Class Collective Points

The tense atmosphere of the midterm exams seemed to dissipate with the final bell, carried away by the early summer breeze. A few days had passed, and school life gradually returned to its usual rhythm. Although remedial tutoring for individual weak points was still ongoing, the intensive group study sessions during lunch and after school had been greatly reduced. The air was filled with a settled calm and a faint anticipation for the results—after all, everyone had a rough idea of their scores after comparing answers.

That afternoon during homeroom, Hoshinomiya Chiyo stepped into the classroom with a light bounce in her step, holding a folder in her hand and a smug grin she couldn't hide.

"Everyone~ sorry to keep you waiting!" She spread the folder open on the podium, her voice cheerful. "The midterm exam results are fresh off the press! Ready to reap the rewards?"

The air in the classroom ignited instantly, all eyes locking onto Hoshinomiya with a mix of tension, anticipation, and excitement.

"First!" Hoshinomiya cleared her throat, her voice brimming with genuine joy. "Teacher has a super great piece of news to announce—our class has a perfect pass rate! Not a single student needs to worry about expulsion!" As her words fell, the classroom erupted in enthusiastic applause and sighs of relief.

"Next up is the thrilling part!" Hoshinomiya began reading the report card, her voice full of infectious energy.

"Kanzaki Ryuji—perfect score in math! Perfect score in physics! Near-perfect in chemistry! Solid as a foundation!"

Kanzaki gave a slight nod, his expression steady.

"Hino Yuki—perfect score in Japanese! The classical Japanese analysis was especially brilliant!"

Hino Yuki offered a gentle smile.

"Tsubaki Hitomi—perfect score in history! Top overall score in social studies!"

Tsubaki Hitomi adjusted her glasses, a confident gleam in her eyes.

"Ichinose Honami—perfect score in foreign language! Near-perfect in Japanese and social studies too! Our class president is truly all-around!"

Ichinose Honami smiled a little sheepishly, her cheeks flushing.

"Shiratori-san, Kobashi-san... everyone's scores have shown significant improvement! The class average has risen nearly ten points compared to last time! This is all thanks to everyone's hard work, especially the selfless dedication of our little tutors!"

At this point, Hoshinomiya's gaze landed approvingly on Shibata Hayato: "Shibata Hayato! Remarkable progress in physics! A full twenty points higher than the last quiz! And you've solidly cleared the passing line! Teacher sees your effort and persistence—great job! Keep it up!" She gave Shibata a thumbs-up.

Shibata Hayato, upon hearing not only that he passed but also that he was singled out for praise on his improvement, broke into a bright, slightly goofy grin. He nodded excitedly, looking toward Shimiya Kuki with deep gratitude. The classmates around him also cast encouraging and approving glances his way.

Finally, Hoshinomiya's gaze settled on the seat by the window, her voice laced with undisguised awe: "As for our class's 'anchor'—Shimiya Kuki..."

"Math, perfect score! Physics, perfect score! Chemistry, perfect score! Biology, perfect score!... English, also perfect score! Five subjects at full marks! A crushing lead in the average! Kuki, did you eat the textbooks?" Hoshinomiya grinned at Shimiya, her eyes full of curiosity.

The entire class's attention swiveled to Shimiya Kuki. He remained as calm and unwavering as ever, as if scoring perfect marks in five subjects was as natural as breathing. Hearing Hoshinomiya's words, he merely lifted his eyes slightly, offering no reaction. This excessive composure had already shifted his classmates from astonishment to a kind of numb acceptance.

"Alright!" Hoshinomiya closed the folder with satisfaction. "The detailed report cards and rankings will be sent to your terminals later. Everyone performed excellently on this exam! Teacher is proud of you! Keep this up, and our island vacation will be just around the corner!" She waved her little fists in a cheering motion.

"Yes! Thank you, teacher!" The class responded in unison, the atmosphere lively and relaxed.

Hoshinomiya gave a few more reminders about the upcoming break, then hummed a tune as she left the classroom.

As soon as the homeroom teacher was gone, the classroom buzzed with excited chatter. Students exchanged scores and shared their joy. Shibata Hayato was surrounded by a few friends congratulating him on his significant progress.

Just then, Ichinose Honami stepped up to the podium and gently clapped her hands to draw everyone's attention. Her face bore a warm but deeply serious smile.

"Everyone, please quiet down. I have an important proposal regarding the class's future that I'd like to discuss with you."

The classroom gradually fell silent, eyes once again focusing on their beloved class president.

"First, let me congratulate everyone again on achieving such great results on this exam! It proves that our hard work and mutual support have been very effective." Ichinose's voice was clear and soft. "But, does everyone remember what Hoshinomiya-sensei emphasized at the start of the year? In this highly competitive school, Class Points are the foundation of our survival and growth. They directly affect each of our Private Point income, class treatment, and even ascension and descent."

Her tone grew more serious: "Our Class B currently has a sufficient amount of Class Points, which gives us a considerable monthly income of Private Points. However, no one can guarantee we won't face setbacks in the future. What if we perform poorly in a Special Exam or encounter an unexpected incident that wipes our Class Points to zero..."

She paused, letting the impact of the word "zero" sink into everyone's minds. The expressions of her classmates turned grave.

"Think about it—if our Class Points hit zero, none of us would receive a single Private Point next month! Without points, we'd be helpless on the shopping street, unable to afford basic living and study supplies, let alone handle emergencies." Ichinose's gaze swept across the class, carrying deep concern and a sense of responsibility for the future. "Class D's current predicament is largely due to the vicious cycle after their points were zeroed. We absolutely cannot follow in their footsteps!"

"To avoid such an extreme situation and give us a buffer when we face setbacks, so we don't fall into an abyss instantly, I have a proposal—" She raised her voice, speaking clearly. "I suggest that every classmate contribute one-quarter of their monthly Private Points to be stored as Class Collective Points!"

