Promotion to Class C

The class point update was announced early in the morning.

A: 1176

B: 913

C: 678

D: 870

Class D had surpassed Class C's 678 points with 870, officially promoting to the new Class C of the first year. This news sparked quite a commotion within the classroom.

Hirata Yousuke stood before the podium with a smile on his face: "Everyone, this is the result of our collective effort. Although it is only a small step forward, it proves that as long as we stand united, Class D—no, now it is our Class C—has infinite possibilities."

Kushida Kikyo stood beside him, hands clasped together, also wearing a smile: "That's right, this is proof of everyone's hard work! Especially Hoshida-kun, Horikita-san, and Hirata-kun, who did so much for everyone during the exams!"

Her gaze swept across the classroom, lingering on Hoshida No for a brief moment before shifting away naturally.

Hoshida No sat at his desk, calmly flipping through a book. He felt little fluctuation regarding the class's promotion to Class C.

Chazhu Zuo Zhi appeared during the morning assembly; her expression remained cold, though the satisfaction in her eyes could not be hidden.

"From today on, you are Class C. Don't get too happy too soon; this is merely the starting point. The next special exam will arrive soon, and if you slack off, falling back to Class D will happen in the blink of an eye."

After the morning assembly ended, Hoshida No was called over by Kushida Kikyo.

"Hoshida-kun!" She trotted over, her face showing a hint of reproach, "Why did you leave so quickly after school yesterday? I wanted to ask you about the next study session."

"Study session?" Hoshida No closed his book.

"Yes." Kushida nodded, her tea-colored hair swaying, "Although we promoted to Class C, the midterm exams exposed that many students still have weak foundations. Hirata-kun and I discussed organizing study sessions again before the next special exam, and we wanted to ask you to continue serving as a tutor... would that be okay?"

She clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture, looking at him with sparkling eyes.

"Sure." He replied simply.

Kushida's smile grew brighter: "That's great, thank you, Hoshida-kun! With you here, everyone will definitely improve much faster!"

She paused, as if mentioning it casually, "By the way, there's another swimming class this afternoon. Would you like to practice together again?"

"Whatever." Hoshida No neither agreed nor refused.

"It's a deal then! If you need any help, just let me know!" Kushida waved her hand and walked briskly toward another group of girls who were cheering.

During the lunch break, Hoshida No was blocked in a secluded corridor leading to the library by Horikita Suzune.

She stood straight, staring at him intently, her expression as icy as ever.

"Hoshida No."

"Something up, Horikita?"

She took a step forward and said, "I acknowledge your strength. Chazhu-sensei says Class D is full of defective products, but I don't think either you or I belong in Class D."

Hoshida No did not deny it, simply waiting quietly for her to continue.

"My goal is to lead the class to Class A, to catch up with and surpass my brother." Horikita Suzune stated bluntly, "For that reason, I want to cooperate with you."

Hoshida No nodded, "Why not ask Ayanokoji?"

Horikita said, "I have asked him, but he only wants to spend his high school life in peace. So, what are your thoughts?"

"Regarding class affairs, I will do what I deem necessary and efficient. That may not necessarily align with your way of leading." Hoshida No answered decisively.

Horikita Suzune frowned: "What do you mean?"

"Ayanokoji doesn't want to get involved with others. His concealment likely stems from not wanting to be overly relied upon by someone like you who needs his abilities. I am the same."

Horikita Suzune's expression darkened. She still couldn't understand why someone with the ability to lead the class to promotion wouldn't take action.

"Then what are these 'necessary and efficient' things you speak of?" She pressed.

"You'll know when the time comes." Hoshida No bypassed her, "If you want to cooperate, fine. But the prerequisite is to understand and accept my methods. Otherwise, keeping the status quo is better for both of us."

Horikita Suzune stood where she was, watching his departing back, her hands slightly clenched.

She felt frustrated, but a stronger sense of competitiveness also welled up within her.

The fog surrounding Hoshida No and Ayanokoji, as well as their ways of utilizing their abilities—which differed from her own understanding—left her both confused and desperate to figure them out.

After school, Hoshida No did not return to the dormitory immediately, but went to the supermarket instead.

In the beverage aisle, he encountered Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, who was also picking out a drink.

The two nodded at each other across the shelf, acknowledging one another.

"Promoted to Class C, how does it feel?" Ayanokoji picked up a bottle of tea.

"Just a change in name." Hoshida No picked up a can of sugar-free cola and checked the ingredient list, "No sucrose, but it still has artificial sweeteners."

"Indeed." Ayanokoji agreed, "Ryuen suffered a major loss this time and won't let it go easily. Sakayanagi Arisu is likely even more interested in you now. This position of Class C will become a focal point."

"As expected." Hoshida No placed the drink into his shopping basket, "The new exam is the key. Chazhu-sensei has already hinted that it will arrive soon."

Ayanokoji glanced at him: "Do you have a plan?"

"A preliminary concept. I need more information." Hoshida No looked at him, "What is your take on Horikita approaching me today?"

Ayanokoji didn't seem surprised that Hoshida No knew Horikita had approached him as well: "She is too impatient. She wants to place all the pieces in the positions she deems correct. But people are not chess pieces."

He paused for a moment. "However, her existence can sometimes serve as a decent catalyst."

Hoshida No understood what he meant. Horikita Suzune's straightforwardness and clear sense of purpose could, in certain situations, break a stalemate or spur others into action.

"A catalyst requires controlled dosage and reaction conditions," Hoshida No said. "Otherwise, it will trigger an explosion."

"That is why someone needs to watch over it," Ayanokoji picked up a second bottle of tea. "You, or me?"

"It depends on the situation." Hoshida No did not give a definitive answer.

Just as they finished their brief conversation and prepared to part ways, Hoshida No's gaze inadvertently drifted toward the magazine section in the corner of the convenience store.

A familiar figure stood with her back to them, hurriedly shoving a magazine featuring an idol in a swimsuit into her shopping basket, then quickly covering it with other items.

That figure had vibrant, orange-red hair that stood out even in a crowd; it was Sakura Airi.

Her movements appeared unusually tense and flustered. After tucking the magazine away, she glanced left and right to ensure no one had noticed, then lowered her head and practically trotted away from the magazine section toward the checkout counter, all the while trying to hide her face with her hair and the shopping basket.

Hoshida No's gaze followed her calmly for a few seconds until she exited the store.

"Did you discover something interesting?" Ayanokoji followed his line of sight, seeing only the back of Sakura Airi as she hurried away.

"Not sure." Hoshida No withdrew his gaze. "I just saw... another potential side of a student from Class C."

He made a mental note of the incident. Everyone in this school seemed to wear more than one mask, or perhaps they all harbored hidden facets unknown to others.