R-Right? / A Ring Is the Smallest Collar

"Don't worry, I don't have any other intentions. After all, if I were to tamper with something like this, you and Kitagawa would probably hate me for the rest of your lives."

"So, the reason I came here is to offer you a small favor, Shiina."

As if making a double entendre, Ryuen Kakeru raised the corners of his mouth:

"Let Kitagawa see the sincerity of our Class D as well."

Chapter 478: Right, right?

Perhaps because a morning was enough time to visit all the booths that interested them or their companions, as the afternoon progressed, it was quite noticeable that the number of people inside the Gymnasium decreased. Most of these displaced visitors then headed towards the area around the faculty and staff matchmaking event, which was taking place outside the stadium and was clearly starting to get better compared to the dullness and awkward conversations of the morning.

"It looks like they're playing some games over there; the atmosphere is quite lively."

With his exceptional eyesight, Kitagawa Ryo easily spotted some scenes on the stage. Many faculty and staff members were playing icebreaker games commonly seen at parties or matchmaking events, such as back-to-back ball-clamping, charades, and three-legged race to stomp on balloons, under the guidance of the host. Coupled with the students around them who rarely had the opportunity to tease their teachers, the scene was indeed quite eye-catching.

"I don't think it's anything to see."

However, Ichinose Honami's attitude remained the same as during the preparation stage. She would definitely not allow Chabashira Sae and Hoshinomiya Chie to get close to Kitagawa Ryo. After the Cultural Festival, she had realized that the relationship between Chabashira Sae and Chabashira Sae Kitagawa Ryo was not what the latter described, but rather a more one-sided and complex emotion.

"Oh well."

With Ichinose Honami's unequivocal opposition, Kitagawa Ryo naturally had no choice but to surrender. After all, he only made the suggestion because he thought it would be more lively and fun over there. No matter how twisted Chabashira Sae and Hoshinomiya Chie's personalities were, they couldn't do anything outrageous in such a crowded public place.

The matter between teachers and students is a heavy one, whether it's weighed on the scale or not. Every time a case is exposed, it can cause a heated discussion in society. Prestigious high schools like Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School will naturally pay more attention to preventing this. Otherwise, they wouldn't have summoned Totsuka Yahiko and Chabashira Sae together for a thorough investigation based on Totsuka Yahiko's accusation.

However, even as he said this, Kitagawa Ryo would still unconsciously recall the Matoba a few days ago when he took the initiative to find Chabashira Sae to explain about Hotaru and his request.

Perhaps, just like the proverb "When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you," what started as simply taking advantage of the situation rather than being entangled by the other party has, as time has passed and numerous events have accumulated, made it seem like a distant and unattainable dream to simply walk away unscathed.

The mind is inherently weak, which is why many people go to great lengths to deceive it, which is to say, to deceive themselves.

The best approach is to set a dream or obsession for yourself, and then gradually increase its importance over the passing years, stripping away its specific means of realization, until it becomes a distorted or even abstract symbol.

Although this was barely enough to keep her afloat, on the other hand, without this self-deceptive breath, Chabashira Sae probably wouldn't have been able to physically emerge from that summer when she was eighteen.

Rather, it is precisely because she left all her obsessions and thoughts in that time that her body has been able to reach where it is today, even though her mind has stagnated.

Now, he has taken over the Special Exam.

To be honest, even with Yuki and Arisu, Kitagawa Ryo was confident he could solve or even cure their psychological problems, but with Chabashira Sae, he was still at a loss. Even though he knew that doing so would only be like drinking poison to quench thirst, giving the other person a false hope, like the little match girl selling matches in the snowy night, at least he really saw the illusion of happiness when the flame was burning.

You can't wake someone who's pretending to be asleep.

Let her have a sweet dream first.

With that last glance in that direction, Kitagawa Ryo and Ichinose Honami stepped back into the Gymnasium.

"By the way, does Liang know exactly when the Fireworks Festival tonight officially starts?"

"It officially started at 6:30."

"It feels so early..."

"After all, it's different from summer. Winter days are shorter, and the school also has to consider the aftermath, including the students' rest time. Although ANHS doesn't have a specific curfew, as minors, we naturally won't be allowed to stay out too late."

"To be honest, I was worried at the time whether this approval would be granted."

At this point, Kitagawa Ryo himself was somewhat helpless.

Unfortunately, Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School had never had such a precedent before. If it weren't for his strong advocacy as the Student Council President, and the fact that the Acting Chairman, Tsukishiro, had given the green light all the way, there would have been no way to add such a fireworks display at the end.

But in the end, he made such a big plate of dumplings specifically for this dish of vinegar. Since he had promised to make up for it all, he couldn't afford to mess up this most important final step.

