Unfamiliar Feelings (Sakayanagi IF)

Half an hour later.

The average scores for Classes A and B came in.

They were 84 points.

Overall, Class B had dragged the average down a little.

But it couldn't be helped. The questions on this exam had been strange.

"Hmm... The group score is 90.25 points. Next is Group Two."

There wasn't much need to elaborate on Classes C and D.

Because...

Koenji Rokusuke: 15 points

Shiina Hiyori: 99 points

That was more than just dragging the group down.

Though the guy named Koenji Rokusuke had clearly been slacking off.

He'd only answered the final question.

He hadn't even bothered to look at the earlier ones.

Partway through, he'd ignored everyone's stares, propped his legs up on the desk, and acted as he pleased.

Still.

Koenji Rokusuke had the confidence to behave that way.

He was only here to get a diploma.

Or maybe...

To experience life?

In any case, after graduation, he'd go back and inherit the family business.

Unlike most people, who'd have to go job hunting.

"Damn it! Your Class D really sent someone like that to compete?"

"Are you kidding me? He only got 15 points?"

"And he spent the entire last hour sleeping with his legs propped up!"

The students from Class C were furious.

Completely furious.

Shiina Hiyori had finally managed to get the score she'd hoped for.

But the person Class D had sent had dragged her down completely.

If this hadn't been an online meeting, someone would probably have stormed into Class D and started yelling at them by now.

"Quiet!"

The acting chairman stepped in and quickly brought things under control.

He understood why the students from Class C were so angry.

But that didn't mean they could disregard the exam rules.

The class average hadn't been adjusted yet, so they couldn't speak freely.

Half an hour later...

The average scores for Classes C and D came in.

Uh...

52 points.

A truly miserable number.

Still, it was higher than what Class D usually managed.

They had Class C to thank for raising their score quite a bit.

The question was whether Class C would be happy about that...

It went without saying they wouldn't be.

Ishizaki Daichi slapped the desk.

"52 points?! Are you kidding me? What does Class D do all day? Skip class and show up late?"

"Shut up, Ishizaki."

"...Yes, Ryuen."

At Ryuen Kakeru's order, Ishizaki Daichi obediently sat down.

But he was still unhappy.

They'd finally put in a little effort studying, only to get this result.

No matter how he looked at it, it was hard to accept.

"Hmm... The group score is 54.5 points. Group One wins the first round."

It was an overwhelming victory.

Maybe there hadn't been any need for Oreki to compete in person. They could've picked any student and still won.

Before they knew it, it was almost eleven.

"Everyone did well."

"But don't let your guard down."

"Right, that's all."

Mashima Tomoya left after speaking.

The morning exam was over.

There'd be another one in the afternoon, probably in another science subject.

"You were amazing, Houtarou."

"Yeah, yeah!"

"Hey, why don't we go together this afternoon—"

"Boys, move."

Several girls stood in front of Oreki with their hands on their hips.

Apparently...

The boys were blocking them from talking to Oreki.

"..."

Oreki left the crowd without saying a word.

He didn't have time for socializing right now.

--Arisu...

Thinking of Sakayanagi Arisu, Oreki finally made his choice.

Even if it meant betraying Class A.

It didn't matter anymore.

He'd be leaving here soon, and then he'd be with Sakayanagi forever.

That was what Oreki wanted.

How could the outcome of some competition compare to the Sakayanagi Arisu he loved so deeply...

So what if he betrayed them?

So what if they hated him?

There was... nothing left to fear.

"Houtarou?"

Oreki ignored the voice behind him.

He soon reached the bench beside the dormitory.

Just as he'd thought...

Ayanokoji was here.

"You came?"

"Shut up for now."

"..."

"I should've realized... You deliberately scored half marks in every subject to draw the attention of people like me. I thought I was investigating you, but the truth was exactly the opposite. You were baiting me into investigating you... If I proved capable enough, you planned to use me as a pawn?"

"As expected of—"

"...Didn't I tell you to shut up?!"

Oreki grabbed Kiyoko by the collar.

His eyes were filled with anger.

"I hate being used more than anything... but I'll let it go this time. Tell me, where is Sakayanagi Arisu now?"

"Hmm... Who knows?"

"Last chance."

"Even if I don't tell you, what can you do to me, Houtarou?"

"..."

"Now you're talking."

After Oreki let go of her, Kiyoko began making demands.

"Get Karuizawa Kei expelled, or have her transferred to another class."

"..."

"Traitors aren't allowed to stay in the class. And lastly, pay me five million points."

"Five million? Ha... You really do know a lot."

"What? Don't want to?"

"No, I do. But...!"

As Oreki handed her his terminal, he suddenly let go of it and punched toward Kiyoko's stomach.

Unfortunately.

She blocked the attack.

Their strength was evenly matched?

But if he let his guard down just because of that...

It didn't take long.

Before Kiyoko could react, she was knocked unconscious.

Sometimes...

You couldn't imagine what you were capable of when adrenaline kicked in.

Like Oreki now.

All he wanted was to find out where Sakayanagi Arisu was as quickly as possible.

Oreki took out his phone.

--Come quickly.

--?

--It's about Sakayanagi.

--...Got it.

He was messaging Kamuro Masumi.

Although he had Kiyoko under control, there were still plenty of people around.

Oreki couldn't exactly carry her away from here.

That would attract too much attention.

It didn't take long.

Kamuro Masumi rode over on her bike.

"So, where's Sakayanagi? You haven't contacted me in so long, I was starting to get used to it."

"Take her with you and follow me."

"Wouldn't that..."

"I don't want to waste time."

"...You've changed."

Sakayanagi's words still echoed in his mind.

That was right...

People changed. They became someone who wasn't who they used to be.

A while later.

At the Sakayanagi Residence on campus.

Oreki stopped Kamuro Masumi at the door.

"What are you going to do?"

"...Go to her."

"..."

The door soon closed.

Even Kamuro Masumi, who wasn't the sharpest, understood what Oreki was trying to do.

Had the Oreki from that morning been pretending?

Or...

"Arisu, why did you run away... Was it to keep this guy from being left with sad memories? But if you leave like this, won't that just make him even sadder?"

Kamuro Masumi sighed.

In the end, she left quietly.

--To be continued