Gathering / Gathering (End)

Ken Sudō's request has a higher priority and is more difficult.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka lowered his eyes and decided to continue waiting.

He needs to see the outcome of the interaction between Kushida Kikyo and Horikita Suzune.

Then decide whether it is necessary to intervene and how to intervene.

Until then, remaining on the sidelines is the best strategy.

Trouble.

The thought resurfaced clearly once again.

Why do such complex entanglements and requests always arise between people?

Why can't we be like Tanaka Yukishin, immersing ourselves in our own world and finding joy in solitude?

Or perhaps one should be like Koenji Rokusuke, completely disregarding worldly rules, doing as one pleases, and pursuing only the ultimate expression of one's own potential?

Wouldn't it be better if everyone just ran their own business peacefully?

Why insist on intruding into other people's worlds, creating unexpected disturbances and variables that require extra handling?

The classroom was filled with the usual hustle and bustle of the eve of summer vacation.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka Kiyotaka stayed in his own corner, like a precision instrument on standby, waiting for the next task signal that required his attention.

His gaze slowly shifted between Kushida Kikyo's bright smile and Horikita Suzune's cool profile.

The gloomy sky outside the window seemed to reflect his current state of mind—calm and still, yet shrouded in an indescribable layer of heavy, oppressive clouds, awaiting the arrival of a storm.

Ken Sudō, that temporarily dormant volcano; Horikita Suzune, that eternally frozen iceberg; and Kushida Kikyo, that seemingly warm yet unfathomably deep melting pot of human relationships...

These entities are about to converge.

And he has been drawn into it.

The trouble has only just begun.

Chapter 130, Gathering 129

Are you really not going?

Standing by the window at the end of the corridor, Kushida Kikyo hesitated for a moment, then asked again.

The sunlight outlined her beautiful profile, and her tone carried a hint of determination.

Horikita Suzune's gaze fell on the lush canopy of trees outside the window, her tone as indifferent as ever.

"I don't like wasting time on people like that."

She was referring to Ken Sudō.

The failure of the ruling meeting stemmed from Sudo's concealment of crucial past information, which she considered unforgivable folly and dishonesty.

"This contradicts your previous efforts to help him get acquitted."

Kushida Kikyo pinpointed the conflict in Horikita Suzune's words and actions.

Horikita frowned slightly, as if something unpleasant had been touched upon.

"At first, I was trying to help him with the intention of taking advantage of him. For example, by organizing study sessions. My motivation was that his pitiful academic performance would drag down the class's evaluation score. But,"

She changed the subject, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, "He seems to have absolutely no self-awareness, or the awareness he should have. He's studying for his own sake, yet he gets angry at others just because their honest advice is too harsh. He lacks the most basic reason and self-control."

"But you still went to pull him back later, didn't you?"

Kushida Kikyo refers to the incident after the swimming lesson, when Horikita Suzune unusually went to the gymnasium to find Sudo.

"During swimming lessons, I realized that his physique and related skills—basketball and swimming—would be of great value to the class in events like sports festivals and ball games. After an objective assessment, the risks outweighed the benefits, so I changed my mind."

Horikita Suzune's logic is clear and ruthless.

"But later, his volatile and irritable personality was precisely exploited and ambushed by Class C, almost causing another disaster. This proved that my worries were not unfounded. I can understand that one's nature is hard to change overnight, but at least at that time, he seemed to be trying to change himself."

She paused for a moment, then turned her gaze to Kushida Kikyo.

"I also recognized my own shortcomings and limitations in this area, which is why I chose to be honest with you and borrow your strength. But his concealment of his key past misdeeds directly led to our collective efforts being rendered futile at the adjudication meeting. This is the point I value most. You understand, right, Kushida?"

Kushida Kikyo was silent for a moment, then nodded gently.

"Yes, I understand what you mean. If he doesn't change his temperament, if he can't control his temper and his impulse to hide things, then sooner or later, Sudo will repeat the same mistakes because of this fatal flaw. In that case, no matter how much effort we put into helping him before, it will all be meaningless. The damage and losses he may bring in the future will inevitably far exceed the value he may bring. Moreover, he himself is a huge destabilizing factor."

She fully understood Horikita Suzune's underlying logic—maximizing the class's interests based on rational calculation.

However, Kushida Kikyo changed the subject, her eyes revealing sincere earnestness.

"But, Horikita, he's changed a lot lately. Maybe it's because I've had more contact with him? Or maybe it's just that outsiders see things more clearly? At least he took the initiative to offer to treat us to an apology and prepared a thoughtful meal. This sentiment... I don't want to say how valuable it is, but it's at least genuine. I think you might want to go see him firsthand and confirm the extent of his change before making a final decision. Really, he's changed... a lot."

Horikita Suzune raised her hand, her slender fingers gently pressing her temples, as if fighting against some kind of inner turmoil.

Ever since I talked things out with Kushida Kikyo.

She started clinging to him, and he became more relaxed.

It seems she sees herself as another version of herself, just as her classmates treated her.

Confess to yourself about what your classmates are going through.

In addition to the exchange of benefits, emotional bonds are also an important factor.

So Horikita Suzune didn't refuse.

The two became closer.

