"Thank you so much!"
Honami bowed.
"Are you sure about this?"
Mio narrowed her eyes.
She didn't expect Honami to go this far to save a classmate.
20 million to save one student was a huge cost.
"I'm sure."
"You did something similar for Ryūen, didn't you?"
"It's different... Someone in our class will take Ryūen's place, and it might be me."
Mio explained slowly.
If Ryūen dropped out, she or Daichi would be next.
"You'd still save Ryūen, right?"
"I just don't want to owe him a strange favor."
Mio quickly transferred the points.
"Confirm it."
"Thanks."
Honami nodded seriously.
*"Now no one in our class will drop out!"*
She thought, then turned to Kusuo.
*"Did Kusuo arrange this meeting?"*
*Just a coincidence... I only thought of this method now...*
Kusuo thought.
"Everything's settled. Both classes' problems are solved."
Hiyori smiled, then looked at Kusuo.
"Sorry for disturbing you tonight."
"It's fine. I didn't do much."
Kusuo said.
*"Kusuo definitely planned this."*
Hiyori nodded.
"We'll take our leave."
"Okay."
Honami and the others left. Kusuo sighed in relief.
*Finally, some rest.*
"We ran into Honami by chance."
On their way back, Mio said, "We were lucky."
"It wasn't luck."
Hiyori smiled.
"Not luck?"
Mio looked confused.
"We needed to save Ryūen, and C Class needed points. Do you think this was just a coincidence?"
"It does seem too perfect..."
Mio thought it over.
"Kusuo probably predicted this and arranged for us to meet Honami. He's always steps ahead."
"Kusuo planned all this?"
Mio was skeptical but admitted it was possible.
To her, Kusuo was unpredictable, and everything might be part of his plan.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Mio grew more wary of Kusuo.
*"There's a monster in Class B..."*
"There's something else we need to do," Hiyori said.
"What?"
"If we want to protect Ryūen, someone else has to be sacrificed. We need to choose who that person will be."
Hiyori's expression faded, and she spoke with a serious tone.
"Sacrifice someone..."
Mio looked at Hiyori, narrowing her eyes slightly. She felt a stranger in front of her.
In her mind, Hiyori was an absolute pacifist, never involving herself in class conflicts.
But now, Hiyori was talking about sacrificing someone.
"I didn't expect... Hiyori, you'd say something like that. I always thought you were a student who disliked conflict."
Mio hesitated.
"That's true. I don't want anyone to leave the class... But I must act as a Class D student. For the sake of my classmates, I have to make a choice."
Hiyori spoke slowly.
"Mio, do you have someone in mind?"
"Well..."
Mio thought for a moment, recalling her tense encounter with Shiho earlier. Shiho was now against Ryūen.
Whether it was personal or for the class's future, Shiho was the best choice.
"Let's go with Shiho."
"Shiho, huh?"
Hiyori nodded, not surprised by Mio's choice.
"Leave it to me."
"What are you planning?"
"I'm not good with people, but thanks to the exams, I've made some friends. If I talk to them, I might influence the class vote."
"Okay..."
Mio nodded, looking at Hiyori.
She felt Hiyori had changed significantly since they first met.
*Was it Kusuo's influence?*
Mio wondered.
---
Time passed, and although the exam results would only be announced on Saturday, each class's target for expulsion had already been decided.
In Class A, Yahiko was the target, but he had no idea. He thought it was Kōhei.
Arisu saw Kōhei as useful and harmless, so expelling Yahiko would serve as a warning. This would make Kōhei more obedient.
Class C planned to concentrate criticism votes on Ryūji, then save him with points.
In Class D, Shiho thought she had successfully led Ryūen to expulsion, unaware of Mio's manipulations. She was now the most at risk.
In Class B, Haruki continued his futile efforts.
He urged others to vote for Kusuo daily, only increasing his classmates' dislike for him.
Yōsuke noticed this and didn't want class infighting. An idea formed in his mind.
