"Damn it, damn it, damn it! That bitch!"
After a few seconds, Kushida Kikyō resumed her previous actions, kicking the railing and cursing Horikita Suzune as if nothing had happened.
'Hmm, looks like it worked.'
At that moment, Saiki Kusuo had returned to his spot behind the tree.
'I've used this ability before, but only to erase a sentence or two from someone's memory. I've never erased a full minute before. Usually, the target fills in the gap themselves... I don't know what she'll fill it with, but it seems like she's just continuing to vent her emotions.'
Saiki Kusuo thought to himself.
Perhaps because Kushida Kikyō's obsession with Horikita Suzune was so strong, the blank memory was filled with related thoughts.
While altering her memory, Saiki Kusuo also slipped her phone back into her pocket, resolving the issue.
He quickly left Kushida Kikyō's vicinity, not wanting to get entangled with her further.
'There aren't many normal students at this school. If they graduate like this, the consequences will be dire. Oh well, no point overthinking it. Since I'm out this late, I might as well grab some snacks and drinks on the way back.'
Though it was very late, most school shops were closed, but vending machines were scattered around campus, offering convenience to students.
Saiki Kusuo soon reached a vending machine and bought a can of coffee.
Just then, he picked up a familiar voice.
"Suzune, you followed me here?"
"I'm not the useless person you knew, brother. I came here to catch up to you!"
'It's Horikita... and her brother.'
Saiki Kusuo's eyebrows twitched slightly. He'd only met Horikita Manabu twice: once at the opening ceremony and once during swimming class when he used his X-ray vision. They'd never interacted directly.
'They don't seem to get along, but it's none of my business.'
He thought, opening the can and taking a sip of coffee, ready to leave.
"To catch up to me? Choosing this school was my mistake."
"I'll be promoted to Class A soon. Then—"
"You can't."
'Hmm, the mood feels off. Nothing should happen at school, but I'll keep an eye on it. Not like I'm here for the drama.'
Saiki Kusuo sipped his coffee and turned his gaze toward the voices. His sight pierced through walls, landing on Horikita Suzune and Horikita Manabu nearby.
"I... I can do it..."
Horikita Suzune spoke softly, her head down.
At that moment, she looked completely different from her usual self. In class, she always acted distant and proud, openly looking down on others.
Now, she seemed almost humble.
'I remember hearing her thoughts on the first day of school. She enrolled here because of her brother... Brother complex?'
Saiki Kusuo thought.
"I will do it..."
Horikita Suzune insisted, but her voice and body trembled, lacking confidence.
'I have to reach Class A. Only then will my brother acknowledge me... I came to this school to prove myself to him... No matter what, I'll make it to Class A!'
'That explains her obsession with Class A.'
"Such a stubborn sister."
Horikita Manabu's expression remained unchanged, but his tone carried a hint of anger. He grabbed Horikita Suzune's hand and pinned her against the wall.
"You were placed in Class D. Even if you reach Class C, it changes nothing. You're only embarrassing me. Leave this school immediately. You lack the ability and qualification to climb higher!"
His tone was dismissive, but Saiki Kusuo could hear his inner thoughts clearly.
'Suzune has the talent to surpass me, yet she insists on imitating me. I tried distancing myself to help her grow, but she followed me here... So disappointing. She should've found her own path. I once lied, saying I preferred long hair, and she grew hers out... Sigh...'
'Hmm, so the brother worries about his sister too. He acts cold and proud but cares deeply...'
Saiki Kusuo sipped his coffee, observing the siblings.
'But why not just tell her directly? If he doesn't want her to imitate him, he should say so. Avoiding her only complicates things.'
He couldn't understand their logic, but it wasn't his problem. He planned to return to his dorm.
'No, Suzune needs to realize her mistake. She must see how wrong she is!'
Horikita Manabu raised his fist, ready to strike Horikita Suzune.
"I just want to prove myself to you, brother... I must not be trying hard enough, that's why you distance yourself..."
"Suzune, why do you imitate me? You should walk your own path! The more you imitate me, the less you shine. You've completely misunderstood the meaning of being aloof and alone. That's why you're in Class D... Wait, what did you say?"
"Brother... what did you just say?"