Chapter - 2 A Fleeting Vacation, It's Beginning...

INTRODUCTION

Life on an uninhabited island would have been felt day by day for many students.

On the other hand, the day spent on a luxury cruise ship passed in an instant like a flash.

Why is the flow of time so different in the same twenty four-hour flow?

Most of the day, it's probably because you don't think much about time.

I often think about time during my normal school life and special exams.

On the other hand, on the holidays, we often don't think about time, so the difference is noticeable.

The second day of such a festive holiday.

Perhaps the tiredness of many students have finally disappeared and they have begun to enjoy their holidays in earnest. The number of students who were very much in one aisle was increasing at once.

And even under me, who often spent quietly alone. There were a lot of invitation from unexpected people under me.

From Kiriyama, vice president of Class B in 3rd year.

It's an invitation to meet at the pool, normally the aim is to get on a floating ring and chat gracefully, or even in beach volleyball to deepen friendship.

Unexpected predictions like that are instantly kicked out of my head.

This call is near is a pool, but far from playing. Of course, it is possible to refuse or you can choose to ignore it.

However, the voice in my head everywhere. Depending on the situation, there may be calls in places that are more unpleasant than they are now.

I sent my reply indifferently and promised to the specified place. This is because I decided that the damage would be less later I was called by myself.

Besides, there is a great possibility that the mystery of the retentless gazes from the third grader that I felt yesterday can be solved.

"Kiriyama..."

Right now, I'm in a break space near the fitness gym.

It was in front of the monitor where the result of the special examination was displayed.

I wonder if many students have already confirmed the test results.

The number of teachers watching the exam results was reduced to one.

I slammed the test results into my head, but when I slide the results of the upper ranks again and displayed them, I payed attention to the results of the Kiriyama group.

The overall ranking was announced in front of the whole group, with Koenji Rousuke in 1st place, Nagumo group in 2nd place and Sakayanagi group in 3rd place with 255 points, which was slightly less than Kiriyama group, just 6 points.

In other words, Sakayanagi finally took the podium.

The difference between 3rd and 4th place is not limited to ranking difference

"Naturally, as a third grader, he was disappointed."

Nagumo missed out on 1st place and Kiriyama missed the podium. Even students has been dismissed from the school, but all of them have been followed by an abnormal situation of third grade.

With about 20 minutes to go before the appointment, I decided to show up at the poolside first.

My gaze was not just my self-conscious, but also to confirm that some kind of strategy was in action.

The answer is immediately apparent without the need for slow observation and insight.

Less than a few dozen seconds after I was seen in the pool, I was being looked at by an unspecified number of third grade students staying everywhere.

Both the students who were absorbed in the story and the third graders who were swimming gradually observed me as soon as they realised my existence.

The gaze I felt yesterday was not a coincidence.

"It's too early to prove it"

On the contrary, the feeling of strangeness is so strong that it makes me want to complain.

I should be here as one of the shadowy students, but I stand out from all of them.

Even if you try not to think about anything, you will naturally try to find what it really mean.

It may be an instruction from Nagumo, but it is completely unknown at this point of what it is.

While many students send a blatant look, I dare to keep pretending not to notice anything.

It's easier to play stupid and insensitive person.

However, it is easy to imagine Nagumo's assumption that I am aware of this strange group of eyes.

On top of that, it wouldn't be strange to have fun watching me, who was the focus of attention.

Anyway, it's best to spend this time through the unknown, such as the line of sight.

Looking around the pool lightly, wondering who is coming other than the third grade, Ichinose and her classmates.

I saw a several people.

It happened that Ichinose noticed my existence early on and our eyes met.

Once she reacted, she hid in the shadows of her classmates to escape.

She was asked what happened by her classmates in response to the sudden and unusual movement.

After receiving a confession from Ichinose in the uninhabited island test.

It's no wonder that it's awkward just to look at her at a long distance.

Aside from Ichinose, she is with her classmates, so let's keep a distance for now.

Even if I leave her alone, I have an appointment to meet the day after tomorrow.

I also my classmates, but unfortunately I couldn't find any student particular close to me.

"It looks like it's starting to get really hard, Ayanokoji."

When I was called out from a little diagonally in front of me, I turned my gaze and there was a figure of Kiryuuin resting on the beach chair on the deck.

"What are you talking about?"

"It's about the third graders. Isn't it something you're not aware of?"

"I don't understand."

I tried to blur it, but Kiryuuin continued.

"Although I'm not involved, I'm in third grade.

I've already heard the information."

"Maybe it's the line of sight that is directed at me?"

"You know"

"It's not a big deal. It's seen, that's it."

"That's it?"

I brought it fore what I didn't care about, but Kiryuuin says it wasn't.

"I think it's just one of the scariest strategies? Especially the type of person you are. It would be a nuisance for the time being."

Despite being ridiculous, Kiryuuin point is not wrong.

"It's a good place to overestimate perfection."

"Don't be humble. We've gone through the deadline together once, I understand that you have bottomless abilities. Right?"

The light lurking under the sunglasses sharply shoots through me. Even if I continue to deny poorly, I don't know when I will be picked up because there are many students in the vicinity. Of course, Kiryuuin will consider the surrounding environment.

"Okay, I will admit it for the time being."

