Class C's Plan (10)

Once they had all left, Kitahara Seiichi, still seated, said to Horikita Manabu:

"I did a pretty good job this time, didn't I, President?"

"Indeed, your performance was commendable. However, to think you would dare threaten the homeroom teacher of Class C—it seems I have underestimated you."

"That's only because you were there, President. I wouldn't have had the courage otherwise."

"Heh."

"But aren't you going out yet, President? Your sister is still waiting at the door. Don't you want to see her?"

Horikita Manabu didn't answer, only asking, "What did you think of Suzune's response just now?"

Sensing the President's concern for his sister, Kitahara Seiichi replied, "Don't you already have the answer in your heart, President? You should go see her."

With that, Kitahara Seiichi turned and left the conference room.

Watching him go, Horikita Manabu could only say helplessly, "You really are something..."

"Hey, everyone, you all did great today. Especially you, Suzune. Even the President was impressed; he even said his sister has finally grown up."

"Really? Did my brother really say that...?" Suzune asked, beaming.

"Yeah..." Before Kitahara Seiichi could finish, he suddenly felt a cold, murderous intent behind him.

He quickly bid farewell to Suzune and the others, saying, "I trust you can resolve this matter, so I'll be taking my leave."

Running a safe distance away, Kitahara Seiichi looked back at where Horikita Manabu stood and muttered, "Good thing I slipped away fast, or I would've been in for a beating."

Even from this far away, he couldn't hear what they were saying.

But looking at them, things seemed much better than when they first met.

I really am a saint, aren't I?

At this rate, it looks like this whole affair will be settled soon, so I'd better go handle another major task.

Meanwhile, Horikita Manabu looked at his sister and said, "Suzune, although you aren't strong enough yet, you have grown."

"Brother, I..." Encouraged by her brother, Suzune felt a surge of joy, even if she didn't quite understand what he meant by growth.

"Suzune, you go on ahead. I still have something to discuss with Ayanokoji."

Though she didn't know what her brother wanted to discuss with Ayanokoji, she obeyed and left.

Once Suzune was gone, Horikita Manabu looked at Ayanokoji and said:

"You and Suzune appearing here together today—I assumed you had some sort of strategy."

"I am neither Zhuge Kongming nor Kuroda Kanbei; I have no such strategy," Ayanokoji replied.

"Is that so? Kitahara Seiichi claims that your abilities are such that no one in this school can touch you, including himself."

"He must have misjudged my capabilities."

"You are Sakura, aren't you?" Horikita Manabu turned to ask.

"If you cannot prove the authenticity of your evidence, it is nothing more than perjury."

"Your mask is nothing but a shackle."

"I... I only told the truth..." Sakura replied, trembling.

As Horikita Manabu stared at her, Ayanokoji spoke up again: "I believe her."

"Is that so? In that case, can you prove it?"

"Who knows?"

"Ha, just as that fellow Kitahara Seiichi said. I am curious to see how you will resolve this problem; I hope you don't disappoint me."

With that, Horikita Manabu turned and walked away, leaving Ayanokoji to mutter to himself:

"Kitahara Seiichi... is he really not from that place? I suppose I need to test him."

"No, that's not right. I just want to live a peaceful high school life. As long as he doesn't come looking for trouble, I won't make a move."

Meanwhile, back at his dorm, Kitahara Seiichi noticed a pair of shoes on the floor. Before he could check who it was, a girl with long pink hair spoke up: "Kitahara Seiichi, you're finally back."

"Oh, it's you, Ichinose," Kitahara Seiichi replied upon seeing her.

"Wait, how did you know where my room was, and how did you get in?" Kitahara Seiichi asked, looking at Ichinose.

"About that, well..." Ichinose replied, looking embarrassed.

Upon hearing that Kushida had told Ichinose she could find the staff to get a spare key and obtain specific room numbers, Kitahara Seiichi didn't even know who to be annoyed with.

He could only ask, "Is there something you needed, Ichinose?"

Seeing the troubled look on his face, Ichinose assumed he didn't want people entering his room at will, so she said:

"I'm sorry, Kitahara Seiichi. If you don't want anyone here, I won't come in uninvited again. I'll return this spare key to you."

Seeing Ichinose looking nervous as she held out the key, Kitahara Seiichi sighed and said:

"I don't blame you, Ichinose, for entering my room; it's just a bit messy, and I was worried it might leave a bad impression."

Upon hearing that Kitahara held no grudge against her, Ichinose smiled and said:

"Actually, Kitahara-kun, your room is quite clean. Although there's nothing on the desk besides your computer, the rest of your amenities are well-stocked."

"Still, Kitahara, you should buy some plants for your room. It would make the place look much more pleasing to the eye."

"Is that so? When I go to buy some, I'll have to rely on you for some advice, Ichinose-kun," Kitahara replied lightheartedly.

"Mhm, I'll definitely be there when the time comes."

"About this key, Ichinose-kun, I should probably..." Before she could finish, Kitahara smiled and said:

"Forget it, just keep the key, Ichinose. In case I ever drop dead one day, you can come by and check on me—maybe you'll even be able to resuscitate me."

"Kitahara-kun, please don't say things like that," Ichinose said, feigning anger as she looked at him.

"Don't worry, I won't say it again."

"Wait, come to think of it, Ichinose, you still haven't told me what you're actually doing here," Kitahara asked again, finally remembering the original purpose of her visit.

"Well, didn't I say I wanted to treat you to a meal? But you've been so busy handling matters in the Student Council lately, and since the deliberations just wrapped up today, I decided to wait here."

Hearing Ichinose's words, Kitahara's dormant memories began to resurface; he finally recalled that after helping her resolve the matter with Shiranami, she had indeed said something to that effect.

Kitahara replied sheepishly, "I'm really sorry for making you wait so long."

"But it's already so late today; there probably isn't much open to eat, so..."

"Hehe, there's no need for you to worry about that, Kitahara-kun."

Ichinose pointed toward the various ingredients placed in the kitchen.

"Are you planning to cook for me yourself?" Kitahara asked uncertainly.

"Mhm..." Ichinose nodded.

"Wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate, considering..."

Before Kitahara could finish, Ichinose pulled him toward the table and then hurried off to the kitchen to start tinkering.