Pov Arthur.
It was the first of July. I met with Ichinose in the morning, as usual, but today I had an important question. After looking at the class scores on the phone, there was the number 87. But the points did not come. We were told there could be no mistake, but is that so? Or is it something I do not know? Did something happen?
Arthur: Ichinose, did you get the points?
Ichinose: Yes! Why are you asking? She looked at me in surprise, waiting for me to answer.
Arthur: So, they just didn't come to us, but I think the teacher will give an answer. – rubbing the back of his head, he answered without hesitation.
Ichinose: It's strange, I hope everything comes to its senses.
Arthur: Yeah.
So we reached the school and went to classes. As I sat down, I looked back at the students.
Arthur: They're so lively. They thought they would get points, but in the end they didn't. I thought they'd be sad, but they don't look like that, it's weird.
A moment later, Chabashira came into the classroom and commented in surprise on the situation in the classroom.
Chabashira: Good morning. You look more relaxed than usual today.
Ike: Sae-chan-sensei! Do we really have zero points this month?! I checked in the morning, nothing came to the account!
Chabashira: Is that what you're worried about?
Ike: We tried our best and passed the exams... isn't it cruel that we still have zero on our account?! We weren't late, we didn't skip classes, we didn't even talk in class!
Chabashira: Wait, let me tell you. Ike, you really worked hard. We all noticed it. The school understands how you feel. – she subdued Ike and he just fell silent.
Chabashira: As for last month's points…
She put a poster on the board where the class scores of all classes were.
My neighbor mumbled something, but I didn't pay much attention to it. The teacher started a dialogue with the class, while I just pulled away from it, waiting for at least some useful information.
Chabashira: This time there was an error, as a result of which the points for the first-year students will be credited with some delay. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait a little longer.
Arthur: A mistake? But she didn't say it was the school's fault? What could have happened?
That's how the lesson began.
***
After school, I went home as usual. I heard that the Sudo was called to the teacher's room, is he the reason for the lack of points? But I didn't dare to help him, I had already shown loyalty to him, so let him think for himself.
Arthur: Or he can ask me, I'm ready to help him a favor for a favor.
When I got to my room, I began to prepare for a walk. Ichinose invited me to go shopping with her friends. I tried to refuse, but she looked at me as if this request would decide her life. In the end, I agreed.
After changing my clothes, I headed to the meeting. I've already seen Ichinose and, like, Mikura and a strange girl with a boy.
As I approached them, Ichinose called out to me.
Ichinose: Arthur!
Arthur: Yes, hello. Am I late? I looked at the watch on my hand.
Ichinose: No, there's still time. Meet Kobashi Yume, and the guy is Hamaguchi Tetsuya. And you've already met Mako-chan.
Amikura: Hello, Ichinose's friend~~
Arthur: Yes, hello Amikura. And it's nice to meet you, Kobashi, Hamaguchi. I held out my hand to shake the guy's.
Kobasi: Yes, it is mutual.
Hamaguchi: Nice to meet you, Arthur. – He shook my hand.
Arthur: Not an athlete, so smart?
I pushed my thoughts away and decided not to evaluate anyone today, but just to have a good time.
Ichinose: Well, shall we go? I need to buy some clothes.… By the way, Arthur. Are you okay with your points?
Arthur: Yes, it's enough for shopping, so you don't have to worry.
We decided to go shopping first. I didn't really want to buy anything for myself, since I already have the necessary clothes. I just walked with them, sometimes talking about me, or rather about my country. Huh, in these three months, I'm already tired of talking about her. I'll have to take a break.
Passing by the cafe, we decided to stop by for a snack. I didn't frown much because of this peculiarity of the Japanese.
When we sat down at the table, Ichinose saw my face and asked with an excited face.
Ichinose: Arthur? Is there something you don't like?
Arthur: And? No, just… When I go out for a walk with someone at this school, everyone comes in for sweets during the walk. Is this always the case with you?
