Ichinose Is Not Trusted / Ichinose Shuts Down Again

How could she not be happy after hearing such words?

Aoyama half-raised his hand, then clenched his fist. "Is there a prize you want? I'll give it my all for Shiina."

Without saying something like, "I want you to buy it for me," which would spoil the mood, he led Shiina straight to the arcade. Before they even entered, they could hear a commotion coming from inside.

"It looks like there are a lot of people." Pushing open the door to the noisy atmosphere typical of an arcade, Aoyama immediately saw a large group of students gathered together, with the first-year students being the fewest.

There were boys from Class 1-C, Class 1-A, and Class 1-D in the first year, but only a few girls.

What about the boys in Class 1-B?

Standing at the doorway, Aoyama frowned slightly.

Even though there were two or three boys in Class A, he didn't think that all the boys in Class B were some kind of good kids who didn't care about arcade life. Now, looking back on the students he met along the way, not a single one of them was from Class 1-B.

It's the last day of summer vacation.

"Excuse me, I need to make a phone call, could you wait a moment?" Aoyama immediately took out his phone and called Ichinose.

"Yes, I'll wait for you inside. I see Ibuki."

I'll be back as soon as possible.

He reopened the door and went outside, Aoyama walked to a quiet place to wait for the call to connect.

"Aoyama, what's up?" A moment later, Ichinose's low, slightly surprised voice came through the phone.

It seems the situation isn't too bad.

Judging that the Amikura was still in Ichinose's room, Aoyama thought for a moment and said, "There's an event at the Keyaki Mall Arcade. The boys from the other three first-year classes are all here. I'm wondering why there aren't any boys from your class."

"Don't the boys in your class play video games? I didn't see any boys from your class on the way here."

Since it was just speculation, Aoyama didn't make any definitive statements. As long as Ichinose could understand, that was fine.

"I understand, I'll keep that in mind."

"If there's anything I can help with, remember to let me know." Aoyama scratched his head, saying that, but he found it difficult to interfere in Class B's affairs, and interfering casually would even have the opposite effect.

Even if Class A drops to Class C tomorrow, they will still be the most noteworthy enemy in Class B's eyes.

He wasn't bragging, but if he dropped out of school today, many students in Class B would be happy. After all, his record is verifiable, and he's definitely an obstacle to them maintaining their Class A status.

"Okay, I understand, Aoyama."

Ichinose answered Aoyama softly and gently. After hanging up the phone, a hint of sadness appeared on her face, but then her expression hardened again.

No matter how things develop, as long as she has a clear conscience, that's enough.

"It's so close, Yoshida. He needs to at least beat Class D."

Upon re-entering the arcade, Aoyama heard his student, Toba Shigeru, shouting. The person he was encouraging was Yoshida Kenta, a classmate who enjoyed playing games.

Without greeting his classmates, he scanned his surroundings and quickly spotted Ibuki watching the game, then noticed Shiina standing next to her.

"Ibuki, have you tried going up there?" Shiina asked Aoyama as he walked over to Ibuki.

At this moment, in the middle of the arcade, four DanceMoe DX rhythm game machines were arranged in a grid pattern, and four students were rapidly pressing the eight buttons around the edges of the screen in response to the blocks that appeared on the screen.

A display board about half a person's height was placed next to the machine, with the rules and rewards written on it.

The highest-scoring first prize was a giant rabbit doll that was one meter tall; the second prize was a discount card for lunch boxes at the nearest convenience store to the school for a semester; and the third prize was also a convenience store discount card, but for bread.

"I tried, but I couldn't even make it into the top five, hmph." With a hint of disdain in her voice, Ibuki replied with a pout.

Hmph, what did I do to upset you?

Shiina is still the cutest.

Glancing speechlessly at Ibuki's disdainful expression, Aoyama turned his gaze to Shiina's adorable face.

"Get ready to witness my unstoppable rampage, Shiina."

With his current magician-like hand speed and explosive dynamic vision, the mere Dance Moe DX rhythm game machine is undoubtedly number one.

"Yes, I believe Aoyama will definitely get first place."

"Are there any other contestants who want to participate?"

