After Lin Mu's "generous act"—which had really just been treating Kikyo Kushida to lunch—the two of them ate together in the cafeteria.
From then on, they fell into a new routine without ever discussing it. At lunchtime, barring special circumstances, they always went to the cafeteria together.
Lin Mu had a frankly ridiculous number of points and didn't care about the cost of a few meals, so he simply kept "helping out" Kushida like this.
After all, she was the first person at this school he'd gotten to know of his own accord—or, technically, someone he'd been introduced to—and had stayed on friendly terms with. She could just about be considered a "friend."
Watching her lend out so many points because she was too nice for her own good, then having to miserably chew through the bland, tasteless free meals, made Lin Mu feel a little... guilty. It was only one extra place setting, anyway.
Kikyo Kushida naturally felt a little guilty about it...
Whenever they ate together, she'd remind him several times that once the school handed out points next month—assuming Class D got any—she'd pay him back for the meals at the earliest opportunity.
But Lin Mu always waved her off, mouth full, and mumbled, "No rush," or, "We'll see." He'd never even considered making her pay him back.
This was pocket change to him, not even a drop in the ocean. He might as well consider it an investment in "friendship," though he wasn't entirely sure whether what he and Kushida had counted as a conventional "friendship."
That noon, the sun shone brightly.
The two of them were sitting in the same relatively quiet corner by the cafeteria window, with two fairly elegant teriyaki chicken rice sets in front of them.
Lin Mu ate at an unhurried pace, while Kikyo Kushida took small bites and chatted animatedly about the latest things happening in class.
Who had fallen out with whom over borrowed points, which small-group study session Hirata Yosuke had organized, and how Kei Karuizawa had changed her hair accessory that day...
The mood was relaxed and pleasant, like two ordinary friends having lunch together.
Just then, the phone Kushida had set by the corner of the table lit up and began to vibrate.
An incoming call appeared on the screen. The number wasn't saved in her contacts, but it was an internal Class D number.
Kushida looked apologetic. She glanced at Lin Mu and mouthed, "Just a moment."
Lin Mu nodded indifferently and continued focusing on his chicken rice.
(Here comes the food protector...)
Kushida answered the call, her voice returning to its usual gentle sweetness. "Hello, this is Kikyo Kushida."
A flat, emotionless male voice came from the other end.
It was faintly audible through the phone, even to Lin Mu sitting beside her.
"Is that Kushida? This is Ayanokoji."
It was Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, the inconspicuous, perpetually expressionless boy from Class D.
His voice didn't waver in the slightest. He sounded as if he were reporting a minor matter that had nothing to do with him but still needed to be passed along.
Entirely in keeping with his usual aloof, detached manner, he said, "You've been chosen as the 'Friendly Ambassador.' Do your best for the class."
Kikyo Kushida was taken aback. A genuine look of confusion crossed her face, and she reflexively asked, "Um... Ayanokoji? What do you mean? I don't really understand..." She had no idea what he was talking about.
Ayanokoji's tone remained flat, as if he were reading from an instruction manual. He briefly and clearly explained what had happened.
Apparently, Suzune Horikita had organized a study group on her own to help Ken Sudō and several other students who were in danger of failing their midterm exams and facing expulsion.
Kikyo Kushida had been singled out—or, rather, needed—for the role because she was cheerful, sociable, and popular throughout the class...
As the "Friendly Ambassador," she was expected to coordinate, rally, and organize more students to take part in the study group.
Ayanokoji explained that Horikita's own aura of "keep your distance" made her completely unsuited to rallying people.
After hearing Ayanokoji's utterly emotionless explanation, the confusion in Kikyo Kushida's eyes quickly faded.
In its place came a sense of being entrusted with an important task—or, perhaps, of being needed...
Almost instantly, her voice grew firm and energetic, rising in pitch as well.
"A study group for Sudo and the others? Horikita organized it herself!"
There was a hint of admiration in her voice. If Horikita was involved, Kushida was more than willing to help.
"When a friend is in trouble, of course you stand by them! I'll definitely help! Don't worry, Ayanokoji.
(That really doesn't make me feel reassured—the idea of Kushida and Horikita standing by each other.)
"I'll work closely with Horikita and do my best to get more classmates involved! This is for everyone in Class D!"
Lin Mu had heard every word of their conversation, but he kept his head down.
He leisurely ate the last few pieces of teriyaki chicken in his bowl. He didn't pause, and his expression—and his heart—remained perfectly calm.
He neither supported nor opposed Kushida joining the study group Horikita was organizing.
Kushida was simply the sort of person who was enthusiastic, cared deeply about "friends," and liked feeling needed.
(She wasn't his friend. No, not at all.)
She was joining a study group to help her classmates, especially a troublesome student like Ken Sudō.
As for the study group itself... Lin Mu knew it wouldn't go smoothly. He could tell without even thinking.
Was Ken Sudō the sort of person who could sit still and study? Would anyone accept Horikita's cold, impersonal teaching style?
Could that scattered bunch in Class D really pull together just because of a study group? He had serious doubts.
But so what?
He had never been the sort to meddle in other people's business, especially not in Class D's petty, unpredictable "struggles."
He respected Kushida's choice. He couldn't care less about Class D's future. It had nothing to do with him, and he couldn't be bothered to interfere.
After Kushida hung up, she still wore that bright, newly fired-up smile. Her eyes sparkling, she turned to Lin Mu and eagerly shared the news.
"Lin Mu, I'm going to join the study group Horikita's organizing!
"I'll help tutor Sudo and the others so everyone can pass the midterms and avoid expulsion!
"This is for our whole class!"
Lin Mu looked up at her, full of energy and seemingly ready to devote herself to a noble cause. He gave a faint nod and answered indistinctly around his food.
"Mm. Sounds good."
Then he lowered his head again, picked up the miso soup beside him, took a sip, and swallowed his last mouthful of rice.
He didn't ask for more details about the study group, offer any advice, or express concern or encouragement.
The path was Kushida's to choose. Whether it turned out well or badly, she could walk it herself.
He only had to be himself and live his own life.
As for Class D's future, the inevitably bumpy study group, and the results of the midterm exams...
To Linmu Fujimiya, they were merely another little episode about to unfold in this school where the strong ruled, one that might provide a bit of entertainment.
He'd wait and see... No, he probably couldn't even be bothered to watch. He'd just hear how it turned out in passing.
(Activity period: May 1 to May 5)
Before you continue