Amikura: Yes! During walks, they often go somewhere to eat sweets to satisfy their hunger.
Arthur: It's just weird how you can gorge on a piece of cake or ice cream. – I fell silent, wondering if the Japanese body structure is better, because they need to eat little? It's so much benefit.
Ichinose: Is that what you say, is it different in Russia?
Arthur: Yes. First of all, we don't go out to eat much when we walk. Well, unless it's a date. Secondly, we use this food only for pleasure. If we want to eat or have a snack, we eat flour, pies, shawarma or fast food.
Kobasi: Huh?! It's so harmful!
Arthur: Yes? I don't know. We take a drink and wash it down, the harm disappears, right?
Amikura: Well, that's not how it works…
Arthur: There is no heartburn, so there are no problems, right? – I don't understand them. What could be the problem with this? It's literally the best food when you walk and want to eat.
Ichinose: Arthur, we just don't really like these things because they are high in calories.
Arthur: So we walk around and throw off these calories.
Hamaguchi: It makes sense, but we don't do so many things during the festivities.
Arthur: Well, it's here. I also noticed that you just go shopping, cafes, movies, etc.
Ichinose: Is it different for you?
It was like we were speaking different languages. They stared at me in disbelief, as if they didn't understand me, and I wondered why we were so different.
Arthur: Uh, are we just walking...?
Amikura: Wh-what? Just walking? Where to?
Arthur: I mean, where to? We just walk down the street, talk, sometimes we can take a break, somewhere on a bench, but then we just walk around the city.
Ichinose: Aren't you bored? It's possible to get tired after a couple of hours of walking.
Arthur: No, we walk almost the whole day, or part of it, if it's a school. There is no fatigue, we are not bored, because it is fun to communicate with each other. It's just a different mentality.
Ichinose: So you're bored walking in Japan?
Arthur: No, it's not boring. It's just not enough sometimes. I like to move more than to sit still.
So we continued to talk about the same difference between our countries.
***
The next day, I was just in the clouds when Chabashira made an announcement.
Chabashira: I need to tell you something. A little story happened recently. Sudo and several students from Class C became involved in an unpleasant incident. To be more precise, it was a fight. Depending on how it ends, the Courts may be suspended from classes, and points will be deducted from the class.
Hirata: Um... why hasn't this case been dealt with yet?
Arthur: Yes, that's a good question. It seems that the situation is unclear for the school to the end. So it can be solved, right?
Chabashira: The complaint came from Class C. They reported the beating. But when we asked Sudo, he claimed that they lied. He said the guys from Class C deliberately provoked him into a fight.
Sudo: I didn't do anything wrong, it was just self-defense!
Chabashira: But you have no proof. Or am I wrong?
Sudo: Evidence? No, there is nothing like that.
Chabashira: It turns out that we don't know the truth yet. The situation is under review. As a result, it is planned to find out which side is telling the lie.
Sudo: All I know is that I'm innocent. And I want compensation for my suffering!
Chabashira: But who will believe you now? If, as Sudo claims, there is a witness, the situation may change. Maybe one of you saw the fight? Please raise your hand! Chabashira-sensei continued in an indifferent voice. No one responded. "Sorry, Sudo, there don't seem to be any witnesses here.
Sudo: It looks like that…
Arthur: What a fool. If you hadn't kept quiet and talked to someone, you could have avoided this.
Chabashira: In order to find witnesses, teachers will report to their classes about what happened.
Sudo: What?! Have you told everyone?!
Chabashira left the classroom, and Sudo followed her.
Arthur: Haa, it's troublesome. But let him figure it out for himself, I don't want to do anything yet. There is no point in helping him, even after our conversation he did not rethink himself.
I just lay down on my desk, barely hearing what was going on around me. Kushida and Hirata defended the Sudo in front of the others, but when Kushida asked if anyone was a witness, my neighbor, Sakura, kind of behaved strangely without looking up.
Arthur: Why didn't she help? Is she shy?
During the lunch break, Kushida came to our tables.