Shiina's soft voice was drowned out by the host's shouts, Aoyama couldn't hear it all, but he guessed it meant he wished him first place.

"Leave it to me, I'll handle it."

Patting his chest, Aoyama rushed to an empty machine.

Since Shiina likes it, it can only be said that this rabbit doll is destined for him.

Chapter 209 Ichinose Is Not Trusted

"Kanzaki, what are you doing right now!"

The classroom that was originally Class B, now labeled Class A, had its front door suddenly flung open, and Amikura angry figure appeared at the doorway, coming into the view of the boys in the classroom.

It was the last day of summer vacation, and school hadn't started yet, but all the boys in Class Ichinose were gathered in this classroom.

Standing on the podium was Kanzaki Ryuji, the class's number two student who excelled in both academics and sports.

Kanzaki Ryuji said coldly, "I think there's a problem with the current class management system. I'd like to know what the other students think about this."

"A problem? What problem?! Didn't Xiao Fanbo do a good enough job?"

Stepping onto the podium, Amikura angrily questioned him.

Kanzaki secretly called a meeting with the students without Ichinose, which she saw as a blatant sign of distrust towards Ichinose, even though Ichinose had led them to Class A.

All they had to do was follow Ichinose and offer her assistance.

"It's not just me who thinks there's a problem; they do too."

Kanzaki looked at the boys below the stage, and although they didn't speak up in agreement, they tacitly agreed with him, a fact that made Amikura look incredulous.

"I'm doing this all for the good of the class."

"Since so many classmates think there's a problem, I'd like to hear Kanzaki's perspective. If it's truly good for the class, I think I'll agree."

After Kanzaki continued speaking, Amikura, who had been rushing ahead and left Ichinose behind, also entered the classroom.

A calm and confident expression, with an upright posture and a dashing figure.

The Ichinose appeared before the many students in Class B was no different from her usual self, not at all like the disappointed girl they had imagined.

After Amikura was able to enter Ichinose's room the day before yesterday, many students who cared about Ichinose naturally inquired about the rumors of crime, and the only response they received was noncommittal.

This further convinced them of the rumors' veracity and made them realize that Ichinose was licking her wounds in seclusion.

"Alright, let's all listen in, Komako."

Holding Amikura's hand, Ichinose led her to an empty seat below the stage, while Kanzaki on the stage calmed down and looked at Ichinose seriously.

"I think the class needs a vice class representative to take on the responsibility of leading the class when Ichinose is not around, and to assist Ichinose with important class decisions."

"This is a kind of safety precaution; the chances of making a mistake are lower when two people are making the decision."

In both the Special Exam — the Uninhabited Island Special Exam and the VIP Special Exam — Ichinose all the major decisions for Class B.

Although they outwardly discussed the matter with their classmates, under Ichinose's personal will, the students' dissenting opinions were buried deep in their hearts, or they were easily persuaded by the prevailing trend that it was always right to listen to Ichinose and that it was difficult to go against.

Under the influence of Ichinose general trend has unknowingly formed in Class B: "Don't say anything that's detrimental to unity."

Disagreeing with Ichinose's decision would be detrimental to unity.

Kanzaki used to be able to convince himself that following Ichinose was the right thing to do, and that it wasn't something he needed to worry about. But after leaving Nagumo's dormitory, he no longer thought that way.

Ichinose can no longer be fully trusted; for the sake of the class, he has to be the villain.

"It's definitely something that's good for the class, I agree." Under the varied gazes of the many students, Ichinose slowly raised her hand, agreeing with Kanzaki's suggestion.

Even though Kanzaki clearly showed his distrust of her, her expression remained calm, which made many boys who had been persuaded by Kanzaki to no longer completely trust Ichinose feel guilty.

With Ichinose continued, "Does Kanzaki have any other suggestions? I'll bring them up in the class meeting tomorrow when school starts."

"No... nothing for now." Kanzaki suddenly felt like he had done something wrong.

"Alright, everyone, that's a day to go. This is the last day of summer vacation, and I hope you all have a great time."

Stepping onto the podium, Ichinose looked gently at the students below. "Regarding what Ryuen said, I will explain everything in detail tomorrow when the whole class is here."

