The Commencement of the Joint Study Group

Friday's classes passed in an atmosphere of superficial calm, though an underlying sense of anticipation simmered beneath the surface.

For the majority of students in Class D, the joint study session after school was a crucial step in tackling the crisis of the upcoming midterm exams.

As soon as the final bell rang, the students of Class D didn't rush out of the classroom as they usually did; instead, they began to pack their bags with conscious effort, gathering in small groups to head toward the library.

Even Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji, who usually avoided studying like the plague, appeared unusually proactive at this moment.

"Hey, Ike! Hurry up! If we go too late, all the good spots in the library will be taken!"

As Yamauchi Haruki urged him on, he deliberately straightened his back, wearing a smile he deemed handsome and reliable, his gaze drifting toward the area where the girls were gathered.

Ike Kanji chuckled, rubbing his hands together.

"I know, I know!"

"It's a study session! The most important thing is the atmosphere! If we work hard together, we'll definitely get twice the result with half the effort!"

His mind was clearly not on his studies; he was more focused on the prospect of interacting with the girls during the breaks.

Watching the two of them suddenly display such a passion for learning, Sudo Ken crossed his arms and retorted mercilessly.

"You two idiots, can't you think of anything other than women? Do you really think no one can see through your little schemes?"

"Hey! Sudo! Stop talking nonsense!"

Yamauchi immediately countered, his face flushing red.

"Yeah! Sudo, don't spout off! We're doing this for the honor of the class! So we don't hold everyone back!"

Ike Kanji quickly chimed in, though his voice lacked conviction.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji followed them quietly, listening to the vapid bickering. His face remained as expressionless as ever, but deep down, he felt a strange sense of... boredom?

His gaze swept inadvertently toward the front of the classroom, where the group centered around Hirata Yosuke and Kushida Kikyo was gathered.

Akiyama Shin, Horikita Suzune, Yukimura Teruhiko, Wang Meiyu, and others were chatting naturally together.

Looking at that circle, a subtle thought crossed Ayanokoji's mind for the first time.

Perhaps blending into that more core group would be more interesting than hanging around with Yamauchi and the others?

At the very least, he wouldn't have to deal with these low-level jokes and pointless arguments.

Hirata Yosuke watched his classmates leave one by one. He wore a gentle smile, but there was a hint of imperceptible worry in his eyes. He looked around the classroom and spoke softly to the few people nearby.

"Koenji-kun... has left early again..."

"If he continues to avoid group activities like this... won't it make him seem antisocial...? I'm a bit worried that he'll be ostracized or disliked by the rest of the class..."

Upon hearing this, Akiyama Shin inwardly scoffed.

Ostracized?

Disliked?

With Koenji Rokusuke's "I am the center of the universe" personality, it was more likely that he was the one ostracizing everyone else in the class; he didn't care about anyone else's opinion at all.

Kushida Kikyo immediately put on a perfectly measured expression of concern, echoing Hirata's words while cleverly steering the topic toward Akiyama Shin.

"That's true... Koenji-kun always seems to be a loner... but he seems to have always acknowledged Akiyama-kun, hasn't he?"

"Whether it was during swimming class or the homeroom meeting afterward... Akiyama-kun... what do you think?"

Heh heh! You're always so calm, acting like you have everything under control! And you're always picking on me!

Now I'm going to give you some trouble! Let's see how you handle this tricky topic!

Kushida Kikyo thought to herself with satisfaction, looking forward to Akiyama Shin's reaction.

Upon hearing Kushida Kikyo's words, Horikita Suzune couldn't help but recall Koenji's shocking remarks from earlier.

Especially the line, "Aside from myself and Akiyama-boy, are there no other intelligent people in this class?" A flicker of contemplation crossed her cold, clear eyes. Koenji was a man of eccentric behavior, but he didn't seem entirely devoid of ability.

Moreover, his swimming results were astonishing, and he seemed to rank near the top in regular quizzes. Was he also someone who possessed talent but completely rejected the current state of Class D? She viewed herself as an apprentice chasing after Akiyama Shin, so naturally, she needed to evaluate which people in the class had value for cooperation or utility.

Yukimura Teruhiko adjusted his glasses and joined the discussion with a serious expression, his tone carrying a natural reverence for those with high academic ability.

"Hirata-kun, regarding Koenji, I think your worries are unnecessary."

"Based on my observations, it's not that the class is ostracizing him, but rather that he has isolated everyone except for Akiyama-kun."

"Furthermore, his scores on the previous few quizzes were excellent, proving that his academic ability cannot be underestimated."

"And the reason he acknowledges Akiyama-kun..."

"Is naturally because Akiyama-kun has demonstrated the ability to make him take notice."

