Houtarou Oreki Classroom of the Elite

During his last visit to Class D, Houtarou noticed two individuals skilled at influencing the class atmosphere: Yōsuke and Kikyō.

For their planned scam, his group needed someone to create the right mood and entice students from Classes C and B. Suzune suggested Kikyō for this role.

"Why Kushida-san?" Houtarou inquired.

Though it was a setup, the potential outcomes were interesting:

First, if the participating students from Classes B and C remain unaware of the scam, they'll make monthly payments as agreed. Houtarou's group would essentially be borrowing from them, repaying with interest later. These students would ultimately profit.

Second, if some students from Classes B and C uncover the scam and terminate their contracts early, they won't recover the Points already given to Houtarou. They'd lose out — or would they?

While they'd lose Points, they'd gain class unity. As the saying goes, a common enemy unites people. Houtarou would serve as this unifying force, inadvertently strengthening these classes. A silver lining for them.

For him, regardless of whether the students discover the scam, he'd have Points in his possession.

It was, in essence, a win-win scenario.

Houtarou turned his gaze to Suzune.

She sipped her coffee and, while awaiting Kikyō's arrival, explained her reasoning.

"I'm not interested in making friends. But Kikyō Kushida persistently tries to befriend me. If it were just a simple desire for friendship, I wouldn't mind, as during her self-introduction, she expressed wanting to be friends with everyone and have a meaningful school life together. However, there's something off about her. She clings to me, waits outside my dorm room in the mornings, and constantly tries to engage in conversation. I can't sense any genuine desire for friendship from her."

In short, Kikyō was pestering her.

Houtarou also perceived another reason for choosing Kikyō: in her limited social interactions, she had more contact with the clingy girl than with Yōsuke. Hence, she opted for the more familiar option.

Still, Suzune's ability to manipulate Kikyō into this position was remarkable. This solitary girl, having been alone for so long, likely didn't grasp that friendship isn't about using people, but about mutual support and understanding.

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Houtarou and Suzune waited about six minutes before Kikyō came running hurriedly from the direction of the school building.

Just as when they first met, she maintained her cute appearance — golden short hair, wine-red eyes like grapes, delicate features, and a sweet smile. Her fair neck glistened with tiny beads of sweat.

She seemed to have rushed over nervously.

"Horikita-san, you finally decided to call for me! I ran straight over as soon as I got the message." Kikyō said breathlessly, "Did something good happen?"

This was likely an attempt to gain favor.

Suzune had mentioned that Kikyō's behavior seemed calculated, always seeking opportunities to befriend her. This eagerness to respond quickly was just another ploy to win hearts.

Of course, she might genuinely be an angel!

"Oh my, Oreki-kun is here too—" Kikyō's smile was generous, and she flashed a cute one at Houtarou as well.

However, she was facing Suzune — a person who hadn't known friendship for ten years, who exuded an aura of dignity and coldness, and who struggled to read social cues.

So despite Kikyō's sweet expression, her face remained impassive.

"I called you here today because we need your help." Suzune said flatly.

"Oh." Kikyō stood by the booth, seemingly unsure where to sit.

Houtarou and Suzune had chosen a four-person window booth, both sitting on the aisle side. Should Kikyō sit at the next table?

At first glance, it appeared these two had deliberately ordered milk tea and coffee, indicating they were together.

"Sit here." Houtarou glanced at Suzune, who was like a steel straight woman. He moved towards the inside, making room for her to sit.

"Thank you." Kikyō said gratefully, flashing a sweet, angel-like smile at him.

A faint but pleasant jasmine fragrance wafted over from her, likely due to their close proximity.

'So this is what a girl is like…' Houtarou mused to himself.

As he turned to look at her, he noticed she was leaning forward, both hands on the table. Her good figure was accentuated by this posture, her chest resting on her hands. From a normal angle, it wouldn't have been noticeable, but from his side view, it was quite striking.

'Better not look at this.' Houtarou thought, exercising self-control as he turned away and retrieved a prepared document.

He passed it to Suzune, who then handed it to Kikyō.

"What's this?" Kikyō asked, blinking softly.

"It's a plan from Oreki-kun and me." Suzune explained, "How many points do you think our Class D can get next month?"

"Um..." Kikyō's expression stiffened slightly. She gently stroked her hair, looking troubled, "If Horikita-san wants me to persuade everyone—"

"I'm not concerned about that." Suzune interjected, shaking her head.

"Oh." Kikyō nodded, visibly relieved.

Houtarou noticed her sigh of relief, realizing she understood Class D's situation well. She seemed uncomfortable with the idea of having to persuade everyone to follow the school rules now that they were aware of them.

In essence, she didn't want to be disliked. Not very angel-like, is it?

Meanwhile, Kikyō had begun examining the shop agreement rules that Houtarou had Suzune pass over.

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