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1Classroom of the Elite Vol. 7.5 Ch 3
2                                          Chapter 3: Each Individual's Way of Spending
3
4
5
6The 24th, it's now Christmas Eve. Today and tomorrow, even as they busy themselves, couples will be spending time together in happiness. On the other hand, for the majority of students though, it may be a day that has nothing to do with them. However, since Christmas Eve will be occurring equally for them as well, I am slightly interested in their way of spending it. 
7In the early morning, I left my room before 7 o'clock in the morning. Strangely enough, today I have promised to meet up with men on two separate occasions. I had called out to one for a meeting and the other invited me for said meeting, how bizarre. 
8
9As I left the dormitory, the entire surroundings had turned white, and made me think of a full-fledged winter. 
10"So it's something that piles up like this".
11The power of nature truly is amazing. Snow was still falling heavily from the sky but according to the forecast, around 7 o'clock it is due to stop falling, so it should stop soon. 
12Perhaps because the coldness was highlighted visually, but even though the temperature was not that different from yesterday, strangely I felt chilled. 
13
14I should consider using gloves and mufflers already. Of course, prior to 7 o'clock during the winter vacation, most of the students were still sleeping in. 
15"It's cold".
16On the bench near Keyaki Mall, naturally there was no sign of anyone. After wiping the snow off the bench, I sat down there. Around the time the snow stopped falling, that man appeared. 
17"Don't go around calling someone out this early in the morning".
18The one who spat that out was the leader of Class C, Ryuuen Kakeru. No, former leader. And with a sharp glint in his eyes, he glared at me. 
19"I wouldn't be able to call you out here if it wasn't a time like this with no one around".
20
21"That's for your convenience. That has nothing to do with me".
22
23It was understandable that Ryuuen would curse like that. Certainly, the one who would be inconvenienced by someone witnessing is meeting, is if I had to say, me. A variety of rumors.....or even if not, there's no avoiding a troublesome rumor spreading around. 
24"So? What business do you have with me?".
25"I was thinking we could gossip. If I said that what would you do?".
26"Hah. That's a funny joke for this shitty, sleepy morning".
27Even though it was still early morning, Ryuuen understands well the risk I'm taking. 
28
29He's never even once thought, from the start, that this conversation held no meaning. 
30"Speaking of which, I saw you yesterday. And also, elsewhere, I saw Ishizaki and the others".
31It also served as evidence that Ryuuen had indeed resigned as leader as he had declared. I cannot rule out the possibility of it being faked, but after seeing Ishizaki and the others, that's not possible. In the first place, there's no advantage to them in making it seem that way to me. 
32"Are you happy that you were able to prevent me from dropping out of school like you intended?".
33"I was impressed. Even though you're alone now, you didn't end up secluding yourself away inside your room".
34
35"I'm free to do whatever I want wherever I want. Or, do you succumb to anxiety whenever you see me? Because you don't know when, with what timing, I'll decide on revenge".
36"And I'll regret it then, huh? That I didn't expel you".
37Ryuuen places a leg on the bench beside the one I'm sitting on, and boldly sweeps the snow off it. Then, he firmly sat down on it. 
38"If possible I'd like you to hold off on that. It's for the sake of a peaceful school life as well too, but it's also a bother to fight against you".
39
40If I play along with Ryuuen's methods, it'll tire me out more than necessary. 
41
42Beaten down by his persistence, I can imagine the state of the ones who had fallen under Ryuuen's umbrella. 
43"Then don't call me out. You're wasting the miracle of me coming out like this".
44Let's leave the small talk at this and cut to the chase. If I mess up the timing clumsily, then Ryuuen will leave this place without mercy. Not only that, but the continuation of the rooftop may even occur in that case. 
45"Regarding the rooftop incident back then, I was thinking I'd like to add something".
46"Add?".
47
48What are you thinking of now, is what Ryuuen is probably thinking. Especially if I'm going to analyze his defeat, it's certainly not something that would be pleasant for him. However, it is vital that I explain to him the parts he missed while conveying the facts to him. 
49"That place was where the decisive judgement occurred, Ryuuen. Probably, if you had been alone there, even now you'd be obsessing over the rooftop incident and you might have been able to fight me again".
50But, Ibuki, Ishizaki and also Albert were also there at that place with him. It is also a fact that this was one of the main factors that caused Ryuuen to hasten his decision. 
51
52If the situation had aggravated, the riskiness rises proportionately. In the worst case scenario, there is the possibility that it won't end with the responsibility being shoved onto Ryuuen alone. Not just that instance, he made his surrender after seeing ahead of that. It was a hand worth playing. Of course, I manipulated him into doing that but as far as living up to expectations go, Ryuuen has high potential. 
53"Truly, you're a bastard who's screwing around, I'm amazed at the lengths you go to in taking that attitude of condescension towards your opponents. I thought doing that was my specialty but when you do it like that, I'm going out of business".
54"I was only telling you the truth".
55
56"I don't even have to think about how saying that benefits you. It means it has something to do with the fact that you even used Ishizaki and the others to stop me from dropping out, right?".
57I had expected him to catch on if I properly carried the flow of the conversation but it seems like the prospects of that are dim. 
58"You and your craftiness. Do you think I'll still make a move?".
59"Move? What do you mean?".
60"Don't play dumb. I'm talking about you trying to make me strike at other classes. If not, there's no reason to keep me around in this school".
61
62If I don't use Ryuuen, his existence will be nothing more than an impediment. He chose to drop out on his own so if I had left him to his own devices that would have been the end of it, it's easy to think that. 
63"Is your motivation not coming back? Aren't you the type of man who enjoys conflict?".
64"Even if I crush Class B or Class A, as long as you remain, there's no meaning to any of it".
65There's no meaning. That's quite a definitive statement. 
66
67"What? Has your spirit been broken that much by just one defeat?".
68As I said that, Ryuuen's eyes lit up with an emotion that resembled slight anger. 
69"Shall I go on a rampage here then? If that's what you wish".
70"I said too much. Please forgive me".
71If the matter with Ibuki, Ishizaki and the others didn't exist, I would have probably already been beaten up and sent flying. 
72This man here doesn't know fear. 
73Then, he learnt fear.
74
75However, even so, Ryuuen would probably coolly stand up and fight here. He has more than enough potential to move forward even as he feels terrified. Of course, this only applies if he remembers to move forward and mature without dropping out of school. 
76"We've already settled the score between us. From now on, I won't bring up the incident on that rooftop. I promise you this is the last time. Now on top of that, let's talk".
77
78Of course, Ryuuen won't believe mere verbal promises. At the very most, this is just being done pro forma, words meant to console him. 
79"Suspicious. Even if we continue this conversation, it's pointless. I doubt anything beneficial to me can come from this, I'll be taking my leave".
80Perhaps his discomfort index has risen, but he moves to leave. 
81
82"Not necessarily".
83I stopped Ryuuen, who made a move to get up. The act of attempting to leave too, looking at it from Ryuuen's perspective, may be a strategy meant to draw out my words. It was precisely because he had thought something was up that he left the dorm this early in the morning. He probably had no intention of going back empty-handed in the first place. 
84Then, without looking at me, Ryuuen sat back down. 
85"You're free to interpret what I'm about to say in any way you like. However, from now on, don't you think it'll be boring if simple battles continue on endlessly?".
86
87Towards me, who kept on continuing with the riddle-like questions, Ryuuen seemed frustrated but immediately replied. 
