Horikita Suzune disappeared behind the door, and the room returned to silence.
Natsukawa did not rest immediately. Instead, he took out his personal terminal, found Kushida Kikyo's name in his contact list, and sent a brief message.
"I need your help with something."
Almost the instant the message was sent, she replied.
"Natsukawa-kun? What is it so late at night? (cute smiling face emoji)"
"I need you to 'casually' let something slip within the class. Say that Hirata and Horikita have already obtained key evidence that can clear Sudo of suspicion." Natsukawa's fingers flew across the screen.
After the message was sent, the chat window fell silent for a full minute.
Natsukawa Sosuke did not rush her. Just as he thought Kushida would ask why, his terminal vibrated—not with a message, but with a call request.
Natsukawa answered.
"Eh? Really? Hirata and Horikita already have key evidence? That's wonderful!" Kushida's voice brimmed with surprise, as though she were genuinely delighted by the news.
"Then," Natsukawa said, "find an opportunity to 'accidentally' let this news slip to your friends in the other classes. Preferably Class C."
The other end of the call fell silent for a moment.
That perfectly measured surprise faded, replaced by quiet contemplation. Kushida Kikyo did not ask why, nor did she question the soundness of the plan.
"...I understand," she said softly, agreeing readily. "Leave it to me."
Then her tone shifted, once again taking on that coquettish playfulness.
"But since I agreed to Natsukawa-kun's request so readily, shouldn't Natsukawa-kun agree to one little request from me in return?"
"Go ahead."
"As long as it's within my abilities, I'll do my best." Natsukawa gave a relatively cautious promise.
"Hmm..." Kushida seemed to tilt her head as she thought on the other end of the line, letting out