Class C Begins to Act (2)

"Um, Ichinose, why is Kitahara here?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Chihiro, for bringing someone else along," Ichinose explained to her in a flustered tone.

"So it really is like that... No wonder you've been so protective of him. He's your boyfriend, isn't he? That explains why you wouldn't accept my confession," Shiranami said, her eyes turning red.

"Um, Kitahara is actually..."

"Ahem, Ichinose and I are just friends," Kitahara interjected quickly, sensing the situation spiraling into chaos.

"Is that true, Ichinose?" Shiranami asked, looking toward her.

"Yes, Kitahara really isn't my boyfriend."

"Then... then why is Kitahara here?" Shiranami continued.

"This... he's just..." Ichinose struggled to find the words to explain the situation.

"Ahem, actually, I came here today to confess to Ichinose as well, but unfortunately, I was rejected. She said she hasn't thought about such things yet and only wants to focus on leading the class to Class A before considering it."

"And just as I was about to leave, you arrived," Kitahara explained, his face showing no signs of lying.

Hearing this, both Ichinose and Shiranami looked at Kitahara in surprise, though because of Kitahara's positioning, Shiranami failed to notice the expression on Ichinose's face.

Otherwise, it would have been even harder to explain.

"Ichinose, is what Kitahara said true? Did you really reject him?" Shiranami asked, turning to Ichinose.

"Yes... that is indeed the case," Ichinose nodded in confirmation.

"I see... so the weight of responsibility on you is that great. And here I was, causing you trouble... I suppose I should just..."

"Ahem, look, Shiranami, there's no need to be so down. Besides, I'm the one who got rejected," Kitahara said, trying to comfort her as he watched her fall into despair.

"Chihiro, even if I can't accept your feelings, aren't we still best friends?" Ichinose said to her.

"Yes... I've thought it through. I won't consider this matter until we've reached Class A."

Hearing her answer, Ichinose and Kitahara finally breathed a sigh of relief; the matter was finally resolved.

But what Kitahara didn't know was that this incident would have a small impact on his future.

After she left, Kitahara and Ichinose sat on the nearby chairs.

Ichinose said to Kitahara, "I'm really sorry for the trouble today, and for making you spin that lie. I'm truly sorry to have inconvenienced you again."

Facing Ichinose's gratitude, Kitahara waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's no big deal. Besides, given my reputation at this school, it doesn't really matter whether they believe it or not."

"Still, I really owe you a favor today, Kitahara."

"How about I treat you to a meal? Just as a way to thank you for your help," Ichinose said with a smile.

"Sure, that works," Kitahara agreed to her request, faced with her smiling expression.

"Hah..." Kitahara walked down the hallway looking exhausted, as if his soul had been drained from his body.

After all, after resolving the situation with Ichinose yesterday, he had spent several hours fighting in the Dragon Hidden Cave Heaven, only getting to sleep at 4:00 AM this morning.

"I already told you, it wasn't like that."

"But there were three of them..."

"Even so..."

"Yeah..."

Before Kitahara could even enter the classroom, he heard the sound of arguing coming from inside. He was all too familiar with the first two voices—they belonged to Sudo.

It seemed they already knew what had happened.

Upon entering the classroom, he found a group of girls, led by Karuizawa Kei, surrounding Sudo.

It appeared they were the ones arguing just a moment ago.

As the bell rang for class, Chabashira walked in as usual, her face revealing nothing of what had transpired.

Stepping onto the podium, Chabashira looked at us and said:

"The members of the Class C basketball team have filed a complaint against Sudo with the school."

"They claim that after practice ended, Sudo assaulted them, causing them injuries."

Before Chabashira could continue, Sudo, sitting at his desk, slammed his hand down and said:

"It was self-defense! It was pure self-defense!"

"They were just jealous that I became a regular player, so they came looking for trouble."

"But you have no evidence," Chabashira said mercilessly.

"If there were witnesses, it would be easier to handle."

Hearing Chabashira's reply, Sudo could only clench his fists tightly.

Looking at the silent classroom, Kushida stood up and asked everyone:

"Everyone, did any of you see Sudo and the others fighting, or do you know anything about it?"

Upon hearing Kushida's inquiry, Kitahara, whose attention had been fixed on Sakura Airi, clearly noticed her body tremble for a moment.

As expected, even with me here, things are still playing out just like the original story.

Ayanokoji, who was also observing his surroundings with extreme care, noticed this as well, because he had seen Kitahara's gaze fixed on her the entire time.

So, Kitahara, you know something, don't you?

Ayanokoji thought to himself as he watched Kitahara in silence.

"I think it would be best if you just dropped out, Red-hair-kun."

"Your existence is not beautiful in the slightest."

It was that familiar tone, indeed. Koenji had his legs propped up on the desk, holding a mirror in one hand while grooming his hair with the other.

"You!" Sudo shot up from his seat.

"Heh, Red-hair-kun, if you still intend to resort to violence now, then it will be time to say a permanent goodbye."

"That's enough, Sudo." Hirata stood up to intervene.

"In one week, the Student Council will intervene to negotiate with Class C. Depending on the outcome of those negotiations, points will be deducted, and the disciplinary action against Sudo will be finalized."

Chabashira looked at them calmly as she spoke.

"The Student Council is intervening? In that case, Kitahara-kun should be able to help, right?"

Following Kushida's remark, the eyes of the entire class turned toward Kitahara, who had been slacking off in the back row.

Despite being the focus of so many gazes, Kitahara answered without the slightest hint of nervousness:

"Sorry, but I really can't help with this one."

However, just as Kitahara's voice faded, the voice of President Horikita came over the broadcast:

"Would Kitahara Seiichi of Class 1-D please come to the Student Council room."

As the broadcast ended, the gazes of the class collectively turned strange; after all, he had just said he couldn't help, and now he was being summoned to the Student Council.

It was obvious that his words just now were nothing but an excuse.

Yet, only Kitahara, who knew the truth, was truly innocent; he really hadn't expected President Horikita to call him to the Student Council.

The key was that the timing was impeccable.

How did that saying go? Only those who have been wronged know just how wronged they truly are.

Meanwhile, the mastermind behind the scenes was enjoying himself at a mall KTV, confidently declaring:

"Those monkeys in Class 1-D must be panicking by now..."

Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open, and in walked...