After leaving Class D, Hikaru and Ichinose strolled leisurely across the campus, heading toward the cafeteria for dinner.
"Although there were some hiccups along the way, the outcome was still good in the end. We managed to accomplish our goal for today," Hikaru said with a light chuckle, glancing at Ichinose's profile.
"Yeah… I didn't expect the students of Class D to be like that. Honestly, I was a bit nervous back there."
Although Ichinose had felt irritated earlier when Kushida exchanged contact information with Hikaru, the fact that they had successfully collected one million Private Points today helped offset her frustration.
She understood that everything Hikaru did was for the class.
As long as it was for Class B, she could endure it.
Besides, he was still by her side—and they were about to have dinner together, so Ichinose chose not to let her displeasure show.
"If the school placed them in Class D, there must have been a deliberate reason behind it," Hikaru nodded as he reflected on what he had seen today. "The students in Class D are going to have a tough time moving forward."
"I feel the same way. Hirata-kun and Kushida-san are trusted by their classmates for now, but when it comes to making critical decisions, they don't seem capable of fully uniting the class."
"They can bring some people together, but it's not solid leadership. A class as united as ours is rare—that's thanks to you, Ichinose."
"No way, it's obviously Hikaru-kun who does more for the class."
Hearing his casual compliment, a faint blush crept across Ichinose's face. By now, she knew well enough that whenever Hikaru spoke like this, he was teasing her.
"Oh? So, does that mean Ichinose-san is treating me to dinner today? I'm in the mood for a luxurious meal."
"Of course! Whatever Hikaru-kun wants, I'll treat you."
Ichinose gazed at him seriously, making it clear that she meant what she said.
"…Forget it, I was joking. Let's just get the regular meal set."
"Haha."
Ichinose let out a soft laugh.
She knew Hikaru would never take advantage of her, but she couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
She thought their relationship was already close, but she still couldn't step into his heart.
Hikaru's attitude had always been like this—he teased her from time to time, but he never truly crossed the line. His kindness was gentle yet distant—something Ichinose couldn't accept.
"Let's go." Hikaru, oblivious to her fleeting expression, said casually, "Even if you're not treating me to dinner, you can't escape buying me a drink. I want a Coke."
"Roger that! Coming right up!"
Side by side, they entered the cafeteria and enjoyed their dinner together.
---
After dinner, Hikaru and Ichinose parted ways.
He wasn't in the mood to return to his dormitory just yet and decided to wander around campus a bit longer.
Over the past few days, he had been mapping out the school's security camera placements, and he was almost done.
As night fell, streetlights illuminated the quiet pathways.
Walking along the dimly lit streets, Hikaru's expression grew serious.
Security cameras were a crucial factor—knowing where they were placed and where they weren't could be invaluable for future plans.
After spending some time observing the school, Hikaru had come to a clear realization:
The school had designed this artificial island to simulate a self-contained society—a competitive and ruthless environment meant to push students to their limits.
And just like in society, darkness existed within it.
There were places where security cameras were installed densely, but there were also empty zones with no surveillance at all.
This wasn't an oversight—it was intentional.
The school was allowing students to use these blind spots to engage in covert activities—whether that be scheming, planning, or settling matters in ways that couldn't be done in plain sight.
"Hmm… No cameras here. This would be a perfect spot to pull off something shady."
Hikaru analyzed his surroundings carefully.
He had reached a corner near one of the school buildings. Between the wall of a building and a temporary construction barrier, there was a narrow passageway with a vending machine nearby.
No visible cameras.
He mentally noted this location for future reference.
But just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard voices ahead.
One was a deep, cold voice, while the other sounded hesitant yet determined.
"Suzune, I didn't expect you to chase after me all the way here."
"…I-I'm not the same useless person I used to be! I came here to catch up to you, to prove myself!"
"?!"
Hikaru's expression shifted instantly.
He recognized both voices.
One belonged to Horikita Manabu, the highly capable Student Council President.
The other was Horikita Suzune, the girl who had just paid a hefty sum of Private Points in Class D earlier today.
"…Brother?"
Now that he thought about it, they had the same surname—he should have figured this out earlier.
"Man, I really should've put two and two together sooner."
Hikaru let out a small sigh and decided to eavesdrop.
This was too juicy of a revelation to ignore—and who knew, he might pick up some valuable intel.
"Hmph. Catch up to me?"
Manabu adjusted his glasses, his voice as cold as ever.
"You still don't understand your own shortcomings."
"You learned the school's hidden rules today. Do you really think you have what it takes to reach me?"
"I—I will climb to Class A! Please, believe in me, brother!"
Her voice carried a desperate determination.
"No. You will never accomplish that."
"I will work hard—I will make it happen!"
Suzune tried to argue further, but before she could finish, Manabu suddenly grabbed her wrist and pushed her against the wall.
"?!"
Hikaru's eyes narrowed.
"If people find out that the Student Council President's sister was placed in Class D, do you realize how humiliating that would be for me?"
His voice was frigid, filled with undisguised contempt.
"Do you not understand what this means?"
"I…"
Suzune's previously composed demeanor was gone—she looked utterly vulnerable.
Her usually sharp and confident expression had been replaced with unease, as if she wanted to protest, yet couldn't find the words to fight back.
"Drop out, Suzune."
"…Otherwise—"
Manabu raised his hand, seemingly about to strike his own sister.
"…"
Hikaru had seen enough.
He swiftly stepped forward.
"Hey now, wouldn't it be a problem if people found out that the Student Council President was out here at night… bullying a girl?"
"…Hmm?"
Hearing the unfamiliar voice, Manabu turned his head sharply—only to see Hikaru standing nearby.
"…It's you, Hikaru-kun."
"Yep, that's me, Horikita-senpai." Hikaru smirked slightly. "Didn't expect you to have such an interesting hobby."
"…How much did you hear?"
Manabu immediately let go of Suzune's wrist, his tone turning eerily calm.
"And what exactly do you intend to do?"
"Relax. I don't intend to do anything." Hikaru shrugged.
"I just happened to be passing by and learned something new—that Horikita Suzune is your sister."
"Hmph. An incompetent little sister means a stain on my reputation."
"I'll be ensuring she drops out."
"Brother?!"
Suzune's expression shifted instantly as she looked at Hikaru—the very person who had taken her Private Points earlier today—now standing before her once again.
But what confused her even more…
Why did it seem like Hikaru was already familiar with her brother?
~~~
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