Nighttime-Luring the Aloof Girl / The Secret Filming Plan

Yamada Hikaru gestured for Beppu to continue. There was a good chance they could find a breakthrough among these leads.

"I heard from Oda that quite a few people in his class stood up to oppose Ryuen when he tried to use violence to force them to vote for him."

"Although he defeated most of them, two students still haven't given in to him."

After receiving Yamada Hikaru's instructions yesterday, Beppu Ryota had taken the initiative to partner with Class C's Oda Takumi for training at the volleyball club. While they practiced, he had casually probed Oda for information and learned quite a bit.

"One is Ibuki. The other one's name seems to be Albert."

Beppu carefully recalled what Oda had said yesterday, then added, "That Albert guy seems to be mixed-race, too."

"Really?"

Shibata seemed especially interested in this news and quickly pressed him. "Mixed-race? From which country? England? Or France?"

"I'm not sure, but he has black hair and dark skin."

"He's also very strong—stronger and taller than Ryuen, so Ryuen still hasn't managed to beat him."

This important piece of information immediately got everyone thinking. After all, Class C wasn't yet entirely under Ryuen's control. Since they had gained the initiative, they still had room to maneuver.

"Albert is a boy. Is Ibuki a girl?" Ichinose Honami asked.

"No. Oda said she's a girl, and apparently she's pretty good at fighting, too."

"I see."

A flicker of understanding crossed Yamada Hikaru's eyes. He hurriedly said, "It looks like this is our breakthrough."

"Have you already come up with a plan, Yamada?"

"Yes. I have a very interesting idea, but I'll need help from Class C," Yamada Hikaru said, glancing at the hidden camera above the lectern. He had already started formulating a pretty good plan.

"You've all read the rules regarding violent behavior in the Student Handbook, right?" The young man gave a slight smile.

Seeing the expression on Yamada's face, Kanzaki Ryuji quickly recalled what he knew about the Student Handbook, then asked, "Are you planning to notify the Student Council?"

"That's right. And first, we need to obtain conclusive evidence. That'll make it easier to keep Ryuen in check."

According to the Student Handbook, if a violent incident occurred, students could submit a complaint to the Student Council. After reviewing the case, the council would impose the corresponding punishment.

The punishments varied in severity, but violence warranted at least a two-week suspension. During that window, Yamada Hikaru would have more than enough time to collect Class C's points.

What's more, by the time Ryuen returned to Class C after his suspension, his classmates would already know about the hidden rules. They definitely wouldn't let him do whatever he wanted anymore. After all, he hadn't completely won them over, had he?

The best strategy was to unite the chaotic Class C by giving them a common enemy.

"I plan to recruit an undercover ally from Class C to film Ryuen using violence, then submit the footage to the Student Council for review. If the complaint is upheld, Ryuen will be suspended."

Yamada Hikaru looked at Beppu Ryota and smiled. "Didn't you say there's a girl in Class C who still hasn't given in to Ryuen?"

"Isn't she the perfect candidate?"

Chapter 22: Nighttime—Luring the Aloof Girl

After listening to Yamada Hikaru explain his plan, the students in Class B immediately understood its purpose.

Once Ryuen's relationship with the rest of Class C was strained, the students he hadn't defeated would band together. They definitely wouldn't let him keep using violence whenever he pleased.

Violence was not only dangerous, but it would also cost the class evaluation points. Unless everyone in Class C was stupid, they'd have to rein in Ryuen.

"I see." A light shone in Ichinose's beautiful blue eyes. "We just need to persuade Ibuki to cooperate with our plan."

"Whether she's acting out of a sense of justice or simply because she can't stand Ryuen, it doesn't matter," Yamada Hikaru said, rubbing his chin, his tone somewhat urgent. "We need to get in touch with Ibuki as soon as possible."

Everyone nodded. The plan did seem quite feasible.

Once everyone had agreed, Yamada Hikaru turned to Ichinose Honami beside him. "All right, Ichinose, why don't you summarize our discussion?"

He gave her the opportunity, since she was the one who officially led Class B.

"Um... All right."

Ichinose glanced at Yamada, who was looking at her encouragingly. She cleared her throat, then began summarizing the discussion.

