"Thanks for the compliment, Kiriyama."
Despite Kiriyama's mockery, Kiryuuin Fuka maintained a smile, as if the words were genuine praise.
Kiryuuin Fuka seemed carefree, but it was undeniable that she was one of the most beautiful girls in school. Her tall, slender figure made her a clear standout—
Though to Saiki, it made no difference. After all, in his eyes, she'd soon be reduced to muscles and bones.
"You're in the way here, Kiriyama."
"Whatever. I'm leaving."
Kiriyama seemed unwilling to waste time with Kiryuuin and walked away.
*'What do I do now?'*
Saiki stood frozen, unsure how to proceed. Kiriyama's departure left him in an even more awkward situation.
"It's weird to stand and chat. Sit on the bench."
Without giving Saiki a chance to refuse, Kiryuuin shifted to make space for him.
*'Please, let this end quickly.'*
Saiki sat beside her, thinking.
*[This Saiki seems interesting~]*
Saiki could hear Kiryuuin's thoughts.
*'Hmm… Kiryuuin and Takarada are actually quite different.'*
Koenji Rokusuke showed no interest in others and kept to himself, but Kiryuuin was the opposite.
"Is there something you need from me?"
"Anything. I just want to study what kind of person you are."
"Would a senior like you be interested in someone like me?"
Saiki aimed to bore her, hoping to leave quickly and avoid future trouble.
"Just curious. Don't think I'm some total oddball. There are interesting people in our class, and I occasionally strike up conversations like this."
Kiryuuin smiled at Saiki.
"I'm not interested in this school's A-Class system. Graduating from A-Class supposedly guarantees success anywhere, but I'm confident in my own abilities. Choosing this school was just a whim. Still, it's not bad—I like the personal points system. I've never been unhappy here."
"I see."
Saiki nodded. He sometimes admired Kiryuuin's carefree attitude.
"Most people find me strange, but you don't seem bothered."
"I've met people like you before."
Saiki replied.
"Haha, I've heard there's someone like me in your second year. But I'm one of a kind."
Kiryuuin's gaze remained fixed on Saiki.
"So, tell me about yourself."
"There's nothing special to say."
"No, I sense something unique about you. My intuition tells me you're no ordinary person."
*'Intuition again?'*
Saiki sighed, unsure if it was an excuse.
"I think you've misunderstood me, senior."
"Misunderstood? Interesting. Most students try to showcase their talents, but you hide yours. Why?"
Kiryuuin smiled, knowing Saiki wouldn't answer.
*[I've noticed Saiki's performance—the sports festival, the exams. He always surprises me.]*
"The next special exam will involve multiple grades. I'm looking forward to competing with you, Saiki~"
*'I'm not.'*
Saiki thought. At least he could leave now.
After Saiki left, Kiryuuin remained seated, waiting for someone.
Minutes later, two figures appeared: Kiriyama Ikuto and Nagumo Miyabi.
"Oh, the loyal dog brought its owner back?"
Kiryuuin smiled at them.
"What did you say?"
Kiriyama's anger was evident.
"You're mad because you know it's true, Kiriyama~ I didn't say who's the dog or the owner, but outsiders would see it that way."
Kiryuuin seemed dismissive.
"This woman is infuriating…"
"Your tone is harsh, Kiriyama. Don't forget you're the student council vice president."
"Nagumo, dealing with her is a waste of time. You know that."
Kiriyama turned to Nagumo, hoping to leave.
"I agree. Can you two disappear from my sight? You're wasting precious time."
"Don't hurt my student council partner, Kiryuuin."
Nagumo gestured for Kiriyama to step back and faced Kiryuuin.
"Important partner? Your words lack emotion."
"You just think so."
"What does the student council president want?"
Kiryuuin looked at Nagumo, whose dark circles were noticeable. His state was far from his usual self.
"I won't stay long."
Nagumo sat beside Kiryuuin.
"You're beautiful but not cute. I'm not interested in women without cuteness."
"I can be cute, but I haven't met the right man to bring it out."
Kiryuuin smiled, a name crossing her mind:
*[Saiki Kusuo. Could he do it?]*
"If a man could make you cute, I'd love to see it. But I'm surprised you're interested in Saiki Kusuo. You're not into me or Horikita either?"
"Don't assume I'm uninterested. I talk to those who interest me. I was curious about you and Horikita, but I was disappointed."
Kiryuuin spoke, likely the only one in school who'd say such things.
"And you're interested in Saiki?"
"Me? Don't be ridiculous."
Nagumo shook his head, denying Kiryuuin's words. His past failure must remain secret, especially from her.
"I've heard about you, Nagumo. After meeting Saiki's brother, you've been off. You haven't even visited that floor since."
"Those are unrelated. I met Saiki's brother as student council president. My recent state is due to council work."
Nagumo's excuse was flawless—
But Kiryuuin saw through it, smiling.
"So, what do you think of Saiki? Is he worth your interest?"
Nagumo asked quickly.
"He's a cute junior. We chatted, but that's it."
"It's over? You lost interest?"
"Not yet. He didn't reveal much, which is a skill. Unlike you, who bored me instantly, he's more enjoyable."
"Is that so?"
Nagumo smirked, standing up.
"I have nothing more to say. Sorry for taking your time. I should go."
*[Saiki… Both Saikis are annoying. But for the insult, I'll repay you in the next exam, Saiki Kusuo. Just wait.]*
"One piece of advice."
Kiryuuin spoke again.
"From you? I don't need advice from someone lower than me."
"Then consider it my rambling. Focus ahead, not on juniors behind you. Looking back might lead to pain."
Nagumo paused but said nothing, leaving with Kiriyama. His hatred for Saiki grew stronger.
Saiki spent peaceful days at school, with no major conflicts between grades. It felt like ordinary school life—
Except for Amasawa Ichika's occasional visits for sweets. Saiki didn't need his mom's help—frequent visits might make things worse.
He told Horikita Suzune, who replied, *'It's a sacrifice for the class. I'll cover the ingredient costs.'*
---
In the end, it was all Horikita Suzune's doing, causing unnecessary trouble for Saiki Kusuo.
And it didn't stop there...
After Amasawa Ichika and Karuizawa Kei met by chance, Kei learned that Ichika would often visit Saiki for meals. Soon, Kei started showing up at Saiki's place in the evenings too.
She openly used the excuse of being in the same study group and needing Saiki's help with questions. Saiki couldn't refuse—especially since Kei always brought homemade cookies or cakes.
Naturally, Saiki couldn't just prepare food for Ichika alone.
But...
Kei was one of the most popular girls in class, and her visits to Saiki didn't go unnoticed by the other girls.
Before long, Satō Maya and Sakura Airi joined the evening meal group under the same pretext.
For Saiki, this was nothing short of a disaster.
Fortunately, it was all about to end with the semester.
One day in June, near the term's close, Chabashira Sae entered the classroom.
"I'll save the special exam details for later, as it'll build anticipation. First, let's talk about summer break."
Chabashira spoke slowly.
"From August 4th to August 11th, eight days and seven nights, you'll enjoy your break on a luxury cruise ship. You can watch shows, indulge in fine dining—and there'll be no special exams onboard."
*'Awesome!'*
Saiki almost cheered in his mind.
While special exams were troublesome, as long as he wasn't disrupted by his 'unknown illness,' a vacation on a luxury liner wasn't bad at all.
"But to fully enjoy this cruise, you must safely complete the next special exam—a survival competition on an uninhabited island."
Chabashira smiled faintly.
*'That island has been specially modified; it's completely different now.'*