida. Instead of heading to her dorm, she was at the plaza in front of the dorm building.
What's she doing? Oh well, if I don't return the phone now, she'll probably knock on my door later.
Saiki headed downstairs, avoiding his powers due to the security cameras.
"What's she up to at this hour?"
He quickened his pace, using clairvoyance to find Kushida in an empty corner of the campus.
Soon, he heard her loud thoughts.
[Die already, you bitch! Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty just because you're cute and smart? Disgusting!]
[I'll make sure you're expelled, I swear!]
She's not just thinking it—she's vocalizing her hatred.
Saiki stared expressionlessly at Kushida in the distance.