"First, we'll postpone our plan to sell Class C's rules. We'll decide on a specific date once Yamada's new plan has been put into action."

"Leave contacting Ibuki to me," Ichinose Honami said, taking the task upon herself. "Once I've reached her, I'll keep everyone updated on the negotiations."

"Agreed."

Nobody had any objections. After exchanging glances, they returned to their seats, since class was about to begin and they couldn't stay there any longer.

Once everyone had left, Ichinose leaned close to Yamada Hikaru and whispered in his ear, "Yamada, thank you for letting me summarize the meeting."

"It's nothing. You're the leader of Class B, after all. I'm just your assistant."

"But I still want to thank you, Yamada. Just accept it graciously, okay? Hehe."

After spending the past few days together, Ichinose Honami and Yamada Hikaru had grown much closer. Although they had only just met, her tone had naturally become affectionate when she spoke to him. Sometimes, she even sounded a little coquettish.

"All right, then. You're welcome."

Yamada Hikaru hadn't noticed any change in Ichinose's manner of speaking. His mind was full of class competition, and he didn't have time to think about anything else.

The school day soon passed. Most of the students in Class B were quite studious, and before long, it was time to go home.

Once the teacher had packed up the lesson plans and left, the students quickly dispersed. They had to carry out the tasks Yamada had assigned every day.

Since Ichinose Honami had taken on the task of contacting Ibuki, the others left it to her.

After school, Yamada Hikaru planned to continue exploring the campus. The Artificial Island was huge, and there were still many places he hadn't visited.

At seven thirty that evening, Yamada Hikaru had just finished showering and was reading in his dorm when he received a message from Ichinose Honami.

Ichinose Honami: Yamada, I've contacted Ibuki. We're waiting for you at the café in Keyaki Mall.

She then sent him a detailed location pin.

Yamada Hikaru: That was quick.

Ichinose Honami: Ibuki doesn't seem very patient. She said she'd give me one chance, so hurry over.

Yamada Hikaru: ...

He glanced at the time on his phone. The café wouldn't close until nine, so he had about an hour. Yamada Hikaru had no choice but to get moving, rushing straight to his destination.

When he arrived at the café, panting, he immediately spotted Ichinose Honami sitting in the corner. Across from her was a girl with short blue hair. She was probably Ibuki from Class 1-C.

"You really know how to put me in a tough spot. I just got out of the shower."

Yamada Hikaru wiped the sweat from his forehead and hurried over, taking the seat beside Ichinose Honami.

Seeing him arrive in nothing but a short-sleeved shirt, Ichinose Honami quickly clasped her hands together apologetically. "Sorry, sorry! I'll buy you a drink next time."

"Forget it. You only ever buy oolong tea."

"Don't you like it? I think oolong tea tastes great."

"It's awful..."

"Excuse me!"

The short-haired girl across from them saw that Yamada Hikaru had arrived, but he'd been chatting with Ichinose instead of paying attention to the person she'd come to meet. She immediately snapped, "Did you call me here just so I could watch you two flirt?"

"We're not flirting, Ibuki! Don't get the wrong idea!" A faint blush spread across Ichinose's cheeks as she hurriedly explained.

Noticing the anger on Ibuki's face, Yamada Hikaru immediately apologized as well. He needed her cooperation for the plan, and he didn't want to make a bad first impression.

"Hello, Ibuki. Sorry about that. I'm Yamada Hikaru from Class B."

While they made eye contact, he took the opportunity to look at Ibuki Mio across from him.

She had delicate features, fair skin, and neat, short blue hair that gave her a somewhat boyish look. Her round eyes flashed with anger.

"I assume Ichinose told you what we're here to discuss?"

"I didn't tell her anything," Ichinose Honami suddenly raised her hand to clarify. "I just went to make friends with Ibuki."

"All right, then. I'll get straight to the point."

Yamada Hikaru made his tone more serious and opened with a question. "I heard you got into a fight with Ryuen from your class?"

"So what if I did?" Ibuki folded her arms across her chest, looking indignant. "That guy demanded I vote for him as leader without even explaining why. Then he said, 'Don't think I won't hit a woman.'"

"Hmph. Who does he think he is? I took him down in just a few moves."

