Classmate Rapport

On Monday, during mathematics class, Teacher Chabashira Sae was explaining a complex probability problem. Horikita Suzune sat in the third row by the window, diligently taking notes. Fūki Ran was positioned diagonally behind her, able to clearly see her straight back and meticulous writing style.

This was their third week as classmates, yet communication between them remained limited to necessary academic exchanges. Horikita maintained her solitary nature, and Fūki had no intention of disrupting this tacit understanding.

The dismissal bell rang, and Teacher Chabashira assigned an after-class exercise: "This problem requires the application of all the concepts explained today. Submit it before class tomorrow."

A chorus of groans erupted in the classroom. Horikita, however, had already packed her bag and left without looking back.

Fūki noticed the slight furrow in her brow as she left—the problem was indeed challenging, even for an excellent student like Horikita.

In the evening, while Fūki was researching in the library, he unexpectedly saw Horikita. She was sitting alone in a corner, several reference books spread out before her, her pen constantly working on draft paper.

Fūki sat down opposite her. She didn't look up, seemingly completely immersed in her own world.

About half an hour later, Horikita let out a soft sigh and put down her pen, rubbing her temples. It seemed she had hit a bottleneck.

"Need some help?" Fūki asked quietly.

Horikita looked up sharply, finally noticing Fūki opposite her. Her expression immediately returned to its usual coldness: "No, I can solve it myself."

"The key to this problem lies in understanding the conditions for applying Bayes' Theorem," Fūki continued, as if he hadn't heard her refusal. "Your current approach is too complicated."

Horikita's fingers paused slightly. She was indeed stuck at this point.

Fūki picked up a pen and drew a simple diagram on the draft paper: "See, if you approach it from this angle, the problem becomes much simpler."

Horikita silently watched his demonstration, her gaze gradually shifting from initial resistance to focus. She had to admit, Fūki's solution was indeed much more concise and clear than her original approach.

"I see..." she murmured. "I was too fixated on one direction."

"Sometimes, changing your perspective can make problems fall into place," Fūki said, putting down his pen. "It's not just with math problems; it's like this with other things too."

Horikita looked up, keenly catching the deeper meaning in his words: "What are you referring to?"

"Like the current situation in the class," Fūki lowered his voice. "Class D appears calm on the surface, but there are undercurrents at play."

Horikita's expression turned serious: "What have you discovered?"

"Ike and Yamauchi's group have been acting suspiciously lately," Fūki said. "I suspect they're plotting something."

Just then, a sweet voice chimed in: "What are you two discussing?"

Kushida Kikyo had appeared beside them at some point, her face adorned with her signature bright smile.

Horikita immediately fell silent, her expression becoming even colder. But Fūki responded naturally: "We're discussing a math problem. Kushida, you've come at the perfect time. What do you think of this problem?"

Kushida leaned in to look at the question, then glanced at Horikita, and smiled knowingly: "This problem is indeed difficult. But I'm sure Horikita-san can solve it."

She winked at Fūki, then turned to Horikita: "Horikita-san, if you need any help, feel free to ask me anytime. We're all classmates, we should help each other."

Horikita frowned slightly, seemingly uncomfortable with Kushida's enthusiasm: "Thank you, but I don't need it."

After Kushida left, Fūki quietly said to Horikita: "Kushida can be trusted."

Horikita looked at him in surprise: "Are you sure? That hypocritical..."

"I'm sure," Fūki interrupted her. "Some things are inconvenient to discuss right now, but please trust my judgment."

Horikita pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright. Then, about Ike and the others..."

"I've asked Kushida to help keep an eye on their movements," Fūki said. "According to her observations, these people have been frequently contacting students from Class C during lunch breaks."

"Ryuen..." Horikita's eyes sharpened. "He must be plotting some scheme."

"And I've noticed," Fūki added, "that the personal points of these individuals have increased abnormally recently."

Just then, the library lights flickered, signaling that closing time was approaching. The two began to pack their books.

"The special exam is coming up soon," Fūki said in a low voice. "We need to be extra careful."

Horikita nodded slightly: "I understand. Contact me immediately if you have any new findings."

As they walked out of the library, the cool night breeze hit them. Uncharacteristically, Horikita didn't leave immediately but stopped and looked at Fūki: "Why choose to cooperate with me? You could have approached Hirata; he's better at leading the class."

"Because I believe in your abilities and principles," Fūki's answer was concise. "And, like me, you don't want Class D to fail due to internal division."

This reason moved Horikita slightly. She was silent for a moment, then said softly: "See you tomorrow."

Watching Horikita's retreating figure, Fūki knew it would take time to change this stubborn maiden. But at least, they had established a preliminary trust.

The next day in mathematics class, Teacher Chabashira specifically praised Horikita's problem-solving approach: "Horikita-san's solution was very creative, breaking away from conventional thinking."

Horikita subconsciously glanced at Fūki, their eyes meeting briefly.

After class, Kushida naturally walked up to Horikita: "Horikita-san, there are still some parts of the explanation just now that I don't quite understand. Could I ask for your guidance?"

At Fūki's subtle hint, Horikita reluctantly nodded: "...Alright."

While Kushida was asking Horikita for clarification, Fūki noticed Ike and Yamauchi whispering in a corner of the classroom, occasionally exchanging sinister smiles. He quietly gave Kushida a look.

Kushida understood and immediately used her unique affinity to say to Horikita: "Horikita-san explained it so clearly! By the way, should we study together this weekend? I know Horikita-san is very good at math, and you could guide everyone."

This proposal clearly put Horikita in a difficult position, but under Fūki's encouraging gaze, she finally nodded: "...Alright."

After Kushida left, Horikita walked over to Fūki, her tone laced with dissatisfaction: "Why did you agree to such a boring social activity?"

"This is a good opportunity to observe the class dynamics," Fūki explained softly. "Moreover, appropriate group activities can help improve your image within the class."

"I don't need to..."

"You do," Fūki interrupted her. "In this competitive environment where classes are units, isolating yourself is the most dangerous choice."

Horikita wanted to retort, but thinking of the recent abnormalities she had observed, she ultimately fell silent.

After school, as Horikita walked alone on the path back to the dormitory, she began to seriously consider Fūki's words for the first time. Perhaps, it was indeed time to look at this class from a different angle.