"That sounds tough. It's a shame I'm not in the Student Council, otherwise I probably could have been a little more helpful."

Of Ichinose Honami knew that this Fireworks Festival, which had finally been approved by the school, was originally a gift for her alone. So even though she said it like that, it was just talk. After all, if she really joined the Student Council, she would have to quit her current Drama Club.

On the other hand, this would mean inevitably uncovering many of Kitagawa Ryo's surprising designs ahead of time.

Sakayanagi Arisu, who was still silently following behind Kitagawa Ryo and Ichinose Honami, listened to their conversation while thinking to herself.

To be honest, from this perspective alone, she almost felt a different kind of admiration for Horikita Suzune, who also worked in the Student Council.

After all, once the truth about this Valentine's Day celebration is revealed, all the work at hand will feel like it's just doing someone else's work for free. The fact that Horikita Suzune can still be so focused and dedicated under such circumstances makes one wonder if she is truly responsible or simply hasn't noticed this at all.

Just as Sakayanagi Arisu was lost in thought, Kitagawa Ryo and Ichinose Honami's conversation continued ahead.

"But if it starts at 6:30, it might be better to have dinner earlier. I'd like to go back to the dorm to take a shower before it starts."

Although the phrase "change clothes" was intentionally omitted, the combination of Fireworks Festival and Yukata was already a deeply ingrained meme, so Ichinose Honami brought it up, Kitagawa Ryo understood her meaning and naturally picked up the conversation:

"Actually, I've thought about this too. Not only Honami, but I also plan to go back to the dorm to wash up again before we start."

Winter doesn't mean people don't sweat, especially for Kitagawa Ryo and Ichinose Honami. Compared to the calories burned from exercise, they probably sweat more from the sudden surge of emotions and the intense trembling of their hearts. Especially the latter, their inner clothes had already shown signs of being damp or even soaked through during much of this morning and noon due to some inappropriate thoughts.

Moreover, Kitagawa Ryo herself was well aware that the same phrase "I'll be right out after a shower" used by boys and girls was actually a completely different concept. Putting aside the difference between long and short hair and the inherent time constraints involved, the "shower" in Ichinose Honami's statement likely encompassed the entire process a girl goes through before a date, including washing up, changing clothes, getting ready, and so on.

A woman dresses up for the man she loves.

As the one who was "pleasing himself," Kitagawa Ryo naturally had to wait for the end without complaint, since the whole complicated process was for his benefit.

"If Honami feels that time is a bit tight, we can indeed move the dinner time forward a little, and I'll arrange it."

"Hmm, I think this should be fine."

Ichinose Honami looked relieved upon hearing this. With Kitagawa Ryo, she always hoped to show her true self while also striving to present a perfect version of herself. This was probably one of the little troubles in love.

"Tsk."

Sakayanagi Arisu simply clicked her tongue in amazement. Rather, it was because she had been imagining such a scene for the past two weeks that she lacked any motivation during the preparation stage of this festival. As a result, she was overshadowed by Horikita Suzune was also a vice president. If it weren't for the public opinion battle she launched later, many students would probably have sided with Horikita Suzune based solely on her visible contributions to this Valentine's Day festival.

Of course, no matter how uncomfortable she felt with the scenes and images before her eyes, Sakayanagi Arisu chose to continue following up.

After all, even today, she should have her own screen time.

"Right... right?"

Sitting in the Student Council's office, Horikita Suzune asked Hotaru in front of her again, perhaps because she found it hard to believe, and even stuttered for once.

Hotaru simply tilted her head cutely to get away with it, and then placed the letter from Kitagawa Ryo, which she had specially taken out of the original gift box, on the table. It was originally placed with the Valentine's Day chocolates.

As mentioned earlier, just like how each chocolate he sent out was specially made to taste the recipient's favorite flavor, Kitagawa Ryo also wrote a handwritten letter to each girl, writing down what he wanted to say to them on this special day.

But as it turns out, sweet words always have to be paired with a specific gift.

Rather, most love quotes are inherently the same, seemingly ambiguous in any context. It's only when the things they're associated with, the Matoba, and the situation that they're spoken that they're artificially added with extraneous interpretations and meanings, especially since one of the parties involved isn't even here.

The letter Horikita Suzune is seeing now is the same.

"What tastes good is precious. I wonder if Suzune still remembers this idea that I told you a long, long time ago?"

"Actually, this is not just a concept of cooking, but also my attitude towards life. Finding the path that suits you is the best."

"So, from the very first moment I met Suzune, I wanted you to grow up all over again, to experience those things you skipped over, whether they were beautiful or difficult, and then make your own choices."

