Why am I here?
I enter the mall and head straight to its fifth and top floor—the relaxation zone.
Yesterday, during my visit with Hasebe and Sudō, I wanted to try these services but held back. This narcissistic side of me can't be seen by the class.
'Let's keep up the image of a humble, kindhearted gentleman.'
As some might've guessed, this is the important matter demanding my attention. What else did you expect? It's a golden opportunity. Most of the class is at the club ceremony in Gymnasium 1, so there's little risk of running into anyone here. I say little risk because, unfortunately, there's always an exception. Regardless, that exception won't stop me from indulging.
For those wondering why what I'm about to do takes priority over the gymnasium or anything else, I'd say they've missed the point. First, I was honest about not wanting to join a club—for reasons of my own. Also, as a reader of the novel this world is based on, I already know what'll happen at the ceremony. So, why bother going? These services, on the other hand, are completely unknown to me.
What's the priority now?
Truthfully, I'm saying all this to convince myself, but it's clear this body has urges I can't ignore forever.
That said, I start with a massage, then a pedicure, followed by a full facial, and finish with a sauna.
As for the cost, it's not too steep. My total bill is 10,000 points. Not bad, right? Whatever. I'll work to earn more later, so this expense isn't a big deal, though I should limit these visits to once every two weeks.
It's 6 p.m. when I finish.
I head to the first floor to grab some snacks and make my way to the dorms.
'Is she just going to keep stalking me?'
Yes, someone playing spy has been tailing me since the academic building. As for their identity…
As if hearing my inner complaint, the spy finally approaches. I keep walking like nothing's up.
"Hey! Yo!"
'What kind of way is that to call someone?'
Just for that, I pick up my pace slightly.
I can tell they've started running to catch up. Of course, my brisk walk doesn't outpace them for long.
"Kōenji-san."
Now beside me, the "spy" addresses me directly.
'I can't play dumb anymore.'
I turn to face them.
"Horikita-san? Is something wrong?"
I feign surprise without acting clueless.
Before answering, she catches her breath.
"You knew I was following you, didn't you?"
She asks, back on her feet.
"You were following me?"
I keep up the act.
"You did that on purpose… Never mind."
She starts to argue but drops it halfway.
"I need to talk to you."
She gets straight to the point.
"I was heading to the dorms. We can walk together, or if it's a long talk, we can sit somewhere."
I suggest.
"No, it'll be short. We can walk."
Horikita chooses without hesitation.
We start walking toward the dorms.
"So, what's up, Horikita-san?"
"You don't need to use that tone with me. There's no one around."
"What do you mean?"
"Stop pretending. It doesn't work on me. It's obvious someone like you is just acting nice to look good."
"Oh? Is that what you think of me, Horikita-san?"
"Am I wrong?"
"Well, believe it or not, that's just how I am."
She shoots me a look before speaking.
"Whatever. We're getting off topic."
You're the one who started it.
"I want to know how you knew all that about me."
Straight to the point.
"I—"
"If you're going to say you read it by looking at me, I'll never buy that nonsense."
She cuts me off, making clear the answer she expects.
"I get your skepticism, Horikita-chan, but it's the honest truth. Your face told me everything."
"You're sticking with that?"
"How do you think I did it, then?"
"I don't know. That's why I'm asking you."
'Interesting.'
"The answer's already been given, Horikita-san. But I don't think you approached me just for that. Am I wrong?"
At my words, Horikita stops, forcing me to stop too.
"Is that all you picked up about me in class?"
'Picked up, huh? I see.'
The real question at last.
I look at her for a moment before turning and resuming my walk.
"That's a question, Kōenji-san."
She calls out, not expecting me to brush her off.
I stop.
"There's more to see beyond the shadow you're chasing, Horikita-san. And cut your hair—you feel better that way. Good night, Horikita-san. See you tomorrow."
Without turning back, I leave her with those words and keep walking.
'There's no point continuing this talk.'
If I let this encounter happen, it was only to plant seeds that'll sprout soon enough. As I said, I won't wait for Horikita to reach her potential like in the novel. The diamond needs to be polished by force to reveal its true brilliance.
---
It's Sunday.
I'm at the library.
It's an air-conditioned space designed for archiving and referencing books—the perfect spot for group meetings.
I'm with four others, all seated around a table: Hirata Yōsuke, Kushida Kikyō, Yukimura Teruhiko, and Mei-Yu Wang. They're the study group leaders for Class D.
Every weekend, we hold a meeting to discuss each group's progress and potential improvements to optimize our work. Though we have a chat group, meeting in person is key for tackling complex issues more actively.
"In summary, that's the progress of each member in my group. Thanks for listening."
Hirata, who had the floor, finishes and sits down.
"Any suggestions or questions about what Hirata-kun shared?"
As the meeting facilitator, I ask the other leaders.
"There's really nothing to add. Hirata-san's group is showing steady growth."
Yukimura speaks up.
"As expected of Hirata-kun, his group management is flawless."
Mei says with a slight sigh.
"You're doing great too, Mei-chan. All your members are at least average in every subject."
Hirata replies, giving his classmate props.
"I didn't do much. They were already solid from the start."
"That doesn't change the fact that you're helping them improve, Mei-chan. Don't downplay your role."
"Thanks, Hirata-kun."
"This is awesome! Everything's going smoothly so far."
Kushida chimes in optimistically. Her group's also seeing good progress.
"By the way, Yukimura-kun, how's the issue with Horikita-san going?"
Hirata suddenly asks Yukimura. During his group's progress report, he deliberately skipped over Horikita.
Since the study groups started, Horikita hasn't shown interest in the meetings, missing every one. I advised Yukimura not to take it personally and focus on the other members.
Horikita's rebellious streak was already factored in. Besides, her academic level is more than solid, so there's no risk of her dragging down the class average.
"I left out her data because I'm following Kōenji-san's advice to not dwell on her. But yesterday, Horikita-san graced us with her presence and was surprisingly cooperative."
Yukimura answers without hesitation. For him, Horikita's no longer an issue.
'Good mindset.'
"I see."
"Why's Horikita bothering you so much, Hirata-kun?"
Mei asks, taking the initiative for once.
'Love does crazy things…'
"I just want her to fit in with the class. She's the only one still keeping to herself since the start."
"But she seems to get along with her desk neighbor. That's…"
"Ayanokōji."
Yukimura helps Mei finish her sentence.
"Yeah, Ayanokōji-san and her seem pretty close."
"True. Maybe I'm worrying too much?"
"No, Hirata-kun, it's totally normal to care about your classmates. Horikita-chan's just reserved. I'm sure she'll open up with time."
Kushida's words seem to ease Hirata's concerns.
"You're probably right, Kushida-chan."
"By the way, Kōenji-san, you did that on purpose, didn't you?"
Without warning, Yukimura tosses the question at me.
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