Faced with Katsuragi Kohei's blunt and weighty proposal, Mazumi Mami showed little surprise.
He merely raised an eyebrow slightly, his amber-gold eyes calmly fixed on the other boy as he asked in an even tone, "Oh? Why do you say that?"
Katsuragi Kohei took a deep breath. Clearly, he had been turning these words over in his mind for quite some time.
He sat straight, his gaze earnest, and laid out his observations and conclusions in a clear, orderly manner:
"Because I feel you have the ability to do it, and... you also have the desire and the drive."
"From the very first day of school, you've consciously and actively sought to gain influence in the class. You were the first to stand up and introduce yourself, at ease and with a clear goal: 'I want to be friends with everyone.'"
"After that, you quickly proposed and set up a class group chat, bringing everyone into it. On the surface, it was for convenience, but in reality, from the moment we joined the chat, the flow of information and the start of discussions began to follow the framework and pace you'd established."
"Perhaps the others haven't fully noticed yet, but I picked up on that subtle guidance."
After listening, Mazumi Mami's lips curled into a faintly amused smile. He asked in a casual, teasing tone:
"Maybe I'm really just an outgoing person who likes making lots of friends. Isn't making connections and sharing information what friends are supposed to do?"
"If that were all, perhaps that explanation would hold up."
Katsuragi Kohei shook his head slightly, his expression growing more serious. "But what you did in class this morning—openly questioning the points system and revealing the potential crisis—completely confirmed my judgment."
He paused, a complex look of clear admiration and wariness mingling in his eyes.
"It's only the second day of school. Almost everyone, myself included, is still trying to adjust to our new environment and get to know our classmates."
"But you, Mazumi, have already figured out the school's complex and covert 'Class Points' system in such a short time."
"The evidence you presented was comprehensive, your logic was clear, and your calculations were sound. It was almost impossible to raise any strong objections."
"I'm not questioning the truth of the information you provided..."
Katsuragi Kohei added, his tone sincere.
"On the contrary, I believe it's true. What amazes me is how efficiently you gathered and analyzed the information, and how you chose the right moment to reveal it, swiftly guide the class's mood, and propose a solution. That kind of ability is far beyond that of an ordinary high school student."
He continued to analyze what Mazumi Mami had done that morning.
"I personally agree with your proposal to establish a 'Class Common Fund.' With the rules for earning Class Points unclear and the future uncertain, planning ahead and setting aside some resources for potential public expenses and emergency assistance between classmates is a wise and responsible move. It shows that you're considering the interests of the class as a whole."
"But..."
Katsuragi Kohei changed tack, his gaze sharpening.
"When it came to choosing someone to manage the fund, you didn't call for broad nominations and an election. Instead, you directly recommended your maid, Runa Inoue."
"Although she does seem reliable, and the vote passed, your intention is clear: you want to give a key management position to someone you trust completely and can control directly."
"This further shows that you don't just want to make suggestions. You want to become the core of the class's actual operations, so that everyone's actions can, to some extent, stay in step with yours."
Katsuragi Kohei finished.
After hearing Katsuragi Kohei's detailed analysis and pointed conclusions, Mazumi Mami's smile deepened slightly. He gave a light round of applause, his tone appreciative.
"That's an impressive observation and deduction, Katsuragi. You're more perceptive than I expected."
He admitted it frankly.
"That's right. That's exactly what I want. I want Class A to become an efficient, united group with clear goals, and I believe the best choice right now is for me to guide us in that direction."
Then he looked calmly at Katsuragi Kohei and asked the key question.
"So, are you telling me all this because you intend to oppose me? Question my methods, or... compete with me for this 'core' position?"
Mazumi Mami asked.
Katsuragi Kohei didn't hesitate for a moment. He shook his head firmly. "No. Quite the opposite."
His tone was solemn and clear. "I'll support you. As I said from the beginning, I want you to be Class A's class representative and its true leader."
Noticing the brief, searching look in Mazumi Mami's eyes, Katsuragi Kohei explained.
"I've watched what you've done. Whatever your methods, I can tell you genuinely care about this class and want Class A to become better and stronger. You have the ability, the resources, the resolve, and the sense of responsibility."
"Given that, I have no reason to challenge a leader who is clearly better suited for the role. Doing so would only create unnecessary division and infighting within the class, weakening Class A as a whole."
He offered an analogy.
"A healthy body can have many organs, each with its own function, but it needs only one brain to coordinate and direct them. I think you have what it takes to be that 'brain.' As for me, I'm willing to be one of the reliable 'organs' that help the brain function effectively."