88"Simple battles, you say?".
89"Class D beats Class C, then beats Class B and finally beats Class A. Then joyously, Horikita and the others become Class A. For a story outline, it seems like the popular, easy way out. But, what I'm saying is that we don't need to be hung up on such patterns".
90If this were a simple, adventure action picture, we may have properly struck in order of weakness. However, this is reality. There is no such thing as a sequence when it comes to battles. 
91
92We're free to start attacking from A or B. It is not out of the question for us to join hands with C, who happens to be our enemy, as well. 
93"Interestingly enough, it seems starting from the 3rd semester, Class A will be attacking Class B. While the enemy's attention is focused on Class B, it's possible to take them from behind and in one stroke, collapse Class A entirely".
94And this would no longer make it a pointless conversation for Ryuuen.
95
96"How credible is this information?".
97"I don't know. I'd say it's 50-50".
98I have to take into consideration the possibility that Sakayanagi may simply be bluffing. 
99
100If I'm reading this from the standpoint of her personality, nine times out of ten she'll follow through with it though. 
101"If this is reliable information, then it can be said to be a good chance. But, I thought you Class D guys have a non-aggression pact with Class B. It's good and all to strike at Class A but while you do that, Class B will be crushed. Ichinose cannot possibly beat Sakayanagi, you know".
102"I don't care about who wins and who loses. I don't plan on getting involved".
103"So you're just going to let her fall without helping?".
104
105"If she destroys Ichinose for me, it saves me the trouble. Class D may be able to rise up to Class A without effort. And besides, if it's Sakayanagi, she may be able to expel some of them. It's about time I learned what sort of penalties will occur if an expulsion were to happen".
106"There's a lot I don't like about this. You don't have any ambition to aim for the upper classes. Aren't you acting under the mentality of not wanting to stand out?".
107"That is true. However, there's no inconvenience for me if my surroundings were to act on their own. If we can automatically rise up to Class A, I don't think that's a bad deal".
108By surroundings, of course I mean Class A and Class B. And also Ryuuen. 
109
110"So you'll just be observing without doing anything?".
111"There's a problem I need to clean up. There's still a troublesome existence left in our class".
112That existence is a person Ryuuen knows very well. There's no need to even think about it, the name of that person came out of his mouth.
113"Kikyo, huh? Certainly, for you, she's a troublesome one. The way this school is set up, if you have an enemy on the inside, there will be a fair amount of limitations you'll face".
114
115To deal with the protuberance in front of my eyes. Those were my honest thoughts. 
116
117There's no longer any need at this point to pay heed to rising up to Class A as well as expulsions occurring within the class but the problem is that, in Kushida's case, the one she's targeting is Horikita.
118As for me, since I did something reckless during that rooftop incident, I can no longer make an enemy out of the former student council president Horikita Manabu. As long as he's still enrolled in this school, if his sister Horikita Suzune were to be expelled, that man probably won't forgive me. 
119In my school life, I'd like to avoid lighting up yellow signal lights.
120
121"A few days ago, Kikyo called me, you know? She asked me when I'd attack. Unfortunately, at the time I was engrossed in my hunt for you and I didn't respond to her but ever since she lost during the test, she's been vigilantly watching out for an opportunity and she doesn't seem like she's given up desiring Suzune's expulsion. Kuku, she's quite an interesting woman".
122"If you had used Kushida, you could have dealt a damaging blow to our class, right?".
123"If I had wanted to attack Suzune or the class, there was no better material to use. But to crush someone like you who's indifferent about your class, Kikyo is far too weak".
124Certainly, if it was an attack against me, then Kushida is greatly insufficient. 
125
126"What're you intending on doing? Even if you can temporarily suppress it through the use of medicines, as long as the cancer isn't ablated, it won't be entirely gone. Not even that, it may even metastasize to the other organs, you know?".
127Eventually, those organs will decay and die. 
128"I've already reached that conclusion. There's no need for discussion".
129"Hmm? Then let me hear it, Ayanokouji. How exactly are you going to completely suppress Kikyo?".
130"Do I need to answer that?".
131
132"Whether this turns out the way you want or not, depends on that answer".
133As though he were enjoying himself, Ryuuen laughed slightly. But perhaps the pain in his mouth is still present, as his smile instantly disappeared. 
134It's gotten slightly colder. In this season, staying out too long and getting your body chilled is not a good thing. 
135"Class D, starting from the 3rd semester, will rise up to Class C. However, in all likelihood, we'll be dropping back down to Class D. Why? Because---I am going to get Kushida Kikyo expelled".
136
137"Kukuku. Kuhahaha!".
138Ignoring the pain, Ryuuen roared in laughter. 
139"You truly are a terrifying man. So you're willing to lose a battle in order to win the war. This school is chock-full of useless small fries you can't even get rid of under this troublesome school system. Yet even knowing that, you're going to get her expelled, huh?".
140Of course, things aren't that simple. As long as I don't possess the materials required to expel her at present, it will end up having an influence on the contents of the next exam. The presence of a worrisome existence is also a fact. 
141
142"Alright. This is more like it, Ayanokouji".
143"Are you convinced now? There are things we can cooperate on without having to join hands. Don't you think so?".
144"Kuku. You've entertained me with your anti-Kikyo talk. But, me going along with your cajolery and thoughtlessly attacking Class A is a different story".
145"I do think it's possible though".
146"Don't even bother. Rather than go at it with someone else, I'd rather go for you".
147It seems some vigor has returned to the eyes he's staring at me with. 
148
149Even after learning fear, there was still a glint in Ryuuen's eyes. Our eyes met. 
150"Ayanokouji, it seems like you're intent on manipulating me even if it requires force, but I have no intention of fighting".
151"So it seems".
152
153It appears he's firmed his resolve. Ryuuen seems intent on completely disappearing from the front stage. Or perhaps he'll continue making moves behind the scenes. 
154"Ryuuen, let me give you one advice. Your plan of adhering to private points is not a bad one. However, it is also a fact that it is flawed. Even if one or two people can win out, to raise the whole class up through it is impossible".
155"That Ibuki, she spilled the beans huh?".
156
157"It's not like she spilled it. She just asked me if it was possible to save up 800 million".
158It's not hard to imagine that it was a strategy that Ryuuen was attempting to carry out. And the fact that this strategy has no chance of succeeding is something the history of the school lays out. 
159To save up an estimated amount of 800 million private points is very unrealistic. I had thought Ryuuen was attempting to execute a strategy of saving up points either for himself only or for those close to him as well. He only let go of those private points on the rooftop because he had been intent on dropping out, and once he had chosen to remain enrolled, I had expected him to begin acting again to save up private points. 
160
161However, judging from Ibuki's state, it appears Ryuuen had been saving up private points as part of a strategy to allow his entire class to win out. Certainly, by existing as a tyrant, there is a need to provide appropriate compensation in return, but at the end of the day, he could have made such a thing null and void. Because such a clear promise to do so, should not have remained behind as a record in the first place. 
162"Or could it be that you were only pretending to be saving up 800 million?".
163If he's been deceiving even Ibuki, then this conversation will end with this.
164
165"Even if by any chance, the points you possess right now are exhausted the contract you've made with Class A still remains. Factoring in the 800 thousand points per month, there's still 25 months left to go. Calculations that allow you to barely make it in time for graduation. If you take into account the private points you receive every month, it can save you slightly more time. Don't lust for any more than that".
