Horikita's Gambit

The next afternoon, the school bell rang at the same time as always. Unlike the deathly silence of yesterday, however, Class D felt a bit more vibrant today. Many students were casting glances—some intentional, some accidental—toward Hirata. It was clear that yesterday's study session had served a purpose; even if it hadn't immediately boosted everyone's grades, it had at least given them a clear goal. Natsukawa was leisurely stuffing his Modern Japanese textbook into his bag, intending to keep his library appointment with Sakura, when a large, solid hand gently rested on his shoulder.

Natsukawa turned his head to find himself face-to-face with Ayanokoji's perpetually deadpan, fish-like eyes.

"Natsukawa," Ayanokoji's voice was flat and ripple-free. "Do me a favor."

"Hm?" Natsukawa raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised that this "humanoid Gundam" would take the initiative to ask for help.

"Horikita wants me to persuade Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo to join her study session," Ayanokoji said, getting straight to the point.

"Oh?" Natsukawa wore a playful smile. "That doesn't sound like the kind of trouble you'd volunteer for. What conditions did she set?"

Ayanokoji was silent for two seconds, his lusterless eyes shifting almost imperceptibly. "She treated me to a deluxe set meal at the Keyaki Mall restaurant first."

Natsukawa understood instantly. He could almost picture the scene: Horikita, expressionless, leading an equally expressionless Ayanokoji to the cafeteria, telling him to order whatever he wanted, only to reveal her true intentions the moment he took his first bite.

He stifled a laugh and asked, "And then?"

"The moment I bit into the tempura, she said, 'You've eaten, haven't you? Since you've accepted my hospitality, you should pay the corresponding price.'" Ayanokoji's tone remained steady, yet it carried a hint of resignation. "Then she told me to round up those three and get them to study with her."

"Pfft..." Natsukawa finally couldn't hold back his laughter. "Classic you, Ayanokoji. Falling into a woman's trap so easily."

He patted Ayanokoji on the shoulder, his tone tinged with schadenfreude. "So, you need help with Horikita's business now?"

"Not you, us." Ayanokoji nodded, expressionlessly dropping a line: "'Good friends are those who help each other; you pull me up today, I push you tomorrow'—that's what you said before."

"..."

Natsukawa's expression froze. This was clearly a line he had spouted off the cuff at the start of the semester to trick Ayanokoji into helping him carry things. Now, it had returned like a precision boomerang, hitting him square in the chest. Looking at Ayanokoji's emotionless face, he couldn't tell if the guy was naturally dense or doing this on purpose.

"What were you planning to do originally?" Natsukawa sighed, resigning himself to his fate.

"I talked to them individually," Ayanokoji replied. "I analyzed the consequences of being unable to interact with Kushida and the others if they were expelled for failing for Ike, explained that continued slacking would lead to long-term poverty for Yamauchi, and pointed out to Sudo that failing academic subjects would affect his club activities."

Listening to this "Ayanokoji-style" rational analysis that targeted everyone's weaknesses, Natsukawa couldn't help but rub his forehead. "And the result?"

"Total rejection." Ayanokoji's tone held no surprise. "Ike and Yamauchi think they can just cram before the exam and scrape by, which is what they've always done. Sudo said basketball practice is more important."

"Figures." Natsukawa wasn't surprised at all. "Your 'just the facts' approach is useless on those three clowns. If they were capable of listening to that kind of cost-benefit analysis, Class D wouldn't be in this state. Your tactic only works on someone like Horikita, who prioritizes rationality, or..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping toward the front of the classroom, where a girl with short brown hair was surrounded by several classmates, her crisp laughter ringing out.

"...the person who needs to do the persuading is Kushida."

He patted Ayanokoji on the shoulder. "Let's go. I don't want to spend too much time on those three. It's time to call in our class's 'social nuclear weapon'."

He first walked over to Sakura Airi, who had already packed her bag and was waiting quietly, and whispered a few words to her. Sakura nodded obediently and whispered, "I, I'll go to the library and wait for you," before hugging her bag and slipping away.

Natsukawa and Ayanokoji walked straight toward Kushida Kikyo, who was just about to leave.

"Kushida-san, sorry to bother you." Natsukawa wore a perfectly measured smile, tinged with a hint of trouble.

Kushida turned at the sound, her face immediately blooming into a warm, energetic smile like the spring sun. "Ah, Natsukawa-kun and Ayanokoji-kun! What's wrong? Is there something you need my help with?" Her voice was crisp and pleasant, her short brown hair fluttering gently as she turned, and she radiated an approachable aura without a trace of gloom.

Natsukawa briefly explained that Horikita wanted to organize a study session and that the three boys had refused to cooperate, finally saying sincerely, "We thought that if you were the one to invite them, Kushida-san, the results might be much better."

Kushida listened intently, her slender fingers tapping her chin, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. The afternoon sunlight outlined a soft halo around her, making her look like a devout saint under a church's stained-glass window.

"So that's how it is..." she said softly, her eyes showing just the right amount of concern. "Horikita-san is doing this for everyone's sake. Ike-kun and the others really do need help... I'd be very happy to try!"

Just as Natsukawa was about to thank her, she changed the subject, clasping her hands in front of her chest and looking at Natsukawa with expectant eyes. "However, Natsukawa-kun, I have a condition too~ If I can persuade them, I want to join Horikita-san's study session! I want to do my part for the class too!"

Natsukawa understood perfectly. Kushida's goal had always been "to be friends with everyone." Joining the study session would not only expand her influence but also be the perfect opportunity to get close to the "high-mountain flower" that was Horikita. Of course, these were just the surface appearances; everyone knew the reality. (Ayanokoji: ?)

He kept his face neutral and nodded in agreement. "Of course. But I have to give you a heads-up: Horikita-san's personality is... quite unique. She might refuse to let anyone join who wasn't invited by her."

He observed Kushida's expression and continued, "Of course, I believe that with your thoughtfulness, Kushida-san, if you really want to join, you'll definitely find a way to make it work for everyone, right?"

The smile on Kushida's face froze for a split second, like a pebble dropped into a calm lake. But it quickly returned to normal, becoming even more radiant. "Mm! I understand! I'll just play it by ear when the time comes!"

She winked playfully and made a gesture that said "mission guaranteed." The sunlight danced on the tips of her hair, and that flawless, angelic image made it easy to ignore the flash of sharp calculation in her eyes.

"But, can we be friends first? I still don't have either of your contact information."

"No problem, Kushida-san. Here is my number. As for Ayanokoji's, you'll have to ask him."

"No problem. Here is my contact info."

"Great, remember to accept my friend request as soon as possible! I have a meeting with a classmate at a cafe, so I'll be going now. I'll let you know as soon as there's progress on Sudo-kun's tutoring."

"Then I'll leave it to you, Kushida-san." Natsukawa smiled as he watched her leave, then turned to Ayanokoji. "Done. The rest depends on how our little angel works her magic. Hmph, Yamauchi—I'll have him bowing in submission and surrendering immediately."