Farce

Inside a mid-to-high-end restaurant at the shopping mall.

The ten people invited by Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had already gathered. Because Kato Satsu had booked the table in advance for noon, they didn't have to stand outside.

At first, the group chatted and laughed while waiting for Kato Satsu, but as time passed, a slight sense of unease began to erode the harmonious atmosphere.

"I'm sorry, we still have one companion who hasn't arrived yet."

Kikyo wore an apologetic smile; this was already the second time she had turned down the waiter's urging.

The moment the waiter left, a girl spoke up, her voice anxious: "Is Kato Satsu going to be alright? It's been so long."

"He must have realized he couldn't afford the bill and was too afraid of losing face to show up!"

Haruki Yamauchi jumped into the conversation without hesitation, clattering his cutlery against the table as he spoke.

"After all, he was born with the face of a freeloader; how could he ever really be willing to treat everyone to a meal?"

He was dressed to the nines tonight, but his crude words and actions betrayed the fact that he was merely playing the part of a gentleman.

"I don't think so, Kato Satsu doesn't seem like that kind of person."

Damn it, I hope he doesn't make me lose face, otherwise I'll be the one stuck with the bill today. (Kushida Kikyo)

Although she was smoothing things over on the surface, Kikyo was already mentally calculating how to handle the fallout.

"Don't bother speaking up for him, Kikyo. He's just a spineless coward who doesn't keep his word. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, you think so too, right?"

Yamauchi aggressively pushed the topic onto Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. As one of the only two men present, Yamauchi naturally hoped to gain validation from him.

"Well... actually, I agree more with Kushida. Kato Satsu doesn't seem like that kind of person; he must have run into some trouble."

"If it were just a prank, he wouldn't have needed to go out of his way to invite me and Horikita, let alone Haruka Hasebe at the last minute. There's no motive for it." (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)

"Haruka Hasebe, did Kato Satsu tell you what he was going to do?"

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't blindly side with Yamauchi, instead asking for clarification.

Haruka Hasebe shook her head slightly and said, "No, he just said he thought of something very important and ran off in a hurry."

"Doesn't that just mean he ran away? We've all been played by him!"

With that, Yamauchi pushed back his chair and stood up: "You guys can keep waiting if you want, I'm leaving!"

"Seriously, not only did he make me buy such expensive clothes, but he also made me miss dinner this late."

He left his seat, but just as he reached the entrance, the Space Gate was pushed open violently, and Yamauchi was struck hard before he could dodge.

Hearing a sharp yelp, Kato Satsu briefly thought he had crushed the restaurant's dog while opening the door.

"Don't you look to see if anyone is inside when you open the door?!" Yamauchi shouted, clutching his swollen nose.

"How are you supposed to look through the door?" Kato Satsu replied.

"If you had come any later, Yamauchi would have left, Kato Satsu," Haruka Hasebe said with relief.

"So the 'urgent matter' was just going to change into a new outfit." (Haruka Hasebe)

"Good food is worth the wait. If I didn't let you see such an expensive outfit, wouldn't you have bought it for nothing?" Kato Satsu said lightly, one hand in his pocket.

He appeared before everyone in casual yet well-fitting clothes, forming a sharp contrast with the over-dressed Yamauchi.

His left hand is wrapped in bandages. He definitely didn't just go to change his clothes. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)

"I'm glad you're here. Everyone was worried that something might have happened to you," Kikyo said.

"I'm truly sorry for making everyone worry. Let's order; I'm sure you're all starving."

Kato Satsu smiled at Kikyo and walked toward his seat.

He's here! Once you sit in that chair, your humiliation for the night begins!

Yamauchi wore a thinly veiled smirk. He screamed internally, praying for Kato Satsu to quickly sit in the last remaining seat.

I've already evenly placed fart bombs in the cushion of that chair. As soon as you sit down, you'll treat everyone to that beautiful sound and that charming fragrance. (Haruki Yamauchi)

You only have yourself to blame for trying to steal girls from me, Lord Yamauchi, and for being so late that you gave me plenty of time to prepare. (Haruki Yamauchi)

I thought it would be some clever scheme. You're actually proud of a primitive prank like this? If I just refuse to admit it and check the chair, wouldn't you be the one who blows up?

Kato Satsu muttered to himself, then said calmly: "Yamauchi, I think I'd like that seat. Let's switch."

"What!" (Haruki Yamauchi)

"Is something wrong? Is there a problem with that seat that you'd suddenly want to switch with me?"

A guilty, bitter smile appeared on Yamauchi's face as he spoke.

"No, it's just a personal habit. I don't like that seat. I'd be very happy if you could switch with me."

Instead of checking the chair after getting hit, why not just let you hit yourself? (Kato Satsu)

I just arrived, and everyone saw that I didn't touch the chair. Who could possibly suspect me when it happens? (Kato Satsu)

Kato Satsu smirked; he couldn't wait to see Yamauchi hoist himself with his own petard.

"No, I'm not switching!"

"Then Kato Satsu, switch with me. I'll sit in that seat."

Seeing Haruki Yamauchi refuse, Kikyo stepped forward and spoke up.

"No!"

Haruki Yamauchi spoke again, even standing up instinctively and reaching out to block her.

Seeing this strange reaction from Haruki Yamauchi, everyone felt puzzled.

"What's wrong? Haruki Yamauchi, what exactly are you trying to do?" a girl asked.

"If Kikyo gets hit, I'll be finished when they check the chair. How could someone not know what they've done themselves?" (Haruki Yamauchi)

"During this time, I was the only one who touched that chair! But in the movies, that's how the protagonist pranks the rival who's competing for the girl! Why doesn't it work for me?" (Haruki Yamauchi)

Hearing these inner thoughts, Kato Satsu couldn't help but roll his eyes hard.

"Damn it, I can't even be bothered to curse." (Kato Satsu)

"I... I'll switch," Haruki Yamauchi said, gritting his teeth.

Once in his new seat, Haruki Yamauchi maintained a horse stance and did not sit down.

But how could such an anomaly escape the eyes of so many people present?

"Haruki Yamauchi, sit down!" Kato Satsu said with a hint of a smile.

"It's going to be very uncomfortable like that, sit down! Haruki Yamauchi."

Haruki Yamauchi turned his head and glared daggers at Kato Satsu. In the end, filled with deep resentment and unwillingness, he sat down.

"Holy crap! The power is actually this strong!"

Kato Satsu pinched his nose, struggling to keep himself from retching.

"Waiter, please help us change rooms," Ayanokoji said, calmly raising his hand.

Meanwhile, inside the Chairman's office.

Seeing his daughter enter, Narimori skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point: "Arisu, I want you to find a way to make the student from Class D, Kato Satsu."

"Expelled!"