166Now with this, Ryuuen can openly follow the system, get promoted up to Class A and graduate. Of course, all of this is based on the premise that Class A does not collapse, and he'll need to avoid any unnecessary expenditure but it's not too difficult a task. 
167
168"Ayanokouji. You're certainly very smart and very talented. But even so, you're still far from being perfect". 
169Not as a joke, but rather as if ridiculing me, Ryuuen said that. But his tone was not a joking one. In other words---there is a way to save up 800 million points, is what it would mean. 
170"Are you telling me you have a secret measure to raise up the whole class, Ryuuen?".
171"Listen up, the amount of private points being moved around within a year is colossal. Assuming there are no expulsions, each school year has about 160 people. Combining all three school years together add up to 480 people. If I can extort 100,000 points per month from them all, that alone gives me 48 million points. If I can get more than 200,000 points per month it'll add up to 100 million".
172
173If he continues doing that for 8 months, then he'll get about 800 million. Is he saying it's not merely a dream to reach that objective? Even if it's enough according to the calculations, it's not something that's executable. Even a theoretical, impracticable theory has a limit. Even the strategy of utilizing deception and fraud will strengthen surveillance from the school once a large amount of points begin to move.
174
175Even if all the students successfully got caught in his clever scheme and have points extorted from them every month, 100 million is the limit. As I thought, it's impossible. 
176Even that 100 million, if it's within the scope of illegality, will be immediately recollected by the school and he'll receive penalties. Even if he musters up his wits, and launches a frontal attack, I wonder just how much he'll be able to save. 
177
178Feeling like it's futile, I tried using the abacus again. Assuming the cooperation between all the classes is inevitable, and assuming the class points will be maintained at a high level of 1000 points, then it'll be about 50 million points per year. 
179If one can overcome the special exams and properly save up points, approximately 10 million points could be accumulated. In other words, within a year, roughly 60 million points. 
180Even if one does not pointlessly spend and perfectly overcomes the exams, this would be the limit line. 180 million points in 3 years. It won't even reach 200 million points. This is the maximum amount of private points a class can achieve, however, in practice it should be far less than that. 
181
182As a more realistic line, getting about 150 million points should be most satisfactory. Or so I had concluded, however, I did not feel like what Ryuuen said had any basis. Looking at his face, those were the thoughts that passed through my mind. 
183"There's no way you could reach that, or rather that's not always the case, huh".
184The strategy Ryuuen had been focusing on. The strategy I could not see. 
185"Our methods are similar but the fundamental thought process behind it is different, it seems".
186"It's my policy to avoid to the utmost making choices with a low probability of success".
187
188"Ahh. Your strategy which I initially thought had zero chance of success, has risen to above 5%".
189However, in order to make it succeed, there are several indispensable things I absolutely require. 
190"More importantly, Ayanokouji......you, why is snow piling up on your head?".
191Having that be pointed out to me, I returned my gaze to my own appearance. 
192"Ahh, no, somehow it just ended up like this. Because the sensation of snow feels really good. Is that weird?".
193While it had been snowing, I thought it was interesting and remained still, and it had piled up then. 
194
195From my head to my shoulders, to my arms and knees, I could see the remaining snow had begun to melt. I was thankful for his pointing it out but I did not make a move to brush it off. Either way, it'll melt and disappear soon enough. 
196If that's the case, it's not such a bad thing to try touching the snow like this. 
197"You bastard, you sure like to screw around".
198"Now that you've heard what I have to say, it should lead even further now to an alignment of interests".
199"Obviously this is too good to be true, but there's also a dangerous scent lingering over this. If you deem it necessary, you will even casually throw away your allies. How can I team up with someone when we're both thinking about backstabbing each other?".
200
201"If you've already thought of that, then there's no need for concern. If you're afraid of being outsmarted, then you simply have to outsmart even that. That's all there is to it, right, Ryuuen?".
202
203I'm not asking for a cooperative relationship between two good friends or anything like that. I'm just aligning the interests of both parties. That would, in a sense, give rise to the strongest kind of relationship. 
204"If so then, Ayanokouji. I'll be the one laying the groundwork in the end".
205"Laying the groundwork?".
206
207"It depends on the trend of the 3rd semester, but Class C, no, my class which has fallen down to Class D will most likely be led by Kaneda and Hiyori. They will ultimately be the ones to decide but about attacking Class A, and to not lay a hand on you guys who have risen to Class C, I'll persuade them that those are good plans".
208At the very least, it means it's people other than Ryuuen who will be deciding on what to do. 
209"That doesn't sound too bad".
210Even if Ryuuen backs off, if Kaneda and the others choose to attack us, then to that extent, there's no avoiding that problem. 
211
212In particular, Ishizaki and Ibuki don't exactly have a favorable impression of me. It's also possible for them to influence their class into challenging our class. 
213"However, as a condition for me laying the groundwork, I'll be including the matter from earlier as well. When you guys rise up to Class A, if you'll accept our request then I'll hear you out".
214"So it means you'll be manipulating Shiina and the others from behind the scenes?".
215"That's impossible. I've already told them I'll be stepping down".
216"In other words, just for laying the groundwork alone.....you're overcharging me quite a bit".
217
218Even for a condition of non-aggression, this makes it overwhelmingly inconvenient for me. 
219"Don't think I'll make a move that cheaply, Ayanokouji".
220There's the contract he signed with Katsuragi too, Ryuuen knows how to get into his opponent's pockets very well.
221
222"That proposal, I don't mind accepting but you cannot put it on paper. At most, it'll be a verbal promise".
223"Kuku. I'm not expecting something like that from you who moves behind the scenes. But you know, if you renege on this I won't forgive you. I'll use whatever means I have to in order to make you regret it".
224'If you don't like that, then crush me', I could almost hear him say that. 
225
226"I think this may be unnecessary but please let me ask one thing. Even if we settle on a secret agreement here, I can't imagine a 'strategy' being feasible without Ryuuen".
227Even if it goes up from 0% to 5%, anymore than that requires an appropriate amount of ability and luck. And if there is a person who possesses those, it would have to be none other than Ryuuen. 
228"I don't know that much. The ones who will either seize that opportunity or kill it off are Kaneda and the others".
229It seems he's saying he'll only be setting the table at most. This is how the man who used to rule the former Class C through violence and terror takes responsibility. The least he can do to atone, probably something like that.
230
231"The negotiation is complete then".
232I made a move to shake Ryuuen's hand. Either way, Ryuuen is not an existence that's easy to control. Even though he's retired now, if I can manipulate him so that he won't become an obstacle, then that's a good bargain. No, with just this alone, I still cannot afford to be negligent. 
233
234"So is this all you have to say? In your initial invitation, you said there was a person you wanted me to meet though. But I don't think a person worth that is amongst the 1st years though".
235"That's right. There may be no one like that amongst the 1st years".
236"What?".
237"It's about time".
238Just as the appointed time was imminent, as though he had timed it, that man showed himself from afar. 
239
240Seeing that figure, Ryuuen coul not hide his surprise at the unexpected visitor. As that man walked his way towards us, he stopped exactly between me and Ryuuen. 
241"......of all people, him? The one you said you wanted me to meet?".
242I directed my gaze towards that man without denying the question from Ryuuen. 
243"I'm sorry it had to be this early in the morning".
244"I don't mind. This is a good time for a clandestine meeting. Your location of choice isn't bad either".