*"Even if it means sacrificing me, I won't let anyone be expelled!"*
On Friday, Yōsuke resolved to concentrate votes on himself during the final class vote.
Past experiences fueled his protective instincts.
However, Kiyotaka saw through Yōsuke's plan.
*"Yōsuke will likely sacrifice himself by tarnishing his own reputation. For our class, Yōsuke is more valuable than Haruki. Although Kusuo won't be expelled, I'll ensure Haruki's expulsion goes smoothly."*
Kiyotaka took action.
---
Saturday arrived—exam day.
The class gathered, and voting hadn't started. Yōsuke stepped onto the podium.
"Everyone, listen. On Tuesday, I heard Suzune and others' opinions. I've reached a conclusion. The focus is who to criticize, right?"
Yōsuke spoke firmly.
"First, I apologize for saying I'd criticize Suzune."
"No need to apologize. What are you planning?" Suzune frowned.
"You're essential to the class. That's my judgment."
"Then, who do you think is unnecessary?"
"I love this class. Everyone is necessary. No matter what's said, this won't change. But I know it won't solve the problem."
Yōsuke took a deep breath.
"I want you all... to write my name on the criticism ballot."
The class erupted.
"We can't let Yōsuke be expelled!"
"You're the most important to this class!"
"Absolutely not!"
Amid the objections, one person agreed.
"For Yōsuke, I'll do it!"
Haruki.
Yesterday, he begged Yōsuke to stop his expulsion.
Now, Haruki wanted Yōsuke gone to ensure his safety.
*Yōsuke went that far?*
Kusuo narrowed his eyes.
Yōsuke was vital to the class and kind to Kusuo. If needed, Kusuo would act.
But...
It seemed unnecessary.
*"Yōsuke really intended to sacrifice himself."*
*"Yōsuke is... amazing."*
*"Luckily, someone warned us about Yōsuke's plan."*
Kusuo heard the students' thoughts.
Kiyotaka had messaged the class: *"Yōsuke might sacrifice himself tomorrow. If he says bad things or acts overly, it's not his true feelings. Trust him and praise him only."*
This blocked Yōsuke's sacrifice.
"Now, start the class vote. Called students, proceed to the voting room."
Sae, standing beside the podium, signaled the start.
---
In Class A...
"Now, start the class vote. Called students, proceed to the voting room."
As the teacher finished, students headed to the voting room.
Arisu watched, a slight smile on her lips.
"You're like Kiyotaka, hiding behind the scenes. Let's bring you into the spotlight."
Arisu narrowed her eyes. Class A's result was already decided.
---
Saturday afternoon, as results were about to be announced, students gathered again.
Haruki entered noisily, knocking into chairs.
"Hey... keep it down, Haruki."
Kanji whispered.
"Whatever, I know."
Haruki responded carelessly.
"Your defeat seems certain, doesn't it?"
Rokusuke styled his hair, not looking at Haruki.
"What? I won't be expelled."
"Really? Many will write your name."
Kanji and Ken were once Haruki's friends, but after his true feelings were exposed, their relationship soured.
"Not necessarily."
Haruki smiled confidently.
*I confirmed with Arisu many times! At least 20 from Class A will praise me! I won't be expelled!*
Haruki thought.
Yesterday, he messaged Arisu repeatedly, getting her assurance.
"Even if I say it, it's fine... I won't be expelled."
"Oh? Why?"
Rokusuke raised an eyebrow, finally looking at Haruki.
"I'll tell you."
Haruki smiled victoriously.
"How many criticized me? 20? 30? I didn't betray you, but it's over the top! But it's fine; I'll forgive you. There are expulsion candidates, right? How many praises will they get? I'm worried!"
Haruki's tone was sarcastic.
"Sounds like you're getting many praises."
"I am."
"Even if your friends sympathize, it's 4-5 praises. Is that the Safety Zone?"
---