His words were essentially a loud, blatant compliment to Akiyama Shin.

Akiyama Shin was left speechless by Yukimura's sudden and unreserved praise, thinking to himself.

This guy, Yukimura...

He really is a total worshiper of academic elites...

But on the surface, he remained calm and followed the flow of the conversation.

"About Koenji."

"I will find an opportunity to communicate with him."

He paused, then added.

"After all, he is also a part of Class D."

Communicate?

Perhaps.

But more importantly, how could one establish some level of cooperative relationship with such a maverick?

His ability was the real deal; if it could be utilized, Akiyama Shin had already begun to calculate in his mind.

Wang Meiyu looked up at Akiyama Shin and said in a low voice.

"Akiyama-kun... just do your best..."

"Don't push yourself too hard..."

She always subconsciously cared for Akiyama Shin, not wanting him to bear too much pressure.

The group, each harboring their own thoughts, followed the flow of people to the school library, where the designated area had already been occupied and organized by some students from Class B.

Notably, almost everyone who came here were members of the Sakayanagi Faction, such as Hashimoto Masayoshi, Kito Hayato, Nishikawa Ryoko, and Shiraishi Asuka.

Not a single member of the Katsuragi Faction was to be seen.

In fact, there was disagreement within Class B regarding whether to participate in this joint study session.

Katsuragi Kohei, being a good-natured person, felt that helping Class D consolidate their foundations and maintaining the overall stability of the grade was not a bad thing. However, most members of the Katsuragi Faction expressed strong dissatisfaction, believing it was a waste of Class B's precious time and energy to prop up a failing class. Ultimately, Katsuragi Kohei chose to compromise, respecting the opinions of the majority and not forcing them to participate. Sakayanagi Arisu, on the other hand, easily persuaded her faction members; to her, this study session was merely an interesting game and an investment.

When the group from Class D arrived, the students of Class B only looked up for a moment, tacitly remaining silent and signaling with their eyes or slight nods.

Sakayanagi Arisu, sitting in the main seat, saw Akiyama Shin and the Class D students taking their seats behind him. A gentle smile appeared on her face. She stood up gracefully; although her movements were slightly slow due to her cane, her posture was impeccable. She spoke toward the direction of Class D in a clear and soft voice.

"Good day, everyone from Class D."

The greeting was like a clear spring dripping onto jade, crisp and pleasant to the ear.

Yamauchi Haruki, hearing such a cute girl greet everyone in such an elegant tone, felt as if he had been struck by an electric current. He felt lightheaded, as if the greeting were meant for him alone. He immediately puffed out his chest, waved his arm vigorously, and responded loudly in a voice he thought was full of charm.

"H-hello! Classmate Sakayanagi! We're here! Please take care of us!"

His exaggerated reaction drew surprised or amused glances from many Class B students, and many on the Class D side also wore speechless expressions.

Ike Kanji giggled foolishly on the side, while Sudo Ken turned his face away in disgust.

Sakayanagi Arisu merely maintained a polite smile at the overly enthusiastic and foolish response, nodded slightly, and said nothing more.

Everyone took their seats in turn.

Akiyama Shin naturally sat directly opposite Sakayanagi Arisu, with Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo sitting on his left and right, while Hirata Yosuke, Yukimura Teruhiko, and others sat further out.

Wang Meiyu chose a seat slightly further back but from where she could see Akiyama Shin's profile.

The library soon quieted down, leaving only the sound of turning pages and the rustle of pen tips across paper.

The study session officially began, and the atmosphere was unexpectedly serious.

Most of the students from Class D showed great enthusiasm, and the students from Class B also dutifully played the role of tutors, occasionally answering questions in low voices.

Akiyama Shin spread out his textbook, but his gaze swept across the room without leaving a trace.

Finally, it landed on Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, who was sitting diagonally opposite him with Yamauchi, Ike, and Sudo.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka...

Are you truly content with mediocrity, mingling among this group, or... are you deliberately hiding something?

From the first time they met, he had always been concerned about this man who mimicked the lifestyle of an ordinary high school student.

He was more like a tool cultivated by a system, devoid of emotion, yet constantly learning. He had similarities to Akiyama Shin, but there were also significant differences.

And Sakayanagi Arisu, sitting opposite Akiyama Shin, was also not completely immersed in her books.

Her amethyst-like eyes lifted, and her gaze swept extremely subtly over the brown-haired, expressionless boy not far away—Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

Ayanokoji-kun...

Are you really playing the role of an ordinary recluse...

Or have you truly fallen to the point of needing to associate with these flawed goods...?

Or perhaps... is this in itself the disguise you chose?

A faint curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.

For her, the value of observing this joint study session far outweighed the significance of tutoring.

This truly is a hearty game of chess!