245It's because it's a limited school campus, and it's inside its resource. It's a position where I would be able to immediately spot anyone coming from both the left and right. 
246
247If by any chance, someone were to come here, this man would probably pretend to be a stranger and simply walk off. 
248"You seem pretty close to the former student council president. Was Suzune also useful?".
249Including the rooftop incident from a while ago too, Ryuuen lightly laughed. Perhaps he had already conjectured that she is the little sister of the student council president, but it seems he's already investigated it. 
250"I had thought you'd be alone, Ayanokouji. To think Ryuuen would be accompanying you".
251
252Rather than surprised, it was more like he was confirming it with me just in case. 
253
254Glancing once at the snow piled up on my head, then not paying it any attention, the older Horikita began to talk. 
255"Then, I'll be continuing with what I have to say under the assumption that Ryuuen Kakeru is also a cooperator. If we go about it leisurely, there's no telling who will spot us after all".
256"Wait a minute. Who are you calling a cooperator?".
257"At the very least I can guarantee that he's not an external enemy".
258Ally, cooperator. I couldn't answer with a lie like that so I answered this way. 
259
260"Ayanokouji, when you requested help from me a while back, do you remember the promise you made to me?".
261"Yeah. It's about helping you stop Nagumo Miyabi, right?".
262"Nagumo? You mean the new student council president?".
263The reason I'm with Ryuuen right now is because I had wanted him to know about what the older Horikita is thinking as well. Of course, I could have told him about it separately, but having the older Horikita here lay it out for him directly would have a stronger persuasive effect. 
264"It seems he doesn't like the way Nagumo is doing things".
265
266"I see. So you're contriving to use Ayanokouji to stop Nagumo, huh? It's a famous gossip that the 2nd years are all dominated by that man after all. To deal with him, there's no other option but to use the 1st years. Tell me something, Horikita. Since when did you start eyeing Ayanokouji?".
267Towards the older Horikita, Ryuuen calls him directly by his name. Not only that, but his attitude was one of condescension. Well, since I'm doing something similar too it's not my place to say. 
268"Right after he enrolled. On the other hand, it seems you've had quite the hard time finding him".
269It probably wasn't in retaliation, but in response to Ryuuen, the older Horikita simply answered indifferently like that. 
270
271"Kuku. It's because I'm the type who takes his time enjoying the process".
272
273"For all that, you sure got beaten considerably well".
274In response to Ryuuen, who was taking such a high pressure attitude, he replied as though he were roasting him. It seems Ryuuen also sensed that, but he toughened his gaze. 
275"If you think my skills are lacking then, would you care to test them out right here?".
276'Even though I'm injured, I can still take you down', Ryuuen provoked him in that spirit. 
277
278"I'll have to decline. I have no interest in such things".
279The older Horikita responds calmly. 
280"Kuku. I knew you wouldn't take me up on it".
281As Ryuuen laughs lightly, he plants his crossed feet on the ground. Right after that, using a frontal kick, he sends snow flying towards the older Horikita's face. The point of it was to blind the opponent. 
282Looking for the moment where he becomes agitated after his vision is lost from the snow, Ryuuen launches his right fist forward aiming for the older Horikita's abdomen. 
283
284Towards that, without even giving off the feeling that his vision is obstructed, the older Horikita predicts the attack and completely guards against it. Even as he falls back, without panicking, calmly, he used his middle finger to adjust his glasses by the bridge. 
285"I thought you were just an intelligent bastard who only has his craftiness, but you're quite good aren't you?".
286Regardless of it having been a surprise attack, towards the older Horikita who blocked it, Ryuuen gave his compliments. 
287"I believe I told you I'll decline".
288"What's the matter? If you dislike it you're free to attack me anytime. Or could it be, you can't fight back against a 1st year?".
289
290"It seems like you've gotten yourself quite a reliable friend, Ayanokouji".
291Pan! And with a sound like that, the older Horikita brushes off the snow and dirt on his clothes. 
292"I was also just thinking that".
293But Ryuuen's gaze that would snap at just about anyone did not change. 
294"Well, that's fine. I'll evaluate you as a man who can get things done to an extent. Horikita-'senpai'". 
295It's not like it couldn't be taken as sarcasm, but Ryuuen added an honorific.
296
297"Likewise. You're not fit for the student council but I am giving you a certain amount of valuation".
298"I'm very happy to be praised by the former student council president".
299Not receiving it sincerely, Ryuuen raised his hand and answered as though turning it aside. Since such an interaction between those two has ended, the older Horikita got down to business.
300
301"Now what I want Ayanokouji to do is to protect and maintain order in this school. You can use any means necessary for that. You can remove the student council president Nagumo Miyabi from his throne, or get him exposed in committing a careless action, or just obstruct him, you can choose whatever method is easier to carry out. Once the 3rd semester begins, Nagumo's real power will strengthen and he'll begin to take action in earnest".
302"In detail, how is it going to change? Are you saying the student council has such influence?".
303"Of course, the student council is not omnipotent. However, unlike other schools where the student council is just for decoration, it is also a fact that a certain amount of influence is given to this student council. At present, whenever problems occur at school, the student council takes center stage and resolves it. Both Ayanokouji and Ryuuen should be aware of that".
304
305During Sudou's assault case too, the ones who presided over the case weren't the faculty but rather the student council headed by the older Horikita. 
306"And also, the student council has the authority to think about and decide on parts of the special exams too. This year, a survival exam took place on an uninhabited island for the 1st years, but that was something the previous student council thought up being made reality".
307In other words, in the special exams, Nagumo can create something entirely different from what we've encountered until now, such a possibility exists, huh?
308"He's trying to make the shitty, boring school life you guys have constructed into an interesting one, right? You should welcome it".
309Laughing, Ryuuen once again crossed his legs. 
310
311"If it's the right way, that is. However, up until now, Nagumo has used methods that have led many students to expulsion. As a matter of fact, amongst the 2nd years up until today, there have been 17 students who have gotten expelled.
312
313According to the pre-expulsion interviews, even though you may already know it, more than half of them had Nagumo involved".
31417 students. I understand that this is by no means a small amount. 
315"If he gets that many people expelled, I don't imagine it'll be hard for him to rule over an entire school year".
316There was probably a force that had attempted to stop Nagumo. However, if the tables were turned on them, depending on the situation, that force may be weakened, absorbed and then capitulate. 
317
318And then, Nagumo probably succeeded in gaining control over all the 2nd years. 
319"Now that he's assumed office as student council president, that will extend to the 1st years and 3rd years too. Once next year rolls around, even towards the new 1st years, that influence will become more pronounced is what I predict".
320If we leave him alone, it may not simply end with just 10 or 20 people being expelled. 
321"Isn't Nagumo just being rational? Those 17 students were just worthless people and that's why they got crushed, right?".
322"The ones who break the rules will be expelled. That is natural. However, guiding everyone to graduation without losing a single person. Isn't that what an ideal leader is all about?".
323
324"So is Horikita-senpai-sama trying to tell us he hasn't expelled anyone?".
325"I was only talking about the ideal. At the very least, at this current stage, no one from amongst the 1st years have been expelled. To pursue that ideal is not a bad thing, right?".
326"So he says, Ayanokouji. What do you think about that? About the ideal this man speaks of".
327"I can understand it as far as it being an ideal is concerned. It's also fine even if there are people who aspire to it. However, at the very least I can say Ryuuen and I are not the types to pursue such an ideal".
