Hashimoto's Persistence

Itozawa and Ichinose left the office and headed to the cafeteria, their feelings complicated. They ate a simple meal, then each returned to their dorm.

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

However, when they arrived, they were surprised to find Masayoshi Hashimoto once again standing beside Amako Kura's desk.

Hashimoto didn't seem discouraged by yesterday's failure. He was still trying to get close to Amako.

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

She leaned back slightly, her hands instinctively folding across her chest to form an invisible barrier.

Then, unwilling to beat around the bush, she bluntly stated his intentions: "Hashimoto, I know what you're really after. You're trying to use me to find out about Hoshimiya-sensei's ability, but I won't let you get your way."

Yet Masayoshi Hashimoto showed no embarrassment. His expression remained relaxed, even touched with a hint of roguish amusement, as if Amako Kura's words were no more than a harmless breeze.

He dipped his head slightly, then raised it again. An inscrutable glint shone in his eyes as he said softly, "Amikura, you've misunderstood. My interest in you comes entirely from my admiration and concern for you as a person."

His voice was gentle, with an irresistible charm. He lifted a hand as if to touch Amikura's shoulder, but stopped halfway and instead adjusted his collar, the gesture natural and graceful.

He continued, "Your intelligence and independence fascinate me. I believe we could share much more with each other and come to understand one another better."

Hashimoto's words were full of praise and flattery. He was trying to ease the tension this way, while also testing Amikura's reaction.

Amako Kura wasn't swayed by Hashimoto's sweet talk. Her eyes held a steady, unyielding resolve.

She took a small step back to avoid him. "Hashimoto, I respect your feelings, but I hope you understand that we're nothing more than classmates, and we never will be."

Her words left no room for negotiation. Her stance was clear and firm.

Itozawa and Ichinose sat down at their desks and began talking as if no one else were around. Though they spoke quietly, Hashimoto could hear every word.

Itozawa spoke first, his voice lightly teasing but casual. "He's really persistent. Hashimoto still hasn't given up, even after all that. I have to say, he's one determined guy."

Ichinose nodded slightly. A hint of admiration showed in her eyes, though it was mixed with a touch of helplessness. "Yeah. He doesn't care how other people feel at all. What kind of way is that to pursue someone?"

There was a faint note of criticism in her words, but no malice. She sounded more like she was simply pointing out Hashimoto's inappropriate behavior.

Itozawa smiled faintly and glanced at Hashimoto again, his tone tinged with amusement. "Still, you have to admire his persistence. If it were me, I'd probably have given up ages ago."

Ichinose chuckled softly. Her voice was gentle, but loud enough for Hashimoto to know she was paying attention. "True. If he put that determination toward the right things, he might accomplish something. But carrying on like this just makes people uncomfortable."

The two of them seemed to be having a casual discussion, but every remark was a reminder to Amikura—and a hint directed at Hashimoto.

Masayoshi Hashimoto seemed not to notice the onlookers' gazes. He continued using his charming words, trying to win Amako Kura's heart.

"Amikura, you have to believe me. My feelings for you are sincere. No matter how much you doubt me, I'll keep pursuing you. I believe that one day, you'll give me a chance."

Yet Amako Kura's gaze remained resolute. She knew that behind these sweet words lay Hashimoto's true intentions.

She smiled slightly and replied with polite distance. "Hashimoto, thank you for liking me, but I think we should focus on our studies."

Everyone knew that was a rejection. For Ability Users, studying was hardly a burden. They'd even heard that the students in Class D had been walking right out of class in front of their teacher.

Thinking of that, Itozawa felt a little regretful. What a shame they weren't deducting points for violations of the rules like in the Original Work. Otherwise, Class D wouldn't even have a chance to move up later. He didn't believe that, after their personality flaws were amplified by their abilities, that bunch in Class D would suddenly behave themselves.

Hashimoto left, and when Itozawa and Ichinose turned their attention back to the class, they immediately noticed the cheerful atmosphere. It surprised them.

Their eyes swept across the classroom, trying to figure out what was behind the excitement.

Shibata noticed their puzzled expressions and glanced at their desks. He quickly figured it out.

He strode over to their desks, full of energy, and started fiddling with them. Under Itozawa and Ichinose's bewildered gazes, they saw the desks change: several screens had appeared on top.

"Look, your desks have them too." Shibata pointed at their desks, sounding a little smug.

Itozawa and Ichinose leaned in for a closer look. Sure enough, three screens had appeared on each desk. One displayed the class schedule, another showed the school bulletin board, and the third was still black. They had no idea what it was for.

"When were these installed?" Itozawa asked in surprise.

Shibata chuckled, his movements betraying a hint of pride. "Yesterday afternoon, after you left, someone was bored and used their ability to tinker with the desks. That triggered the desks' defenses. Then, after taking a closer look, we discovered these things."

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

Shibata's smile grew even brighter. "Take a look at the schedule. We've got PE this afternoon—and it's swimming. With our abilities to help, I'm sure I'll swim better than ever."

Itozawa and Ichinose exchanged a glance and smiled. They could imagine how excited their classmates were about the upcoming swimming class. With their abilities to give them a boost, everyone hoped to shine in the pool.

"What's that black screen for?" Ichinose asked, pointing at the screen that hadn't been activated yet.

Shibata shook his head. "I don't know either, but I bet it's for something special. We'll find out later."

Itozawa nodded, anticipation in his eyes. "Looks like we'd better get ready. Swimming class this afternoon could be fun."

Ichinose smiled expectantly too. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I wonder how our abilities will come into play during swimming class."