I Told You "Kiss" Is a Conjunction

Although she was inexplicably categorized under the same judging criteria as the cat, Kitagawa Ryo showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever. On the contrary, she happily and sincerely nodded in agreement with her words.

"Indeed, Ying's mind has always been both clever and quick-witted."

"... You're even stranger than I thought, but then again, I never even considered keeping a pet here."

Somewhat surprised by Kitagawa Ryo's answer and reaction, Kiryuin Fuka shook her head slightly and suddenly said something out of the blue:

"Actually Asahina Nazuna really likes your cat."

"I know, so didn't Hotaru stay at her place peacefully for a few days?"

After subtly exchanging a few words with Kiryuin Fuka, Kitagawa Ryo took the initiative to change the subject, asking about Kiryuin Fuka:

"Although Kiryuin- senpai did say earlier that she doesn't think much of Kiriyama wasn't the class Leader from the beginning, was she? In other words, Kiryuin doesn't care about class affairs because she's not interested in anything that happens in the class, right?"

"Being interested in something has absolutely nothing to do with contributing to the class. There are interesting people among the students in our class and other classes, and I sometimes strike up a conversation with them in a friendly way, like I am now. Otherwise, how do you think Asahina Nazuna approached me?"

Faced with Kitagawa Ryo's pointed question, Kiryuin Fuka gave a rather nonchalant laugh and offered her answer:

"To be frank, I'm not interested in this school's system that aims for students in the Class A. Although graduating from the Class A allows you to pursue higher education and employment anywhere, which is probably the biggest selling point for the average student, I'm confident that I can do it on my own. Besides, my choice of this school as my place of study was just a spur-of-the-moment decision."

In the various places depicted by Kiryuin Fuka, one can't help but feel a similar atmosphere to Koenji, whether it's the overwhelming self-praise that seems almost arrogant or the evaluation of his academic and physical abilities that seems to confirm that this is not a fabrication.

However, Kitagawa Ryo keenly sensed the fundamental difference between Kiryuin and Koenji: the latter had never mentioned his family background, unlike Koenji Rokusuke, who had already posted his photo on the company's official website, eager for the whole world to know that he was the heir to the Koenji Conglomerate.

"Actually, I might like this school even more than I thought. After all, I've never felt any dissatisfaction with my campus life so far. In Special Exam and point system has made me quite happy, and I've experienced a lot of fun."

Seeing Kiryuin Fuka's sudden remark, Kitagawa Ryo couldn't help but recall his own thoughts about Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School:

Once students enter this school, they are essentially reduced to two types: those who only have eyes for Class A and those who only have eyes for themselves. Alternatively, they may be students who waver between these two perceptions and are unable to find their place.

According to his theory, Kiryuin Fuka is the purest form of the latter.

"Even if people dislike me, it doesn't seem to matter much."

"It really doesn't mean anything to me."

After giving that imposing reply, Kiryuin Fuka shook her head with a hint of melancholy.

"If this school allowed repeating a grade, I might stay here indefinitely."

Unlike regular high schools, Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School does not offer the option of repeating a grade. After all, the advantages of repeating a grade are amplified dramatically under this system, whether in terms of Private Points accumulation or knowledge for dealing with Special Exam. From both an intelligence and point perspective, it does create an unfair impact on the competition of the next cohort.

Actually, from an intelligence perspective, it's not too bad. After all, the school changes its Special Exam every year, so sharing information is something that can be done even without repeating a grade. Even disregarding the Midterm Exam in the first semester, if you have a good relationship with your seniors, it's easy to get all sorts of useful information from them. This is the case with the many advance information that Suzune got from her brother, Horikita Manabu.

For the school, the more troublesome issues are actually the credibility and selection mechanism. After all, if repeating a grade is allowed, there will definitely be students willing to spend seven or eight years to accumulate Twenty Million Personal Points.

If this situation becomes widespread, the reputation of Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School, or rather, the reputation of its Class A graduates, will become precarious, thus affecting the school's overall reputation.

"And you, Kitagawa, what are your thoughts on this school? Or rather, are you having fun?"

Seemingly completely unaware of Kitagawa Ryo's reasons for coming to Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School, Kiryuin Fuka simply recounted everything she had observed:

"I remember your surname. After all, my grandfather told me about you before I started school. It sounds like something out of a drama or novel, doesn't it?"

