The rooftop door clicked shut behind them.
Five figures stood in the stairwell, breathing hard, hair disheveled, uniforms slightly askew. They looked less like students returning from lunch and more like warriors emerging from battle.
Because that's exactly what it was.
Hoshino adjusted her collar—a futile gesture, given the state of her usually perfect appearance. A strand of hair had escaped its careful placement. Her cheeks still held a faint pink.
She looked at the others. They looked back.
Then, quietly, almost to herself: "I've never had that much fun."
No one replied. No one needed to.
She continued, a small smile tugging at her lips—a genuine one, not the polished mask she wore for the world. "I might end up here again. For revenge."
Yuki grinned weakly. "Bring it, princess."
Hoshino nodded once, then turned and descended the stairs, her footsteps fading into the distance.
The four remaining exchanged glances.
Then Yuki: "Did... did we just befriend the untouchable princess?"
Riko: "I think we traumatized her into friendship."
Hikari: "Same thing."
Kaito said nothing. But something in his eyes—something warm—said everything.
---
They reached Class 2-B.
The moment they stepped through the door, the room erupted.
Students swarmed them instantly—a wall of curious faces, eager questions, hungry eyes.
"Sato-senpai! What happened up there?"
"Aoyama-san! Why do you look like that?"
"Tanaka-san! Is that a leaf in your hair?"
"Nakamura-san! Why was Hoshino-senpai with you?"
"You all look DEFEATED! What happened?!"
"Did you guys fight?"
"Did you guys make up?"
"WHY WAS HOSHINO THERE?!"
The questions came faster than they could process. The crowd pressed closer. Escape was impossible.
Riko glanced at Kaito. Her eyes said: Death stare. Now.
Hikari's look added: Agreed. Unleash it.
Kaito met their gazes. For a moment, they thought he would comply. One good death stare would scatter the crowd like leaves in a hurricane.
Instead, he turned.
Looked directly at Yuki.
And said, calm as still water: "We almost lost up there. If you want more information, ask Yuki. We're too tired after the battle."
Silence.
Then—
EVERYONE exploded.
The crowd shifted instantly, swarming Yuki like sharks sensing blood.
"NAKAMURA-SAN! WHAT HAPPENED?!"
"TELL US EVERYTHING!"
"WHAT BATTLE?!"
"WHO ALMOST LOST?!"
"WHY WERE YOU FIGHTING THE PRINCESS?!"
Yuki's eyes went wide. Her mouth opened. Closed. Opened again.
Nothing came out.
She turned to Kaito—traitor, betrayer, devil in human form—but he was already walking to his seat, completely unbothered.
Riko followed, hiding a smile behind her hand.
Hikari simply shrugged and headed to her spot.
Yuki was left alone, drowning in a sea of curiosity.
"WAIT—GUYS—YOU CAN'T JUST—HELP—SOMEONE—"
No one helped.
The spotlight was hers.
And she was going to make them pay for it.
Later.
(End of Chapter 95)