A murmur of discussion rippled through the room. Contributing Private Points, and starting this very month, was undoubtedly a decision that required resolve.

Ichinose continued: "These points will be stored and managed using my Student Terminal." She held up her terminal as a demonstration. "I will keep detailed records of income and expenses, and the accounts will be completely transparent! Every classmate can check the balance and transaction history at any time through the class group or by asking me directly! The sole purpose of this fund is to serve as the class's emergency reserve. It will only be used when our Class Points are at risk of being zeroed or have already been zeroed, requiring urgent capital injection to maintain basic operations and prevent disruption to everyone's normal life—and only after collective discussion and agreement from the whole class! It will never be touched otherwise!"

Her words were earnest and farsighted, clearly outlining the specific operation and transparency: "We currently have ample Class Points and relatively generous Private Points. Giving up one-quarter will reduce some pocket money, but the impact on daily life is manageable. However, these accumulated reserves, in the event of a future storm, could be the 'reserve fund' that keeps our class from falling and ensures everyone's basic needs! This is a safety net we build together for Class B as a collective, and for each of our futures. What does everyone think?"

Time rewound to the previous evening, Shimiya Kuki's dorm

Under the warm glow of the lights, Shimiya Kuki and Ichinose Honami sat across from each other, eating dinner.

Shimiya ate quietly, then suddenly spoke, his voice as flat as stating a formula: "Ichinose."

"Hm? What is it, Kuki-kun?" Ichinose looked up, her bright eyes meeting his.

"Although our current Class Points are still abundant, there's no guarantee they won't be zeroed." Shimiya picked up a piece of vegetables, his tone devoid of any fluctuation. "If that happens, we'll need a buffer."

Ichinose set down her chopsticks, her gaze focused: "A buffer? You mean... a reserve fund?"

"Mm." Shimiya nodded. "A fixed percentage from each person every month, kept by you. You're the most suitable person to keep it. Only to be used when Class Points hit zero or are on the verge of zero. It can stabilize everyone's emotions."

Ichinose's pupils dilated slightly as she instantly grasped the strategic significance. She immediately thought of Class D's predicament after their points were zeroed and the harshness of future Special Exams.

"That's right! We can't get complacent just because life is comfortable now." A determined light sparked in her eyes, and her fists unconsciously clenched. "This is truly preparing for a rainy day! It's like buying insurance for the class! Building a reserve when points are abundant to weather a possible future winter! Kuki-kun, you've thought this through so thoroughly! Tomorrow during homeroom, I'll present this proposal to everyone and convince them to implement it!"

Shimiya gave a quiet "mm" and continued eating.

From his conversation with Hoshinomiya-sensei, he had learned the price for rescinding an expulsion: Twenty Million Personal Points—an astronomical figure. Even he wasn't arrogant enough to think he could raise such a massive sum alone before it was needed. This reserve fund plan, on the surface, was about guarding against the risk of Class Points hitting zero. But on a deeper level, it was also about planting a seed of collective strength for the extreme situation that might require that "expensive price" in the future. Distributed storage, grains of sand forming a tower—this was the most secure safeguard.

Time returns to the present

Ichinose stood at the podium, expressing the core idea Shimiya had suggested the night before—guarding against the risk of Class Points hitting zero—in a clearer, more persuasive way. She emphasized the desire for immediate implementation, dedicated use of the funds, storage on her terminal, full transparency of accounts, and the specific operation method of being checkable at any time.

"Ichinose, our class president, has thought far ahead!" Kanzaki Ryuji was the first to speak steadily, his eyes showing approval. "Prevention is absolutely the right strategy. Sacrificing one-quarter of personal income in exchange for the class's survival guarantee in extreme circumstances—this investment is well worth it. With transparent accounts, we can rest assured. I fully support this decision."

"I support it too! Totally agree!" Shibata Hayato immediately raised his hand. "With the class president keeping it, we're a hundred percent at ease! This money is given with peace of mind!"

"That's right, being prepared is important! And with the accounts open and transparent, everyone can supervise—there's no reason to refuse!" Hino Yuki chimed in, her voice soft yet firm.

"I support the class president! I trust President Ichinose too!" Tsubaki Hitomi also voiced her agreement.

"Agreed! Let's start now!"

"It's most fitting for Honami to keep it! Let's do it that way!"

Soon, voices of approval rose one after another. Shimiya's proposal, rooted in risk management, was elaborated by Ichinose with a strong sense of responsibility and transparent procedures, and the principle of immediate implementation was made clear, earning unanimous understanding and trust from the entire class.

"Then, thank you all very much for your understanding, trust, and support!" Ichinose bowed deeply, a relieved yet powerful smile blooming on her face. "From now on, we will officially launch the Class Collective Points (Reserve Fund) plan! I'll post the specific transfer instructions and account viewing guide in the class group later. Please follow the guide carefully. I will safeguard this money, and the accounts are open for everyone's supervision at any time! Let's work together to protect our Class B!"

"Yeah!" The classroom erupted in warm, resolute applause and approval. A collective awareness of risk, built on transparency and trust, along with a sense of responsibility for their shared future, took deep root in the students' hearts.

The class meeting ended, and the students left the classroom one after another, satisfied with their grades and in agreement with the new plan. The sunlight outside the window carried the warmth of early summer, making the new leaves of the plane trees shine especially bright. With the release of the Midterm Exam results and the finalization of the class reserve fund plan, the fulfilling and tense month of May quietly drew to a close under this warm sun, a symbol of accumulation, trust, and hope. The first cicadas chirped, heralding the approach of Summer Vacation, and Class B had already forged a solid, transparent ballast stone for that unknown voyage ahead.