328
329"Kukuku. That's exactly right".
330
331If there's someone who meets that criteria right now, it would have to be none other than Ichinose Honami of Class B. 
332"Of course, I have no intention of desiring that much from you. If you can stop Nagumo's rampage, that's good enough".
333He said it simply but if such a thing could be easily done, the older Horikita wouldn't have requested this. If the student council also has their own fair share of power, then all the more, it's not something that can be stopped. 
334It's because if I act so as to not carelessly cause expulsions, then all I would be able to achieve through my efforts would be to make sure the 1st years don't suffer penalties as well as know the contents of the special exams. 
335
336"I'll be taking my leave here. I've been made into a secret sharer too after all".
337Apparently, Ryuuen has no interest in the happenings of the student council, it seems. 
338"But it was quite a fascinating talk, but anymore than this is a waste of time. Later".
339Perhaps it was a negotiation that was to his satisfaction, but without any hesitation at all, Ryuuen headed back towards the dorm. 
340I called out towards Ryuuen's back. 
341"From now on, are you planning on remaining all alone?".
342"Leave me be. From the start, this is my nature, it fits me".
343
344Leaving behind those words, Ryuuen left along with the footprints in the snow. 
345
346"Ayanokouji, the reason you let Ryuuen hear all this, is to turn him into an ally?".
347"That's not entirely wrong but.....if I had to say, the goal was more so I could remove myself from being a target of his interest".
348I was aiming to appeal to Ryuuen that I definitely would not be participating in the conflict between the 1st year classes. If he is made to believe that from now on, I'll be busy planning countermeasures against the student council, the possibility of him bearing fangs against me again would decrease. 
349Someone warlike such as Sakayanagi who would willingly become an enemy for him should be more entertaining for Ryuuen as well. Of course, it does seem like he himself no longer has any desire to fight seriously against anyone anymore though. 
350
351"In any case, from now on an understanding friend will also become necessary to you too. In that sense, someone who's gone for a bout with you like Ryuuen may be a good fit".
352"Friend, huh?".
353Well, more importantly than that, right now I should accumulate as much information as I possibly can. Making contact with the older Horikita is, in the same vein as making contact with Ryuuen, not something I'd like to frequently engage in. 
354I'd like to make the most of each and every one of these opportunities. 
355
356"I barely have any information on the senior students. Can I rely on you to offer me that?"
357"Of course. I've already completed the preparations for that".
358Saying that, the older Horikita took out his phone. When I gave him my number, a message immediately arrived. As I scanned through the message, I received an explanation from the older Horikita.
359
360"From amongst the members of the student council, I'll tell you the ones you should keep an eye on other than Nagumo himself. One of them is the newly appointed Vice President from Class B of the 2nd years, a man named Kiriyama. Then the Secretary Mizowaki. And then one other, Secretary Tonokawa. Both of these secretaries were former students of Class B who went through thick and thin together with Nagumo and some of the few people capable of offering Nagumo suggestions. Then now, the remaining members".
361
362In the form of a formal resume, something with photographic portraits attached to it was delivered to me. A glimpse alone was enough to make me understand who belonged to which class. Starting with the Vice President, judging from the number of students currently registered in the student council without belonging to Class A, I can infer just how much power Nagumo wields. 
363In any case, this information is valuable. It's not an easy task to make contact with students of a different school year. Especially the ones in the student council president's circle, I cannot afford to carelessly take action. 
364It should have taken a considerable amount of time normally just to gather the information I've accquired right now. 
365
366"The only ones who would know about Nagumo's actions and his character in detail are in all likelihood, students from the same school year as him. Even though we're connected through the student council, it's not like I know everything about Nagumo either".
367Normally, in order to destroy Nagumo, further information would be vitally required. What kind of character he possesses, what kind of strategy he prefers. It's necessary to grasp such things. 
368"And since those vital 2nd years are also under Nagumo's thumb, that also seems difficult".
369"Exactly.....however, there are students amongst the 2nd years who even now, oppose Nagumo".
370He said it as though he had an idea who they were. 
371
372"Their name is?".
373
374"Unfortunately, I cannot tell you yet at this stage. It's because I cannot guarantee the safety of that student if their connection to me were to be discovered by Nagumo".
375"They'll be branded a traitor and eliminated.....there's a possibility of them getting expelled, is what you're saying?".
376"I may be able to protect them while I'm still enrolled, but once I graduate, that protection is gone".
377The thing I should be wary of is why the older Horikita is telling me this. 
378
379"You intend on doing something to bring me and that 2nd year student into contact, aren't you?".
380"If you're up for it, I'd like to name you as a student from amongst the 1st years capable of taking action".
381Is what he probably wants to say. As long as they won't reveal their identity, I will have no choice but to provide my name. Even though they're in opposition to Nagumo, they're still 2nd year. Taking next year into consideration, I'd like to avoid carelessly standing out. 
382"What action to take is up to you".
383Normally, declining here would be a good idea. 
384
385But, this is dependent on the condition that no one realizes my specs. Or, on the condition that said student won't disclose them. However, as of the current moment, the truth about me has already been leaked to Sakayanagi and the members who were together with Ryuuen. In particular, Sakayanagi is a student who knows about my White Room background as well. 
386The more I attempt to keep it a secret, the more potent a weapon it becomes for Sakayanagi. But there's not much profit to be had in rejecting his proposal here. 
387"Understood. I don't mind if you tell that 2nd year about me".
388"It's a bold choice you've made, but the right one". 
389"Now all that's left is to see whether your words have any weight to them or not".
390
391There is a reliable student, even if he says that, from the perspective of the other side I'm just a 1st year. Is it ok to rely on someone younger than me? They should be feeling anxious. 
392
393"If you won't believe my statements, then defeating Nagumo cannot possibly be done".
394"Well, I'll leave it to you".
395"Ever since I met you, you've possessed an unbelievable amount of humility".
396"Because I'm in your debt, after all".
397Of course, this is only the case if I'm obediently obeying the older Horikita and taking action. 
398
399As someone who aspires to a peaceful daily life, getting involved with the student council is obviously something I'd like to avoid. Even though I only have to endure this until the older Horikita graduates, there are still things I'm wary of. Does he believe after his graduation, I will protect our promise with integrity and help out in defeating Nagumo? 
400Such a thing surely isn't the case. 
401"Do you know what I'm thinking?".
402"What happens after I graduate, something like that?"
403Well done. 
404
405"I didn't expect you to broach the topic yourself. Did you think it more problematic to keep quiet about it?".
406"It's because I couldn't see through you and it felt eerie".
407"Ultimately, I don't mind even if your cooperation only lasts until my graduation. If by then, the minds of the enrolled students have not changed, then it just means that's it for this school, that's how it is".
408"The problem might come before that, you know? What if I cannot stand up to Nagumo?".
409"I wouldn't charge someone I believe to be incapable of doing so with something so important".
410
411Does it mean the older Horikita has appraised me as someone capable of stopping Nagumo? Or is he just praising me since even those of low ability can outdo themselves when flattered? Either way, I can't see through this person. 
412"I'll try thinking up a strategy but I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to produce results before your graduation".
413
414"I understand that".
415Why is this man relying this much on an unknown existence like me? If he wishes to preserve the traditions of Koudou Ikusei Senior High School, then he should have entrusted this to a more passionate individual. 