Although Kiryuin Fuka's words were rather vague, Kitagawa Ryo knew that she was talking about his background story. After all, more than a year ago, before Kiryuin, it was the moment when he manifested the golden talent known as 'the Heir of the Wealthy Family'.

"Well, that's probably why I feel like I'm doing pretty well here... In a way, I'm similar to you, senior."

Listening to Kiryuin Fuka's words, Kitagawa Ryo couldn't help but sigh. Leaving aside university, as the final chapter of his student life before adulthood, these three years of high school should indeed be the last time he was free from constraints, especially in a school like Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School.

Kitagawa Ryo himself was well aware that, although no one had ever truly revealed it to him, since the talent of that Heir of the Wealthy Family was brought to the fore, many people had been effectively excluded from his future life.

From this perspective, the fact that Sakayanagi Arisu put on the engagement ring on her left middle finger in front of him during the summer vacation could be considered a hint to him, because in terms of family background, she was probably the only one who was barely a match for him.

Perhaps moved by Kitagawa Ryo's sincere words, Kiryuin Fuka, hands on her hips, nonchalantly spoke her mind:

"Although it may sound like I'm whining, I decided to come to this school because I'm fed up with being born into such a wealthy family. Besides, I don't plan to go back after graduation. If I don't graduate from Class A, I'll focus on further education or job hunting, just like everyone else in Class B and below."

She seems to have made thorough plans for the future.

"As a reference, could I hear what senior Kiryuin has to say about her plans after graduation?"

"First, I plan to go to university. I expect to enroll as a tuition-free student, which will reduce necessary expenses, including tuition. I can make up for the shortfall in daily living expenses through part-time jobs."

"Honestly, as long as you truly want to be independent, these are all trivial matters and difficulties that can be overcome."

In that instant, Kiryuin Fuka patted Kitagawa Ryo on the shoulder like a senior, and smiled at him with the corners of her mouth raised:

"It doesn't matter whether you're free to study diligently and grow into a person, or work in a small or medium-sized enterprise, or a job below that."

"Simply put, I just want to live a life unrelated to the name and status of Kiryuin."

Perhaps this is the most fundamental difference between her and Koenji Rokusuke; Kitagawa Ryo could deeply feel the strong will and unquestionable determination contained in the other's words.

"Of course, I know this isn't something that can be decided right now, so let's enjoy the rest of our high school years to the fullest until the graduation bells actually ring."

At this point, Kiryuin Fuka smiled at Kitagawa Ryo, revealing her teeth.

"Although I really want to say that I hope you can have the same blessing, Kitagawa, you're probably living a much happier and more carefree life than me, after all, you've even reached the point of raising cats."

"Hey, do you get a thrill from ignoring school rules every morning when you see Hotaru?"

Faced with Kiryuin Fuka's teasing, Kitagawa Ryo didn't answer immediately, but instead smiled and asked in return:

"So, senior, would you like to experience the thrill of freely ignoring school rules?"

"How about we have a competition at this Sports Festival? If you can beat me in the final score, how about Hotaru stays in your dorm for a couple of days?"

Kitagawa Ryo made this suggestion.

For him, this was indeed a solution that killed two birds with one stone.

Firstly, he wanted to see if Kiryuin Fuka's all-out effort could introduce some variables into the battle between the red and white stars.

Secondly, once the final layer of secrecy is broken, it's still quite easy for some impromptu cat-related or inappropriate scenes to happen in his room.

Chapter 273: I told you Kiss is a conjunction (4k5)

"Long time no see, Horikita Manabu."

Kitagawa Ryo casually pulled out the chair in front of him and sat down directly opposite Horikita Manabu without any restraint. The two of them were currently sitting in the innermost seat of the Pallet Café on the third floor of the Keyaki Mall. Thanks to the cafe's usual popularity, the entire area from the front desk to the lobby was already bustling with students from all grades, so their presence here didn't attract much attention.

Although the last time he and Horikita Manabu sat and talked like this was during their cruise vacation at the beginning of last month, it was still after the start of the school term, which gave people the illusion that a long time had passed.

"Hmm, before we knew it, you've all entered the second semester. It feels like it wasn't long ago that the freshmen enrolled."

Horikita Manabu took off his glasses, took out a white cloth from his pocket and carefully wiped the lenses before putting them back on his nose, nodding with a touch of emotion.

