"I originally wanted to implement the new system I've been thinking about immediately, but unfortunately, I can't do that just yet. The newly appointed student council president will face all sorts of restrictions."
Nagumo Miyabi kept a smile on his face as he turned to look at Horikita Manabu behind him. The latter's expression remained unchanged.
*Horikita is still at school, and his followers are still in the student council. If I completely reject all the existing systems now, it might cause some trouble.*
Nagumo thought to himself.
"I promise to bring about a great revolution soon. Students with ability will rise to the top, while those without will fall to the bottom. I'll turn this school into a true meritocracy. I look forward to your guidance."
As Nagumo finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent at his declaration. But soon, almost all the second-year students erupted into cheers, breaking the silence. It seemed Nagumo held a high position among the second-years.
*But there probably won't be much interaction between the second-years and us first-years... probably...*
Saiki Kusuo muttered to himself.
---
After the handover meeting ended, all the students began to leave. Saiki also prepared to return to his dorm.
Just then, someone called out to him from behind.
"Saiki, could you wait a moment?"
Saiki turned around to see a girl from his class. She had dark, slightly curled hair that fell to her shoulders. Her features were attractive, but her sharp gaze gave off a strong-willed vibe.
*What's her name again? Sato Maya, I think...*
Saiki's mind raced as he recalled her name.
Sato wasn't the type to fade into the background in class. On the contrary, she had a strong presence, similar to Karuizawa Kei. She was also very close to Karuizawa.
During the special exam on the artificial island, Sato and a few other girls had a heated argument with Ike Kanji about whether to buy a second toilet.
Because of that incident, Saiki and Sato hadn't interacted much. Sato mostly socialized with the girls in class and didn't get along well with the boys.
However, Saiki noticed that lately, Sato seemed to be paying more attention to him.
*Saiki didn't really stand out in class before... But since the end of summer break, I've started to see him in a new light. And his performance at the sports festival was really cool!*
*Now's my chance to get closer to him while he's alone.*
"Oh boy, here comes trouble," Saiki thought.
*Sato's the type to draw attention easily.*
Saiki wanted to avoid too much contact with her. Dealing with Karuizawa was already a hassle; adding Sato to the mix would only make things worse.
"Is there something you need?"
"Well, um... could I borrow a moment of your time? I have something I want to talk to you about—"
*Saiki probably won't refuse me...*
"Sorry, I've got other things to do," Saiki replied without hesitation.
"Huh?!"
Sato was taken aback but quickly recovered. "It's okay, I won't take up too much of your time. I just have a few questions. Is that alright?"
*Ugh, she's not giving me a choice. Sato's popular with the girls in class. If I refuse, they might isolate me, and that'd be a whole other mess.*
Saiki sighed inwardly. "Fine, let's go over there."
"Great! First, I wanted to ask... Saiki, do you have a girlfriend?"
Sato followed Saiki to a quieter spot and asked immediately, her eyes wide with curiosity.
*I noticed Karuizawa and Saiki seem really close. I wonder if there's something going on between them... I thought Karuizawa liked Hirata before, but after summer break, she's been so close to Saiki.*
"No."
Saiki shook his head without hesitation.
Karuizawa was influential in class, and many boys had a crush on her, despite her personality. If rumors started, it would only cause trouble for Saiki.
"Oh... So, can I consider you as... looking for a girlfriend?"
Sato's eyes lit up, but before she could finish, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Sato, Saiki, what are you two doing?"
It was Karuizawa Kei.
She approached Saiki like a curious kitten, leaning forward slightly.
"N-Nothing!"
Sato swallowed her words. It wasn't the right time to say something like that with another girl present, especially Karuizawa, who seemed to have her own interest in Saiki.
Unbeknownst to them, this was all part of Saiki's plan.
He'd used telepathy to hear Karuizawa's approach and deliberately led Sato to a spot where Karuizawa would intercept them, preventing Sato from saying anything awkward.
