It was beer.
It wasn't a serious offense, but this school banned alcohol and smoking.
At least for students.
"Do you need me to explain it again?"
Sakayanagi was confident she had the upper hand.
It was easy to bring someone around.
All you needed was to get your hands on something you could use against them.
This was a perfect example.
"...I'll accept the punishment. But don't think you can control me with this."
As she spoke, Kamuro Masumi took out her phone.
Just as she was about to call the school...
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Sakayanagi pressed down on her right hand.
If the school found out, wouldn't Kamuro Masumi face a pretty harsh punishment?
After all, they wanted to make an example of someone.
Punish the first offender severely, and few would dare repeat the offense.
"I know you didn't do it for the beer."
Sakayanagi casually took Kamuro Masumi's phone and switched it off.
"You just wanted to satisfy your own desire. A desire for excitement..."
"Okay, that's enough!"
Kamuro Masumi snatched her phone back.
She sighed, resigned.
"What do you want me to do?"
"I like talking to smart people."
"..."
Sakayanagi quickly gave Kamuro Masumi her first assignment.
It was to...
"I want you to join the Tennis Club for a while."
"Why? I hate joining clubs."
"Only temporarily."
Kamuro Masumi didn't understand what Sakayanagi was up to.
Why join the Tennis Club all of a sudden?
But Oreki, standing nearby, understood perfectly.
This was clearly an attempt to keep an eye on him.
He'd set his trap at the Tennis Club.
If Sakayanagi had sent Kamuro Masumi there for any other reason, what could it be?
"I'm sure we can become friends."
Sakayanagi smiled at Kamuro Masumi.
She meant it, too.
She didn't know if it would happen, but it didn't matter.
She didn't care whether she had any friends, anyway.
All she needed was a strong enough opponent.
"Can I go now?"
Oreki raised his hand to speak.
He felt awkward standing between the two of them.
Was it because he was the only boy?
Probably not...
"Go ahead."
"Phew."
After Sakayanagi replied, Oreki left.
It was already six in the evening.
He needed to start thinking about what to have for dinner...
"Beep—"
The phone in Oreki's pocket rang.
A text message.
Who could it be at this hour?
Oreki had a vague idea.
He quickened his pace.
Once he was out of Sakayanagi's sight, he immediately took out his phone and opened his inbox.
"Can you come here for a bit?"
"(A picture of a Western-style restaurant)"
Oreki frowned.
He had no idea what Karuizawa Kei was up to...
He'd told her to keep a close eye on Kiyoko.
"Sure."
After sending a brief reply, Oreki changed his plans and headed for the restaurant in the picture.
He had enough points, anyway.
He could afford to splurge once in a while.
But...
"Does she not know the truth about the hundred thousand points?"
Oreki thought he should tell Karuizawa Kei.
After all, he'd promised to protect her.
And if Karuizawa Kei spent all her points without thinking, it would give Oreki a headache.
As he was thinking this,
he arrived at the restaurant where Karuizawa Kei was waiting.
"Over here!"
Karuizawa Kei waved to Oreki from the second floor.
She looked happy.
He had no idea what had happened.
Oreki shook his head helplessly.
He waved back at Karuizawa Kei, then went inside.
Before you continue