The next day at Advanced Nurturing High School, as the second-year students of Class 2-C settled into their seats, a subtle but unmistakable tension simmered in the air.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka sat quietly, observing the morning as he did every day, with an almost invisible aura of control that belied his seemingly passive demeanor.
Today, though, he had a particular plan unfolding — one that he had set in motion through Kushida Kikyou and Sakura Airi.
By the time lunch break arrived, the stage was set.
The students from first-year Class 1-C, following a similar pattern to the previous partner exams, had started to intermingle with their senpais from second-year Class 2-C.
With Ayanokoji's instructions in her mind, Kushida Kikyou was already mingling with her own class, her trademark charming smile in place. She knew exactly what she needed to do.
---
Kushida approached a group of first-year boys gathered around the cafeteria's busiest table. Her presence was magnetic, drawing several pairs of curious eyes.
"Kushida-senpai!" one of them greeted her, voice tinged with excitement. "We've heard some second-year students are looking for partners for the exam. Is that true?"
"Absolutely," Kushida replied, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "It's important for us second-years to do well on this partner exam, but that doesn't mean we can't help each other out, right? After all, some of you have impressive academic scores that could really support those who need it most in our class."
She paused, gauging their reactions, and noted the spark of interest in their eyes. Then, she leaned in slightly and lowered her voice, adding, "But of course, we wouldn't expect you to do it for nothing."
The boys exchanged glances, nodding in understanding. One of them cleared his throat. "I mean… we heard from some other students that private points are the usual deal for these kinds of things."
Kushida gave a quick, practiced laugh. "Private points are valuable, sure, but what if I offered you something different? Private points disappear the moment you spend them, but the opportunity to spend time with someone you admire? Now that's a memory, right?" She winked, watching as her words took effect. "In exchange for helping out my classmates, I could introduce you to almost any girl in the second year."
The guys looked at each other, visibly intrigued, as Kushida went on to list her only exceptions. "Of course, I can't include Ichinose, Horikita, or a couple of others, but almost anyone else is fair game."
The first-years' eyes widened, and one of them couldn't hold back his excitement. "So, you're saying… if we help your classmates, we could actually get a date with one of those girls?"
"Exactly," Kushida smiled, emphasizing her next words. "It's a pretty fair deal, don't you think?"
The boys quickly agreed, and Kushida noticed several girls from Class 1-C looking over. It wasn't long before a few of them gathered the courage to approach her, clearly curious about the arrangement. Kushida adjusted her approach, her charm adjusting naturally to the shift in audience.
"Is it true that you're looking for partners, Kushida-senpai?" a first-year girl asked hesitantly.
"It is," Kushida nodded, smiling warmly. "And just like I told the boys, I'm offering an alternative arrangement. I could help introduce you to any second-year guy you might be interested in. A small favor for your support." She noticed the girls' intrigued expressions and added, "If there's anyone you'd like to know better, just let me know. We'll make sure you get introduced."
A subtle gleam appeared in the girls' eyes. While a few seemed hesitant, others appeared genuinely excited by the prospect. The wheels were turning in their minds, and Kushida could see her plan succeeding. By the end of lunch, she had successfully arranged most of the necessary pairings, ensuring that each low-ranking student in Class 2-C was matched with a high-ranking partner from Class 1-C.
---
Meanwhile, Sakura Airi was conducting her own efforts in another part of the cafeteria, her approach contrasting with Kushida's. Airi had changed significantly over the past year; her previous shyness was replaced by a quiet but noticeable confidence. She had grown into an idol-like charm, her presence alluring yet gentle.
Airi approached a group of boys, each one known for their academic prowess in Class 1-C. She glanced around before giving a small, self-assured smile.
"Excuse me," she started, her voice soft but clear enough to draw their attention. "I was wondering if I could ask for your help?"
One of the boys turned, instantly recognizing her as the quiet second-year with an unexpectedly captivating charm. "Sakura-senpai! How can we help?"
"I need a partner for the upcoming exam," Airi said, her tone sincere, almost vulnerable, yet alluring in its simplicity. "I… I'm not the best in academics, but I would be so grateful if one of you could be my partner."
One boy adjusted his glasses, obviously trying to keep his composure as he replied, "We'd be happy to help, Sakura-senpai."
Airi's smile grew a bit brighter. "Thank you so much. Really, it means a lot to me. And… I'd be very grateful if you could help some of my friends too." She gestured to a small group of her classmates standing nearby. "If you wouldn't mind?"
Her charm was subtle yet effective. She didn't need to offer anything material, and that simplicity appealed to the first-year students. By the end of lunch, several boys from Class 1-C had agreed to partner with the low-performing students of Class 2-C, convinced by Airi's honest, gentle request.
---
As the lunch break drew to a close, Ayanokoji observed his classmates and the newcomers from the first-year class. Thanks to Kushida's skilled maneuvering and Airi's softened yet effective charm, nearly every low-ranking student in Class 2-C had been paired with a high-performing student from Class 1-C. It was a brilliant strategy, aligning perfectly with his plans.
