In Classroom of the Elite, but in the Underworld Chapter 36

As if sensing their arrival, the members of Class B grew alert.

Before long, Ichinose Honami, acting as their leader, came out to greet them.

"Are you from Class D?"

Even from three meters away, Ichinose's tall stature and her full, yet perfectly proportioned, curves left him somewhat stunned.

Her face was incredibly cute, and even when facing students from a rival class, she was able to beam with a friendly smile.

"My name is Takeda Eito, and this is my girl—uh, friend."

He had just been about to joke and call her his girlfriend when Suzune stomped on his foot.

Their interaction made Ichinose unable to hold back a giggle:

"You two have a really great relationship."

"Hmph." Suzune turned her back, clearly having no intention of joining their conversation.

"I am Ichinose Honami of Class 1-B. Is there something you need from us?"

"I'm here to scout the competition, and maybe see if there's anything that catches my interest."

"Eh—Takeda-kun is certainly direct. However, there's nothing here for you to find. If you're planning on causing trouble, I'll have to personally escort you out," Ichinose threatened, yet there wasn't a hint of malice on her face; it felt more like a host inviting a neighbor over for a visit.

"Ichinose-san is truly adorable. It's no wonder you have the support of Class B."

"Not at all, I just happened to be trusted by everyone. If there's anything I'm not doing well enough, I hope everyone will point it out to me."

With such a gentle and humble attitude, it would be hard for anyone to dislike a person like her.

"It's getting late, so we should be taking our leave."

"Eh, leaving already? It's only been a few minutes."

"If we don't leave now, we'll get kicked out by Ichinose-san. So, farewell!"

He pulled Suzune away from the area.

Ichinose was left standing there, blankly watching the direction in which he disappeared.

A long while later.

"Hehe, what an interesting person."

Chapter 46: Oh My

"Horikita, what do you think of Class B?"

"They are very united."

Even with just a glance, Suzune could sense that the atmosphere in that class was completely different from their own.

This was likely the difference between honor students and underachievers, and the difference between having an outstanding leader and not.

"So, do you want to become someone like Ichinose?"

"I don't," Suzune replied decisively.

Eito could tell that it wasn't that she failed to recognize Ichinose's charm; it was simply that her goal was someone like Horikita Manabu. With higher ideals, she naturally wouldn't concern herself with an Ichinose Honami.

Must a leader be someone friendly like Ichinose?

Not necessarily.

As long as one commands respect from their subordinates and possesses the strength to back it up, they are a qualified leader.

There is no need to rely on pandering to gain status, nor is it necessary to be overly intimate with subordinates.

In that regard, Suzune still had a chance to become the leader of Class D, provided she could prove her own strength.

And in this class, as far as Eito was concerned, aside from Ayanokoji, Suzune was the only one with true leadership potential.

In other words, the key to this class's success lay with Suzune.

"Horikita, your goal is to catch up to your brother and earn his recognition, right?"

"I can't deny it, but I still want to ask: where exactly did you get that information? How could you know what I'm thinking?"

Suzune looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Well—you were staring at the student council president during the club recruitment drive last time, and you even cried. Combining that with your surnames, I just guessed."

"Don't talk nonsense, I didn't cry."

Suzune accepted his explanation. "That's right, that is the reason why I entered this school. Laugh if you want."

"Why would I laugh?"

"Because... isn't it ridiculous? Someone like me actually wanting to catch up to him—"

"It's not ridiculous at all." He took hold of Suzune's hands and placed them against his chest. "I really like such a pure wish."

"I... is that so?" Suzune lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

The feeling of being recognized was truly blissful.

Even for Suzune, who always preferred to keep her heart closed off, her small heart couldn't help but tremble upon hearing those words.

"There are many people in this world who don't know why they are living, so the fact that you have your own goal—even if it's just a short-term one—and can strive for it, is a happy thing."

"...Oh."

"It's clear that you really like your brother."

"It's not like... it's just..."

"Just what?"

Before she knew it, Eito had already wrapped his arm around her waist, lifting her smooth chin with one hand and gazing into those evasive eyes.

