Little Kikyo's Strategic Favor Towards Suzune-chan~ Ichinose's Dinner Invitation?!

The echoes of the school dismissal bell had not yet fully faded when the students of Class D began to grow restless.

However, the increasingly dense curtain of rain outside the windows blocked the path for most of them.

Unlike other days after school, when they would excitedly discuss where to go for fun or shopping.

Today, the thoughts of most people had become simple and uniform: to return to their dry and comfortable dormitories as quickly as possible.

In the school building lobby, a large number of students who had not brought rain gear soon gathered.

The majority of them were boys.

After all, daily necessities like umbrellas were not items that many careless boys remembered to carry with them every day.

The girls seemed better prepared; even if they didn't each have an umbrella, most could pair up or group into threes, sharing one to squeeze into the rain curtain, before walking off into the distance toward the dormitory building while chatting and laughing.

Kushida Kikyo naturally belonged to that category.

Her school bag was always stocked with a folding umbrella.

After packing her bag, her gaze subconsciously searched the lobby for that familiar, tall figure.

Akiyama Shin...

She struggled internally.

Should she go over and ask to walk with him?

The moment that thought surfaced, it was ruthlessly suppressed by the rumors currently circulating in class about Akiyama Shin two-timing.

If she went over now, wouldn't that confirm those idle whispers? Although Kushida Kikyo didn't care, she considered that it might bring trouble to Akiyama Shin...

She pursed her lips and was just about to give up when her gaze inadvertently swept over Horikita Suzune, who was standing alone at the lobby entrance, looking at the rain as if lost in thought.

A thought suddenly flashed through her mind.

Come to think of it... Horikita... she probably didn't bring an umbrella either, right?

Regarding Horikita Suzune.

Kushida Kikyo's feelings were complex.

Her disgust for Horikita Suzune ultimately stemmed from their time at the same middle school; what she feared most was that Horikita Suzune, who knew her past, would inadvertently or even intentionally reveal those unbearable memories, thereby destroying the new image she had worked so hard to cultivate.

A secondary reason was simply that she disliked Horikita Suzune's cold, aloof personality that kept everyone at a distance.

But recently, she had noticed that Horikita Suzune and Akiyama Shin were getting closer and closer. Although she still felt a bit annoyed and possessive, the moment she thought of Akiyama Shin's bottomless ability and his capacity to accommodate everything, an absurd yet vaguely expectant thought emerged.

What if, in the future, she really might have to call Horikita Suzune "sister"...? So, easing the relationship in advance... didn't seem like a bad thing? At the very least, she couldn't let the other girl become an obstacle...

Thinking of this, Kushida Kikyo took a deep breath, instantly switching her face back to that sweet, highly approachable smile, and walked toward Horikita Suzune.

"Horikita-san!"

She called out in a light, cheerful voice.

Horikita Suzune turned her head at the sound. Seeing it was Kushida Kikyo, a trace of obvious surprise flashed through her cold eyes, but it immediately returned to indifference.

"Is something the matter, Kushida-san?"

Her tone carried her habitual detachment.

"I noticed you didn't seem to bring an umbrella?"

Kushida Kikyo gently shook the umbrella in her hand, her face wearing her usual brilliant smile, like an angel on earth.

"It's raining so hard, let's go back together?"

"My umbrella is quite large!"

Horikita Suzune was slightly startled and subconsciously wanted to refuse. She was used to being alone and was not accustomed to accepting the kindness of others, especially classmates she wasn't particularly close to.

However, as the words reached her lips, she suddenly remembered Akiyama Shin's subtle hints, as well as her own determination to make changes and try to integrate into the group—even though, in her view, the current situation still didn't count as true integration.

But this... could also be considered a gesture of kindness from the other party, right?

Constantly refusing didn't seem like the path to growth.

After a brief internal struggle, Horikita Suzune finally nodded slightly. Although there was still no expression on her face, her tone softened a little.

"Alright, sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all! Let's go!"

The smile on Kushida Kikyo's face became even more radiant, though she secretly breathed a sigh of relief inside, feeling a sense of satisfaction with this strategic display of goodwill.

The two shared an umbrella and stepped side-by-side into the curtain of rain.

Watching the girls leave one after another, the boys of Class D remaining in the lobby began to grow restless.

"Damn it!"

"Why does it have to rain this hard today of all days!"

Yamauchi Haruki scratched his hair, his face full of irritation.

"Exactly!"

"I was really hoping to go to the arcade for a few rounds!"