Katsuragi Kohei said.
His declaration was clear, rational, and full of consideration for the bigger picture.
Mazumi Mami's smile faded, and his expression grew serious. He held out his hand and said solemnly, "Then, I look forward to working with you, Katsuragi. I'm glad to have your trust and support."
Katsuragi Kohei held out his hand too and shook Mazumi Mami's firmly. "Likewise, Mazumi."
After the handshake, Katsuragi Kohei didn't let go. Instead, he tightened his grip slightly, met Mazumi Mami's gaze, and added in a serious tone:
"However, there are a few things I need to make clear first. I support you on the condition that you can lead Class A toward a better future."
"If one day you make a serious mistake in your decisions, or your leadership can no longer keep Class A ahead—or even puts our goal of graduating from Class A at risk—then I'll still step forward and challenge your leadership. I hope you understand that."
Katsuragi Kohei said.
Mazumi Mami wasn't offended by the warning. Instead, he nodded.
"That's only fair. Oversight and checks and balances are necessary. So, can you tell me why you're so determined that you 'have to graduate from Class A'? Besides the obvious advantages of better treatment."
Mazumi Mami asked.
Katsuragi Kohei released his hand and fell silent for a moment. He instinctively ran a hand over his smooth scalp. Born with congenital alopecia, he'd had no hair since childhood and had always worn a hat or headscarf. Here by the pool, he had nothing covering his head.
"Partly, it's because of some family circumstances and expectations. I'd rather not go into detail."
He spoke slowly, his voice a little lower. "The other reason is something I happened to overhear near the convenience store yesterday."
"Oh?" Mazumi Mami looked intrigued.
"I saw three students from Class D, two boys and a girl, arguing outside the convenience store about whether they should eat instant noodles outdoors. It wasn't anything serious, just a minor disagreement between classmates."
Katsuragi Kohei recounted the incident, his brow creasing slightly. "But when a few upperclassmen passing by heard they were from 'Class D,' they immediately looked openly mocking and contemptuous. They muttered things like, 'Figures, they're defective products,' and 'Class D is hopeless.'"
There was a hint of coldness in his voice.
"They weren't joking. I could tell. They genuinely looked down on Class D students. Because of my hair..."
He pointed to the top of his head. "I've had to put up with strange looks and people talking behind my back since I was a child. I know that kind of gaze and tone—full of discrimination and superiority—all too well."
"At the time, I couldn't understand why there was such obvious discrimination between classes."
Katsuragi Kohei looked at Mazumi Mami.
"But after hearing your analysis of the Class Points system today and seeing the enormous differences in points between the upperclassmen's classes, I understand. Classes A, B, C, and D here aren't just simple rankings. They represent clear levels of superiority and a hierarchy of resource allocation!"
His gaze grew sharp and resolute.
"Although I still don't know exactly what fate awaits someone assigned to Class D, I'm sure it won't be anything good."
"Class A, without a doubt, gets the best treatment and the most opportunities. So I have to make sure I stay in Class A, and I have to help Class A hold on to its top position. That's my reason."
Katsuragi Kohei said.
Mazumi Mami listened quietly. Understanding and appreciation flickered in his eyes.
"Those were sharp observations and deductions. Katsuragi, if I hadn't come along, I believe that with your ability and sense of responsibility, you might well have become one of Class A's core leaders yourself."
Mazumi Mami said.
Katsuragi Kohei shook his head, his attitude still practical.
"I have you to thank for gathering and sharing that information. It helped me understand the situation faster. I don't think I'm anything special. I just want this class to do well, and I want all of us to have a better future. For that, I'm willing to contribute, and I'm willing to follow someone capable of leading everyone forward."
Katsuragi Kohei said.
"Then we share the same goal."
Mazumi Mami held out his hand again, this time with a more genuine smile. "Let's make Class A better and stronger, and make sure every one of us graduates in the best possible position. From here on, let's work together."
Katsuragi Kohei took his hand again and nodded firmly. "Yeah. Let's work together."
By the pool, the girls' competition continued, with cheers and splashes filling the air.
But here in a corner of the rest area, an important conversation about Class A's future power structure and the terms of their cooperation had quietly come to an end.
Mazumi Mami's leadership had won the formal recognition and support of another potential leader within the class, laying yet another solid foundation for him to fully unite Class A.
Katsuragi Kohei, meanwhile, had clarified his place and role in the class.