Meanwhile, in Class B.
Ichinose Honami's expression was stern, her brows furrowed.
*What... should I do?*
Ichinose Honami never imagined they'd face such an unreasonable exam with class voting.
*Forced expulsion is absurd... We can't lose any classmates! But... what can I do?*
Unlike other classes, Class C had the best internal atmosphere—no factions, no conflicts, everyone was friendly and united. After Ichinose Honami recently mustered the courage to confess her past, they still trusted her.
But after the exam rules were announced, problems arose in the class.
No matter how united a class was, the mention of expulsion changed everything.
No one wanted to be expelled, and Ichinose Honami didn't want to lose any classmates.
What should we do...?
Teacher Hoshinomiya said we could stop expulsion by spending 2 million points, but no one in our class has that many...
Maybe someone has that many points...
Ichinose Honami's mind drifted to a name she didn't want to think about.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message.
Her expression darkened as she read it.
...
Meanwhile, in Class D.
The teacher had just explained the class voting rules, casting a heavy silence over the room.
Ryūen Kakeru noticed several eyes on him.
Once Class D's leader, Ryūen was now seen as a tyrant by most. They only obeyed out of fear, and many resented him.
This was their chance to expel him.
Even if Ryūen had once contributed, he now did nothing for the class. He had no value left.
"Haha."
Ryūen felt their stares but didn't resist. He accepted his fate.
...
After morning classes, Hasebe Haruka's study group found Saiki Kusuo to discuss the upcoming vote.
Sakura Airi looked visibly anxious.
*Am I in danger?* she wondered.
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka noticed her worry.
*Sakura's more at risk than me. Her grades are low, her fitness poor, and she has few friends outside our group. She's near the bottom in ability, wealth, and social skills.*
*Karuizawa Kei and Satō Maya are unpopular with boys but liked by girls. The boys' criticism will be canceled by the girls' praise.*
*Saiki's popular, second only to Hirata. He's safe. Miyake Akito and Hasebe have skills the class needs. So, Sakura's the most at risk. She offers little to the class.*
Saiki Kusuo heard Ayanokōji's thoughts clearly.
"Creating this test just because no one's been expelled is hard to accept."
"Yeah, by the weekend, someone might vanish..."
"What should we do? Maybe we praise each other and criticize someone else."
The group debated fiercely but agreed on a simple plan.
After a tentative decision, the meeting ended. Saiki headed to the bathroom.
Nearby, he heard a familiar voice. He turned to leave, but the owner of the voice emerged, spotting him.
"What a coincidence, Saiki."
It was Nagumo Miyabi.
Nagumo smiled warmly, but Saiki heard his thoughts.
*Is Saiki following me? Did he ruin my plans? I won't let him get away.*
*Sigh. He thinks I'm spying? I'm just passing by.*
Saiki sighed inwardly. Nagumo, an ordinary person, posed no real threat—just a nuisance.
"I just happened to be here."
Saiki spoke truthfully.
"I see."
Nagumo nodded, unconvinced.
Saiki noticed Horikita Manabu beside Nagumo.
*Is Saiki following us?* Horikita wondered.
*It's just a coincidence...*
"Anyway, I have a question."
Nagumo, seeing no one around, continued,
"Who stopped the Ichinose rumors, ruined Sakayanagi's plan, and got the school forum shut down? Even the teachers intervened... Who did this?"
Nagumo probed, suspecting Saiki.
"I don't know. Was the forum shut down? What does this have to do with Sakayanagi?"
Saiki feigned ignorance.
"Nagumo, the school said not to investigate. Even the student council president must obey."
Horikita cut in, ending the topic.
"Right. I need to talk to Horikita-senpai. You're interested too, Saiki?"
Horikita nodded silently at Nagumo's probing gaze.
"Horikita-senpai's graduation from Class A is at stake. The first battle starts tomorrow. I'm asking him about it. You're curious too?"
"Not really. I can't worry about upperclassmen."
Saiki replied casually.
"Cold. You're one of Horikita-senpai's favorites, right?"
Nagumo tested their reaction.
Saiki's expression didn't change.
"I don't interact with Horikita-senpai much."
"No, he sees you as special, Saiki. Not just because you're unique, but your situation is too. Like how you're worried about that girl over there."
Nagumo smiled, gesturing down the hall.
Saiki heard Horikita Suzune's thoughts without turning.
*Brother? The student council president... and Saiki? Why is Saiki there?*
Suzune didn't know about Saiki and Horikita's connection.
"Did you call her, Nagumo?"
"Of course. I'll lead the underclassmen next year. I should greet Horikita-senpai's sister."
Nagumo smirked.
*Horikita's graduating. Maybe I can use his sister for our final showdown.*
*Seriously?* Saiki thought.
"Suzune, come here!"
Nagumo waved.
"...Did you send me that letter, Nagumo?"
"Sort of. You're Horikita-senpai's sister, right?"
"Yes... I'm Horikita Suzune."
Suzune replied softly, lacking her usual sharpness.
"You're in Class B now, but starting in Class D? Surprising for Horikita-senpai's sister."
"What's your goal, Nagumo?"
Horikita demanded, ignoring his sister.
"Just meeting you and your sister."
"Don't think using my sister will make me compromise."
"Compromise? I'd never hurt your cute sister."
"You'd do anything to win. That's who you are."
Since the camp, Horikita knew Nagumo's true nature.
"You're too formal. If you had a sister, I'd have invited her to the student council earlier."
Nagumo smiled.
"What?"
Both siblings were shocked.
"As Horikita-senpai's sister, she could lead the student council after you graduate. Her title alone is enough."
Nagumo continued.
Saiki knew Nagumo wasn't lying.
"Don't judge her by blood. My sister's achievements are her own."
"Right. I won't accept a student council position yet. I'll prove myself with my own abilities."
Suzune declared.
After that night, she knew her worth to her brother. She'd no longer be swayed by others.
Nagumo paused, then said,
"This is just a meetup. I'll contact you later."
*They're unshakable.*
"Apologies, I must go."
Horikita bowed deeply, glancing at Saiki before leaving.
"Are you satisfied, Nagumo?"
Horikita didn't care about Nagumo's schemes.
"You should cherish time with your sister. You two are alike but don't seem like siblings."
Nagumo paused.
"Graduating from Class A is key. If you fall to Class B, it'll be embarrassing."
Horikita left without a word.
"He still ignores me?"
Nagumo muttered.
Since the last exam, Horikita Manabu had been keeping a close eye on Nagumo Miyabi's every move. Despite the challenge, he successfully protected his fellow A-class students. Nagumo, however, couldn't find another chance to confront him.
"Defeating Horikita is my only remaining goal in this school—but now, I have another," Nagumo thought, turning to Saiki Kusuo beside him.
"Saiki, I heard the first-year students are having a special exam tomorrow. Students might get expelled, right?" Nagumo asked with a smile.
"Yeah," Saiki nodded. As the student council president, it made sense for Nagumo to know.
"Are you prepared?"
"I'll take it as it comes."
"Actually, I've got a question for you." Nagumo's smile grew meaningful. "Ever thought about joining the student council?"