Kanji Ike chimed in quickly, though his eyes kept darting toward the window, clearly hoping the rain would suddenly let up.

Ken Sudo stood leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his brows furrowed in a display of impatience.

It wasn't that he was in a rush to go play; he simply disliked the feeling of being trapped.

"Hey, Yosuke, did you bring an umbrella?"

He looked toward Yosuke Hirata, who was waiting nearby.

Yosuke Hirata smiled helplessly and shook his head.

"Sorry, I didn't bring one either. It looks like we'll just have to wait until the rain eases up."

Teruhiko Yukimura adjusted his glasses, his expression serious.

"With the rainy season upon us, it seems we should keep umbrellas in our bags every day from now on. It's a basic part of life planning."

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji stood quietly in the corner, as unremarkable as ever.

He simply observed everyone's reactions in silence, analyzing the personality traits of each person.

Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike lacked foresight and were easily swayed by their emotions; Ken Sudo lacked patience; Yosuke Hirata was good at coordination but lacked preparation; Teruhiko Yukimura valued rules and planning...

Shin Akiyama stood a bit further away from the crowd, watching the continuous drizzle outside the window, his brows slightly knitted.

He hated waiting.

This feeling of being unable to control the situation and having to passively waste time made him irritable.

Wait for the rain to stop?

There was no telling how long that would take.

He glanced at the downpour, which showed no signs of weakening, and made a decision.

Rather than wasting time here, he might as well just head back and take a shower once he arrived.

Just as he was about to step into the curtain of rain, a crisp, pleasant, and somewhat familiar female voice called his name from behind.

"Akiyama-kun?"

Shin Akiyama paused and turned around.

Standing not far away were three people: the core figures of Class B, Honami Ichinose and Ryuji Kanzaki.

And a white-haired girl with a bob cut who was hiding behind Honami Ichinose, poking her head out and looking somewhat timid.

Chihiro Shiranami.

The appearance of Honami Ichinose instantly drew the eyes of all the remaining boys in the Class D lobby.

Although she had been busy consolidating her class and pushing for better study habits within Class B over the past few days, her warm, healing smile, cute face, and a figure that far exceeded her peers had already made her famous throughout the first year, earning her the title of one of the two angels of the first year alongside Kikyo Kushida of Class D.

"Whoa! It's Honami Ichinose!"

"Why did she come over to our Class D side?"

"Who is she looking at?"

"That white-haired girl next to her is pretty cute, too..."

Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike immediately began whispering excitedly, their eyes darting toward Honami Ichinose.

Even Yosuke Hirata offered a friendly smile and gave a nod in their direction.

Ken Sudo merely glanced at them without much reaction; he had little interest in such popular groups.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's gaze shifted between Honami Ichinose and Shin Akiyama, as if he were contemplating something.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Honami Ichinose walked straight up to Shin Akiyama with Ryuji Kanzaki and the somewhat shrinking Chihiro Shiranami in tow.

Chihiro Shiranami seemed a bit afraid of Shin Akiyama.

Especially when she met his emotionless, dark red pupils, she instinctively shrank back behind Honami Ichinose.

Honami Ichinose gave Shin Akiyama a gentle, slightly teasing smile.

"Are you planning to just walk back in the rain like that, Akiyama-kun?"

"You'll catch a cold, you know?"

Ryuji Kanzaki maintained his serious expression. He looked at Shin Akiyama, took a spare folding umbrella from his backpack, and held it out.

"You are usually able to consider the optimal choice in most matters..."

"But when it comes to taking care of yourself."

"Remember to choose the optimal path there, too."

Shin Akiyama looked at the umbrella held out to him, stunned for a moment.

He hadn't expected someone from Class B to approach him, let alone offer to lend him an umbrella.

He glanced at the earnest-looking Ryuji Kanzaki, then at the warmly smiling Honami Ichinose, and for once, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Thanks."

He didn't feign modesty and simply took the umbrella.

"You've been a huge help."

After thanking her, he prepared to open the umbrella and leave.

"Ah, wait a second, Akiyama-kun!"

Honami Ichinose hurriedly called out to him again.

Akiyama Shin stopped once more, casting an inquisitive look her way.

Ichinose smiled, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Um... if the rain stops tonight..."

"Class B is planning to hold a small class gathering... to help us bond a bit... I was wondering if you might be interested in coming...?"

She paused, then added in a lower voice.

"After all, we are, in a sense..."

