COTE : Backed By Black Technology System

In late July, after struggling through the final exams, the atmosphere in Class D finally relaxed.

After two months since the midterms, combined with the challenges of the finals, the students in Class D had mostly managed to unite.

Fujino, as expected, once again landed at the bottom of the class, while Yamauchi Haruki, who was third from the bottom, was so pleased that his nose was almost lifted in pride.

"See? If I want to, passing is a piece of cake, isn't it?"

However, no one really paid attention to his smugness, because aside from Ike and Sudo, the only people willing to talk to him were Kushida, who wanted to be friends with everyone, and Hirata, who was always ready to help anyone.

Kanda Shuichi's plan to isolate him had been a success. As long as the right moment came, they'd be able to kick him out.

After the grades were announced, everyone's attention shifted to Chabashira-sensei, who was holding the class meeting. They were finally about to ask the question they'd been waiting for since the midterms.

"Chabashira-sensei, is the island trip you mentioned earlier for real?"

"Don't worry, Ike. I was just about to get to that," Chabashira Sae said, smiling as she put away the exam results.

She hadn't expected that something she had casually mentioned before the midterms would still be on the students' minds; it was a little surprising.

Or maybe, someone had already figured things out?

With that thought, she glanced briefly at Kanda Shuichi but quickly shifted her gaze to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

"The school-organized luxury trip to the southern island will depart in three days. You all should rest well over these next few days, because if anyone gets sick, there won't be any chance for you to enjoy the trip."

"Haha, who would be dumb enough to get sick at a time like this?" Ike laughed carelessly.

"Now, for some important details: the school has booked a luxury cruise ship, and all expenses onboard will be covered by the school. All you need to bring are your phone and a change of clothes.

Also, there will be swimming on the ship, and you'll have a chance to experience the ocean, so feel free to bring swimwear. There are also free rentals on the ship. Lastly, since you might be moving around in the mountains, make sure to bring athletic wear."

Chabashira's words had the students, especially the boys, grinning from ear to ear.

Swimming! The ocean!

In other words, they'd get to see girls in swimsuits again!

"Of course, if anyone doesn't want to go, you can submit a request before the class meeting ends. As long as you sign this document, you'll be able to stay at school."

Saying that, Chabashira tapped the A4 paper on her desk.

"I don't think anyone would choose to stay behind, right? This is a once-in-a-lifetime free trip opportunity!"

Just like Ike Kanji said, no one chose to back out.

Who would pass up such a deal?

Well, there was actually one.

"Sensei, I don't want to go."

Horikita Suzune, sitting behind Kanda Shuichi, raised her right hand to express her intention.

"I see. Anyone else?"

The class went silent, and Chabashira-sensei nodded. "Alright then. Summer vacation has officially begun. In three days, gather in front of the school gate by 5 AM. A bus will take you straight to the port."

"Horikita, come with me."

After Chabashira and Horikita left the classroom, an unprecedented uproar broke out in the class. Excited students gathered in groups to discuss the upcoming trip.

Even Hirata and Kushida weren't exceptions.

Sure enough, no matter how mature they got, they were still students at heart.

Kanda Shuichi wasn't excited at all, as he was thinking about whether he might get seasick.

Horikita Suzune followed Chabashira Sae to the counseling room and then sat down as instructed.

"What's this? No tea this time?"

Chabashira Sae glanced at Horikita's rude comment but didn't respond. Instead, she placed an A4 sheet of paper in front of Horikita Suzune.

"Sign this, and you'll be allowed to stay on campus."

Horikita Suzune picked up a pen beside her without hesitation and signed her name.

For her, attending some boring trip was far less appealing than staying in her room to study.

When Chabashira saw Horikita Suzune's signature, her expression clearly showed disappointment.

"I'm done, Chabashira-sensei."

"I see." Chabashira Sae took the signed document, glanced at it, and then placed it in a clipboard. "Now, congratulations, Horikita Suzune. You've lost the opportunity to earn points for your class."

"What did you say?" Horikita Suzune was suddenly shaken.

I lost the chance to earn class points?

What does that mean? Could it be that...

This trip isn't just a trip?

"Wait, I want that stay-on-campus slip back."

"It's too late."

Chabashira Sae placed the clipboard under her arm and left the counseling room, leaving Horikita Suzune alone, looking dazed.

Since it was the last day of the first semester, Kanda Shuichi made a rare appearance in the club. After greeting the older students, he went to the supermarket to buy some ingredients. But when he returned to the dorm, carrying shopping bags, he found Horikita Suzune standing at his room door, her backpack thrown on the ground, staring off into the distance.

However, when Kanda Shuichi approached, she looked over at him, and their eyes met.

The scene wasn't as romantic as one might expect, and Kanda Shuichi only felt a headache coming on.

She's blocking my door? And it's Horikita Suzune? This person seems pretty aggressive. What if I don't want to be alone with her? Should I run?

But it was too late. As the elevator doors opened, Horikita Suzune looked directly at him, and now they were face to face.

She's not wearing glasses, so Kanda Shuichi was completely exposed to her gaze.

Ignore it! Just ignore her! Pretend she's not there!

Kanda Shuichi reached his room, took out his key card, opened the door, and started to walk in, planning to close the door behind him...

Of course, the doorframe was caught by Horikita Suzune.

Looking at her, it seemed like her eyes were saying: "Why are you ignoring me?"

If you're not speaking, can't I just ignore you?

After a moment of standing there, Kanda Shuichi realized he couldn't close the door. He was forced to speak.

"What do you want? You're not saying anything and won't let me close the door."

Horikita Suzune just kept holding onto the doorframe, not letting him close it. He could force the door shut, but if he did, her fingers would definitely get crushed.

At that point, Kanda Shuichi might face full-on revenge from Horikita Manabu. Though he wouldn't get expelled, life would certainly become miserable.

This is why I hate control freaks!

Damn, so having a powerful backer makes you impressive, huh?

Alright, having a student council president as a backer is impressive.

And you, Horikita Suzune! Think you're impressive just because you're strong?

From now on, if you're at the top, do it yourself!

Kanda Shuichi sighed, then slowly released the doorknob. He picked up the shopping bag that had been placed on the floor to close the door, turned around, and changed into slippers as he walked into the room.

Horikita Suzune hesitated for a moment, then picked up the backpack she had thrown on the floor and walked into Kanda Shuichi's room.

This was the first time she'd entered a boy's room, aside from her brother's.

She had expected it to be messy, but it was surprisingly tidy. Although there were quite a few things, they were all neatly organized.

Kanda Shuichi hadn't prepared slippers for guests, so Horikita Suzune hesitated but eventually took off her shoes and walked into his room barefoot.

Well, saying barefoot isn't exactly right, since she was still wearing black knee-high socks. Her little feet looked very cute.

When Kanda Shuichi saw Horikita Suzune follow him in, he had no choice but to accept it. He should have come back with Miyake, who wouldn't have stopped Horikita Suzune from entering his room.

No, even if he'd brought Miyake back, she wouldn't have stopped Horikita Suzune. 

I should've brought Kushida, though. She hates Horikita so much, she would've helped me!

Even though there were cameras in the room, they were practically useless against Horikita Suzune. Kanda Shuichi was 100% sure that Horikita Manabu wouldn't handle any issues involving Horikita Suzune.

In fact, if Horikita Manabu knew Kanda Shuichi had filmed Horikita Suzune's actions…

That would be a pretty interesting scene, Kanda Shuichi thought, but quickly stopped himself from thinking further.

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