Comparable to the faked death of Zhongli!

Friday's classes passed in an atmosphere that was calm on the surface but held hidden expectations underneath.

For most students in Class D, the joint study session after school today was a crucial step in tackling the crisis of the upcoming midterm exams.

As soon as the final bell rang, unlike the usual rush to bolt out of the classroom, the students of Class D began to organize their bags conscientiously, gathering in small groups to head toward the library.

Even Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike, who usually avoided studying like the plague, appeared unusually motivated at this moment.

"Hey, Ike! Hurry up! If we go too late, all the good spots in the library will be taken!"

While urging him on, Haruki Yamauchi deliberately straightened his back, wearing a smile he deemed handsome and reliable, his gaze drifting toward where the girls were gathered.

Kanji Ike chuckled, rubbing his hands together.

"I know, I know!"

"It's a study session! The most important thing is the atmosphere! Working hard together with everyone will definitely double the results with half the effort!"

His mind was clearly not on his studies; he was more focused on the prospect of interacting with the girls during the breaks.

Watching the two of them suddenly display such a passion for learning, Ken Sudo crossed his arms and retorted mercilessly.

"You two idiots, can you think of anything other than women? Do you really think no one can see through your little schemes?"

"Hey! Sudo! Stop talking nonsense!"

Haruki immediately retorted, his face flushing red.

"Yeah! Sudo, stop spouting rubbish! We're doing this for the honor of the class! So we don't hold everyone back!"

Kanji Ike quickly chimed in to help, though his voice lacked conviction.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji followed quietly beside them, listening to the pointless bickering, his face remaining as expressionless as ever, though he felt a faint sense of... boredom?

His gaze swept inadvertently toward the front of the classroom, where a group centered around Yosuke Hirata and Kikyo Kushida was gathered.

Shin Akiyama, Suzune Horikita, Teruhiko Yukimura, Wang Meiyu, and others were naturally clustered together, engaged in conversation.

Looking at that circle, a subtle thought crossed Ayanokoji's mind for the first time.

Perhaps blending into that more core group would be more interesting than staying with Yamauchi and the others?

At the very least, he wouldn't have to deal with these low-level jokes and meaningless arguments.

Yosuke Hirata watched his classmates leave one by one, a gentle smile on his face, though a trace of imperceptible worry lingered in his eyes. He looked around the classroom and spoke softly to the few people beside him.

"Koenji-kun... has left early again..."

"If he doesn't participate in group activities for so long... won't he be too antisocial...? I'm a little worried that he might be ostracized or disliked by the other students in the class..."

Hearing this, Shin Akiyama inwardly scoffed.

Ostracized?

Disliked?

With the self-centered nature of Rokusuke Koenji, it was more likely that he was the one ostracizing everyone in the class except for himself; he didn't care about others' opinions at all.

Kikyo Kushida immediately wore an expression of perfectly measured concern, echoing Hirata's words while cleverly steering the issue toward Shin Akiyama.

"That's true... Koenji-kun always seems to be a loner... But he seems to have always acknowledged Akiyama-kun, hasn't he?"

"Whether it was during the swimming lesson or the class meeting afterward... Akiyama-kun... what do you think?"

Heh heh! You're always so calm! Acting like you have everything under control! And you're always bullying me!

Now I'm going to give you some trouble! Let's see how you handle this tricky topic!

Kikyo Kushida thought to herself with satisfaction, looking forward to Shin Akiyama's reaction.

Upon hearing Kikyo Kushida's words, Suzune Horikita couldn't help but recall those shocking remarks Koenji had made earlier.

Especially the line, "Aside from myself and Akiyama-boy, is there no one else in this class with any intelligence?" A flicker of contemplation crossed her cold, clear eyes. Koenji was a man of eccentric behavior, but he didn't seem entirely devoid of ability.

Moreover, his swimming performance was astonishing, and he seemed to rank near the top in daily quizzes. Was he also someone who possessed talent but completely rejected the current state of Class D? She viewed herself as an apprentice chasing after Shin Akiyama, so naturally, she needed to evaluate which people in the class were worth cooperating with or utilizing.

Teruhiko Yukimura adjusted his glasses and joined the discussion with a serious expression, his tone carrying a natural reverence for those with academic excellence.

"Hirata-kun, regarding Koenji, I think your worries are unnecessary."

"Based on my observations, it is not the class that is ostracizing him, but rather he who has isolated everyone except Akiyama-kun."

"Furthermore, his scores in the previous few quizzes were excellent, proving that his academic ability cannot be underestimated."

"And the reason he acknowledges Akiyama-kun..."

"Is naturally because Akiyama-kun has demonstrated enough ability to make him take notice."

His words were nothing short of a loud, flattering compliment directed at Shin Akiyama.