"Partners, right~"

Hearing this, Akiyama Shin smiled and answered readily.

"Sure."

He was also interested in observing the atmosphere of Class B.

"It's a deal, then!"

Ichinose said happily, then as if remembering something, she tapped her forehead.

"Ah! I almost forgot, we haven't exchanged contact information yet! It's so inconvenient to get in touch!"

Akiyama Shin realized she was right; it was indeed true.

He rubbed his nose in slight embarrassment, then walked back over, took out his terminal, and exchanged contact information with Honami Ichinose, Ryuji Kanzaki, and Chihiro Shiranami, who had only shyly brought out her terminal after being encouraged by Ichinose.

Once that was done, Akiyama Shin said his goodbyes again and stepped into the drizzling rain, his figure quickly disappearing behind the hazy curtain of water.

It wasn't until Akiyama Shin left that the commotion in the lobby gradually subsided, though the murmurs grew even louder.

"Hey, hey! Since when did that guy Akiyama get so close to Ichinose from Class B?"

"She even lent him an umbrella? Kanzaki from Class B doesn't look like the type who's easy to talk to!"

"And Ichinose even invited him to the Class B gathering?! That's way too lucky!!"

"Damn it... what exactly is that guy's deal?"

On the other side.

Haruki Yamauchi clicked his tongue, his gaze glued to Akiyama Shin's retreating back, his tone filled with irrepressible jealousy.

"Tch... that guy is way too lucky, isn't he? Why does he get to be invited by Ichinose..."

Kanji Ike, standing nearby, nodded repeatedly, his brows knitted together and his knuckles white from clenching his fists; the flames of jealousy were practically erupting from his eyes.

"Exactly! We aren't any worse than him! Why does he always get to be the center of attention?"

Yosuke Hirata stood behind them without saying a word. He watched the direction in which Akiyama Shin had disappeared, a hint of scrutiny flashing through his eyes, which usually held a gentle smile.

"Akiyama-kun... he really isn't simple."

Teruhiko Yukimura pushed up his glasses and said.

"Being able to build good relationships with other classes is quite good; perhaps we can help each other out in the future."

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji also silently noted all of this in his mind. Akiyama Shin... his social circle and influence seemed to be expanding at an astonishing rate.

The rain continued to fall.

The echoes of the final bell had not yet fully dissipated, and the students of Class D began to grow restless.

However, the increasingly dense curtain of rain outside blocked the path for most of them.

Unlike other days after school, when they would excitedly discuss where to go for fun or shopping.

Today, most people's thoughts were simple and unanimous: get back to the dry and comfortable dorms as quickly as possible.

In the school building lobby, quite a few students who hadn't brought rain gear soon gathered.

The majority of them were boys.

After all, for many careless boys, daily necessities like umbrellas were not items they remembered to carry with them every day.

The girls seemed better prepared; even if they didn't each have an umbrella, most could pair up in twos or threes, share one, squeeze into the rain, and then head toward the dormitory building while chatting and laughing.

Kikyo Kushida naturally belonged to that category.

She always kept a folding umbrella in her bag.

After packing her bag, her gaze subconsciously searched the lobby for that familiar, tall figure.

Akiyama Shin...

She struggled with herself internally.

Should she go over and ask him to walk together?

The moment this thought surfaced, it was ruthlessly suppressed by the rumors currently circulating in Class D about Akiyama Shin two-timing.

If she went over now, wouldn't that just confirm those idle whispers? Although Kushida Kikyo didn't care, she was concerned that it might cause trouble for Akiyama Shin...

She pursed her lips and was just about to give up when her gaze inadvertently swept over Horikita Suzune, who was standing alone at the entrance of the lobby, looking somewhat lost in thought as she watched the rain.

A thought suddenly flashed through her mind.

Come to think of it... Horikita... she probably didn't bring an umbrella either, right?

Regarding Horikita Suzune.

Kushida Kikyo's feelings were complex.

Her hatred for Horikita Suzune ultimately stemmed from their time at the same middle school. What she feared most was that Horikita Suzune, who knew her past, would inadvertently or even intentionally expose those unbearable memories, thereby destroying the new image she had painstakingly cultivated.

A secondary reason was simply that she disliked Horikita Suzune's cold, aloof personality that kept everyone at a distance.

But recently, she had noticed that Horikita Suzune and Akiyama Shin were getting closer and closer. Although she still felt a bit of irritation and possessiveness, the moment she thought of Akiyama Shin's bottomless capabilities and his capacity to accommodate everything, an absurd yet vaguely expectant thought emerged.