Kushida: Would you like to have lunch with us, Ayanokoji-kun, Horikita-san, Arthur?
I looked up at her in surprise. It was the first time she had spoken to me since that incident. Why would she do that? Does he want to look good in front of everyone?
Ayanokoji: Yes, no problem.
Horikita: You're always getting into the same thing, Sudo-kun. – Horikita sighed irritably.
Sudo: I'm sorry Horikita, but it's not my fault, it's the provocation of those guys from Class C!
Horikita: I'm sorry, but I won't help this time, so decide without me. Good luck.
Sudo: What? Aren't we friends? Will you help me?
Horikita: Don't make me laugh. I didn't even think of you as my friend. It is wildly uncomfortable for me to be in the company of people who do not understand their own idiocy. She turned around and left.
Sudo: What's wrong with her?!
Kushida: Arthur, will you help? When she said that, all eyes turned to me, but my face didn't change.
Arthur: I'll think about it myself, but I'm off now. – I took my lunch and left too.
I saw Horikita and approached her.
Arthur: Hi, Horikita.
Horikita: ... She turned to face me and sighed. – Did you decide to persuade me to help? My answer is the same.
Arthur: No, as you can see, I'm here myself, not with them. I sat down next to him and began to eat.
Horikita: Then what did you want? She returned to her meal.
Arthur: Did you think that there is no way out of this situation?
Horikita: I think it is extremely difficult and almost impossible for them. And what?
Arthur: I just think that there is a chance and not a small one to justify the Trial.
Horikita: Yes? And which one?
Arthur: So if I tell you, will you go to them and start helping them? I grinned as I sang my kvass.
Horikita: TC, no. I will abstain.
Arthur: Well, if you want to help, then just tell me, I'll help you with it.
She nodded and continued to eat their lunch.
***
The next day, Kushida and Ayanokoji seemed to find out that Sakura knew something, but they couldn't convince her to do anything. Ayanokoji also mentioned the cameras at school.
Arthur: Do you notice such little things… How well is your mindfulness developed?
Horikita: Ayanokoji-kun, Arthur, would you like to go home together?
We both looked at each other. I didn't expect this, it looks like she's up to something. Ayanokoji put his hand on her forehead. Haha, funny guy.
Horikita: You know I don't have a fever. I just wanted to discuss something with you.
Ayanokoji: Yes, of course.
Ike: Did you really get close, huh? I mean, you were ready to kill yesterday when I just touched your shoulder, and now…
Arthur: And? Have you beaten up someone at this school yet? I stared at Horikita in surprise.
Horikita just ignored our words and stared at Ayanokoji and me, waiting for an answer.
Arthur: Yes, let's go. No problem.
Ayanokoji: I agree.
We have already arrived at a special building. It was hot and stuffy here.
Arthur: Phew, in Russia such weather can only be in the south. The Northerners would not have survived here.
Horikita: I'm sorry for bringing you here.
Ayanokoji also felt uncomfortable. He went over and opened the window, but immediately closed it. It looks like it's baking there too.
Horikita: Ayanokoji, you've changed. You communicate more with everyone, you help, even if it's impossible.
Ayanokoji: It's just that Sudo is my first friend at this school.
Horikita: I see.
We continued to walk and inspect the building from inside.
Arthur: It's a good place for a showdown. I wonder who brought whom here?
Ayanokoji: Huh? What?
Horikita: There are no cameras and no frequently visited offices.
Ayanokoji: Yes, you are right. If they were here, it would be easier.
Arthur: If mushrooms were growing in your mouth, there would be not a mouth, but a whole vegetable garden.
Horikita: What?
Arthur: A Russian saying. There is no need to think about what could have been.
Ayanokoji: Maybe.
I took a quick glance at Ayanokoji and then at Horikita so as not to arouse suspicion.
Arthur: Did he say that so that we could hang up the cameras? Why didn't he offer it himself? Weird…
We continued talking about cameras until the topic turned to Sakura.