Shin Akiyama was left speechless by Yukimura's sudden and unabashed praise, thinking to himself.

This guy Yukimura...

He really is a total worshiper of academic elites...

But on the surface, he remained calm and followed the thread of the conversation.

"Regarding the matter of Koenji."

"I will find an opportunity to communicate with him."

He paused, then added.

"After all, he is also a part of Class D."

Communicate?

Perhaps.

But more importantly, how could he establish some level of cooperative relationship with this maverick?

His ability was genuine; if it could be utilized, Akiyama Shin had already begun to calculate in his mind.

Wang Meiyu looked up at Akiyama Shin and whispered.

"Akiyama-kun... just do your best..."

"Don't push yourself too hard..."

She always subconsciously cared for Akiyama Shin, not wanting him to bear too much pressure.

The group, each harboring their own thoughts, followed the flow of people to the school library, where the designated area had already been occupied and organized by some students from Class B.

Notably, almost everyone who came here were members of the Sakayanagi Faction, such as Hashimoto Masayoshi, Kito Hayato, Nishikawa Ryoko, and Shiraishi Asuka.

Not a single member of the Katsuragi Faction was to be seen.

In fact, there was disagreement within Class B regarding whether to participate in this joint study session.

Katsuragi Kohei, being a good-natured person, believed that helping Class D consolidate their foundation and maintaining the overall stability of the grade was acceptable, but most members of the Katsuragi Faction expressed strong dissatisfaction, arguing that it was a waste of Class B's precious time and energy to prop up a failing class. Ultimately, Katsuragi Kohei chose to compromise and respect the majority's opinion, not forcing them to participate. Sakayanagi Arisu, on the other hand, easily persuaded her faction members; to her, this study session was merely an interesting game and an investment.

When the group from Class D arrived, the students of Class B only looked up for a moment, tacitly remaining silent and signaling with their eyes or slight nods.

Sitting in the main seat, Sakayanagi Arisu saw Akiyama Shin and the Class D students taking their seats behind him. A calm smile appeared on her face. She stood up gracefully; although her movements were slightly slow due to her cane, her demeanor was impeccable. She spoke toward Class D in a clear and gentle voice.

"Good day, everyone from Class D."

The greeting was like a clear spring dripping onto jade, crisp and pleasant to the ear.

When Yamauchi Haruki heard such a cute girl greeting everyone in such an elegant tone, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He felt lightheaded, as if the greeting were meant for him alone. He immediately puffed out his chest, waved his arm vigorously, and responded loudly in a voice he thought was full of charm.

"H-hello! Classmate Sakayanagi! We're here! Please take care of us!"

His exaggerated reaction drew surprised or amused glances from many Class B students, and many in Class D also wore speechless expressions.

Ike Kanji giggled foolishly on the side, while Sudo Ken turned his head away in disgust.

Sakayanagi Arisu merely maintained a polite smile at the overly enthusiastic and foolish response, nodding slightly without saying anything more.

Everyone took their seats one by one.

Akiyama Shin naturally sat directly opposite Sakayanagi Arisu, with Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo sitting on his left and right, while Hirata Yosuke, Yukimura Teruhiko, and others sat further out.

Wang Meiyu chose a seat slightly further back but from where she could see Akiyama Shin's profile.

The library soon quieted down, leaving only the sound of turning pages and the rustling of pen tips across paper.

The study session officially began, and the atmosphere was unexpectedly serious.

Most of the students from Class D showed great enthusiasm, and the students from Class B played their roles as tutors dutifully, occasionally lowering their voices to answer questions.

Akiyama Shin spread out his textbook, but his gaze swept across the room without leaving a trace.

Finally, it landed on Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, who was sitting diagonally opposite him with Yamauchi, Ike, and Sudo.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji...

Are you truly content with mediocrity, mingling among this group, or... are you deliberately hiding something?

From the first time they met, he had always been concerned about this man who mimicked the lifestyle of an ordinary high school student.

He was more like a tool cultivated by a system—devoid of emotion, yet constantly learning. He had similarities to Akiyama Shin, but there were also significant differences.

Meanwhile, Sakayanagi Arisu, sitting opposite Akiyama Shin, was also not completely immersed in her books.

Her amethyst-like eyes lifted, and her gaze swept very subtly over the brown-haired, expressionless boy not far away—Kiyotaka Ayanokoji.

Ayanokoji-kun...

Are you really playing the role of an ordinary recluse...

Or have you truly fallen to the point of needing to associate with these defective products...?

Or perhaps... is this disguise your own choice?

A faint curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.

For her, the value of observation in this joint study session far outweighed the significance of tutoring.

This truly is a hearty game of chess!

Comparable to Zhongli faking his death!