"What do you mean, Yukimura-kun?"
"It's been bugging me for a while. The members of my group all have somewhat reserved personalities. That makes it easy for me to get along with them, since I'm introverted in my own way too."
"Where are you going with this, Yukimura-kun?"
Hirata politely urges Yukimura to get to the point.
"Well, I think Kōenji-san didn't assign our members randomly. Am I wrong?"
'I wasn't planning to hide that anyway.'
"Indeed, just as I chose you all based on your abilities, I picked members whose personalities align with each of yours."
I answer simply.
"If that's true, your ability to analyze people is terrifying, Kōenji-san."
I flash a cheerful smile.
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment, Yukimura-kun."
I agree with Yukimura—it's practically a cheat code. But it's a must if I'm going to achieve my goal.
"Still, I think Kōenji-kun had a secondary goal in creating these groups, beyond just studying."
"What do you mean, Hirata-kun?"
Now Yukimura presses Hirata.
"Since the groups were formed, I've noticed our relationships with each other have improved quite a bit."
"You're not wrong, Hirata-kun. The class feels way more united than at the start of the term."
Mei backs Hirata's point.
"Is that true, Kōenji-kun?"
Kushida asks me.
So far, Hirata's comments are just speculation. But he's not wrong.
"Well, you could say that was one of the goals."
"One? Are there other goals besides that?"
Yukimura, surprised, presses further.
"Who knows."
I neither confirm nor deny anything.
"Alright, I think that wraps up today's meeting. The progress report is positive so far—let's keep it up. See you all in class tomorrow."
Since everything's been covered, I end the meeting, which has been going since 8 a.m.
Everyone packs up and leaves. First Yukimura, then Mei, then Hirata. I'm about to follow, but I'm stopped.
"Kōenji-kun, can we talk for a sec?"
Kushida suggests a one-on-one chat. I've got a hunch about what this is about.
I sit back down across from her, the table between us.
"What's up, Kushida-chan?"
"I hope I'm not bothering you?"
Kushida checks if I'm free.
"No worries, I don't have anything urgent planned today."
"Good, then."
She pauses to gather her thoughts before speaking again.
"Kōenji-kun, I want to know… is it really true you can read people's personalities from their faces?"
Her tone is calm and gentle, but I catch a faint trace of fear in her words.
'I'm surprised you waited this long to ask. Compared to Horikita, your patience is on another level.'
"Yes. Why ask, Kushida-chan? Having doubts about it?"
I play dumb. I'm pretty good at it.
"No… it's just…"
'Let's see.'
"What's wrong, Kushida? You seem off."
'She can't show her true self.'
Even though the library looks empty, there's always a chance someone's around.
My words push her, snapping her out of her hesitation.
"Kōenji-kun, can I know what you know about me?"
'Here we go…'
---
I just left the library.
It's almost noon.
I was about to head back to my room when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.
[Unknown calling…]
'An unknown number?'
I stare at the screen, letting it ring until it hits voicemail. But instead of leaving a message, the caller hangs up and tries again.
At least that proves it's not a wrong number.
'Let's see who this is.'
I pick up the second call.
"Hello? Who's this?"
[Is this Kōenji Rokusuke?]
It's a male voice.
'Given the limited list of people I can contact, that narrows it down. Judging by the tone, it's likely a teenager on the other end. I already have all my classmates' numbers, and the way he introduced himself… Ah, I get it. So that's how it is…'
"That's me. May I know who I'm speaking to?"
[My name's Yoshiki Nagata, and I'm a third-year student.]
'Just as I thought…'
"Oh? What's the occasion for a senpai to call me?"
[We can help each other.]
"Help? I'm totally in the dark here, senpai."
[Where are you right now?]
"Are you suggesting we meet?"
[Yes. It's better to have this conversation in person.]
"Well, I'm near the library."
[Good. Can you come to the Boulevard? We'll meet there.]
"Alright, but I hope it's worth my time, senpai."
[Don't worry. See you soon.]
The call ends.
I'm pretty surprised.
While I've got the gist of the situation, I didn't see this coming at all. I thought Kōenji was the one who approached his senpais first. To think it's the other way around… No, my interference might've caused this. In the end, some details differ slightly from the novel—this could be another one.
Either way, an event just triggered.
I already know why this senpai contacted me. He wants to offer me his points in exchange for my support through the conglomerate this body will inherit after graduation.
If I didn't initiate contact myself, it's because I know that move would be noticed by someone who'll play a major role in this school in a few months. Also, I'm not like the novel's Kōenji, who only cared about himself and didn't give a damn about others. I've taken on leading my class, so one wrong decision could derail my plans.
As I mull over how to handle this, I reach the meeting spot. It's an area with a brick path, plenty of lampposts, and an iron fence separating the land from the sea.
He picked a good spot.
As I approach, I spot three figures in the distance. I casually walk up to them.
It's a group of two guys and a girl. One's a tall guy with black hair and glasses, slightly above average height, with a polished look fitting a senpai. The other's a shorter guy with light, short hair cut evenly in a square style. As for the last member, she's a girl with a rather provocative appearance, thanks to her massive chest, which, by the way, rivals a certain girl in my class. Her brown hair is long, reaching her shoulders.
Seeing me, the tall guy steps forward to face me.
"Kōenji-san, I presume."
"And you're Yoshiki-senpai."
"Indeed. Thanks for accepting my invitation."
"It's an honor that a senpai wanted to meet me."
His eyes widen briefly before returning to normal.
"I'm a bit surprised."
"Did I say something off, senpai?"
"N-no, just that I didn't expect this demeanor, given your status in society."
"Sounds like you know me outside of school, senpai."
"Oh, I wouldn't say I *know* you. Let's just say I'm aware of your family."
"Should I assume that's why I'm here, senpai?"
At my question, Yoshiki glances at his two companions, signaling them to join us.
"Before we continue, let me introduce my companions."
The shorter guy speaks first.
"I'm Kansuke Ebisawa. Nice to meet you, Kōenji-san."
"Nice to meet you too, senpai."
Then it's the girl with the eye-catching chest.
"Usami Umiko. Pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasure's mine, senpai."
With introductions done, Yoshiki takes the floor again.
"Alright. Now, let's get to the point."
His gaze turns serious.
"We called you here to make an offer that'll benefit both you and us."
"And what's that offer, senpai?"
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