"Classmate Ayanokoji, Classmate Hirata, what's wrong?"
Inside the girls' tent at Class D's Base Camp, Horikita woke from a deep sleep and rubbed her eyes.
Ayanokoji spoke first. "Horikita, are you feeling better?"
"Ah..." Horikita took stock of herself, a glint in her lovely eyes. "I feel pretty good now."
It was obvious just by looking at her. Horikita's complexion was rosy, and she should have no trouble making it through today and tomorrow.
Ayanokoji nodded. "Good. You told me to wake you when Class A came to see Class D. They're here now. How much longer do you need to get ready?"
A few traces of confusion crossed Horikita's face. When had she ever told Ayanokoji that?
Fortunately, her condition had improved considerably, and her mind was much clearer. She immediately understood what Ayanokoji needed her to do.
"Just give me a moment... Sorry, Classmate Hirata, could you go and talk with the people from Class A for a bit?"
"Understood." Hirata left.
With no one else around, Horikita tidied herself as she asked, "...What do I need to do later?"
Ayanokoji averted his gaze, avoiding a direct look at Horikita's alluring, just-woken-up appearance.
"Katsuragi from Class A will come to test whether we in Class D have confirmed Tozuka Yahiko as their class leader."
Horikita tied up her hair. "Hmm... Is that all? Would they come all this way just for that?"
"Afterward, Horikita, no matter what Katsuragi says to threaten you, I need you to refuse to sign a contract with Class A not to guess each other's leaders."
"...I'll go with you, but the choice is yours."
"Do you remember what I said last night? If you refuse my request here, I won't help you get promoted to Class A anymore."
Horikita fell silent for a