"Just as cooking is not merely a better and more convenient way to obtain the nutrients the body needs, but a lifestyle choice, I have never doubted that Suzune is my most outstanding student and partner in this regard."

"Actually, I often think back to that time we spent together, even though now it seems like we were just playing family roles. It will always be the most precious and peaceful experience in my life."

"If I didn't express my liking for Suzune's appearance before because I was worried it would affect Suzune self-judgment, then now it seems there's absolutely no need for that."

"It's a lie that Horikita-senpai said she likes short hair, but I really do love Suzune's long hair. I love how it looks when a section of her hair is covered by a scarf in winter and the rest is all loose. I also love how she ties her hair up in a high ponytail when she's cooking. In short, I really love it. Long, straight black hair is a treasure of humanity, so please don't cut it short--"

"So, these are some of my usual rambling thoughts that I wouldn't easily say to Suzune. After reading them, feel free to tell me your thoughts. If you also feel that it's not appropriate to say them aloud, you can write to me like this. I'll be waiting for Suzune's reply on March 14th."

"Finally, to celebrate our relationship evolving from a so-called 'playing family' to something more like a real-life romance, since the Matoba buying groceries with Suzune after school every day and then cooking together is something I've imagined many times before, a scene I thought we should have after marriage, so thinking about it this way, it can be considered as a reality ahead of schedule."

"I feel like this letter isn't long enough if I keep going, so please allow me to stop here. I hope you like this gift."

After reading Kitagawa Ryo's handwritten letter, Horikita Suzune silently turned her gaze back to the gift box that had just been opened beside her.

It was a ring with intricate and dazzling patterns, clearly crafted with exquisite workmanship and costing a considerable sum.

Although it was somewhat rude and even excessive, Horikita Suzune subconsciously compared it to another ring she had personally held in her hand, which she had retrieved for Shiina Hiyori during the Mixed Training Camp Special Exam.

In that instant, Horikita Suzune even had a somewhat absurd and even funny idea.

Maybe her birthday was remembered a whole day late.

Otherwise--

How could my wish have suddenly come true today?

Please take one day off.

I have an urgent matter to attend to and need to take one day off.

Actually, I didn't want to talk about stalkers here, but today's spoilers and plot are just too explosive. It's hard to imagine what Akasaka Aka is thinking. Compared to him, Kinugasa Shogo's work isn't bad at all.

Of course, if Arisu and Honami pull off something amazing in the next volume, I'll take back what I said above.

I'm cheering myself on in November, and I'll try my best to finish the First Year storyline this year.

Chapter 479: The Ring is the Smallest Collar

"Finally, put the curtain back on... Hmm, that should make it all done, thank you!"

After completing the final installation of the entire setup, Karuizawa Kei politely thanked the boys from Class D who had come to help.

It has to be said that although Ryuen Kakeru's unexpected appearance was a bit of a surprise, it was precisely because of the boys he brought that she and Shiina Hiyori were saved from having to work so hard here for so long, and the time that would have been needed was shortened exponentially. They were really a great help.

"It's alright. Actually, even without Boss Ryuen's permission, this matter could be resolved in the blink of an eye."

Ishizaki Daichi casually wiped the sweat from his forehead, but Komiya Yogo, who was usually with him, was nowhere to be seen. The latter was currently on a date with Shinohara Satsuki from Class A, leaving him alone. That's why Ryuen Kakeru dragged him over to be his Pal.

Shiina Hiyori still has enough influence in Class 1-D. Although last year's sports competition proved that she is not a Leader can replace Ryuen Kakeru in controlling the class, in terms of personal reputation alone, her reputation in Class D is still better than Ryuen Kakeru's.

This included both Kitagawa Ryo's deliberate maneuvering and the lingering effects of the Uninhabited Island Special Exam. After all, considering all the Special Exam over the past year, that comeback victory was undoubtedly one of Class D's most glorious achievements. Since the credit couldn't be attributed to Kitagawa Ryo, a student from another class, it had to go to Shiina Hiyori.

"Alright, alright, now that everything's done, you can all go your separate ways and go wherever you want to have fun, just don't expose this place."

Unlike the polite Karuizawa Kei, Ryuen Kakeru ordered around his underlings in a very casual tone. However, Ishizaki Daichi and the others were not surprised and quickly dispersed with laughter as Ryuen Kakeru instructed them.

... What a strange relationship.

Karuizawa Kei frowned inwardly.

As a complete outsider, she really couldn't understand how Class 1-D operated. She felt that most of the students in Class D were like typical Stockholm syndrome patients, or like those tsundere girls who said one thing but did another. Even though they were openly or secretly dissatisfied with Ryuen Kakeru's behavior, in the end, Ryuen Kakeru was still the class Leader, and the absolute Leader could command the students in the class with just one sentence.

