"Philip, I need your help."
"What's that?"
"I said, I need your help," Amanda said glaringly.
"You need my help. Really the great Amanda needs my help." I said mockingly.
"Yes, I need your help."
"But, why?" I asked.
"Listen, I don't need your brainpower. Leave all the planning to me, and act according to my orders."
"Huh? What do you mean by act?"
"Doesn't our lack of points trouble you? If you follow my instructions, I promise you will definitely see an increase in points."
"I don't know, what you are planning, but there are other people, who are far more capable than me. If you made friends, they would gladly cooperate with you."
"Unfortunately, no one in Class D is nearly as easy to manipulate as you."
"No, there are several people. Alex, for example. He is popular and smart, so he would be perfect for your plans. Besides, he is really worried about you, that you are all alone."
If she reached out to him, they'd probably become good friends.
"He is no good. Even if he has some talent and ability, I can't use him. I need someone who would exactly follow my directions, without asking too many questions."
"What? Alex is a pretty good guy. You can definitely use Alex. Also, I am sure, he will follow your orders if you would just ask him kindly."
"As you said, he is a very good guy. Probably too good to be used. I don't need a bishop or knight, I need a pawn. And you perfectly fit the role."
So, you just called me a 'pawn'. A pawn huh?
"So if a pawn were to cooperate, he could become a knight or bishop?"
"A very interesting question, but you don't seem like the type to make that effort. Besides, have not you been thinking, 'I have always been a pawn, I don't want to advance'. all along?"
She had shot me down with precisely the right brand of ammunition.
It's not like, I could not help her, but if I told her I would help, she would probably run me into the ground until graduation. And that would be too troublesome to deal with.
"Sorry, but I can't help you. I am not suitable for this."
"I always knew you would help. Thank you, Philip."
"What? I didn't say that. I said no, I won't help you."
"No, I heard the voice inside your head. You said you would gladly help."
Scary! It was like she could read my thoughts.
"Very well then. Contact me once you have given it some thought. I look forward to hearing from you."
Amanda was not paying attention to my earlier words, in the slightest.
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The next day, the school was over. When everyone was about to leave, Alex spoke.
"Miss Elena mentioned that the midterm exams are coming up soon. Remember that if you fail, you will be expelled. Therefore, I think it would be a good idea to form a study group."
Apparently, the hero of Class D had started another project.
"If you guys neglect your studies and get a failing grade, you will be expelled on the spot. I want to avoid that. However, studying won't just prevent expulsion; it may also help us earn points. If we receive good marks, our class assessment should improve as a result. I asked some of the students with good academic ability to help prepare a study plan. So, I would like people who are not confident in their grades to come to join our group. Everyone is welcome."
Alex was staring at Donald, the whole time while making his grand speech.
"Tch"
Donald averted his gaze, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes. Ever since Alex's introduction game, their relationship had been kind of bumpy.
"Starting today at five o clock, we will plan to study in this classroom for two hours a day until the test. If any of you would like to join us, please come whenever you like. And of course, I don't mind if you leave partway. Thank you & that is all I have to say."
Immediately after his speech, several of the failing students went towards him. Except for John, Leo & Donald. John & Leo seemed unsure of what to do for a moment, but in the end, they stayed in their seats. I could not tell whether they were afraid Donald might lose his temper or because they were jealous of Alex's popularity.
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