Failed Plan

The next day, Itozawa woke in the pale light of dawn. He quickly got ready to face the new day, and as he stepped into the elevator, he unexpectedly ran into Ichinose. They exchanged friendly glances and naturally decided to head to the classroom together.

"Morning, Ichinose," Itozawa's voice echoed in the elevator.

"Morning, Itozawa," Ichinose replied with a warm, friendly smile.

As they stepped out of the elevator and started toward the classroom, quite a few girls warmly greeted Ichinose along the way. Their faces were bright with smiles, and it was clear they knew and liked her well.

Itozawa, by contrast, got a few greetings in passing, but he could tell he was merely an afterthought.

Unable to resist teasing her, Itozawa said, "Ichinose, you're really popular. Everyone likes you."

Ichinose's cheeks turned faintly pink at his words. She lowered her head shyly. "Oh, no. I just did what I was supposed to do. You're the ones who've really done a lot."

Her expression was sincere and modest. She genuinely thought she had only done her duty.

Itozawa looked at her, his expression turning serious. "Ichinose, you shouldn't think so little of yourself. Everyone knows how kind and considerate you are. That's why they all want to be around you."

A flicker of surprise passed through Ichinose's eyes, followed by deep gratitude.

She gently bit her lip, then lifted her head, determination shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Itozawa. I'll remember what you said and keep doing my best."

Itozawa and Ichinose walked slowly into the classroom, their eyes sweeping over the room until they were drawn to a blond boy.

He was standing beside Amako Kura's desk, a warm smile on his face.

They didn't know him, but decided to watch from the side and see what he was after.

The blond boy's gaze was gentle and focused, and his voice held an irresistible charm. "Hello, I'm Hashimoto from Class A. I noticed you at the Interest Club Briefing Session yesterday, Amako. Your attentiveness and focus really left an impression on me."

Amako looked up. A hint of wariness showed in her eyes at the unexpected approach, but she remained polite. "Hello, Hashimoto. Thanks for the compliment. I was just doing my best to do what I was supposed to. It's nothing worth praising."

Hashimoto chuckled softly and leaned forward a little, as if trying to draw closer.

His eyes held a hint of sincerity. "You're too modest, Amako. I watched you at the Interest Club Briefing Session yesterday. When you were helping your upperclassman look after the booth, you answered every question so patiently and thoroughly. Your focus and dedication were really admirable."

His voice was gentle and charming. He smoothly moved on to another topic. "I imagine that has something to do with how your teacher instructs you, right? I've heard your teacher's classes are really interesting. Would you mind telling me about them?"

His expression was natural, and his tone suggested a genuine interest in teaching methods. With practiced ease, he shifted the subject from praising her to discussing how her class was taught.

A hint of suspicion flashed in Amako's eyes. She sensed there was more behind Hashimoto's question. "Hashimoto, why are you so interested in our teaching methods?"

Hashimoto's expression remained natural, as if he had an answer ready. "Oh, I'm just curious. I've heard your teacher has a really interesting teaching style."

Just then, Itozawa and Ichinose walked over. Ichinose's voice was gentle but direct. "Hashimoto, if you're interested in our teaching methods, why not ask our homeroom teacher directly?"

Hashimoto turned around. Surprise flickered in his eyes when he saw Itozawa and Ichinose, but he soon regained his composure. "Hello. I was just talking with Amako about our study habits. Since you're here, I won't keep you."

With that, Hashimoto turned and left with a polite smile. Amako watched him go, then quietly said to Itozawa and Ichinose, "You came at just the right time. Something about him felt off."

Itozawa nodded. "Yeah. You'll have to be extra careful. Students from Class A are asking about our homeroom teacher's ability. It's part of their assessment."

Surprise flashed in Amako's eyes, and uncertainty crept into her voice. "Are you saying that strange approach just now was actually an attempt to get information?"

Itozawa nodded, his voice low and firm. "That's right. Every question seemed like a probe, especially the ones about our homeroom teacher's ability. That wasn't ordinary curiosity."

Only then did Amako understand. Realization dawned in her eyes. "I see. He used that strange approach because he was trying to get me to let something slip."

After backing off in frustration, Hashimoto felt annoyed with himself. He had chosen Amako as his target because, from what he had observed yesterday, she seemed to be the person closest to the core of Class B after Ichinose.

He had originally planned to go straight to Ichinose, but Her Highness, Sakayanagi Arisu, had told him that any direct approach would likely be seen through and thwarted by her, causing the plan to fail.

So Hashimoto had deliberately picked another target: Amako. He thought he could learn about Class B from her indirectly, especially about their homeroom teacher's ability. But Ichinose had interrupted him anyway. It seemed he would have to find another way.

Hashimoto walked down the corridor, brow furrowed as he brooded. I thought Amako would be easier to handle than Ichinose. It seems I underestimated her.

A complicated emotion passed through his eyes, but soon he returned to his usual calm composure.

Looks like I'll have to reassess the situation in Class B. Maybe I should look at the problem from a different angle.

Hashimoto stopped and lightly clenched his fist, as if to encourage himself. Then he slowly let out a breath, a smile curling at his lips.

If I can't get anywhere by force, I'll just have to use a gentler approach. Amako, one way or another, I'll find a way in through you.