2nd Year Class D.
The class atmosphere had improved somewhat; many people still gathered around Karuizawa, acting as if nothing had happened.
Kushida Kikyo had a flat expression, crossing her legs while playing with her phone.
The surroundings seemed like a vacuum zone, no longer having its former liveliness.
Actually.
As long as she apologized.
Many people would still accept Kushida Kikyo again, just as they accepted Karuizawa; in any case, no one would speak the truth.
Whether it was real or fake didn't matter.
But Kushida Kikyo had no intention of apologizing, nor did she care about the gazes of those around her.
She had been an emotional trash can for these disgusting people for nearly two years.
Why should she be the one to apologize?
Talking and laughing on the surface while secretly saying bad things about each other—what kind of good people were they?
Kushida Kikyo didn't feel she had done anything wrong.
If not for her.
How could this class have been as harmonious as before.
At this moment.
Matsushita Chiaki sat in her seat.
Her gaze inconspicuously shifted between Hasebe Haruka and Karuizawa.
In the morning.
Hasebe Haruka and Karuizawa Megumi were with Hikigaya on the way to school.
Others might not have noticed, but it couldn't escape Matsushita Chiaki's keen observation.
It just gave Matsushita Chiaki a headache.
Setting Karuizawa aside, who felt that dating a capable person would improve her own evaluation.
Though Matsushita Chiaki snorted at this in her heart.
It was none of her business.
Presumably, Karuizawa had some sense and wouldn't betray the class or do things that would affect her evaluation.
Given how much Karuizawa cared about her class status.
There was no need to worry too much about that.
The key was.
Hasebe Haruka!
Everyone was well aware.
After the last exam, Hasebe Haruka had grievances toward the class, and she didn't hide them at all.
The people around her could only ignore her.
It's not like they were going to apologize to Hasebe Haruka, right?
They also did it for the class!
In any case, they weren't familiar with Sakura Airi; if they didn't expel Sakura, who would they expel?
Why should they affect their own futures for two people they weren't familiar with? It was simply beyond stupid.
If.
Hasebe Haruka could soften the atmosphere, they naturally wouldn't mind re-accepting her.
To put it simply.
On what grounds!
They could only ignore her as much as possible, and Hasebe Haruka didn't care about their opinions at all either.
This wasn't impossible.
However.
Today they actually saw Hasebe Haruka going to school with Hikigaya.
Whether they were dating was another matter.
Matsushita Chiaki didn't care who these people were dating; at most, she'd mock them a bit in private.
As long as it didn't affect the class or her.
It wasn't a big problem.
However.
What if Hasebe Haruka really was dating Hikigaya and still had grievances against the class?
Could she secretly backstab the class?
Regardless of strength, having a traitor in the class who wanted to drag the class down was very easy.
Matsushita Chiaki had to care.
Unfortunately.
Going forward to ask would undoubtedly be something that offends people.
Although she wasn't afraid of Hasebe Haruka, if she incurred Hasebe Haruka's resentment and was dragged down by her.
Matsushita Chiaki was naturally unwilling.
In the past, this kind of thing that might offend people was generally left to Kushida Kikyo.
But now, seeing Kushida's cold look, Matsushita Chiaki was a bit unhappy.
Dammit.
These selfish trash who only care about venting emotions without considering the class at all.
Even if Kushida and Hasebe didn't want to reach Class A.
She still very much wanted to.
After thinking for a moment.
Matsushita Chiaki sneakily walked up to Ayanokouji.
Actually, she had already discovered that Ayanokouji, like her, was hiding his strength.
She originally thought.
With the two strong reinforcements of Ayanokouji and herself, the class was more likely to reach A; she didn't expect Kushida and Hasebe to be so selfish.
This kind of thing that might offend people should be discussed with Ayanokouji.
"Ayanokouji-kun."
Matsushita Chiaki looked toward Hasebe and lowered her voice:
"I heard that Karuizawa and Hasebe went to school with that Hikigaya this morning. What do you think?"
"Hmm?"
Ayanokouji then glanced at Hasebe and the others, his expression flat:
"It feels within the realm of reason; you should also know how good the relationship between Hasebe and Sakura was..."
Indeed, there was nothing to find strange about it.
Given the personalities of Karuizawa and Hasebe Haruka, even if it was said they were already dating Hikigaya.
Ayanokouji wouldn't think there was any problem.
However.
Based on Matsushita Chiaki's personality, she was likely worried about whether Hasebe Haruka might betray the class.
Ayanokouji naturally thought of this possibility as well.
But based on Matsushita Chiaki's intent, she was more likely instigating him to go ask Hasebe Haruka.
This kind of thing that offends people.
Ayanokouji naturally wouldn't do it.
After all, he was the one who aimed the main spearhead at Sakura Airi; Hasebe Haruka probably had the deepest hatred for him.
Going up to ask would just be asking for trouble.
Ayanokouji naturally wouldn't do something that increases risk.
Fortunately.
Horikita Suzune had already grown up.
"However."
Ayanokouji said expressionlessly, also lowering his voice: "Why tell me this? If you're worried about the class, wouldn't it be better to tell Horikita?"
"That's true..."
Matsushita Chiaki thought for a moment and nodded.
Although her relationship with Horikita Suzune wasn't great and she disliked Horikita Suzune's style.
It seemed Ayanokouji didn't want to go.
There was no other way.
She originally thought Ayanokouji and the others were very close with Hasebe Haruka, but a look at Yukimura and Miyake Akito sitting in their seats.
As expected.
This group of people probably can't be friends anymore.
Actually.
Although Matsushita Chiaki could understand, she also felt the main reason lay with Hasebe Haruka.
After all.
They did it for the class to have Sakura Airi expelled; moreover, hasn't Sakura Airi not been expelled yet?
What else did Hasebe Haruka have to care about.
The anger should have subsided, right?
It was a bit pretentious.
As long as Hasebe Haruka could talk properly.
The atmosphere would certainly be much better.
She believed Yukimura and Miyake Akito would also frankly accept Hasebe Haruka's apology.
After hesitating for a moment.
Matsushita Chiaki bid farewell to Ayanokouji and walked to Horikita Suzune, who was checking Sudo Ken's homework.
"Um... Horikita-san."
Matsushita Chiaki lowered her voice: "I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Actually..."
Matsushita Chiaki briefly explained, which immediately made Horikita Suzune frown.
A few days ago.
Sudo Ken had reported Ichinose and the others' actions to Horikita Suzune.
She was naturally aware of Ichinose's attempt to bribe Sudo, and also knew that Kouenji would no longer participate in the Sports Festival.
It couldn't be helped.
Using private points to conduct battle was indeed the class's right.
Although Horikita Suzune was somewhat wary, she didn't take it too much to heart.
Even without Kouenji, with Sudo plus Hirata, and having started cooperation with Ryuen and the others.
They were still confident in achieving the best ranking.
However.
If Hasebe Haruka were to betray the class again.
Then things would indeed be a bit touch-and-go.
Thinking of this.
Horikita Suzune took a deep breath, approaching Hasebe Haruka and Karuizawa Megumi with a serious expression.
As a leader.
She naturally had to prepare and nip this possibility in the bud.