Unknown Emotions (Sakayanagi IF Route)

Half an hour later.

The average score for Class A and Class B was released.

It was 84 points.

Overall, Class B was the one dragging them down a bit.

But there was no helping it; the questions this time were quite bizarre.

"Hmm... The final group score is 90.25 points. Next is the second group."

As for Class C and Class D, there is likely no need to go into too much detail.

Because...

Koenji Rokusuke: 15 points

Shiina Hiyori: 99 points

This was beyond just dragging them down.

Although that guy named Koenji Rokusuke was clearly slacking off.

He only answered the final question.

He didn't even bother to look at the ones before it.

In the middle of the test, he disregarded everyone's stares, propped his legs up on the desk, and acted as if he could do whatever he pleased.

However.

Koenji Rokusuke certainly had the confidence to act that way.

He was just here to coast until graduation.

Or perhaps...

To experience life?

In any case, he would likely go back to inherit the family business after graduation.

Unlike most people who would have to scramble to find a job.

"Bastard! You guys in Class D actually sent a piece of trash like that to compete?"

"Are you kidding me? Only 15 points?"

"And that guy spent the last hour with his legs up, sleeping!"

The people from Class C were very dissatisfied.

Extremely dissatisfied.

Shiina Hiyori had worked so hard to achieve an ideal score.

Only to be completely dragged down by the person sent by Class D.

If this hadn't been an online meeting, someone probably would have already stormed into Class D and started hurling insults.

"Quiet!"

The Acting Chairman controlled the situation just in time.

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

But that did not mean they could disregard the rules of the exam.

The class average hadn't been finalized yet, so they couldn't just speak whenever they wanted.

Another half hour passed...

The average score for Class C and Class D was released.

Uh...

52 points.

A truly miserable number.

However, this was a score Class D usually couldn't reach on their own.

It was thanks to Class C helping them pull their score up quite a bit.

Though, it was hard to say if Class C would be happy about that...

Needless to say, they wouldn't be.

Ishizaki Daichi slammed his hand on the table in anger.

"52 points?! Are you joking? What does Class D do on a daily basis? Show up late and skip class?"

"Shut up, Ishizaki."

"...Yes, Ryuen Kakeru."

Under the order of Ryuen Kakeru, Ishizaki Daichi sat down obediently.

But he remained deeply dissatisfied.

After finally putting in the effort to study, this was the result I got in return.

I couldn't help but feel resentful no matter how I looked at it.

"Hmm... the final group score is 54.5 points. Group 1 wins the first round."

An overwhelming victory.

Perhaps there was no need for Oreki to step up personally at all; any random student could have won this competition.

Before I knew it, it was already past eleven o'clock.

"Everyone performed well."

"But don't let your guard down just yet."

"Alright, dismissed."

Mashima Tomoya finished speaking and walked away.

The morning exam was over.

There was another one in the afternoon; it would likely be another science subject.

"That was amazing, Houtarou."

"Exactly, exactly."

"Say, let's go together this afternoon..."

"Move aside, boys."

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

Clearly...

Those boys were blocking them from chatting with Oreki.

"..."

Oreki left the crowd without saying a word.

He didn't have time for interpersonal relationships right now.

Arisu...

Recalling the figure of Sakayanagi Arisu, Oreki finally made his choice.

Even if this meant betraying Class A.

It didn't matter anymore.

He would leave this place soon, and then be with Sakayanagi forever.

That was what Oreki wanted.

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

Betrayal, so be it.

Being cast aside, so be it.

There was... nothing left to fear.

"Houtarou-kun?"

Oreki ignored the voice behind him.

He quickly arrived at the bench next to the dormitory building.

As expected...

As expected, you were here, Ayanokoji.

"You've come?"

"Shut your mouth for a moment."

"..."

"I was careless... you intentionally scored half marks on every subject to attract the attention of people like me. I thought I was the one investigating you, but it turns out the truth was the exact opposite. Luring me into investigating you... if my abilities were up to par, were you planning 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 rage.

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

"Hmm... who knows?"

"Last chance."

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

"..."

"That's more like it."

Once Oreki released her, Kiyoko began to state her demands.

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

"..."

"Traitors are not permitted to remain in this class. Finally, pay me five million points."

"Five million? Ha... you really do know quite a lot."

"What? Unwilling?"

"No, I'm willing. But...!"

As Oreki handed over his terminal, he suddenly let go and threw a punch toward Kiyoko's abdomen.

Unfortunately.

The move was blocked.

Equal strength?

But if one were to lower their guard just because of that.

It happened in an instant.

Before Kiyoko could react, she was knocked unconscious.

Sometimes...

People cannot imagine themselves after an adrenaline surge.

Like Oreki right now.

He only wanted to find the location of Sakayanagi Arisu as quickly as possible.

Oreki took out his phone.

--Come quickly.

--?

--It's about Sakayanagi.

--...Understood.

He was messaging Kamuro Masumi.

Although he had subdued Kiyoko, there were still many people around.

Oreki couldn't possibly carry Kiyoko out of here.

It would attract too much attention.

Not long after.

Kamuro Masumi arrived on her bike.

"So, where is Sakayanagi? It's been so long since she contacted me, I'm actually not used to it."

"Take her, and follow me."

"Won't this..."

"I don't want to waste time."

"...You've changed."

"People change."

Sakayanagi's words still lingered in his ears.

Yeah...

People change, becoming someone they were not before.

Some time later.

Sakayanagi Residence.

Kamuro Masumi was blocked at the door by Oreki.

"What are you doing?"

"...Go to her side."

"..."

The door was quickly shut.

No matter how slow Kamuro Masumi might be, she already knew what Oreki was planning to do.

Was the Oreki from this morning a facade?

Or perhaps...

"Arisu, why run away... To keep this guy from having sad memories? But if you leave like this, won't it just make him even sadder?"

Kamuro Masumi sighed.

In the end, she walked away in silence.

--To be continue