Reasons I Must Do This

Facing Katsuragi Kohei's direct and weighty proposal, Mazumi Mami's face showed little surprise.

He merely raised an eyebrow slightly, his amber-golden eyes calmly fixed on the other, and asked in a flat tone, "Oh? Why do you say that?"

Katsuragi Kohei took a deep breath; it was clear this speech had been brewing in his mind for quite some time.

He sat upright, his gaze frank, laying out his observations and judgments with clear logic:

"Because I sense you possess such ability, and... you also have the will and the actions to match."

"From the very first day of school, you've been consciously and proactively vying for influence within the class. You were the first to stand up and introduce yourself, with a composed demeanor and a clear goal—'I want to be friends with everyone.'"

"Then, you quickly proposed and set up the class communication group, bringing everyone into it. On the surface, it was for convenience, but in reality, from the moment we joined that group chat, the transmission of information and the initiation of discussions began, imperceptibly, to follow the framework and rhythm you established."

"Others might not have fully noticed yet, but I observed this subtle guidance."

After hearing this, Mazumi Mami's lips curled into an ambiguous smile, and he replied lightly, turning the question around.

"Maybe I'm just an outgoing person who loves making friends? Building connections and sharing information—isn't that what friends do?"

"If it were only that, it might be plausible."

Katsuragi Kohei shook his head gently, his expression growing more serious. "But this morning, when you publicly questioned the point system in class and revealed the potential crisis, that moment completely confirmed my judgment."

He paused, a complex look of clear admiration and wariness flickering in his eyes.

"It's only the second day of school. The vast majority of classmates, myself included, are still struggling to adapt to the new environment and get to know new people."

"Yet you, Mazumi-kun, have already, in such a short time, thoroughly dissected this school's complex and hidden 'Class Points' system."

"The evidence chain you presented was complete, the logic clear, the calculations reasonable—it left almost no room for strong objections."

"I'm not doubting 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 the efficiency with which you gathered and analyzed intelligence, as well as your choice of the right moment to disclose that information, quickly guiding the class's emotions and proposing solutions. This kind of ability far exceeds that of an ordinary high school student."

He continued to dissect Mazumi Mami's morning actions.

"Regarding the proposal to establish a 'Class Common Fund,' I personally strongly agree. Under circumstances where the rules for earning points are unclear and future variables exist, planning ahead by pooling some resources for potential public expenses and emergency mutual aid among classmates is a wise and responsible move. It reflects your consideration for the class's overall interests."

"But..."

Katsuragi Kohei shifted his tone, his gaze sharpening.

"In the selection of the fund manager, you didn't initiate broad nominations and elections. Instead, you directly recommended your maid—Runa Inoue-san."

"Although she does give an impression of reliability, and the vote passed, the intention behind this is obvious: you want to place key management positions in the hands of someone you fully trust and can directly control."

"This further indicates that what you seek isn't just to make suggestions, but to become the core around which the class actually operates, aligning everyone's actions to a certain degree with your own pace."

Katsuragi Kohei stated.

After listening to Katsuragi Kohei's clear, incisive deduction that cut straight to the heart of the matter, Mazumi Mami's smile deepened slightly. He clapped his hands lightly, his tone carrying appreciation.

"An impressive observation and deduction, Katsuragi-kun. Your perceptiveness exceeds my expectations."

He admitted frankly.

"That's right, that's exactly what I think. I want Class A to become an efficient, united, and goal-oriented collective, and I believe that for me to guide this direction is the most advantageous choice at present."

Then, his gaze calmly met Katsuragi Kohei's as he asked the key question.

"So, now that you've said all this to me, do you intend to oppose me? Question my methods, or... compete for this 'core' position?"

Mazumi Mami said.

Katsuragi Kohei didn't hesitate for a moment, shaking his head firmly. "No. Quite the opposite."

His tone was solemn and clear. "I will assist you. As I said at the beginning, I hope you will become Class A's president, the true leadership core."

Seeing the flicker of inquiry in Mazumi Mami's eyes, Katsuragi Kohei explained.

"I've observed your actions. Regardless of the methods, I can sense that you genuinely care about this class and want Class A to become better and stronger. You have the ability, the resources, the boldness, and this sense of responsibility."

"Since that's the case, I have no reason to challenge a clearly more suitable leader. Doing so would only cause unnecessary division and internal friction within the class, weakening Class A's overall strength."

He used an analogy.

"A healthy body can have many organs, each with its own function, but it only needs one brain to coordinate and command. I believe you have the qualities to become that 'brain.' And I am willing to become one of the reliable 'organs' that assists the 'brain' in operating efficiently."

