Revelry Before the Night

"Enough! There's no need to keep probing, is there?"

Chabashira Sae appeared somewhat impatient.

"That's truly strange. Aren't you doing the exact same thing by saying that? Either way, the truth will come out tomorrow, so what difference does it make whether I know or not?"

"When did you find out?"

Shintō Katsuya feigned deep thought: "Who knows? Maybe the first day after school started, or perhaps the second or third."

But regardless, you were the first one to discover the school's hidden rules within the first week, weren't you?!

Chabashira Sae was so angry she nearly coughed up blood:

"Are you saying you knew about this all along? And yet, you chose not to tell your classmates?!"

"You've asked another strange question. Why would I tell them?"

Setting aside whether anyone would even accept the truth, even if they did, given the self-control of the students in this class, could they really manage to study hard and improve themselves?

Hearing his retort, Chabashira Sae's brain stalled for a moment.

"Don't you want more private points?"

"Of course I do. Who would turn their back on money? Especially money that's this valuable... wouldn't you agree?"

Points can buy anything; that's what the rules say.

Hearing his pointed question, Chabashira Sae's mood brightened once again. She had thought it would be good enough if someone just realized that private points fluctuate over time, but she hadn't expected Shintō Katsuya to have discovered the utility of the points as well.

This, this, this... could it be that the heavens have finally opened their eyes and granted her a hope for a comeback?!

"Since that's the case, then you should even more..."

"People can't be taught by words alone. If they don't experience despair for themselves, how could they possibly cherish the private points they've earned with such difficulty?"

This explanation seemed perfectly reasonable. After all, the students in Class D were burdened with certain deep-seated flaws; expecting them to be as disciplined as those in Class A or B was likely harder than asking for their lives.

Chabashira Sae nodded slightly, seemingly accepting Shintō Katsuya's answer.

"Shintō, you are quite impressive."

?????

Suddenly receiving a compliment, Shintō felt a bit confused. In fact, what did the life or death of the students in Class D have to do with him?

He simply didn't want to shoulder any extra responsibility. If he could avoid speaking, he wouldn't; if he could speak less, he would. That way, trouble wouldn't come looking for him.

Besides, you can't save up a fortune just by being frugal.

"If you have nothing else, I'll be going now."

Chabashira Sae didn't respond, silently watching his retreating back. The corners of her mouth curled upward; this was perhaps the best opening she had encountered in all these years.

"If it's him, combined with that secret weapon... this year's Class D might actually be able to..."

However, Chabashira Sae overlooked a very important issue: in Class D, the more capable a student is, the greater the problems they carry.

Back home, Shintō Katsuya had just prepared to take a hot shower and lie in bed to read a novel in peace when he suddenly received a call from Karuizawa.

"Hello, this is Shintō Katsuya."

"Shintō-kun, this is Kushida. Hey, Shintō-kun, do you want to come out for karaoke?"

Someone had publicly suggested going to karaoke after school to celebrate the conclusion of the pop quiz and to welcome the upcoming life of luxury.

Such a suggestion was naturally met with universal approval. Aside from Sakura and Kōenji, who couldn't be reached, almost everyone was participating.

Even Horikita, who had wanted to go back to study, had been dragged along by Ayanokōji, who seemed rather interested.

"Karaoke... I'd really like to go, but Chabashira-sensei asked me to help her move some documents, so I'm very sorry."

This was a lie; Shintō Katsuya simply didn't want to disrupt his pleasant plans.

"Ah, is that so? That's a real shame. After all, if Shintō-kun could come, I'd be very happy!"

Who in this world could refuse a cute, gentle, pitiful, and well-proportioned beautiful girl?

Shintō Katsuya could!

"I... should I go anyway? Compared to being caught and scolded by Chabashira-sensei, I think I can't bear to see Kushida-san feeling sad."

"Is it that serious? Then, if that's the case, you should help Chabashira-sensei first. Don't worry about me; we can go next time. You aren't allowed to decline next time, okay!"

Kushida Kikyo activated her innate skill: Consideration.

"Definitely! Definitely!"

With that, Shintō Katsuya turned off his phone and tossed it onto his bedside table. Plan successful.

Meanwhile, inside the Class D karaoke room.

"Tonight's expenses are all on us boys!!!"

I don't know if it was Ike or Yamauchi, but with one egging the other on and the girls cheering them along, the rest of the boys had no choice but to agree to the decision.

"We're getting our points tomorrow anyway, don't be so stingy! Waiter, two more crates of fresh-squeezed juice!"

Although students weren't allowed to drink alcohol, the beverages here weren't cheap either. When combined with the countless fruit platters and snacks, the bill for tonight, even when split among the boys, still amounted to a staggering sum.

The remaining balances for Ike and Yamauchi had plummeted to a shocking 1 point and 14 points, respectively.

It was no different from having spent it all.

Next door to Class D's private room was the largest room in the karaoke parlor.

A boy with a purple center-parted hairstyle and his upper body bare was enjoying a very comfortable full-body massage.

Behind him, a two-meter-tall Black man with a physique like a fortress stood motionless, acting like a bodyguard.

After a while, another boy with a ruffian-like expression ran in from outside:

"Ryuen-san, I found out. It's Class D next door."

Ryuen let out a contemptuous sneer: "Is that who it is? So it's Class D. I suppose they're spending like mad tonight because they know they'll get their points back tomorrow? Heh, a bunch of losers, as expected."

"Yeah, you're right, Ryuen-san. I think they're losers too. Especially that guy named Sudō—a loser among losers!"

"Sudō?"

"Ah, you might not know yet, boss. I met that Sudō in the sports club. Even though he's decent at basketball, he's simple-minded. To use your words, he's a total idiot."

A playful glint flashed in Ryuen's eyes upon hearing this:

"Even though Class D is just a bunch of useless trash, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a little appetizer before I officially face off against those other two classes..."

"You mean..."

"No rush. I have some things to take care of right now. There have been some restless voices in the class lately, and I need to make them shut up for good!"