"I see. So you have some martial arts experience, Ibuki?"

"What's it to you? Why did you have Ichinose call me here? Just say what you want!"

"I have an idea, but I'll need your help to carry it out."

Yamada Hikaru wasn't bothered by Ibuki's terrible attitude. In fact, her sharp tongue would make her even more effective when it came to provoking Ryuen.

"I know Ryuen is using violence to try to become your class leader. I heard there are only a few students he hasn't managed to beat into submission."

"So?"

"Would you be okay with a man like him becoming the one in control of your class?" Yamada Hikaru's tone suddenly turned grave, as if he were hinting at something. "The class leader has a lot of power."

"The class leader... What can they do?"

Ibuki Mio certainly didn't want someone like Ryuen Kakeru leading her class. That man loved violence, and he was like a wolf that never let go once he had set his sights on a target. After Classmate Yamada Albert defeated him, he kept relentlessly picking fights with him, trying to wear him down through sheer willpower.

"For example, the class leader has the authority to collect everyone's Private Points."

Yamada Hikaru lied to Ibuki without batting an eye. Once he'd finished, he gestured for Ichinose to take out her phone.

After witnessing Yamada face off against Katsuragi, Ichinose Honami understood that he was trying to trick Ibuki into believing him. Although she still had some reservations, she cooperated and took out her phone.

"Look. Ichinose is the leader of our class. Check how many Private Points she has."

Ibuki hadn't quite believed him, but when she saw the more than one million Private Points displayed on Ichinose Honami's phone, her expression immediately darkened.

"If Ryuen really becomes the leader of Class C, he might use his authority to make everyone live on free set meals every day. Do you think he'd really do that?"

"..."

After a long silence, the girl across from him lifted her head and met Yamada Hikaru's smiling gaze.

"What do you want me to do?"

Chapter 23: The Secret Filming Plan

In the café at night, Ibuki Mio's expression was complicated.

She'd been quiet and aloof since childhood, with little interest in socializing. When she entered Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, she'd simply thought that graduating from the school would be fine, as long as she had a secure future.

But on the very first day of school, she ran into a man in her class whom she couldn't stand: Ryuen Kakeru.

Ibuki Mio didn't want to be the class leader. In fact, she didn't care who led Class C. But she hated being forced to do something she didn't want to do, and she hated being pressured into making a decision even more.

So when Ryuen provoked her, she didn't hesitate to strike. Although the girl was petite, she had martial arts experience and her own way of fighting: kicks.

When Ibuki Mio made her forceful move, she discovered that Ryuen wasn't all that strong. Aside from being a little stronger than average, he wasn't much more experienced at fighting than she was.

However, before long, she realized she'd been wrong. Ryuen Kakeru might not have been that strong, but he had one ability nobody else did: he wasn't afraid of pain.

Even after Classmate Yamada Albert beat him until his face was covered in blood, he refused to admit defeat. After recovering, he went right back to picking fights with him.

Ibuki Mio had no intention of getting mixed up with a man like that any further, so she gave up on fighting him.

She figured that once Ryuen had beaten Yamada into submission, he'd take over Class C. Ibuki Mio didn't really care.

But now, the guy across from her who looked like a pretty boy was claiming the class leader could control everyone's Private Points. Learning that made her furious.

Just thinking about that disgusting man controlling the class's finances made Ibuki Mio's scalp tingle.

"What do you want me to do?" The girl's voice carried a trace of coldness.

"It's simple. Ryuen Kakeru probably hasn't completely taken control of Class C yet, so he isn't the class leader for now." Seeing Ibuki give in, Yamada Hikaru realized his plan was already halfway to succeeding.

The young man looked at Ibuki and gently coaxed her. "You might not be afraid of Ryuen, but the others are still likely to give in to his violence. If he really unites Class C, he might force you to vote for him. You wouldn't want that to happen, would you?"

"True."

Ibuki nodded. She didn't care who became the leader of Class C, but Ryuen definitely couldn't be allowed to do it!

"Ichinose, tell Ibuki about our plan."

Yamada Hikaru turned to Ichinose Honami, who had been listening quietly. "We should decide when to carry it out today."

"All right."