Later, as Airi finished her last conversation with one of the first-years, she made her way over to where Ayanokoji was waiting. Her eyes shone with a glimmer of expectation, her cheeks lightly flushed.
"Kiyotaka…" she began, her voice carrying a slight tremor of excitement. "I… I did what you asked. Did I do well?"
Ayanokoji gave her a small nod, his gaze steady and unreadable, though a hint of warmth crept into his tone. "You did well, Airi."
Airi's cheeks flushed deeper. "I'm… I'm so happy I could help you. I really wanted to do my best."
He extended his hand and lightly patted her head, a simple gesture, but one that made Airi's heart flutter. She felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy at his rare praise.
"I'll reward you properly in private later," he added, his voice calm and steady, "but for now, keep focusing on maintaining a good relationship with the first-years. That's the most important thing right now."
"Yes!" she said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within her. "I'll keep doing my best."
Ayanokoji watched as Airi left to rejoin her classmates, his mind already turning to the next stage of his plan. With the foundation now laid, his strategy for the partner exam had gained significant momentum.
~~
In the afternoon, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka roamed the school halls with Horikita Suzune and Nanase Tsubasa, keeping a steady pace alongside them. Though they appeared relaxed, Ayanokoji and Horikita were careful not to reveal any information that could put their class at a disadvantage, aware that Nanase belonged to Class 1-D. Despite her friendly demeanor, Nanase was still an outsider when it came to Class 2-C's plans. Their conversation drifted casually over various school topics, each sentence calculated to keep things pleasant but superficial.
As the day neared its end, Nanase excused herself, leaving Ayanokoji and Horikita alone. Horikita, crossing her arms and glancing over, started up the conversation again.
"Ayanokoji," she said, lowering her voice as they continued walking, "I just found out that nearly all of our least academically gifted classmates, like Ike Kanji and the others, have already paired up with first-years. And it's not just anyone; their partners are some of the highest academic performers in the first-year classes." She raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "I have to say, I'm impressed by their choices."
Ayanokoji merely nodded, keeping his expression as neutral as ever. "That sounds beneficial for the class."
Horikita turned to face him more directly, suspicion in her eyes. "Did you have anything to do with this?"
With his usual calm, Ayanokoji shook his head. "Not at all. It's possible that some of the least academically inclined students got nervous and decided to take initiative. They might have even offered something in return for the favor."
Horikita considered this, nodding thoughtfully. "Maybe. I'll have to ask those students directly and see if they made any deals with their partners." She let out a small sigh, visibly relieved. "Still, it's good to know that we don't have to worry too much about this exam. In fact, we may even have the advantage now to strategize for maximum class points."
Ayanokoji gave her a faint nod. "That's true. We can discuss any further strategy tomorrow."
Horikita glanced at her watch as Ayanokoji checked his own. The hour was approaching dinnertime, and they exchanged brief farewells before Ayanokoji took his leave, heading back to his dormitory.
---
Upon returning to his room, Ayanokoji moved through his routine with the same calm efficiency, preparing a simple yet carefully made dinner for two. As he plated the last dish, he heard a knock at the door.
He opened it to find Sakura Airi, looking slightly nervous but with a soft smile that immediately put her at ease.
"Ayanokoji-kun," she greeted softly, stepping inside.
"Come in," he replied, closing and locking the door once she was inside.
Once the door was shut, Airi's nervousness melted away, and she gave him a playful smile. With a casual but shy move, she began slipping off her shirt and skirt, revealing the orange two-piece swimsuit beneath. The vibrant color accentuated her fair, milky skin and the gentle curves of her figure, which had matured into an almost idol-like beauty over the past year.
Ayanokoji's eyes drifted over her with his usual calm, but his gaze lingered for a moment. Airi's transformation was evident, both in her appearance and her confidence. Now dressed only in the swimsuit, Airi's cheeks took on a rosy hue as she noticed his gaze. She smiled at him before they made their way to the dinner table.
Soon after, Ayanokoji served the meal, setting down both plates. They settled in, and after a few bites, Airi leaned over with her chopsticks, offering a small piece of food.
"Here," she said softly, her voice laced with warmth. "Let me feed you."
Ayanokoji glanced at her, but he took the offered bite, chewing in silence while Airi giggled quietly, clearly enjoying this moment together. The dinner continued in a similar vein, Airi occasionally feeding him, each moment spent in a comfortable silence punctuated by her small laughs and glances. After about half an hour, they finished their meal, and Airi set down her chopsticks, looking over at Ayanokoji with anticipation.
"Um… Ayanokoji-kun," she murmured, her fingers playing lightly with the edge of her plate. "You mentioned… a reward, didn't you? You know, in private?"
Ayanokoji's gaze shifted to her, his eyes taking in her swimsuit-clad form. The orange fabric highlighted her gentle, feminine curves and gave her a warm glow under the soft lighting. A faint smile touched his lips as he reached out, taking her hand in his before pulling her gently into his arms.
Airi's breath hitched as he wrapped his arms around her, her hands coming to rest lightly against his shoulders. The warmth between them grew, her nervous but excited expression showing her readiness for this quiet moment with him.