And it was through this that she learned from Kushida Kikyo that her classmates weren't communicating openly with each other.

For example, Wang Meiyu has feelings for Hirata Yosuke and likes him, but she doesn't dare to confess her feelings...

This type of private information.

She didn't have many thoughts about the trivial matters among her classmates.

Because she couldn't be as adept and charming as Kushida Kikyo.

However, it can be kept as preliminary information for targeted actions when necessary.

Oh well, let's just treat it as a gathering for other people.

Among the people who attended tonight...

Hirata Yosuke – A stable core figure in the class.

Kushida Kikyo – A person with many friends and a vast network of connections, acting as an intelligence hub.

And then there's the mysterious Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, who always seems to appear and disappear in crucial events...

Their individual value cannot be ignored.

Accepting the invitation wouldn't be a bad idea, as it would strengthen our connection.

And...

"Okay, send me the time and place tonight."

Horikita Suzune finally lowered her hand and compromised, her tone still cool and indifferent.

However, rather than being persuaded, it was a decision made based on a more macro-level assessment of interests.

"Then it's a deal!"

Kushida's face instantly lit up with a relieved and joyful smile, as if he had accomplished an important mission.

The evening air had shed the daytime heat and carried a pleasant coolness.

The barbecue restaurant was bustling with activity; bright lights, the enticing aroma of meat, and the lively chatter of people blended together, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

At the entrance to the agreed-upon private room, the invited guests arrived one after another.

Hirata Yosuke, always with that gentle and reliable demeanor, was the first to arrive.

Yamauchi Haruki seemed a little excited, looking around curiously.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka remained expressionless, standing quietly to the side.

Kushida Kikyo wore a sweet smile, skillfully guiding the atmosphere.

"You're all here? I really didn't expect that."

When Yamauchi Haruki saw Horikita Suzune appear at the end, he was quite surprised and blurted out.

In his memory, this icy woman had always kept her distance from social activities.

Furthermore, it involves Ken Sudō.

He vividly remembered the cold, detached figure of Ken Sudō ignoring Horikita Suzune and walking straight away on the day of the ruling meeting.

Therefore, it's hard to imagine her accepting the invitation to the party.

"Yamauchi, let's go inside first. Sudo- kun is already waiting for us inside."

Kushida Kikyo immediately sensed the awkwardness that Yamauchi Haruki's words might cause, skillfully changing the subject and signaling him with her eyes not to say anything more.

She knew that Horikita Suzune was already an exception, and any words that might offend her had to be nipped in the bud.

"That's true, everyone, let's not stand at the door, let's go inside."

Hirata Yosuke understood immediately, smiled gently in agreement, and gentlemanly let the ladies go first.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka followed silently behind.

The private room was spacious, and the oven was preheated, radiating a warm atmosphere.

Ken Sudō had arrived early, carefully checked the reservation, confirmed that the tableware and condiments were properly arranged, and even studied the menu for a while.

Seeing everyone file in, he immediately stood up from his seat, looking somewhat nervous.

But his eyes were bright, and he had a genuine smile.

"Ah, you've come! Please have a seat!"

His voice was loud and clear, yet he tried his best to remain gentle as he pushed the menu on the table to the center. "The seats are all arranged, please make yourselves at home. Order whatever you'd like, don't be shy!"

His changes were indeed visible to the naked eye.

That once aggressive and menacing aura has subsided considerably, replaced by a more clumsy restraint and attention to detail in every gesture.

Although his face still carried the cheerfulness and enthusiasm typical of athletic boys, his demeanor had become much more composed.

Chapter 131 The Gathering of 130 (The End)

The meat sizzled on the grill, dripping oil and releasing an enticing aroma and smoke.

The conversation gradually warmed up as the food and drinks flowed.

Yamauchi Haruki started the conversation, vividly describing some of the funny things and gossip that happened in the class during Ken Sudō's leave of absence.

Hirata Yosuke would add a comment or two at appropriate times, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Kushida Kikyo plays the role of the perfect glue that holds them together.

They took care of everyone's feelings, refilling drinks and handing out tissues as needed, ensuring that no one was left out.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka ate quietly, occasionally offering brief responses when asked by Hirata Yosuke or Kushida Kikyo, his presence barely noticeable.

Horikita Suzune maintained her usual demeanor, moving gracefully, eating little and spending most of her time listening.

His gaze occasionally swept over Ken Sudō, carrying a subtle scrutiny.

The conversation naturally turned to Ken Sudō's recent situation, especially the Basketball Club, which he was most concerned about.

"Over at the Basketball Club,"

Sudo put down his chopsticks, took a deep breath, and looked calm and composed, even somewhat relieved.

"I wasn't directly expelled. The Club President and coach spoke frankly with me. Because of the final ruling on the violence incident and my past record, the school administration has concerns, so... it's impossible for me to become a regular starting player."

There was a moment of silence in the private room.

This result, while reasonable, still leaves one with a sense of heaviness.

Hirata Yosuke and Kushida Kikyo looked at each other with concern.

Yamauchi Haruki opened his mouth as if to say something, but Ken Sudō stopped him by raising his hand.

"But!"

He paused, meeting the concerned gazes of the crowd.