"I look up to him. He's the person I've respected most since I was little, although he..."

"Has been cold to you?"

"No, he has his own reasons. He's just too busy."

"Still trying to speak up for him at a time like this, are you?" Eito reached out to brush the stray strands of hair from Suzune's forehead behind her ear, then pressed his palm against her cheek, his fingers gently rubbing her soft skin.

"You don't understand. It's my own one-sided selfishness; it has nothing to do with my brother."

Suzune looked at him stubbornly.

"Really? If I had such a cute younger sister, I would definitely hold her in the palm of my hand and cherish her. I would never let her suffer the slightest grievance."

"..."

"What, have you hoped for something like that before?"

"Mind your own business."

"How about this." Eito readjusted her chin, his thumb pressing against the corner of her lips and sliding gently. "As compensation, let me cherish you in his place."

"...You're not him."

"Didn't I say I would teach you about love? As part of my duty, I will take good care of you. Any grievances you've suffered because of him, I will make up for them."

"You... what are you going to do?" Suzune's eyes were flustered. The warmth of his breath made her feel restless, and her mind was so preoccupied with her brother that she even ignored the hand moving along her waist.

The hand holding Suzune's chin applied a little pressure:

"Hey, open your mouth and let me see."

"Are you a pervert?"

"I'm just looking, I'm not going to stick anything inside. What are you afraid of? Are you giving up on your brother's matter?"

"That has nothing to do with this. Besides, why should I show you? You just want to tease me, don't you?"

"Not at all." Eito released her chin, his hand tracing the contour of her clothes as it moved slowly to her waist. With a slight pull, the girl's slender body pressed even closer to his.

Their noses were almost touching.

That serene face was glowing with a silvery luster.

"Suzune, you are Mami."

As he spoke, he leaned in closer. In just two more seconds, he would be able to press against those pale pink lips and savor their softness.

"..."

"...Wait, wait a second!"

At the last moment, Suzune pushed him away with both hands, bracing herself against her knees as she gasped for air.

"So close. What a pity."

Eito sighed.

A moment later, Suzune's voice came through, laced with a hint of anger:

"You did that on purpose, didn't you? You took advantage of the moment to distract me just to take liberties with me."

"That's right. This is what men are like. Have you learned your lesson?"

Eito winked at her with a smile.

"I've—learned—it. Thank you so much."

Suzune said through gritted teeth.

"So, in the future, never let other men get close to your body. Consider this a lesson. A girl as cute as Suzune is something many people covet, you know."

"I don't need you to remind me. If it were anyone else, I would have already taken them down."

"Very good."

Eito stopped teasing her:

"Now, back to your brother. Actually, I think he cares about you quite a bit."

"How do you know?"

"There is a type of person in this world who, despite having high expectations for those they care about, likes to put on a cold front. Perhaps it's because they aren't good at expressing their feelings, or maybe they just don't think it's necessary."

"What you said... is he really that kind of person? How can I believe you?"

"If you don't believe me, we can stage a scene in front of your brother next time. That way, we'll be able to see whether he cares about you or not."

"...Fine."

Suzune nodded.

Then she stared fixedly at him:

"Why... why are you helping me like this?"

"Eh—are you still asking that kind of question at this point?" Eito stepped forward and took her hand, "Because I like you, of course."

"Is that so." Suzune brushed her hair back, "...Then how many girls have you said that to?"

"Uh..." Eito said, "My love is equal, just as I love all of humanity."

"Go to hell, you pervert!"

Suzune suddenly pinched him hard with that hand.

It hurt so much he almost cried out, but he managed to hold it back in the end.

Chapter 47 Happy Happy~

After returning to the camp with Suzune, he lay under a tree to rest.

What a pleasant life.

Looking up, he could see the lush leaves, and through the gaps between them, rays of sunlight flickered, shining like gold.

He slowly closed his eyes.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but when he opened his eyes, he saw a cute face crouching beside him, watching him.

His gaze shifted to the left, and a pair of white-based panties with a bear pattern came into view.