Branch Cake

The next day.

Classes officially started today. Maybe it was because of all the fun they'd had yesterday, but many students didn't even make it to the classroom until the bell rang.

But neither Sae Chabashira, their homeroom teacher, nor any of their subject teachers reprimanded anyone for being late or slacking off.

Even more absurdly, they didn't ask where the absent students had gone, as if, in their eyes, classes weren't even meant for students.

The teachers' indifference only fueled the students' ambition to ignore their lessons. Some chatted, some slept, and some even took out their game consoles and played right in front of the teachers.

It was hard to imagine that this was the kind of educational environment found at the legendary Advanced Nurturing Middle School.

"This is a real misfortune."

Katsuya Shinjo muttered under his breath.

After investigating and analyzing things yesterday, he still hadn't confirmed it, but he'd more or less concluded that next month's personal points would be tied to the students' everyday performance—in other words, their ability.

He didn't know whether other people's behavior would affect him, but it was only natural to assume the worst.

Soon, the day's classes came to an end.

Just as Katsuya Shinjo was about to pursue his reason for enrolling, a girl stepped in front of him.

"Shinjo, are you really good at studying?"

"Oh, it's you, Kushida. How can you tell that I'm good at studying?"

It was Kikyo Kushida, and Katsuya Shinjo remembered her quite well.

When she heard him say her name, Kikyo Kushida instantly broke into a happy, sweet smile. It made her already cute face even more captivating.

"Shinjo, you remember me! I'm so happy!"

Most of the class stopped what they were doing, too, turning to look at Kikyo Kushida and Katsuya Shinjo.

Of course, Shinjo didn't think he was the one drawing their attention.

So, in just one day, Kikyo Kushida had already become one of the class's central figures?

She really was impressive...

"Someone as cute and kind as you always leaves a lasting impression."

"Hahaha, you're too kind, Shinjo. Actually, I noticed today that you were paying close attention in class the whole time, so I was wondering if you were good at studying."

So you weren't paying attention in class at all?! Otherwise, how would you have had the time to keep an eye on someone sitting in the back?

So you were one of the main reasons my allowance was going to shrink... But naturally, he couldn't say that to her face.

"Actually, it's the opposite. My grades aren't that good. I can only just scrape by. I can't understand the lessons, so I want to work harder!"

As he spoke, Shinjo wore an expression that suggested a bright future lay ahead.

Maybe some keyword had triggered a switch in Kikyo Kushida. Her smile grew even wider, and she raised her little fist and gave it a couple of enthusiastic pumps.

"So you're that hardworking, Shinjo! I'm sure you'll get even better grades. If you have time, would you like to join me for a study session sometime?"

"Of course!"

"Then it's a promise~ Anyone who breaks a promise has to swallow a thousand needles~"

With that, Kikyo Kushida smiled and ran off.

It was a little strange, but it seemed to fit her image as someone who loved making friends, so Katsuya Shinjo didn't think much of it.

Just then, two boys with their arms around each other clapped him on the shoulder and said in sleazy voices,

"Hey, Kushida's cute, right?"

They were Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike, the former a retired league player and the latter a guy looking for a girlfriend.

"Sure."

Those two had already made most of their classmates avoid them after just one day of being so obnoxious, but Shinjo still showed them the bare minimum of respect.

Besides, Kikyo Kushida really was a cute girl.

"I knew it! There's no one in this world who could say no to Kushida!"

"She's cute, sweet, and, most importantly... she's got an amazing figure~"

The two traded lewd jokes without bothering to keep their voices down. The girl beside them furrowed her brows, then hurriedly grabbed her schoolbag and fled the classroom.

Katsuya Shinjo tilted his head. He didn't want to spend much time with these two idiots either; it would definitely damage his reputation.

Besides, he really didn't have time for their boring jokes today. While The Idiot Duo were still distracted, he quietly slipped out.

He'd already planned his outing, so as soon as he left the school building, Shinjo hurried straight to his destination—the biggest dessert shop, Cloud!

At some point, Katsuya Shinjo, who often had to work overtime and travel for business, had developed a good habit of eating sweets!

What's more, when he'd bought his headphones yesterday, he'd received a flyer from the dessert shop. Their "Branch Cake," available for just one day each month, was about to go on sale. "If you love sweets, don't miss out~!"

Shinjo told himself over and over that it was just a gimmick!

That was probably the essence of scarcity marketing: make something seem rare to prey on consumers' desire to get a bargain.

If it were really that good, wouldn't the shop sell it every day?

But... what if it was?

The worst that could happen was getting fooled once. If he missed it now, he might have to wait another month!

But reality was often cruel.

"I'm sorry, the last Branch Cake was just sold to that student. If you want to try it, remember to come back on this day next month."

The shop assistant's apologetic voice sounded so grating. No matter how noisy it was around him, no matter how much the shop assistant called to him, all Katsuya Shinjo could hear was the phrase "sold out."

"Sold... out... heh heh heh..."

"Um... if you really want to try it that badly... that gentleman is having coffee in the back, so... why don't you try asking him?"

Seeing the light fade from Shinjo's eyes, the shop assistant felt sorry for him. While grumbling to herself, she pointed him toward his last hope.

"Really? Thank you!"

Instantly revived, Shinjo followed her gesture to the private room at the very back. A yellow-haired boy was lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed, and he whistled at Shinjo.