How Terrifying, Good Thing We're Friends!

"As you can see, Sudo doesn't trust me. You should ask him yourself from here on out."

It was about half an hour later when Ju Ji finally arrived. He didn't know if it was just his imagination, but there was a sense of helplessness in Suzune's voice as she said this. Yet, she didn't seem angry about the situation. Was there even a hint of pride?

"So Sudo, shall I explain what exactly happened?"

"Shinomiya, you have to believe me. This really isn't my fault."

"Mm, I believe you. Go ahead and tell me the whole process again."

Although Ju Ji had already learned everything from the surveillance footage at the Special Building, and Sakura had been present when Sudo and the others were fighting—though she had just looked a bit flustered—it seemed no different from the original story. That made things easier. However, due to special circumstances, the matter of the surveillance could not be exposed yet, so he needed to hear it from Sudo's own mouth again.

"Shinomiya, you're truly the best. I knew you would believe me. You're worthy of being my best friend. Actually, I beat up some guys from Class D last week. That's why the teacher just told me I might be suspended. Right now, I'm preparing for disciplinary action."

"Isn't that entirely your fault?"

"No, the ones at fault are those Class D students who came looking for a fight. I just turned the tables on them. But then they claimed I was the one who started it. It's a complete frame-up."

"Even though I said I believe you, please calm down and explain the details a bit more, would you?"

"Actually, the advisor told me I would be included as a regular player for the summer tournament, and I was determined to become a starter. It happened that night. Komiya and Kondo from the basketball club called me to the Special Building, saying they had something to discuss. Although I could have ignored them, they were always bickering with me in the club, so I thought it was time to settle things. Of course, I meant to discuss it like a civilized person."

"But it turned out there was a guy named Ishizaki waiting for me. He said he was their friend. They said they couldn't stand me becoming a regular player and threatened to make me pay if I didn't quit the basketball club. After I refused, they attacked me. In the end, I took them down before I could get hurt myself. Shinomiya, you have to help me!"

Perhaps because he was too nervous, there were actually tears in Sudo's eyes. Ju Ji then learned the full scope of the incident from Sudo. It was no different from what he had seen on the surveillance footage. Sudo had no intention of hiding anything. Knowing this was enough.

He couldn't tell him about the evidence he possessed yet, because given Sudo's personality, he might leak it. At the very least, on the surface, they had to act as if they hadn't found any proof to clear Sudo's name.

This was to prevent Class D from voluntarily dropping the complaint and to maintain the illusion that the situation was in their favor. To Ju Ji, the people in Class D were merely potential clients who might become friends; they couldn't be compared to Sudo, who was already a friend. He had to make them realize that there was a price to pay for targeting his friend.

"Sudo, although this incident is technically their fault on the surface, it happened because of your usual attitude toward others. If you could change that, these things wouldn't happen. Since they dared to report you, they must have prepared thoroughly. Your word alone won't convince the school. But believe me, Sudo, I won't let you get suspended. Go back and get some rest for now. We'll discuss a strategy with the others in the class tomorrow. The school should have given you some time to prepare a defense, right?"

It was already very late, and it would be unwise to disturb other students now.

"The school said they'd give me until next Tuesday to prove that the other side started it. If I can't, it'll be considered my fault, and I'll be suspended until summer break. They'll also deduct class points."

It seemed the school had a well-prepared response to this matter. Compared to suspension or the loss of class points, Sudo's position as a regular basketball player would also be completely wiped out. This was something Sudo, who aimed to be a professional player, could absolutely not accept.

"Until next Tuesday... that's a bit long... no, that's plenty of time. Leave this matter to us."

"Then I'm counting on you, Shinomiya!"

After that, Ju Ji and Suzune parted ways with Sudo.

"Special Building—that's quite an interesting term to hear. Ju Ji, you didn't happen to foresee this happening, did you? But why didn't you mention that you had evidence just now? If you had, the matter would have been resolved, right?"

"I foresaw it? How could I? I'm not a god. I bought the access to install the cameras only because there were dangerous chemicals there, and I was worried someone might take them out and harm other students. As for why I didn't say it immediately, it's just because Sudo is also at fault here. He needs time to reflect on his own mindset. Otherwise, something else is bound to happen later. I suspect this incident is the probe from Ryuen that Ichinose mentioned."

"Is that so? Then I'll barely believe your explanation. That wasn't your real goal, was it?"

Suzune said she believed Ju Ji's explanation, but her face was practically screaming, 'As if I'd believe you.' If it had been a month ago, Suzune might have believed his righteous-sounding excuse. But after getting to know Ju Ji well enough, she didn't believe a single word of it.

"Actually, I just wanted to make those who targeted my friend pay the price."

"How terrifying. It's a good thing we're friends."

Suzune clutched her chest with an exaggerated gesture, pretending to be scared. But it was just too fake. She could at least change her expression. With that calm demeanor, there was no sign of fear at all.

"No, you don't look scared at all."

"Then how should I act? Should I scream 'how scary' and then tremble while hugging you?"

"No, for the sake of my own survival, let's skip that. And what's with the 'hugging me' part? Shouldn't you be running away in fear?"

To be honest, Ju Ji was quite tempted by Horikita's suggestion, but once he thought about her usual violent tendencies, he chose to refuse for the sake of his own life. Who knew what would happen if he actually agreed?

Would she look at him with contempt and call him a pervert, or would she give his stomach a heavy blow the moment she hugged him? Neither outcome was what he wanted. Because it was already dark, he didn't see the slightly reddened cheeks on Suzune's face as she said that...