One Day

After school, Chabashira called out to Sudo, who was rushing out, saying:

"Sudo, I have something to tell you. Come to the teacher's office."

"Huh? Why me? I still have practice with the basketball club." Sudo showed his jersey from his bag to Chabashira.

"I've already spoken with your club teacher. Whether you come or not is up to you, but I won't be responsible for whatever happens afterward." Although Chabashira's tone was calm, her words seemed to carry a veiled threat or warning.

Hearing her words, Sudo became nervous. "What's going on? It'll be over soon, right?"

"That depends on your attitude. Time is ticking away, second by second."

After Sudo left with Chabashira, the classmates began to discuss.

"I thought Sudo had changed, but he's still the same."

"I wish Sudo wasn't in our class..."

Complaints about Sudo flowed from various corners. Since before, the class had already divided into several small groups.

Konoe walked straight out of the classroom, preparing to return to the dormitory. As soon as he reached the dormitory building, Chabashira called. Before Konoe could speak, a voice quickly came from the other end:

"Konoe, come to the old classroom we used last time immediately."

With that, Chabashira hung up. Konoe initially wanted to ignore the call, but he was worried about Chabashira's confidence, so he turned back towards the school building and went to the old classroom where he had spoken with Chabashira alone last time.

"What is this about? Why didn't you call me when you called Sudo just now?" Konoe vaguely guessed that what Chabashira wanted to say might be related to Sudo.

"You really don't know." Chabashira said with a mocking tone, "The School Student Council received a complaint from a Basketball Club Member of Class C against Sudo, stating that he was unilaterally beaten and injured by Sudo after club activities."

"What?"

While Konoe was surprised by Sudo's actions, he was more surprised that he, as a member of the Student Council, was completely unaware of this matter.

"So, why did you call me here, Teacher Chabashira? What do you expect me to do? As you can see, I know nothing."

"Sudo insists it was self-defense, but there's no evidence to prove his claim."

"Actually, I think he might really do something like that if he's provoked." Konoe stated his stance, indicating he didn't want to get involved.

"I've already delayed this for a day. I'll inform the students about this at the class's morning assembly the day after tomorrow at the latest. Once I tell them, it means the news will spread. Konoe, you should think carefully during this time."

Konoe shook his head. "Impossible. Putting aside the fact that you've given me too little time, Teacher Chabashira. Although I said I'd help once, I said that to Horikita."

"Do whatever you want. I've said all I have to say." Chabashira then left the old classroom.

Konoe checked the time; it was still early. He thought to himself, 'Ah, since I'm already at the school building, I might as well go to the Student Council room.'

As soon as Konoe entered the Student Council Room, he heard unwelcoming voices.

"This is quite a rare visitor."

"...I'm not exactly a guest, am I? Tachibana Senpai." Konoe said cautiously, unsure of what he had done to offend her.

Tachibana then continued with a strange, mocking tone, "When we first joined the Student Council, we had to work there every day until lunch, and sometimes even work overtime at night. Konoe, you only visit once a week. Are you even considered part of the Student Council?"

"...I'm here to complete the task assigned by the President. Don't others often go on external assignments too?"

"Konoe, have you finished memorizing it yet? The documents." Horikita Manabu asked directly upon hearing his words.

Konoe stated his purpose for coming to the Student Council directly: "I apologize, President. I still need some time for the documents. I came this time to inquire about the appeal from Class 1-C."

"Konoe, although I don't know how you found out about this confidential information, according to Student Council regulations, you must recuse yourself."

"...Horikita President, that reason isn't convincing for this school. How many points would I need to participate in this matter?"

"It seems you're gradually adapting here. However, this appeal was filed by the Class 1-C Homeroom Teacher on behalf of the class. If you intend to use points and your position in the Student Council to resolve this directly, I'll tell you that the points are something no first-year student could afford."

"Can I not even find out about it?"

"If you want to see the detailed appeal documents, then finish the work I gave you first."

"...Then I'll go back to work. Excuse me, President, Senpai."

Konoe left the Student Council Room feeling somewhat dejected.

"Is it okay to do this? President, you should at least let Konoe see the appeal documents, right?" Tachibana asked worriedly.

"Tachibana, the current situation is too disadvantageous for him. One person cannot face the collective power of a class."

Konoe returned to his dormitory and lay on his bed, feeling agitated. He suddenly remembered that Chabashira hadn't said he couldn't tell others, so he sent a text message about the matter to Horikita, hoping she could help him think of a solution.

However, he received a response that surprised him.

Horikita: "I'm not planning to help. What you do is your freedom."

After reading Horikita's reply, Konoe thought to himself, 'That's strange. If Horikita isn't planning to act, why am I in such a hurry?'

Konoe closed his eyes and calmed down, beginning to organize his thoughts:

'First, Chabashira called Sudo out. Judging by the timing, she must have called me right after they finished talking.'

'Chabashira told me the information and told me to think carefully. She also said she had delayed it for a day.'

'Why won't the Student Council even let me see the case files? It's strange...'

'Why did Horikita decide not to help? Her actions seemed very proactive last time.'

'Most importantly, why am I so anxious?'

After organizing the questions and information, Konoe took out a candy, put it in his mouth, and activated his Mind Palace.