Ayanokoji: Having a witness like Sakura is more likely to hurt us than help us. I think it would be better if we look for something else.
Arthur: Yes? I don't think so.
Horikita: What do you mean?
Arthur: She's a witness, isn't she? If she testifies and proves that she was here, that's a plus. It doesn't matter which one is from which class. If the court did not give the opportunity to testify to loved ones, it would create a lot of problems. Plus, whose fault is it that she was there? An accident should be counted as an argument.
Horikita: ... she stopped and looked at me as if she had discovered new knowledge. – You're right. We just need to prove that she was there and saw it, if it is confirmed, then it will be a great help.
Ayanokoji: I agree.
Horikita: But the best outcome is to save points.
Perhaps this would be the best outcome if you just wanted to protect the class. But I think it's possible to win this case.
We headed for the exit with a calm step, but when we turned the corner, Ayanokoji bumped into someone.
Ayanokoji: I'm sorry. Are you okay?
...: Yes. Sorry. I was careless.
Ayanokoji: Oh, no, I'm sorry. Wait... Sakura?
Sakura: Yeah.
Yes, it was a girl witness. But what was she doing here? Did you remember what you saw or for another reason?
Sakura: Oh, oh. Well, you know… My hobby is taking photos, so..." she started showing photos of Ayanokoji.
Horikita: I wanted to ask you something, Sakura-san. But when Horikita finished speaking, Sakura turned around and started walking away.
Sakura: B-bye.
I just took out my phone and started flipping through the tape while they were talking there.
Ichinose: Oh, Arthur? What are you doing here?
I looked up and looked at Ichinose. The others were also looking at her.
Arthur: Hi, Ichinose. We're looking at the scene, aren't you?
Ichinose: I thought there would probably be something related to the fight. I wasn't here yesterday when Class B heard about the witness. Later I found out that Class D is looking for evidence of Sudo's innocence.
Horikita: If you're here because of the investigation, then what are you doing with this place? She cut off our emotional dialogue and looked suspiciously at Ichinose.
Ichinose: Hmm, does it bind? Well, probably nothing. When I heard about what happened, I had some doubts. So I decided to come here personally and take a look. Do you mind my presence?
Arthur: No, no problem.
Horikita: I can't figure it out, but I think there's an ulterior motive. I looked at her, but she just gave me a look, as if to say, "you're too friendly."
Ichinose: An ulterior motive? Do you think that we, working in the shadows, are digging under class C and class D? Ichinose was perplexed. "Do you have to be so suspicious?" I'm really just interested, that's all.
Horikita: I don't want to talk to someone who is "just interested." What exactly do you want?
Ichinose: Please tell me something. All my teachers and friends say there was some kind of fight here.
I didn't really get into the whole situation, but Ayanokoji told her everything. I've learned something new, it looks like it's going to be easier than it was originally.
We talked a little with Ichinose when Horikita wanted to finish.
Horikita: Are you done? Did you hear what you wanted to hear?
Ichinose: Hmm. Yes, how about I help you? Looking for a witness or something like that. You need people, right? – either she doesn't see Horikita's attitude, or she ignores it.
Horikita: What would be the benefit of helping our class?
I decided to help Ichinosa because I know her a little more than they do and understand that she is not doing anything wrong.
Arthur: If our classes press Class C from both sides, it will be beneficial for us. This is also a plus for Ichinose, as it will slow down the promotion of Class C. So I don't see a problem, right Horikita?
Horikita: ... - she didn't answer, she looked into my eyes. After about ten seconds, she said yes, no problem.
Ichinose: Okay, you …
Horikita: Horikita, and he's Ayanokoji.
Ichinose: Yes, Horikita, Ayanokoji.
Horikita: We found a witness from our class.
Ichinose: Phew... - she sighed irritably. – So there are no other witnesses.