Upon hearing the plural form "you" mentioned in the other person's words, Kitagawa Ryo subconsciously turned around, and then his sharp eyes spotted Horikita Suzune's figure among the bustling crowd of people ordering and picking up their food at the counter.

"I called Suzune over. After all, she's been busy in the Student Council all summer, so it's good for her to get some fresh air. Besides, Sakayanagi from your class has also started officially handling Student Council affairs these past few days, and she's taken on quite a bit of work."

After explaining something to Kitagawa Ryo, the expressionless, bespectacled upperclassman, who was deeply concerned about his younger sister, calmly asked again:

"Kitagawa, you asked me to meet you today, so you must want to talk to me about the Sports Festival, right?"

"Well, since Suzune is here too, let's talk about it together."

Upon hearing Horikita Manabu's question, and considering the somewhat inexplicable mention of Arisu's remarks earlier, Kitagawa Ryo naturally understood what the other person meant.

Simply put, it's just that Sakayanagi Arisu officially joined the Student Council and he entrusted Arisu with full responsibility for directing Class B's Sports Festival. These two things collided, making his older brother, who was also concerned about his sister's growth, a little uneasy. After all, they had already had an awkward experience on the first day of their cruise vacation.

"Here, a cold cocoa."

Just then, Horikita Suzune had already picked up her food, came over carefully with a tray. She took out each of the three people's drinks and placed them securely on the table before taking her seat and pushing Kitagawa Ryo's drink forward.

"Yes, thank you, Suzune."

"You're welcome."

After responding to Kitagawa Ryo with a smile, Horikita Suzune subconsciously added:

"Actually, it's quite simple to make. I feel there's no need to go to the store and spend Private Points to buy it. If you like it, I'll buy some ingredients and make it myself next time."

"Great! I just bought a new set of cups while on a cruise vacation. Suzune, just ask me out next time you're free."

Before they even got to the main topic, the two of them naturally started chatting about all sorts of things related to cooking. However, Horikita Manabu didn't seem to want to stop them or interrupt at all. He just sat there sipping his coffee and watching them chat.

"It seems like Ibuki from Class C has recently started to take an interest in cooking too."

"Ibuki? She probably suffered the consequences of not knowing how to cook on the Uninhabited Island. Wasn't she in the same group as Hiyori? It's certainly a painful situation for two people who can't cook. I guess she learned her lesson."

"By the way, how did Suzune find out about this? I only heard it from Hiyori yesterday."

"She came to me on her own initiative, saying she wanted to learn from me."

At this point, Horikita Suzune sighed with mixed feelings:

"I asked her and found out that Ibuki decided to come find me because she found out that I was the winner of the 'cooking' subject in the Uninhabited Island Special Exam. But back then, we were making communal meals... Something feels a bit off."

"There's no way around it. After all, there's no home economics class at ANHS, and most students choose to eat in the cafeteria. Few students make their own lunchboxes and bring them to school. If I were Ibuki, it would indeed be difficult to find a girl who is good at this."

It must be said that Kitagawa Ryo's choice of words is quite precise, after all, he himself is the only culinary master in the grade who is universally acclaimed.

Thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations from the girls in Class C and the upperclassmen in the Tea Ceremony Club, the rumor that a First Year boy named Kitagawa could make desserts was already widely known in the first semester. So much so that in the ranking of all boys in the grade, which was spontaneously organized by girls and some boys, his personal profile even had a special entry for 'skilled in baking'.

Then, ever since he publicly demonstrated his culinary skills during the Uninhabited Island Special Exam, raising the living standards of Kitagawa Group and even the entire Class B significantly, his reputation as a skilled cook has become deeply ingrained in people's minds.

However, Kitagawa Ryo could guess why Ibuki Mio hadn't come to him. After all, Ibuki Hiyori were now on very good terms, and she probably didn't want to attract any unwarranted criticism or rumors, so she chose to consult Suzune instead.

"So, is Suzune planning to take on an apprentice?"

"It wouldn't be accurate to call it taking on an apprentice, since I'm only a half-baked amateur myself. Her attitude was quite good, and I don't dislike her personality."

In response to Kitagawa Ryo's teasing, Horikita Suzune simply shook her head.

"So it should be considered an exchange, communication, and mutual progress."

"Indeed, but this is a major breakthrough for Suzune, who is completely unsociable, in terms of interpersonal skills."