416
417Even as a former student council president who hold pride in his school, this is far too abnormal. In the first place, even after becoming aware of an abnormality like Nagumo, the older Horikita only watched. He did say that it was after I had made myself known but even that makes me slightly uneasy. 
418"I'm not expecting you to move exactly as I had hoped just from a single debt alone. From the start, you too should have accepted the anti-Nagumo matter with that intention. Am I wrong?".
419It seems the older Horikita also properly understands that fact. 
420"Even though you're the former student council president, you still have a certain degree of authority.....no, influence after all. I had assessed that you would be useful if I had turned you into an ally. Isn't that natural?".
421
422The older Horikita won't abandon his impartial standing and favor me directly. However, there are many cases where cooperation has been acquired through reliance on every important point as long as there is a connection behind the scenes. As long as I'm enrolled in this school, at the very least I'll be facing a variety of risks. At such a time, having built common interests and partner relationships can be useful. 
423"You're free to rely on me if you wish, but it'll be problematic if you expect too much of me".
424"I have no intention of doing so. At the very most, it'll be fine if you helped me out with 'one last try'".
425Of course, it would be best if that 'one last try' were to not be necessary. 
426
427In any case, the important thing is whether we can own that 'one last try' or not. 
428"Fine. Because defeating Nagumo probably won't be an easy thing to do after all".
429
430To play along with that troublesome business until the older Horikita graduates and obtaining a trump card for emergencies on the other hand. 
431"By the way, as for the strategy against Nagumo, I'll be slowly developing it from now. But before that there's something I'd like to confirm. It's about your little sister".
432"Whether you use Suzune or not, you're free to decide".
433
434"Not that. I've been in the same class as Horikita for close to a year now, but I think she possesses a certain amount of aptitude. Even though you've had your sister beside you for a long time, haven't you noticed?".
435"Aptitude, huh? What does she have that gives her aptitude? Her success in academics? Or the presence of her athletic abilities?".
436It seems he's already noticed the parts I've been paying attention to. 
437"I mean in terms of coordination ability. Horikita does have clumsy aspects to her but overall, her ability is high".
438"My sister is incompetent. Always chasing after my shadow, she's made it her goal to catch up to that".
439
440How shallow, he spits that out. However, that phrasing just now was.....
441"Could it be......that being the 'terminal station' for her is the problem?".
442"You're free to interpret it however you want. It's not like anything will change just from this alone, right?".
443"That may be so".
444But with this, I feel like I now understand the reason why the older Horikita acts so harshly towards his sister. 
445"If your sister were to join the student council, will you give her a 'one last push'?".
446
447"I'll cooperate to what extent I can".
448Just by hearing that alone, even though only slightly, clues towards beating Nagumo start to appear. 
449"I've received the data. I've also managed to grasp the situation, all that's left is for you to take your time and wait".
450"I will be doing that. Because it can be said that the future livelihood of the school is depending on you, after all".
451Putting an excessive amount of pressure on me like that, the older Horikita left.
452
453                                                               1
454
455After my conversation with Ryuuen and the older Horikita, I shifted my schedule and headed back to the dorm. Until the afternoon I leisurely spent time alone in my room, killing time by surfing the net and reading books. And then the next action I took, was to send a message to Horikita. 
456Having her be nominated for it by the older Horikita and having received his assurance, it's now possible for me to sound her out for the student council. For someone like Horikita, who is basically a loner, she may also be cooped up inside her room much like me. 
457Somehow, she seems like she'd be weak towards the cold. If so, that would make this easier. 
458
459"There's something I'd like to talk about".
460Such a message I sent to her was marked as 'read' within a few minutes. 
461"I don't mind. But would a call suffice? Or do you want to meet in person?".
462"In person, I guess. If possible, how about now?".
463"I'm at a cafe right now. If you can come here, then I'll hear you out".
464Contrary to the image I had, it seems Horikita is currently in the middle of an outing. 
465
466I felt slightly troubled by it, but it's better to get troublesome things over with as quickly as possible. 
467"I'll head over there immediately".
468I replied with just that and covered myself with my coat. When I went down to the dorm's lobby, Ike and Yamauchi, and also Sudou, had gathered there. Having come down via elevator and seemingly on their way out, they didn't notice me behind them. As I began walking in the same direction as those three without calling out to them, I overheard their conversation. 
469"What's up with that, Ken? In the end, Horikita rejected a Christmas date with you".
470
471"Shut up, Haruki. Leave it be".
472"In the end, we're going to close off this year without having had any girlfriends, huh. I feel so empty".
473
474"Tch. I'm going to take it nice and slow. It's not like Suzune already has a boyfriend. It's just, how should I put it, she hasn't shown any interest in things like romance yet. From now on, I'll act without rushing it".
475Apparently, Sudou has been making a move on Horikita. 
476However he seems to have brilliantly suffered an honorable defeat. 
477
478But far from giving up, he seems to have decided to continue steadily onwards. 
479"You're an earnest one. Hey, Kanji, do you want to stay the night at the karaoke today? Let's earnestly, enthusiastically sing lonely Christmas songs".
480"Ehh, what are you on about?".
481"What do you mean what I'm on about? I'm saying we should stay the night at the karaoke today".
482"No, sorry Haruki. I can't do that".
483"Huh? What do you mean you can't? There's nothing for you to do on Christmas Eve right? Your only lover is your right hand".
484
485".....even I have a variety of things to do".
486Ike was obviously agitated, but he did not say the reason why he could not go to the karaoke. 
487"Oi, could it be, Kanji........!".
488Sudou, who also seemed to have realized the bizarreness of his attitude, closed in on him. 
489"N-No, it's not like that".
490Even though they had not asked him anything in particular, Ike said that in denial and then told them the reason. 
491
492"I'm just going out to have dinner with a friend, that's all......".
493Saying that, Ike averted his gaze and the volume of his voice dropped. The fact that this 'friend' was not a male was something even I, listening from behind them, understood. 
494And then, a scene from yesterday came to mind. 
495"Who is it!? Who are you going out with!? Spit it out! Spit it out!".
496Having lost his calm, Yamauchi grabbed Ike's collar as he shouted that out. 
497
498"I-It's really not that big of a deal.......it's S-Shinohara".
499"Shinohara.....you mean, from our class, THAT Shinohara!?".
500Having confessed that, Ike nods slightly. 
501"But why Shinohara? I mean, the two of you are constantly quarreling".
502Yamauchi also likely agrees with Sudou's simple question. An unusual combination. 
503
504"Like I said, it's only for dinner. There's no way I'd be satisfied with a woman like that, right? She ran into some trouble a while back, and when I saved her, she said she wanted to thank me!".
505"No, no, no. I don't know about thanking you or not but it's the Christmas Eve, you know, the Eve!?".
506"It's nothing really, I'm serious. Going out with someone like that, even if a cataclysm were to happen, there's still no way I'd do that!".
507"I don't believe you! Let's tail them, Ken. Tail them, tail them!".
508"You guys, seriously cut it out. It'll be a bother for me if rumors about me and that ugly Shinohara were to spread!".
509
510Ike answered like that, but he didn't seem all that unhappy. Ike and Shinohara, huh? They might unexpectedly be a well-matched couple. Of course, the probability of that happening is, at this point, still an unknown number. 
511
512                                                               2
513
514Winter vacation, students crowded Keyaki Mall as though it were a part of their daily lives. My destination was also congested. Since more than 80% of its customers were females, I could not find Horikita right away. As I wandered around inside the shop, I finally spotted her from behind.
