Summer Vacation's Rinne, Kaede Goes Alone to Meet! She's Mortified~

July has passed its midpoint.

The first semester of the first year students, filled with twists and turns at the high school, was finally coming to an end.

All classes had heard that the school administration had arranged a two-week special study program for them in August, during the summer vacation.

The first week of this program was confirmed to be a trip aboard a luxury cruise ship to a deserted island rented from the government, for exploration and recreation.

This was one of the two major topics currently being hotly discussed among the first year Class D students.

Ike Kanji chatted enthusiastically with his friends, "A deserted island! A private beach! A luxury cruise ship! This is going to be so awesome, do you guys know? I used to..."

Ijuin Kou interjected, "Alright, we get it, Ike. How many times have you told us about your past camping trips recently? Why don't you tell Hirata and the others now, and let you organize the summer trip plan?"

"Uh... let's just forget it. Pretend I never said anything," Ike chuckled awkwardly. He didn't have the guts to steal the spotlight like that.

"Speaking of which, what's up with her? She's super, super, super cute!"

Another male student, Minami Setsuya, couldn't help but cast his gaze towards Sakura Airi's seat.

Currently, several girls were gathered around her, chattering incessantly.

Kushida Kikyo, with a brilliant smile she hadn't shown in a while, said to Sakura, "Sakura-san, your image has changed so much. If you don't mind, let's be friends from now on."

Sakura, who had already been asked similar questions by many people, felt her mouth was about to split from smiling.

Although she had promised her friends in Class C that she would try to become more confident, it was still exhausting.

To Sakura's surprise, Tennoji Kaede had given her a guiding light.

He had specifically advised her to try interacting more deeply with a small group of Class D girls first, such as Kushida Kikyo, Horikita Suzune, Matsushita Chiaki, and Hasebe Haruka.

And regarding Kushida, Kaede had also given her a heads-up in advance.

He asked her to help look after the new members of their Tennoji Group.

As for what Kushida would actually think, Kaede wasn't particularly concerned.

This was because he had a good grasp on the extent of his interactions with Sakura.

He wasn't her sole savior; Ibuki and Hiyori were also involved, so there was naturally no bizarre development like "she has a crush on him."

Sakura didn't harbor romantic feelings for Kaede; her feelings were mostly gratitude.

Moreover, Sakura was actually quite sensitive when it came to romance.

She could probably tell that Kaede's heart wasn't set on Sakura Airi.

Sakura's true identity had been revealed, and her popularity had undoubtedly soared.

However, a rift still existed between the male and female students in Class D...

Furthermore, since Kushida had gone through a similar experience earlier, the impact Sakura brought wouldn't last too long.

Discussions about how to spend the summer vacation were the more popular topics in each class.

"Huh? You guys are all busy tonight?"

In Class C, Kaede looked at his two good friends with wide eyes.

Ibuki, sitting in front of him, said with annoyance, "I don't want to go with you to any more strange places. If we're unlucky, we might get locked up again!"

'No, sis!

Was that my fault last time?'

Ibuki, you really don't understand your own passive nature!

She turned her head and pouted, "I'm just not going!"

Kaede looked helplessly at Hiyori, who was to his right.

"Sorry, Kaede-kun, I don't really know anyone in Class B. Besides, I'm a bit worried about Airi's situation in class recently. I hope she's not under too much pressure... Hmm, I should probably ask her out for a chat, and also go shopping together..."

As Hiyori spoke, her thoughts drifted to Little Shizuku in Class D, just a wall away!

'Damn it! What the heck.'

"Alright, I'll just go by myself then."

Ibuki snorted, "Who told you to be such a softie? Honestly, you should just go hang out with Ichinose and the others in Class B. I guarantee you'll feel right at home."

Hiyori chuckled softly, covering her mouth, "Speaking of which, the Class Points between our two classes have been neck and neck recently. The banquet tonight might be related to this."

Kaede pondered...

It should still be about Ryuen's business, though there could be other possibilities.

This time, he was unexpectedly invited by Minami Kosho from Class B. Judging by her demeanor back then, it was probably a personal request, kept secret from her class.

Perhaps I'll be an unexpected guest tonight too?

That would be too much of a hassle...

Damn little brat!

He made up his mind. He would go alone tonight!

A Class C girl leaned over. It was Yajima Mariko.

Kaede had a brief exchange with her during a previous study session.

With the end-of-term exams for the first semester approaching, many Class C students were once again gathering around the "academic duo" of the Tennoji Group.

At precisely 7 PM, Kaede arrived alone in front of a large, unfamiliar KTV.

Fortunately, he had communicated with Minami Kosho beforehand. The leaders of Class B were already aware of his attendance at the party and did not express any objections.

They were, however, slightly displeased that Minami had broken her promise and he had come alone.

Kaede stated that he only had two close friends in his class, and neither of them were available. He threatened to call Ryuen if they continued to complain, instantly silencing Minami.

"Yo~ Little loli, so you're here to pick me up!"

Long before reaching the private room for the Class B party, Kaede spotted the familiar pigtails.

"Who are you calling a little loli!"

"Who's talking?" Kaede looked around, confused.

Minami bristled, tilting her chin up and her head high, her face full of defiance.

"Hmph! Hurry up and come in, Ichinose and the others are waiting for you."

Kaede stopped teasing her and followed her into the private room.

Fewer than 15 people from Class B had arrived.

Kaede mused that Class B had given the meeting time, perhaps to allow for separate discussions.

It wasn't unusual for class gatherings like this to be held in batches. Even in the harmonious Class B, the differences in social strata were still present, though everyone was very amicable.

Ichinose, the social butterfly, stepped forward first. "Tennoji-kun, thank you so much for coming today."

"Ichinose-san, you're too kind. I'm actually a bit embarrassed that I'm the only one available to come. However, if I brought too many people, it might be too conspicuous."

"Please don't say that. Come over and sit down."

Class B members, including Kanzaki Ryuji, Shibata Hayate, Kobashi Yume, and Shiratori Chihiro, all cast scrutinizing glances his way.

"Okay... Um, Minami-san, if it's convenient, could you sit with me?" Kaede teased.

"Eh?"

Minami Kosho, who had been about to leave the room, froze upon hearing Kaede's words.

All eyes focused on Minami. Coupled with the fact that the top-ranked student on the Handsome Ranking had invited her, everyone's intentions became less pure.

"No, no, no! You can just talk to Ichinose. I-I have to go do my homework..." The Pigtail Demon Girl was a bit flustered.

Kaede continued with righteous indignation, "Minami-san, I heard your grades aren't very good? What a coincidence, I happen to be very good at teaching people how to study."

"Everyone here is your classmate, why avoid them? Come sit beside me, and when I have time later, I'll teach you properly, how about that?"

This time, even Ichinose looked bewildered, but Kaede had already followed her to a seat, leaving the one next to him vacant.

Stared at with such curiosity by everyone, Minami Kosho was completely at a loss.

Kaede's preemptive move had yielded pleasing results.

Some of the Class B girls even showed him inexplicable friendliness, as if they were looking at one of their own.

Whispers began to rise, and Minami Kosho's face turned completely red.

Finally, she meekly followed Ichinose's instruction and sat down on Kaede's other side.

The room gradually quieted down. Ichinose began awkwardly but politely, "Tennoji-kun, thank you again for coming."

Kaede repeatedly returned the gesture.

"I won't say any more pleasantries."

"I, Ichinose Honami, as the class leader, hope that Tennoji-kun can help us convey our 'cooperation' intentions to Class C!"