Even when Karuizawa Kei was the Leader Class B, she wouldn't have done something like casually calling on other classmates to do chores for her during holidays.

Ryuen Kakeru didn't pay much attention to Karuizawa Kei's thoughts. Instead, he walked directly to Shiina Hiyori, who was still occasionally lifting the curtain as if observing the setup, and invited her to have a private conversation.

Although in terms of temperament alone, Shiina Hiyori's literary girl-like appearance seems to be a natural incompatibility with Ryuen Kakeru, who can play a delinquent in a high school without even having to pretend, the two actually don't have any particular conflicts in their interactions within the class. Even during the Sports Festival incident when they faced each other, Ryuen Kakeru knew very well that Shiina was just a target used by the other students in the class.

Ryuen Kakeru himself knew that pure violence could not be sustained in the long run. The class needed a student like Shiina Hiyori to act as a lubricant, especially for the girls.

Moreover, he also wanted to use Shiina Hiyori as an opportunity to achieve further contact with Kitagawa Ryo.

So, after confirming that Karuizawa Kei wouldn't hear their conversation, Ryuen Kakeru didn't hesitate to get straight to the point with Shiina Hiyori:

"Class 1-D, will try to secure a transfer to Kitagawa's class after the start of the next academic year."

Then, his gaze sharpened as he looked at Shiina Hiyori and continued to bombard her with questions:

"As far as I know, Shiina, you've accumulated a considerable amount of Private Points in Kitagawa, right? Those should be the transfer points you plan to use on him, right?"

This isn't some obscure secret. After all, since last semester Shiina Hiyori has been going to Kitagawa Ryo's place at lunchtime to eat the bento boxes he brings. With a little inquiry, you can easily hear statements like, "I gave all my points to Ryo a long time ago," or "So it's only right that he takes care of me." It's easy to deduce the truth of the matter.

After hearing what Ryuen Kakeru said, Shiina Hiyori subconsciously stopped what she was doing and glanced at Karuizawa Kei, who was staring blankly at the sky not far away. She then understood why Ryuen Kakeru had deliberately avoided talking to her alone.

After all, Karuizawa Kei had finally managed to accumulate Twenty Million Personal Points at the end of last semester to secure Kitagawa Ryo's transfer to her class. Now, to start poaching him right under everyone's noses was indeed a bit embarrassing if she were overheard.

However, Shiina Hiyori also had to admit that she really couldn't refuse Ryuen Kakeru's proposal, both for the sake of the class and for her personally.

"I don't want to talk to Shiina about his personal abilities or what benefits he can bring to Class D after transferring. I'll just ask you one question: do you want Kitagawa to transfer here?"

If Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is a legendary observer for Kitagawa Ryo, then Ryuen Kakeru is no less so. However, he spends most of his time focusing on the relationship between Shiina Hiyori and Kitagawa Ryo, so he can also be certain that what Karuizawa Kei can do, Shiina Hiyori can also do.

This reflects Kitagawa Ryo's own stance on the matter.

Despite Ryuen Kakeru's current attitude of telling Shiina Hiyori that he doesn't care about the class, his primary motivation for transferring Kitagawa Ryo to the class is to bring about change. Therefore, he must ensure that the transferred Kitagawa Ryo Cao's camp but doesn't say a word.

Shiina Hiyori is the source of Ryuen Kakeru's confidence.

The results of the Mixed Training Camp Special Exam undoubtedly stung Ryuen Kakeru, who had already relegated the class to the bottom of the class. That's why he so decisively seized the opportunity of Shiina Hiyori's 'proposal'. Don't ask why it's a proposal; the whole setup was obviously for a proposal. High school students don't use this kind of combo when they're dating.

Once the overall strategic policy has been decided and established, the next step is to consider the details in various aspects, with the issue of Private Points being the most pressing.

Ryuen Kakeru's most awkward situation right now is that although he has a debt contract worth a full twelve million Private Points, his ability to convert it into cash is too poor. The huge cash flow was taken away by Ichinose Honami back then, and this debt is internal debt, not external debt. If it weren't for the students of Class B helping to pay off a portion of it to stop his behavior not long ago, the amount he can actually use in his account now would be even less.

In this situation, the few million Private Points that Shiina Hiyori possesses become quite important.

Seeing that Shiina Hiyori remained silent, Ryuen Kakeru continued to offer her empty promises:

"I'm sure that after the Valentine's Day celebrations, the school will definitely open betting odds for the Student Council election. If you invest your initial capital all at once, you might even accumulate 20 million Private Points this semester."