Ichinose: Also, about your friend. He's a freshman, but he could become a regular member of the basketball team, right? It's amazing. Even if this guy is pulling you back right now, he can become a valuable asset later. I mean, the school evaluates club activities and charity. So if Sudo-kun gets into the tournament and succeeds, he can earn points. His achievements will also affect your class and personal scores. Wait... you guys didn't know that? Didn't your teacher tell you?
Horikita: This is the first time I've heard that it affects class results. I'll have to complain to Chabashira-sensei later," she muttered in annoyance.
Arthur: She doesn't really like to tell us anything, does she?
Ichinose: It's strange, but did you know that teachers also get a bonus if their class graduated from A?
Arthur: Yes? That's interesting.…
Ichinose: Phew, it's hot in here. I'll probably go, if anything, I have a connection with Arthur, so I'll contact him through him. Bye! She turned around and left.
Horikita: Have you gotten to know her that well already? She looked at me expectantly, as if trying to figure out who else I knew.
Arthur: Yes, it happened that way.
***
A couple of days passed, and I left the dorm as usual, but Ichinose was not in the elevator. I got out of the elevator and saw her chatting with Ayanokoji.
I started to approach them.
Arthur: Good morning.
Ichinose: Oh, good morning, Arthur!
Ayanokoji: Good morning.
Arthur: Did you go out earlier today, was it boring in the room?
Ichinose: No, we just had questions about the hostel, so I decided to ask.
Arthur: I see, then let's go to school already, I need to talk to you.
Ichinose: Yes, good.
We started to leave, but Ayanokoji had already gone ahead. We were walking and talking, but she suddenly asked an unexpected question.
Ichinose: Arthur, have they ever confessed to you?
Arthur: And? Why such a question?
Ichinose: Just like that... - she looked away at the floor.
Arthur: Well, yes, there was a case. But why are you asking?
Ichinose: ... - she didn't say anything for a while, but decided to answer. – they just confessed to me…
Arthur: And? Did you say you'd think about it or what?
Ichinose: Ah, it was through a letter. And there's a school meeting today, so…
Arthur: Do you want me to help you by pretending to be your boyfriend?
Ichinose: Huh?! Y-yes, that is, how did you understand?
Arthur: Well, in Russia, this often happens if a guy is annoying or overdoes it. Do you have a problem with that?
Ichinose: No, it's not a guy, it's a girl. – She said not loudly.
Arthur: Huh? – I stopped and just blacked out. A girl?
Arthur: What? A girl?
Ichinose: Yes, why?
Arthur: Well, uh, that's... - I was shocked. – it's not very popular with us, but why would you want me to pretend to be a guy?
Ichinose: It's just that I've never received recognition, so I don't know how to do it right. And if I have a boyfriend, it won't be so sad.
Arthur: What? Ichinose, just nobody? I'm shocked – I was dumbly surprised and scratched my head. – But this is wrong.
Ichinose: Why? We'll just say we broke up later, so…
Arthur: No, just imagine if she finds out. – I looked at Ichinose seriously – if she found the courage and did it so beautifully, through a letter and is waiting for your answer. She gave you time, and you want to answer her with lies? What I dislike most about people is that they lie. I can forgive anything, but not a lie. She's waiting for an answer, and you come and say, here's my boyfriend, are you sure this is going to be better? It's easier to tell her honestly and stay friends.
Ichinose: …
Arthur: I believe that you will cope with the consequences and make her smile later so that she does not celebrate the bitterness in herself. I put my hand on her head and smiled warmly. – trust me, but if you want to try to pull this off, then find another guy, I won't be involved in this.
I took my hand off her head and continued walking towards the school.
She stood there for a couple of seconds, but still ran up to me.
Ichinose: You're right, Arthur. I decided to do it wrong, I'm sorry…
Arthur: Not to me, although don't apologize at all, and don't say anything to this girl. Just answer her confession honestly.
Ichinose: Yes, I agree. Better a bitter truth than a beautiful lie.
Arthur: [Well done, good student]
Ichinose: [I'm trying]
So we reached the school and went to classes.