About How There's Nothing That Can't Be Bought With Points (Part 1)

Boys' minds can be really simple sometimes—at least, that's how I feel.

When you're hungry, all you can think about is food...

"Seisuke, why were you so quick to turn down Ichinose's lunch invitation? Eating with a bunch of cute girls would definitely lift anyone's spirits, right?"

Tetsuya asked, looking back while locking Ryota in a headlock.

"You're not into girls, are you?"

"It'd be a bit awkward being the only guy hanging out with so many girls."

"We're here, aren't we? Right, Ryota? The three of us together..."

Before Tetsuya could finish, Ryota cut him off coldly.

"Being around girls really is uncomfortable."

"...Yeah, I guess."

Tetsuya rubbed his chin and nodded noncommittally.

The three of us were heading to the cafeteria together, and it seemed like plenty of other students from different classes were walking the same route.

Even though this school had shown me a kindness that felt unsettling and somehow ill-intentioned, that was something I'd have to think about in the afternoon. For now, I strolled along the school path with a light heart, my steps cheerful and carefree.

I turned my head to watch Tetsuya and Ryota messing around.

My bangs were lifted by the gentle breeze, the warm sunlight cast its glow beside me, and I brushed my black decorative glasses, unable to suppress a smile.

Maybe a lot of good fortune had already quietly arrived before I even noticed.

Just lazily walking like this, looking forward to the campus life I'd been dreaming of—it didn't seem so bad.

"Kushida-san, look over there!"

"He's got such an aura..."

A faint voice came from not too far away, but I caught it sharply.

Old habits really are hard to break, even though I wasn't trying to listen.

"Let's speed up a bit. I'm getting hungry."

We quickened our pace together and left that spot.

I hate to admit it, but I've got a bit of a mild case of choice paralysis. With all that food laid out in front of me, I was at a loss.

I wanted to try everything, but obviously I couldn't finish it all.

As for some sets being pricey—the only thing I don't care about spending money on is food. As long as it's within what I can afford, no matter how expensive, I'll buy it without hesitation.

But what the hell is this Mountain Vegetable Set worth 0 points? Would any student actually eat this just to save points?

Not that there's anything wrong with it, I guess. I just don't want to end up in such a tight spot myself.

I glanced at my watch. Seemed like I'd been hesitating a bit too long, so I randomly picked a ramen set.

After a simple lunch, I stood up to head to the supermarket, but I happened to notice some upperclassmen struggling through the Mountain Vegetable Set. And it wasn't just one of them—a few students sitting in the corner were all eating it.

Could it be that the higher grades are locked in such fierce competition that they're running out of points, and some students can only rely on the school's charity to survive?

Or maybe personal points have a bigger purpose, and they're saving them for a comeback or something?

It's kind of nagging at me—the idea that there's nothing you can't buy with personal points in this school.

To verify that, I'd have to go somewhere.

"Do you have an appointment?"

The student council secretary, her purple hair tied in a bun, asked coldly.

"No appointment."

"If you don't have a special appointment, please leave. This isn't open consultation hours."

She turned and walked away after saying that.

I'd originally planned to go to the supermarket for some daily necessities, but after thinking it over, I decided to split off from Tetsuya and Ryota.

Today was Sunday, specially arranged to help new students get familiar with the campus and settle into their dorms.

The thought of testing whether it was really true, as Teacher Hoshinomiya said, that there was nothing you couldn't buy with points, kept lingering in my mind.

I could buy stuff anytime, right?

"I'm not here to consult about anything. I just wanted to visit President Horikita."

"It's break time now. Please come back later for visits or other matters."

I glanced at the student council members coming and going and couldn't help feeling curious.

"Is the president's break time different from regular members? Or are you just trying to let him rest a bit longer?"

"You're a new student, aren't you? You probably don't know what kind of person the president is. But he really works hard—not just leading the class, but handling all sorts of things in the student council. I don't need you to understand how much effort he puts into all this, but I'd still appreciate it if you'd schedule a meeting with me first if you don't have anything urgent."

It wasn't that the student council president thought too highly of himself and looked down on other students—it was simply that, as someone who followed the president, he wanted to do what he believed was beneficial to him.

A little more rest wouldn't hurt—was that the feeling?

I'm not an unreasonable person; rather, this could be considered a special gain.

Being the kind of person others pay such attention to doesn't that prove one is outstanding enough?

And besides, I felt like the relationship between this secretary and the president...

Were they close classmates? Normal superior-subordinate care? Good friends?

Or... were they lovers?

"Did something happen?"

Just as I was thinking of coming back another day, I happened to run into President Horikita.

After only a brief delay, the student council president had come out to look for us himself.

Was it because of this girl, or the document bag in her arms, or perhaps both?

"I'm sorry! There was a small hold-up here..."

Secretary Tachibana lowered his head, seeming somewhat self-reproachful.

Manabu Horikita nodded, then looked me up and down and said, "You come along too."

Had he heard the entire conversation between me and Secretary Tachibana?

I gave a slight nod and followed.

Unlike the feeling of watching from afar in the auditorium, he possessed an unparalleled aura yet appeared remarkably restrained.

For a moment, I couldn't find the words to describe him.

I felt like this man was always calm and indifferent no matter what he did.

So, would Secretary Tachibana be President Horikita's weak spot?

I couldn't help but be curious.

"By the way... does the student council allow office romances?"

Secretary Tachibana didn't respond; instead, he turned his gaze to President Horikita.

Was he expecting something?

Was it just unrequited admiration from Secretary Tachibana, or was there really something else brewing?

I followed Secretary Tachibana's gaze to him.

His expression didn't change, as if he had decisively denied it without paying any attention.

He didn't even seem to have the desire to answer my question, just lowering his head to look at the documents he had just received.

I clearly felt Secretary Tachibana's emotions fluctuate intensely for a moment.

Although he tried hard to keep calm on the surface, the way he held his breath listening, hoping President Horikita might respond, and now his efforts to steady his breathing gave me some clues.

Secretary Tachibana shot me a glare and quickly increased the distance between us.