"Please wait for me for one more day, okay?"

With a somewhat forceful approach, Ichinose dispersed the students gathered in the classroom, and soon only she, Kanzaki, and Amikura remained, with Amikura looking indignant.

"Kanzaki, can you tell me—" Ichinose placed her hand on Amikura's shoulder to stop her from acting impulsively, "What made you come up with the idea of making this suggestion?"

She was saddened by Kanzaki's distrust, but she didn't find it unacceptable, given her past misdeeds.

However, Kanzaki shouldn't know about her past now, and secretly gathering the boys in her class doesn't fit Kanzaki's usual behavior.

"The Student Council election is after the Sports Festival. I'd like to ask Ichinose, who do you think our class should vote for?" Kanzaki asked instead of answering Ichinose's question.

Meeting Ichinose today was not in his plan, but that's not a bad thing.

Seeing Ichinose as confident as ever was something to be happy about for him, even though he could no longer completely trust Ichinose.

Aoyama, who was intimately playing with Shiina in the Keyaki Mall, was by no Ichinose.

He did this for the good of the class and for the good of Ichinose.

"God!"

"He's no longer human at all."

"I, Sotoumura Hideo, would call you the strongest in the music industry!"

On the other side, Aoyama, who finished the game with a perfect score, was also basking in the praise and accepted the giant doll handed over by the arcade owner.

However, when he approached Shiina while holding the doll, he noticed that Shiina pouted slightly.

Thinking of a possibility, Aoyama said helplessly, "Could it be that the prize you want isn't this?"

"Shiina, what she wants is the second-place prize."

Before Shiina could speak, Ibuki mocked him with a hint of excitement, as if she were deliberately trying to stir up trouble.

"That 20% off lunch bento card???" Ignoring Ibuki, Aoyama continued to look at Shiina.

When I was in school, I ate either school cafeteria lunches or Horikita Suzune boxes. I never ate lunches at convenience stores. If what Ibuki said is true, then Shiina must have been a regular there.

No wonder he rarely ran into Shiina when he went to the school cafeteria with Kamuro, unless they had arranged to meet beforehand.

"If I spend a semester on it, I can save quite a few personal points," Shiina smiled gently. "But I like any prize that Aoyama gives me."

Stepping forward, Shiina hugged the cute rabbit plush toy with both hands, raising her eyes to reveal a slightly smug smile.

"Will Aoyama be happy to hear that?"

Chapter 210 Ichinose's Ichinose

I want to play everything that Classmate Sakayanagi has played, and I want to play even more of everything that Classmate Sakayanagi hasn't played.

After leaving the giant plush toy at the front desk, Shiina pulled Aoyama and began wandering around the various machines, playing almost every machine in the arcade.

"Hateful!"

"Hit every time? Are you kidding me?"

In front of the basketball shooting machine, Komiya and Kondo, two members of the Basketball Club, failed to challenge the Shiina and Aoyama combination and left the field dejectedly.

They ran into some cute girls in their class and wanted to show off a bit.

"We won!" Shiina exclaimed with a wide smile, raising her hand to give Aoyama a high-five in celebration.

In the high-difficulty mobile mode, she and Aoyama scored 83 points together. As for who scored 81 out of 83 points, she felt it was unnecessary to dwell on that question.

"Let's go outside and rest for a bit."

Looking tenderly at the adorable Shiina, Aoyama took out a tissue to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead.

Although she only scored two goals, she threw far more than two, demonstrating a high level of physical activity; she even broke a sweat despite the air conditioning.

"I can do it myself." Shiina took the tissue from Aoyama's hand, feeling embarrassed, and turned to walk towards the door, tacitly agreeing to the suggestion to take a break.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to get something to eat?"

After retrieving the giant plush toy from the front desk, Aoyama walked over to Shiina, who was sitting on a bench outside the store.

It's a little past five o'clock, not yet lunchtime, but he guessed that given Shiina of activity today, she should already be hungry.

Shiina placed her hand on her lower abdomen and rubbed it. "Aoyama, that's fine with me. I'm okay with where we eat."