"No, it's just that I need to participate in Student Council activities after school... Um, sorry."

Unable to resist making a defense of herself, Horikita Suzune turned her head and saw Horikita Manabu calmly sipping his coffee. Only then did she belatedly realize that she and Ryo had left him aside for quite a while, so she apologized somewhat awkwardly and quickly bit the straw of her coffee, trying to pretend that nothing had happened.

"... Let's get down to business then."

Somewhat disappointed, Horikita Manabu could only helplessly say:

"Suzune, if you were in charge of this Sports Festival, what would you do?"

As Horikita Manabu uttered his question, the atmosphere among the three quickly changed. Horikita Suzune, no longer mimicking an ostrich, raised her head and resumed her usual calm demeanor, stating her opinion as if she were reporting to the Student Council:

"I think it's best to approach this Sports Festival with a pure mindset. Of course, necessary preparations are also needed, such as gathering information about other classes, like who is good at or participating in which events, and what order they will compete in. Also, try not to reveal your own class's arrangements and plans. That's roughly my idea."

"Suzune's thoughts are similar to mine. Just like what Mashima said when he announced the rules, our Class B should just work hard as usual this time."

As soon as Horikita Suzune spoke, Kitagawa Ryo nodded in agreement.

Don't let Class B's current Class B fool you; the last Uninhabited Island Special Exam revealed that most students' physical abilities are actually below average. Otherwise, Kitagawa Ryo wouldn't have had to force most of the girls to drop out and the boys to conserve their energy. Essentially, apart from a few outstanding individuals, Class B's overall level is just so-so, even weaker than Class C, which is mostly populated by delinquents.

However, Kitagawa Ryo didn't blame them. After all, physical training isn't something that can produce results in a day or two, and most students are at the level of being bad at both academics and physical education. In an environment where failing Final Exam means expulsion, the focus of the first semester is definitely on studying.

"So, if we can use this Sports Festival to help the students in the class gradually develop the habit of exercising, that would be great. In the worst-case scenario, we'd only lose two hundred Class Points, and with athletes like me and Suzune holding the fort, it shouldn't be that bad."

"I see, so that's your thinking. From a long-term perspective, it's indeed not a problem."

Horikita Manabu rested his chin on his hand, seemed to be deep in thought for a moment, and then gave an affirmative answer:

"You really don't need to rush. After all, there are still more than two years. Taking it slow is a good approach. Cultivating the overall quality of the class... is very important."

At this point, Horikita Manabu himself felt a little melancholy. After all, it was no exaggeration to say that for the past two years, he had basically been dragging down one class at a time. He had no doubt that if he relaxed his vigilance even slightly, his assistants in the class, including Tachibana Akane, could easily fall into the traps set by other classes.

Perhaps recalling some unpleasant memories from the past, Horikita Manabu reminded him again:

"Of course, even if such a general direction has been determined strategically, tactical preparations and countermeasures must be made in advance, such as having someone absent before the competition or arranging for someone to withdraw from the competition midway through."

"That's no problem, I trust Arisu."

When Horikita Manabu mentioned this, Kitagawa Ryo couldn't help but chuckle.

"Moreover, the one who is most adept at using this method is an ally in the same group as us this time."

Thinking back to that Sports Festival in Class C, Ryuen Kakeru directed a series of elaborate schemes involving double agents, laxatives, and kidnapping, Kitagawa Ryo himself felt a pang of nostalgia. He missed that afternoon when everyone stared in disbelief as the cat nimbly vaulted over the railing in the sunlight.

Sigh, I don't know if it's because Tsukishiro suddenly took over as the interim Chairman, but Nagumo didn't do anything this time, which really disappointed Kitagawa Ryo.

"You mean Ryuen? I saw him having a bit of a disagreement with Class C at the Gymnasium the other day."

The public feud in Class 1-C that day was witnessed by many, including Horikita Manabu.

"But it shouldn't have any impact on your First Year White Team, right?"

"Hmm, no problem, at least it's better than the superficially united Red Team of Class D."

Kitagawa Ryo took another sip of cocoa and felt that it really wasn't as good as the one he made in his room.

"The relationship between those two classes means they can't truly cooperate. From the homeroom teacher to the students, they've already clashed. And Class D is currently busy searching for a mole within the class. Honestly, the conflict between the red and white factions within the grade shouldn't be a big problem."