So... it really was like that?
Ichinose sat up straight, her pretty face unusually grave.
After learning about the existence of the mandatory expulsion exam, she found it difficult to make up her mind to help Dongfang Yi change classes.
Dongfang Yi was strong. She admitted that.
She had feelings for Dongfang Yi, too. She admitted that as well.
But if she really had to weigh Dongfang Yi's plans against the risk of a Class B student being expelled...
She couldn't decide.
If, after spending 20 million points to help Dongfang Yi transfer, they were then unlucky enough to face an exam that required someone to leave...
At that point, she would have no choice but to sacrifice herself.
So...
Was she willing to take the gamble?
"Dongfang, why... did you tell me everything?" Ichinose asked with a bitter smile. "If you'd only told me about transferring classes, then I wouldn't... have hesitated, would I?"
"Aren't we a team?"
"Huh?"
"You just said you wanted to be part of my team." Dongfang Yi took off his headphones and sat down properly in front of Ichinose. "Don't go back on your word. I recorded it all."
"But what does that have to do with being a team?"
"Honesty is the foundation of cooperation. I don't want something like this to create a rift between us."
Dongfang Yi's playful expression disappeared. He looked solemn and serious now, his sharp gaze fixed on Ichinose's eyes.
"Ichinose, you're a partner I believe in. You're someone I trust."
"Mm."
Ichinose felt something stir deep inside her.
"We have a long road ahead of us—far more than just these three years." Dongfang Yi spoke slowly, yet smoothly, without a trace of uncertainty. "We'll do many things together, achieve things ordinary people can't, and experience joys they'll