-154- Do you have to be so dramatic?

While it may have returned to calm, the visit of Ichinose Honami and Kanzaki Ryuji definitely had an impact on Class D.

Leaving aside the rest, Hori's facilitation of cooperation between Class B and Class D is something worth celebrating for the entire Class D.

This class had never prepared for competition before; they simply lived through the first semester day by day, focusing only on personal and class points, never considering competing with other classes.

So, today's negotiations with Class B are of great significance to Class D.

Even Horikita Suzune didn't inquire about it, probably agreeing with Hori's approach, right?

The girl, who set her sights on A class as a target, definitely approves of this behavior that enhances Class D's competitiveness.

Naturally, both Hirata Yousuke and Kushida Kikyou also approve.

However, for these two, rather than being happy about Class D's future, it's more about being glad that Class B has become friends, avoiding unnecessary competition that could harm relationships.

But regardless, the formation of a cooperative relationship between Class B and Class D is something to be happy about.

This is the first impact brought by the visit of Ichinose Honami and Kanzaki Ryuji.

As for the second impact, it's still under discussion.

"I wonder when Nanaya and Ichinose started dating."

"They've been keeping it a secret, huh?"

"Yeah."

As a result, the fact that Hori and Ichinose Honami are dating is now widely known.

At least, everyone in Class D already knows.

When this special exam ends, other classes will probably find out as well, sooner or later.

Looking at this situation, Nanaya Hori couldn't help but think as if it didn't concern him.

"I'm sure Ichinose is now worried about how to handle things next."

Surely she doesn't actually want to tell others that I dumped her like last time, right?

That would be quite embarrassing.

On the other hand, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka seems surprised by the relationship between Hori and Ichinose Honami.

Clearly, in Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's mind, Nanaya Hori should be completely devoid of romantic relationships, right?

Otherwise, this emotionally detached guy wouldn't still be surprised now.

However, compared to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, there is someone else in Class D who is more concerned about the relationship between Nanaya Hori and Ichinose Honami.

And, she's extremely concerned.

Just as Nanaya Hori was thinking that it was none of his business and fending off the trio of Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudou Ken, who came to confront him, aa they shouted, "You traitor, you got a girlfriend before us!", and then sent them away, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka approached to console friends, leaving Nanaya Hori alone in the herb preparation area.

And finally, as she approached, Nanaya Hori couldn't help but have a sense that he had done something wrong when he saw the eyes of Sakura Airi.

Especially Sakura Airi's eyes.

(…Why is she looking at me like she caught me cheating?)

Nanaya Hori sighed inwardly.

And in his helplessness, Nanaya Hori couldn't help but sound annoyed.

"What? Do you want to ask about me and Ichinose?"

I never expected that just dating someone would cause such a stir.

I guess high school is the age and grade for gossip, huh?

Thinking like this, Nanaya Hori didn't even bother to ask himself how many people he had created an extremely solitary impression on with his actions so far.

Moreover, by now, Nanaya Hori's position in Class D has been constantly rising, so it's normal for others to pay attention to his gossip.

In addition, there is another very important reason.

That is, Ichinose Honami is indeed quite outstanding.

Whether it's her figure or her appearance, she is not inferior to Sakura Airi, who is an idol, or the leader of the class closest to Class A.

It's impossible not to cause a stir when she becomes someone's girlfriend.

Unfortunately, Sakura Airi is not interested in these.

Sakura Airi is only concerned about whether Nanaya Hori "really has a girlfriend" or not.

So...

"Nanaya-kun, are you really dating Ichinose-san?"

With a look that was both sad and uneasy, Sakura Airi looked at Nanaya Hori.

That look was as if she were afraid of hearing some bad news.

And seeing Sakura Airi so uneasy, Nanaya Hori suddenly lost his temper.

Originally, Nanaya Hori was going to just brush it off.

After all, the pretending to be a couple with Ichinose Honami was agreed upon beforehand, and Nanaya Hori had no intention of denying it until Ichinose Honami judged it was time to end it, nor did he want to bother denying it.

Anyway, who he is dating won't cause any big deal.

So, it's normal for someone like Nanaya Hori to brush it off as none of their business.

In fact, people have been confirming this matter since just now, from Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Kushida Kikyou, Hirata Yousuke, and even Horikita Suzune have inquired about it, to Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudou Ken, who came to pester him, Nanaya Hori just brushed it off with this attitude.

However, this approach probably wouldn't work in front of Sakura Airi.

(How can I brush it off when she looks like that?)

Nanaya Hori felt more and more helpless.

It seemed to make Sakura Airi even more uneasy.

"Sure enough, Nanaya-kun is dating Ichinose-san..."

Sakura Airi expressed in a somewhat sad tone, as if she had been seriously hit.

It's really... a bit unbearable to watch.

"Sakura." Nanaya Hori waved to Sakura Airi and said, "Come here for a moment."

At the words, Sakura Airi was stunned for a moment, but still obediently approached and came to Nanaya Hori's side.

Nanaya Hori then leaned his face close to Sakura Airi's ear.

"In fact..."

As soon as Nanaya Hori spoke, Sakura Airi shivered all over.

"Ah...!"

Then, a small whimper came from Sakura Airi's mouth.

"...What's wrong?"

"N-nothing!"

Facing Nanaya Hori's somewhat puzzled words, Sakura Airi replied with an unnatural tone of voice.

Her ears, which were facing Nanaya Hori's mouth, had turned completely red.

Seeing this, Nanaya Hori understood.

Could it be because when I speak, my breath blows on Sakura's ears?

I heard that the ears are one of the most sensitive parts for girls.

"...Do you have to be so dramatic?"

Nanaya Hori's helplessness turned into utter powerlessness.

This is probably the first time Nanaya Hori has felt that knowing too much about the human body isn't necessarily a good thing, right?