"What did you come to see me about? Make it quick. Don't waste my valuable time."
Akasaka stood on the balcony, letting the sea breeze wash over him. His expression was calm.
Horikita Manabu pushed up his glasses.
"Well done this time!"
Akasaka smiled disdainfully. "I don't need your praise. Tell me, what do you want?"
Akasaka turned around, leaned against the balcony railing, and relaxed with an air of ease.
Horikita Manabu gave a helpless, wry smile.
"As expected, nothing gets past a clever person. I'll get straight to the point, then. Thank you for helping Suzune take the position of Class D's leader."
Horikita Suzune, who had been hiding nearby and listening in, looked momentarily dazed.
Brother... has he been keeping an eye on me all this time?
Akasaka let out a long breath.
"You're welcome. This was part of our deal, after all."
"I'd help you bring Horikita Suzune up to speed and look after her during her three years at school, making sure no one bullied her."
"And in return, you'd hand over all your points to me after graduation. That was the deal."
"This was just a transaction. There's no need to thank me."
Whether or not Akasaka had meant for Suzune to hear, he had practically revealed everything she needed to know.
His goal was to let Suzune know that her brother had been keeping an eye on her all along.
Hidden nearby, Suzune pressed her lips tightly together.
She finally understood why Akasaka had asked her to stay: he wanted to clear up the misunderstanding between her and her brother.
He really can't mind his own business...
That said, the corners of Suzune's lips curled into a lovely little smile. She was clearly in a good mood.
Horikita Manabu pushed up his glasses,