Hashimoto's Obsession

Itozawa and Ichinose left the office with complicated feelings and headed to the canteen. They ate a simple meal and returned to their dormitories.

After a night's rest, the next morning, they walked to the classroom together, ready to start a new day of lessons.

However, when they arrived at the classroom, they were surprised to find Masayoshi Hashimoto once again by Amako Kura's desk.

Hashimoto didn't seem discouraged by yesterday's failure; he was still trying to approach Amako.

Amako Kura's gaze was sharp as a blade; she had already seen through Masayoshi Hashimoto's true intentions.

Her body leaned back slightly, her hands unconsciously crossed in front of her chest, forming an invisible barrier.

Then, she, too lazy to beat around the bush, directly stated his intentions: "Hashimoto-kun, I know what your real goal is. You're trying to probe Hoshimiya-sensei's abilities through me, but I won't let you succeed."

However, Masayoshi Hashimoto showed no embarrassment on his face. His expression remained relaxed, even with a hint of cynicism, as if Amako Kura's words were just an insignificant breeze.

He lowered his head slightly, then raised it again, a flicker of an unfathomable light in his eyes, and said softly, "Amako-san, you misunderstand. My attention to you is purely out of personal admiration and concern."

His voice was gentle, with an irresistible charm. He raised his hand slightly, as if to touch Amako's shoulder, but stopped in mid-air, then adjusted his collar instead, his movements natural and graceful.

He continued, "Your intelligence and independence deeply fascinate me. I believe we can have more communication and understanding between us."

Hashimoto's words were filled with praise and flattery. He was trying to ease the atmosphere this way, while also testing Amako's reaction.

Amako Kura was not swayed by Hashimoto's sweet talk. Her eyes revealed determination and unyieldingness.

She took a small step back, avoiding Hashimoto's approach: "Hashimoto-kun, I respect your personal feelings, but I hope you understand that between us, there will be nothing more than a classmate relationship."

Her words left no room for maneuver; her attitude was clear and firm.

Itozawa and Ichinose sat down in their seats and began a discussion as if no one else were there. Although their conversation was quiet, it was loud enough for Hashimoto to hear clearly.

Itozawa spoke first, his voice carrying a hint of teasing, yet maintaining a relaxed tone: "He's really persistent. Hashimoto hasn't given up his intentions even now. I have to say, he's a truly tenacious person."

Ichinose nodded slightly, a hint of admiration in her eyes, but also a touch of helplessness: "Yes, he completely disregards others' feelings. He doesn't seem like someone who's trying to pursue someone at all."

Her words carried a faint criticism, but it wasn't malicious; it was more like pointing out the inappropriateness of Hashimoto's behavior.

Itozawa smiled slightly, his gaze returning to Hashimoto, his tone playful: "However, one has to admire his persistence. If it were me, I might have given up long ago."

Ichinose chuckled softly, her voice gentle, yet enough for Hashimoto to feel her attention: "Indeed, if his spirit were applied to the right things, he might achieve something. But like this, it only makes people uncomfortable."

They seemed to be discussing, but every sentence was a reminder to Amako and a jab at Hashimoto.

Masayoshi Hashimoto didn't seem to notice the onlookers' gazes. He continued to use his charming words, trying to win over Amako Kura's heart.

"Amako-san, you have to believe me, I'm sincere about you. No matter how much you doubt me, I will continue to pursue you. I believe one day, you will give me this chance."

However, Amako Kura's gaze remained firm. She knew that behind these sweet words lay Hashimoto's true intentions.

She smiled slightly and responded politely but distantly: "Hashimoto-kun, thank you for your admiration, but I think we should focus on our studies."

Everyone knew this was a rejection. For Ability Users, studying was not a burden at all. It was even rumored that some from Class D had walked out of class right in front of the teacher.

Thinking of this, Itozawa felt a little regretful. It was a shame it wasn't like the original work where points were deducted based on behavior. Otherwise, Class D wouldn't even have a chance to move up later, he didn't believe the personality flaws of those in Class D would remain honest after their abilities were amplified.

Hashimoto still left. Itozawa and Ichinose, their attention returned to the class, immediately noticed the joyous atmosphere in the classroom, which surprised them.

Their eyes scanned the classroom, trying to find the source of this atmosphere.

Shibata, standing nearby, noticed their surprise. He glanced at their desks and quickly understood.

He walked enthusiastically to their desks and started fiddling with them. Under Itozawa and Ichinose's curious gazes, they saw the change in the desks: many screens had been added to the desks.

"Look, yours have them too," Shibata pointed at their desks, his tone carrying a hint of boastfulness.

Itozawa and Ichinose leaned closer and found three screens added to their desks. One displayed the class schedule, another was the school bulletin board, and a third screen was still black, its purpose unknown.

"When were these installed?" Itozawa asked, somewhat surprised.

Shibata chuckled, his movements revealing a hint of pride: "Yesterday afternoon, when you two left, someone was bored and used their ability to tinker with the desks. It triggered the desk's protection, and after a careful study, they discovered these things."

Ichinose asked curiously, "Then why is everyone so excited?"

Shibata's smile widened: "Look at the schedule. There's physical education this afternoon, and it's swimming class. With the help of our abilities now, I'm sure I can swim even better."

Itozawa and Ichinose exchanged glances and smiled. They could imagine the classmates' anticipation for the upcoming swimming class, especially with the boost of their abilities, everyone hoped to shine in the pool.

"What is that black screen for?" Ichinose asked, pointing at the inactive screen.

Shibata shook his head: "I don't know either, but I think it must have a special purpose. We'll find out later."

Itozawa nodded, a hint of anticipation in his eyes: "It seems we need to prepare well. This afternoon's swimming class might be very interesting."

Ichinose also showed an expectant smile: "Yes, I'm looking forward to it too. I wonder what kind of effects our abilities will have in the swimming class."