515"I'm here".
516"That was fast".
517Right after having had that exchange with Horikita, someone beside her called out to me too. 
518"Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun".
519
520I've really encountered a truly unexpected pair. Has this ever happened before? For Horikita to be alone together with Kushida. I can't help but think there's a third party present. I used my gaze to scan the surroundings. 
521"There's no one else here".
522As though responding to that, Horikita indifferently answers me. I had thought it was possible that Hirata might have been involved too, but that's not the case either. 
523"I don't mean to stick my nose into this but.....which one of you invited the other?".
524
525In response to that question of mine, Kushida gently smiled. 
526"Me. I invited Kushida-san out".
527That question was resolved with an answer that I did not think would be the case. No, I suppose this isn't that unnatural. On the contrary, recently, Horikita has been proactively attempting to resolve the problem of her conflict with Kushida. In all likelihood, this gathering too, can be attributed to that. If it were only Horikita here, Kushida would not speak reservedly but in a public location like this, she would have no choice but to wear her mask. Horikita did a good job drawing her out here. 
528
529"By the way, Horikita-san, how's it going with Sudou-kun recently?".
530
531"How? What do you mean by that?".
532"Aren't you going to spend Christmas together with him---is what I was thinking?".
533"There's no way I would do something like that".
534She flatly replied like that.
535"Really? Didn't Sudou-kun ask you out?".
536
537"Isn't that something irrelevant right now?".
538Kushida had attempted to use my interjection to change the flow of the conversation here but that was prevented by Horikita. 
539Horikita, who by nature, already possessed a bullish attitude, is using two points: her predominance from having won during the test and the fact that it's a public cafe to lay siege to the impregnable fortress that is Kushida. 
540"And also, Ayanokouji-kun. How much longer do you intend to stand around? If you have something to say, would you mind getting on with it?".
541'Right now I'm busy talking to Kushida', is what she seems like she wants to say. 
542
543As a matter of fact, looking at it from Horikita's perspective, this is a valuable occasion. 
544"Sorry. I didn't expect someone else to be present too. I'll leave it for next time".
545I decided to leave since I was clearly unneeded here. However, because it was a moment like this that, on the contrary, Kushida judged that my presence was welcome. 
546"Isn't it fine, Horikita-san? If it's all the same, let's have Ayanokouji-kun join us for tea?".
547She said that and stopped me from leaving. However, receiving the pressure of Horikita's silence, I didn't have the guts to calmly sit down. 
548"Maybe next time".
549I said that and hurriedly tried to break away. 
550
551"Wait. I'll hear you out here".
552"No, it'll be a completely unrelated matter".
553
554Since I disliked the idea of Kushida overhearing unnecessary things, I tried to escape like that. Recently, I've been telling various people about the circumstances at hand but as far as this case is concerned, there are absolutely no benefits in letting her know. Not even that, there's nothing but a mass of disadvantages in this case. 
555"Could it be, that it's something you don't want her to overhear?".
556
557I got pointed out like that by the sharp Horikita. 
558"Is that true, Ayanokouji-kun?".
559Kushida looks at me with sad eyes. Of course, I had every intention of denying it immediately. 
560However, Horikita came around again as if to seal that off. 
561"I'm sorry but she's also a member of our class. Keeping secrets like that is unnecessary".
562"That's not it. This has nothing to do with the class. At best, this is between me and Horikita as individuals".
563
564"I see. Then I don't mind. This has something to do with me, right? Say it here".
565"I'll have to decline".
566"Then, what you have to say right now, I'll never hear you out elsewhere".
567Apparently, Horikita's resolve has been firmed. Perhaps she thinks speaking with me without hiding anything is the first step towards improving her relationship with Kushida. 
568As always, Kushida's expression was overflowing with kindness. 
569
570No matter how many times one gets lured into a swamp and no matter how many times one comes close to dying from it, just by seeing that smile of hers, 'maybe this time' is something they'd end up thinking. 
571I may be able to convince them here by fabricating an appropriate story. But, I doubt Horikita, who is on guard now, will be accepting the proposal I am about to tell her in the future either. 
572"Understood. Then I'll be speaking frankly. Is that fine?".
573"Yes. Tell me".
574
575"Do you have any intention of joining the student council?".
576
577No use crying over spilt milk. I don't know how Horikita will take this. I stated my business as it is. 
578".....I'm sorry, but I'm not keeping up".
579She tilted her head as if to ask why I'm saying this to her. 
580"Isn't the context deeply lacking? Why did you say that?".
581"I wanted to talk more about that as well".
582"Very well, continue".
583
584"Umm, is it fine, Horikita-san?".
585The one who interrupted me was Kushida. 
586"Fine? What do you mean by that?".
587"It's about the student council, so I think Horikita-san's brother might also be involved in this matter. Is it ok even if I end up hearing this?".
588"Ever since middle school, you've known about my brother. What are you saying now after all this time?".
589The reason Horikita used her brother as a witness, too, is related to the fact that Kushida is aware of their relationship as siblings. As long as it's not something to hide she'll be using it effectively, is what she means, huh?
590
591This isn't something that'll be over quickly. I firmed my resolve and took a seat beside the two of them. 
592"A certain person desires your induction into the student council".
593"A certain person?".
594".....your brother".
595Of course, strictly speaking, the older Horikita requested no such thing. He only told me I was free to choose whether to use Horikita, or to not use her. However, to make Horikita take action, I have no other choice but to use her brother. 
596
597"Why is my brother telling me to join the student council? That sounds absurd".
598Looking slightly dissatisfied, Horikita repudiates it. 
599"It's the truth".
600"If it really were the truth, then my brother should have told me this directly. Why did he go through you?".
601
602"Do you think that brother is the type to tell you directly?".
603"I don't. In the first place, he's not one to say things like join the student council".
604In other words, Horikita did not believe my words from the very beginning. 
605
606If it's a sibling relationship that has frozen up to this extent, it would only be interpreted as a lie. However, even so, Kushida's existence is unnecessary if I'm to deal fully with the truth. 
607Once the 3rd semester begins, she'll learn of Ryuuen's downfall and she may become convinced that I'm the one behind the secret maneuvers. If that happens, it'll get even more troublesome. Leaving aside that this would have inevitably happened, such a time does not necessarily have to be now. 
608"I have no intention of playing along with your lies. What exactly is your point?".
609"It's the truth. If you think I'm lying to you, why don't you directly confirm it for yourself?".
610I changed the subject from a lie I cut in with to the truth. 
611
612"You're acting rather bullishly.....".
613"Bullish or not, you're doubting me right? Then you can just contact him".
614"Then you, umm, you know my brother's contact number?".
615"I don't know but since you're his sister, isn't it obvious for you to know?".
616"I don't know".
617"If you don't mind, shall we try contacting Tachibana-senpai?".
618
619"Tachibana, she's the one who acts as my brother's secretary?".
620"Yep. I've talked with Tachibana-senpai many times before, I know her contact number".
621As expected of Kushida, it seems she's been making friends even in unexpected places. 
622"It's ok even if I really confirm it, right, Ayanokouji-kun? If it turns out to be a lie, the consequences will be heavy".
623"Please do as you wish".
624Either way, if the older Horikita realizes my strategy, he'll match it accordingly. Everything Horikita tries to confirm will be rewritten into truth.