Katsuragi Kohei said.

This declaration was clear, rational, and filled with a sense of the bigger picture.

Mazumi Mami's smile faded, his expression turning serious. He extended his hand and said solemnly, "Then, let's work well together, Katsuragi-kun. I'm glad to have your recognition and support."

Katsuragi Kohei also extended his hand, shaking Mazumi Mami's firmly. "Pleasure to work with you, Mazumi-kun."

After the handshake, Katsuragi Kohei didn't let go but instead tightened his grip slightly, his eyes fixed on Mazumi Mami as he added in a stern tone.

"However, there's something I need to say upfront. I support you based on the premise that you can lead Class A toward a better future."

"If, one day, your decisions suffer a major misstep, or your leadership can no longer maintain Class A's advantage, or even jeopardizes our goal of graduating from Class A... then I will still step forward and challenge your leadership. I hope you can understand that."

Katsuragi Kohei said.

Mazumi Mami showed no displeasure at this slightly warning remark; instead, he nodded.

"That makes sense. Oversight and checks are necessary. So, can you tell me why you're so fixated on 'graduating from Class A'? Beyond the obvious better treatment, that is."

Mazumi Mami said.

Katsuragi Kohei let go of his hand and was silent for a moment. He subconsciously touched his smooth scalp—due to congenital alopecia, he had been hairless since childhood, always wearing a hat or headband, but now by the poolside, there was no cover.

"On one hand, there are some family reasons and expectations that I'd rather not go into detail about."

He spoke slowly, his voice dropping a little. "On the other hand, it's because of something I happened to overhear yesterday near the convenience store."

"Oh?" Mazumi Mami showed an interested expression.

"I saw three Class D students, two boys and one girl, arguing at the convenience store entrance about whether they should eat cup noodles outside. That itself was nothing—just a minor friction between classmates."

Katsuragi Kohei narrated, his brow slightly furrowed. "But a few upperclassmen passing by, the moment they heard they were from 'Class D,' immediately showed undisguised mockery and contempt on their faces, muttering things like 'defective goods as expected' and 'Class D really is hopeless.'"

His tone carried a hint of coldness.

"That wasn't a joking tone—I could tell. They genuinely looked down on Class D students. Because of my hair..."

He pointed at his own scalp. "I've endured plenty of strange looks and behind-the-back gossip since I was a kid. I'm all too familiar with that kind of discriminatory, superior gaze and tone."

"At the time, I was puzzled about why there was such obvious class discrimination."

Katsuragi Kohei looked at Mazumi Mami.

"But after hearing your analysis of Class Points today, and seeing the huge point gap between the upperclassmen's classes, I understood. The ABCD classes here are by no means just simple alphabetical labels—they represent a clear hierarchy of merit and a ladder of resource allocation!"

His eyes grew sharp and resolute.

"I don't yet know what specific fate awaits those assigned to Class D, but it's certain that it won't be anything good."

"And Class A undoubtedly enjoys the best treatment and the most opportunities. So, I must ensure I stay in Class A, and help Class A maintain its top position. That's my reason."

Katsuragi Kohei said.

Mazumi Mami listened quietly, a glint of understanding and approval flashing in his eyes.

"A very keen observation and deduction. Katsuragi-kun, if I hadn't appeared, I believe that with your abilities and this sense of responsibility, you would likely have become one of Class A's core leaders as well."

Mazumi Mami said.

Katsuragi Kohei shook his head, his attitude still pragmatic.

"That's also thanks to the intelligence you gathered and shared, which let me see the situation faster. I don't think I'm anything special. I just want this class to do well, and I hope we can all have a better future. For that, I'm willing to contribute my strength, and I'm willing to follow someone capable of leading everyone forward."

Katsuragi Kohei said.

"Then our goals are aligned."

Mazumi Mami extended his hand again, this time with a more sincere smile. "Let's make Class A better, stronger, and ensure that every one of us graduates in the best possible form. From now on, let's work together."

Katsuragi Kohei shook his hand again, nodding firmly, and said in a low voice, "Yeah, let's work together."

By the poolside, the girls' competition continued, with cheers and splashing water filling the air.

But in this corner of the rest area, a crucial conversation about Class A's future power structure and cooperative tone had already been quietly concluded.

Mazumi Mami's leadership had gained the formal recognition and support of another potential leader within the class, laying another solid foundation for his complete integration of Class A going forward.

And Katsuragi Kohei had also clarified his own position and role within the class.