What if, in the future, she really might have to call Horikita Suzune "sister"...? So, easing the relationship in advance... didn't seem like a bad thing? At the very least, she couldn't let the other girl become an obstacle...

Thinking of this, Kushida Kikyo took a deep breath, instantly switching her face back to that highly approachable, sweet smile, and walked toward Horikita Suzune.

"Horikita-san!"

She greeted her with a light, cheerful voice.

Horikita Suzune turned her head at the sound. Seeing that it was Kushida Kikyo, a trace of obvious surprise flashed through her cold eyes, but it immediately returned to indifference.

"Is something the matter, Kushida-san?"

Her tone carried her usual detachment.

"I noticed you didn't seem to bring an umbrella?"

Kushida Kikyo gently shook the umbrella in her hand, her face wearing her signature radiant smile, like an angel on earth.

"It's raining so hard, shall we head back together?"

"My umbrella is quite large!"

Horikita Suzune was slightly taken aback and instinctively wanted to refuse. She was used to being alone and wasn't accustomed to accepting kindness from others, especially classmates she wasn't particularly close with.

However, as the words reached her lips, she suddenly remembered the subtle hints Akiyama Shin had given her before, as well as her own determination to make changes and try to integrate into the group—even though, in her view, this still didn't count as true integration.

But... this was still a gesture of kindness from the other girl, right?

Refusing constantly didn't seem like the path to growth.

After a brief internal struggle, Horikita Suzune finally nodded slightly. Although there was still no expression on her face, her tone softened a little.

"Alright, sorry to trouble you."

"No trouble at all! Let's go!"

The smile on Kushida Kikyo's face became even brighter, though she secretly breathed a sigh of relief inside, feeling a sense of satisfaction with this strategic display of goodwill.

The two shared an umbrella and stepped side-by-side into the curtain of rain.

Watching the girls leave one after another, the boys of Class D remaining in the lobby began to grow restless.

"Damn it!"

"Why does it have to rain so hard today!"

Yamauchi Haruki scratched his hair, his face full of irritation.

"Exactly!"

"I was planning to go to the arcade for a few rounds!"

Ike Kanji chimed in immediately, though his eyes kept darting toward the window, clearly hoping the rain would suddenly let up.

Sudo Ken stood leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his brows tightly locked, revealing a hint of impatience.

He wasn't in a rush to go play; he simply disliked the feeling of being trapped.

"Hey, Hirata, did you bring an umbrella?"

He looked at Hirata Yosuke, who was also waiting nearby.

Hirata Yosuke smiled helplessly and shook his head.

"Sorry, I didn't bring one either. It looks like we'll have to wait until the rain lets up a bit before we can leave."

Yukimura Teruhiko pushed up his glasses, his expression serious.

"With the rainy season upon us, it seems we need to keep an umbrella in our bags every day from now on. This is basic life planning."

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji stood quietly in the corner, as unremarkable as ever.

I simply observed everyone's reactions in silence, analyzing the personality traits of each person internally.

Yamauchi and Ike lacked planning and were easily swayed by their emotions; Sudo lacked patience; Hirata was good at coordination but unprepared; Yukimura focused on rules and plans...

Akiyama Shin stood a little further away from the crowd, watching the continuous drizzle outside the window, his brows slightly furrowed.

He hated waiting.

This feeling of being unable to control the situation and having to passively waste time made him feel irritable.

Wait for the rain to stop?

He had no idea how long that would take.

He glanced at the rain, which showed no signs of letting up, and made a decision in his heart.

Rather than wasting time here, it would be better to just head back and take a shower when he got there.

Just as he was about to step into the curtain of rain, a crisp, pleasant, and somewhat familiar female voice called his name from behind.

"Akiyama-kun?"

Akiyama Shin paused his steps and turned around.

He saw three people standing not far away: the core figures of Class B, Honami Ichinose and Ryuji Kanzaki.

And a white-haired girl with a bob cut, hiding behind Ichinose and peeking out with half her head, looking somewhat timid.

Chihiro Shiranami.

The appearance of Honami Ichinose instantly attracted the gazes of all the remaining boys in the Class D lobby.

Although she had been working hard these past few days to consolidate Class B and urge them to study, her sun-like, warm, and healing smile, her cute face, and her figure—which was far more developed than her peers—had already made her famous throughout the first year, known alongside Kushida Kikyo of Class D as the twin angels of the first year.