625
626"Thank you, senpai. Yes, please excuse me".
627Having finished calling, Kushida began to operate her phone. Soon afterwards, Horikita's phone briefly rings. Apparently she's successfully acquired the older Horikita's contact number, and has forwarded it to Horikita. 
628"Thank you, Kushida-san".
629"No, you're welcome".
630Even though there were people around, having to show such a friendly response to Horikita must have been hard for her. 
631
632It's impressive that she didn't let any of it show. Horikita drops her gaze down to her phone's screen. And I had thought she would call immediately, but her hands did not move and she kept on gripping her phone in both hands. 
633".......fuu".
634A deep sigh, no, a deep breath. 
635To be this nervous from just calling your family is not normal. 
636"If everything turns out to be a lie.....you should prepare yourself".
637"No need for caution".
638This is Horikita's gamble. 
639
640There's no way her brother could possibly be telling her to join the student council. Yet the fact that I'm brimming with confidence concerns her. Even as she thinks this may just be a bluff, she also thinks it may be the truth. If she could somehow confirm the truth without having to directly contact her brother, that would be ideal for her, but that's an impossible task. Horikita, who could not bring herself to trust me, firmed her resolve and pressed the call button. For a few seconds she pressed the phone to her ear.
641Perhaps the person on the other end of the line answered, but the fact that Horikita had become even more nervous was conveyed. 
642"Ahh, umm, i-it's me. It's Horikita Suzune".
643
644Horikita speaks in a formal manner. 
645"I asked Tachibana-senpai for your contact number, umm, and I called you, nii-san".
646Then, showing us a flustered look that one cannot usually see on Horikita (even though she herself probably doesn't wish to let us see), she asked the necessary question.
647
648Then, she was probably told that the induction into the student council matter I was talking to her about earlier was true. 
649"Yes, t-thank you very much. Please excuse me".
650A pause after ending the call, then she intensely glared at me. 
651
652"It was the truth, wasn't it? Why do I have to be glared at?".
653"Why are you acting the role of the bridge? It's because that's baffling to me".
654It's a truly easy-to-understand matter. Certainly, no matter who looks at it, it's unnatural. 
655"Horikita-san, are you going to be joining the student council?".
656".....no. I won't be joining".
657"Hold up. Your brother told you to join, didn't he?".
658
659"To join would be for my sake, is what he told me. But.....I doubt joining the student council will be for my own sake".
660Even if it happened to be the wish of an absolute existence like her brother, Horikita seems to have no intention of going along with it. Even if I persist any further here, there's nothing to be gained. 
661I'd like to stop giving Kushida unnecessary information at this point. 
662"I got it. For the time being, please give me another chance to talk to you again next time".
663"I wonder. I think it'll just be a waste of time though?".
664"Probably".
665
666It seems Horikita has also realized that I've made a move to end this, as she didn't do anything to stop me. What's important right now is to connect to her again. As long as Kushida is here, I cannot continue speaking any further. 
667"See you later, Ayanokouji-kun".
668From Kushida who gently called out to me like that, I felt something unusual.
669
670                                                               3
671
672It's 10 o'clock at night. Christmas Eve passes by moment by moment. I was watching the television alone without hanging out with my male friends. It was showing a live broadcast of the Tokyo cityscape, depicting its Christmas mood. Even if I tried switching channels as a test, as expected, all of the programmes are related to Christmas. The ranking of presents to gift to girls (although I feel like it's late timing wise) as well as the ranking of presents that would make children happy (as expected I feel like the timing is late). However, there were no programmes in particular I felt were interesting. 
673
674I stopped watching the television and turned on my computer. Feeling like I wanted to watch something other than information about Christmas, I looked through the various articles that popped up. Accidents and incidents. Good news about foreign athletes and the such. Even though it's Christmas, one day is just one day after all and the flow of time, without much change, moved on. 
675The bell to the room rang. It was not from the lobby but from the front door. 
676
677"Coming".
678As I headed towards the entrance while answering with that, the identity of the visitor was confirmed.
679"G-G-G-Good evening".
680It was the voice of a classmate I was familiar with. I unlocked the entrance and opened the door. 
681
682"Kiyotaka-kun!".
683"What's wrong, Airi? It's late at night".
684The time was already past 10 o'clock at night but judging from her appearance, it seems like she's just returned. 
685"Have you been out playing until now? But if I recall, the gathering was tomorrow, right?".
686"Yeah. It's different from that. I've been playing together with Haruka-chan ever since afternoon".
687"I see".
688If they met up from around midday, then it's roughly been half a day. 
689
690"Did you have fun?".
691
692"It was a bit exhausting, but I had fun".
693"That's a relief".
694I no longer have to worry about Airi each and every time. At the very least, within our group, this state will continue. They'll probably happily spend time together tomorrow as well. 
695"I heard from Haruka-chan that you have business tomorrow and won't be able to come......".
696
697I see. That reminds me, I had such a talk with Haruka. Her telling me she'll handle it well, might involve her playing with Airi today. 
698"I have an appointment. Sorry for not being able to join in".
699"No, that's perfectly fine. Umm, the truth is, I was planning on handing it over tomorrow but!".
700Saying that, Airi extended both her hands towards me. A package wrapped in a simple yet cute, red ribbon was handed over to me. 
701"This.....if you'll have it".
702Apparently she's prepared a Christmas present for me. 
703
704"Is it fine? For me to have it?".
705"Yeah! I-I've prepared one for everyone else too".
706If that's the case, it's easy for me to accept it too. I'll gratefully accept. I took the offered present into my hands. At a time like this, I wonder what the right thing to do is. Should I check the contents right away here? Or should I do so after Airi has left? As I pondered over it, unsure of what to do, Airi shyly said this.
707"I-I don't mind if you open it, you know?".
708So it seems, and so I decided to unreservedly obey her. As I opened up the small box, what came out from inside were warm-looking gloves. 
709
710"Kiyotaka-kun, ever since a while ago, you looked like you wanted gloves.....you don't have one yet, right?".
711"I was thinking of buying them, but I didn't in the end. Thank you, Airi".
712"Hehehe......I'm glad".
713I had been dragging out my purchase of the gloves. They were simple, blue gloves. It's a lot easier to use them than ones with illustrations and designs carelessly added to them.
714
715I tried putting them on right away. It was the first time wearing gloves in my life, but I didn't announce that fact. It fit into my left hand, and my right hand as well. And then I tried repeating rock–paper–scissors over and over. Airi happily watched me do that. 
716"H-How is it?".
717"The size is perfect, and it's warm".
718"I'm glad".
719I've never discussed my tastes before but even if I were to go and buy one myself, this glove seems like the one I'd choose.
720
721"Well then, umm, I'm sorry for dropping by late at night. Good night, Kiyotaka-kun".
722Perhaps she thought staying too long would be bad, but Airi said that and turned her back. As for me, I wouldn't have minded getting her a cup of tea but it is late at night. On top of that, on Christmas Eve the 24th, it would be all kinds of trouble for me to invite a girl into my room. As I saw off Airi, who was walking towards the elevator, whether it was because she realized my stare or not, she looked back once. And after waving her hand slightly at me, she went into the elevator and returned back to the upper floor.
723
724After seeing her off, I returned to my room. 
725".....I wonder when I should offer my gratitude".
726Payback for Valentine's Day is on White Day, something like that is naturally, known to me but I wonder when payback for Christmas would be. I'll look it up later.