*Sato seems to just want to get closer, but her direct questions are hard to handle. I can't say yes, and I don't want things to get awkward. Calling Karuizawa over was a good move.*
Saiki thought, relieved.
"I just wanted to exchange contact info with Saiki since we haven't really talked before. It'd be nice to have each other's numbers for class-related stuff."
Sato explained calmly.
"Oh, I see."
Karuizawa smiled, moving closer to Saiki. "Saiki, are you free tonight? I heard the dessert shop has new flavors. Want to try them?"
*Sato's probably trying to hit on Saiki, but I won't let her get away with it.*
*What's it to you? Why do you look so hostile?*
Saiki thought.
*They seem so close, but Saiki said they're not dating... So, Saiki's definitely Karuizawa's target.*
*The new desserts are tempting, but I can't agree. I don't want to get caught in the middle of this. That'd be a mess.*
Saiki realized calling Karuizawa over had only made things more complicated.
"Sorry, I've got other plans tonight."
"Aww, really?"
"Saiki, like I said, let's exchange numbers. As classmates, it's weird not having each other's contacts. If we have questions about class, we can help each other."
"Sure."
Saiki nodded and exchanged numbers with Sato.
Karuizawa kept smiling.
*Time to leave.*
After finishing, Saiki quickly walked away to avoid further trouble.
As he left, Karuizawa and Sato's eyes met.
"I didn't expect you to approach Saiki like that. You two didn't seem close before."
Karuizawa remarked.
"Yeah."
Sato nodded, a sly smile on her face. "I even asked Saiki if he had a girlfriend. He doesn't, by the way. I noticed him at the sports festival—he looked so cool running!"
"Are you... pursuing Saiki?"
"Not sure yet, but getting closer isn't a bad idea."
Sato tilted her chin, her gaze locking with Karuizawa's. She didn't notice the fleeting panic in Karuizawa's eyes.
"What's so great about Saiki? Hirata's performance was good too. Why not consider him?"
"Hirata's probably got a lot of girls after him. Too hard. I think Saiki's more my type!"
"You two don't seem compatible..."
"What's wrong? You look worried, Karuizawa... Could it be... you like Saiki?"
"N-No way! How could I?!"
Karuizawa's face turned red, and she shook her head vigorously.
---
A month had passed unnoticed.
Class B's atmosphere had improved significantly.
After being promoted to Class B during summer break, most students believed advancing to Class A was no longer a fantasy. This motivated everyone to work harder.
When a goal seems unattainable, people often give up midway. But when it feels within reach, they're more likely to strive for it.
The class had virtually no latecomers or early leavers, and fewer students were distracted or playing on their phones during lessons. Recent exam results had been decent.
Even Sudō Ken's behavior had improved.
Partly because he, too, felt advancing to Class A was possible.
Also, after the sports festival, the class had become more united, and Sudō's standing had risen. Perhaps because of this, his temper had mellowed, and he'd become more considerate of others.
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka observed these changes.
Sitting in class, he silently watched everyone.
*Sudō and Horikita have both grown after the sports festival.*
*I used to think people only grow when pushed into adversity or desperation, but Saiki's approach is different. He created a comfortable environment for Class B, and yet, they've all grown under his guidance. This isn't something Shirō taught me.*
*Lately, Class D has been acting strangely, tailing our students—especially Yamauchi. This must be part of Saiki's plan.*
*Hey, I didn't do anything!*
Saiki sighed inwardly at Ayanokōji's thoughts.
Lately, Saiki had been busy. Almost every day after school, Sato would text him, asking about his hobbies and trying to get to know him better.
Saiki didn't like excessive socializing, but Sato occasionally brought him sweets in the morning, so he'd chat with her briefly.
Karuizawa noticed this and started bringing him pudding daily.
Soon, the bell rang, and Chabashira Sae entered the classroom.
She narrowed her eyes, scanning the room.
"Everyone looks so focused, a far cry from the old Class D."