"Wow! It's Ichinose!"

"Why did she come over to our Class D side?"

"Who is she looking at?"

"That white-haired girl next to her is pretty cute too..."

Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike immediately began whispering excitedly, their eyes darting toward Ichinose.

Even Yosuke Hirata showed a friendly smile and nodded in their direction.

Ken Sudo merely glanced over without much reaction; he had little interest in such popular groups.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's gaze shifted between Ichinose and Akiyama Shin, as if he were pondering something.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Honami Ichinose walked straight up to Akiyama Shin with Ryuji Kanzaki and the somewhat shrinking Chihiro Shiranami.

Chihiro Shiranami seemed a bit afraid of Akiyama Shin.

Especially when she met his emotionless, dark red pupils, she subconsciously shrank further behind Ichinose.

Honami Ichinose gave Akiyama Shin a gentle, slightly teasing smile.

"Are you planning to go back in the rain like that, Akiyama-kun?"

"You'll catch a cold, you know?"

Ryuji Kanzaki maintained his usual serious expression. He looked at Akiyama Shin, took a spare folding umbrella from his backpack, and held it out toward him.

"You are usually able to consider the optimal choice in most matters..."

"But when it comes to taking care of yourself."

"Remember to choose the optimal path there as well."

Akiyama Shin looked at the umbrella held out to him, slightly stunned.

He hadn't expected someone from Class B to come over, let alone offer to lend him an umbrella.

He glanced at the earnest-looking Ryuji Kanzaki, then at the warmly smiling Honami Ichinose, and a rare, faint smile appeared on his face.

"Thanks."

He didn't stand on ceremony and took the umbrella directly.

"You've really helped me out."

After thanking them, he prepared to open the umbrella and leave.

"Ah, wait a second, Akiyama-kun!"

Honami Ichinose hurriedly called out to him again.

Akiyama Shin stopped once more and cast an inquiring look.

Ichinose smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

"Um... if the rain stops tonight..."

"We in Class B are planning to hold a small class gathering... to help build our bonds... I was wondering if you might be interested in coming...?"

She paused, then added in a low voice.

"After all, we are now..."

"A cooperative relationship, huh~"

Shin Akiyama smiled upon hearing this, answering readily.

"Sure."

He was also interested in observing the atmosphere of Class B.

"It's a deal, then!"

Honami Ichinose said happily, then as if remembering something, she tapped her forehead.

"Ah! I almost forgot, we haven't exchanged contact information yet! It's too inconvenient to stay in touch otherwise!"

Only then did Shin Akiyama realize that was indeed the case.

He rubbed his nose in slight embarrassment, then walked back over, took out his terminal, and exchanged contact information with Honami Ichinose, Ryuji Kanzaki, and Chihiro Shiranami, who had only taken out her terminal timidly after being encouraged by Honami Ichinose.

After finishing all this, Shin Akiyama said his goodbyes once more and stepped into the drizzling rain, his figure quickly disappearing behind the hazy curtain of rain.

It wasn't until Shin Akiyama left that the commotion in the lobby gradually subsided, though the murmurs grew even louder.

"Hey, hey! Since when did that guy Akiyama get so close to Honami Ichinose from Class B?"

"He even lent him an umbrella? Ryuji Kanzaki from Class B doesn't look like the type who's easy to talk to!"

"And Honami Ichinose even invited him to a Class B gathering?! That's just too lucky!!"

"Damn it... what exactly is that guy's deal?"

On the other side.

Haruki Yamauchi clicked his tongue, his gaze glued firmly to Shin Akiyama's retreating back, his tone filled with irrepressible jealousy.

"Tch... that guy is just too lucky, isn't he? Why does he get an invitation from Honami Ichinose..."

Kanji Ike, standing nearby, nodded repeatedly, his brows knitted into a knot and his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white; the flames of jealousy were practically erupting from his eyes.

"Exactly! We aren't that different from him! Why does he always get to be the center of attention?"

Yosuke Hirata stood behind the two of them without saying a word. He looked in the direction where Shin Akiyama was fading away, a hint of scrutiny flashing through those eyes that always carried a gentle smile.

"Akiyama-kun... he really isn't simple."

Teruhiko Yukimura pushed up his glasses and said.

"Being able to build good relationships with other classes is quite good; perhaps we can help each other out in the future."

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji also silently noted all of this in his mind. Shin Akiyama... his social circle and influence seemed to be expanding at an astonishing speed.

The rain continued to fall.