"Huh, that's fine. Now back to the story, what happened to Nagumo at the end of the exam? At least there was no order for third graders until the uninhabited island exam was over."

"It's frustrating that I can't say that I don't have any grudges..."

Up until now, Kiryuuin had been comfortable with her posture, but she got up a little.

"In terms of individual power, a man named Miyabi Nagumo has top class ability in this school. Academic ability A, Physical ability A, Thinking ability A, Social Contribution A+. Flawless."

"I know. As far as OAA is concerned, it is overwhelming number one in all grades.

Only a few students, like Sudo and Kiryuuin, hold A+ in one ability.

However, Nagumo is the only student with all A or higher, number of students who have obtained two or more A+ is extremely low and are limited.

"Nagumo, who had the original high academic and physical abilities, the charisma that puts together the grade and the achievements that made him a student council president, was not blessed with an enemy like him in the same grade. It was Horikita Manabu who he admitted that he had a same ability as him in this school, but he is absent because he graduated."

Kiryuuin takes a break and picks up a glass placed on the table.

"For Nagumo, you must be been just one of his toys. However, something that happened during the uninhabited island test seems to have made him serious."

"It's best to leave me alone."

"If so, it means that I made a mistake somewhere."

Kiryuuin mercilessly talks.

"There are countless people who can beat one-on-one. I'm also familiar with my strength, but is there's a type I'm not good at, it's probably like Ayanokouji. However, in case of Nagumo, the properties are completely different. I see that the type that you are not good at will be one. How is it?"

"I can't deny that possibility. I misunderstood the essence."

You can just look at it. I didn't think it was so stressful and disgusting.

There was always a watchful eye in the white room, but it is completely different.

In other words, the situation where you are forced to put yourself in an environment that you have never experienced in your life.

Moreover, there is no other way but to withdraw to escape, which is not a realistic solution.

"That's right. Nagumo tends to prefer flashy turns, wins and one-on-one. But my strategy will be used to ensure a win. That's what mobilized all the third graders. Priority is given to winning in the end, whether it a sigh or whatever."

"Does that mean that the act of attracting eyes from a large number of people is just the beginning?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't help you in this matter."

With that said, she puts on the sunglasses, she was wearing on her forehead.

"I didn't say I want to rely on you."

Kiryuuin refuses to request cooperation in advance.

I've been free to do whatever I want for 3 years, but... I've had a little regret in my school life.

If this school had a professional detention system, I might wanted to consider it.

Repeating the same grade without professional detention or promotion. Professional, to say atleast.

"Are you here? Ayanokouji"

As I and Kiryuuin continued to talk, Vice President Kiriyama appeared alone.

Kiriyama, who had a serious expression, seems to have arrived much earlier than promised.

After glancing at Kiryuuin, relaxing by my side, he turned his eyes to me again.

"We have a little time left until the scheduled time, but is it okay to start? The location is bad, let's move."

"Kiriyama, a story you don't want to tell me."

Kiryuuin said she couldn't help, but she may be interested in the content of the story.

She is the sunglasses and she was wearing again.

"It's just because it's too eye-catching. I want to talk in a quiet place if possible."

The poolside so popular that many students are staying here.

Well, for some reason, only the seat next to Kiryuuin is vacant, somehow it seems uncomfortable.

"It's strange to get too much attention, it's a contradiction, Kiriyama."

" What?"

"If you want to talk in a quiet place, it's nonsense to have a pool with such a large number of people as a meeting place, Isn't it?"

"If so, did you want me to say that I don't want to talk by your side from the beginning because it's depressing?"

The expression at the time is completely dead and there is no emotional colour.

It is the Kiryuuin has been burning his hands many time.

"I see, you made me care."

It was a way to escape Kiriyama who hated it.

"Anyway, can you tell me what you're about to do?"

"I refuse. It has nothing to do with you. It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter? What is it like to decide that it doesn't matter?"

"What?"

"I and Ayanokouji are dating. If so, is it irrelevant?"

"Eh?"

Before the reaction leaked, Kiriyama look surprised and look at me and Kiryuuin alternately.

"Huh, that's a joke, Kiriyama. You're a boring man, but the reaction is sometimes interesting."

Kiriyama seems to be indignant when he sees Kiryuuin laughing happily.

He started walking without saying a word. I think it's a good idea to leave Kiryuuin alone and follow him quickly.

"I can't ignore it, so I am sorry for this."

"Please give my best regards to Kiriyama."

Please forgive it. He don't want to hear the name of Kiryuuin even she is absent. About Kiriyama walking ahead, we arrived at the Deck on the first floor overlooking the pool.

It was a relative liquid place with many students sunbathing and taking a nap break. Even so the students are gathering as it is and on the contrary, the conversation maybe conspicuous.

However, there is no 3rd grader, and it can be seen that Kiriyama has arranged for it. In that sense, neither the first grade nor the second grade will care about the conversation between me and Kiriyama.

Another salvation is that there is no one ambushed and there is a one-on-one discussion with Kiriyama.

"So, what do you need to call?"

"I don't make a roundabout way conversation. What did Ayanokouji do to Nagumo on the final day of the uninhabited island test?

"What is it?"

"Don't be silly. It's clear that you're involved in the results of the inhabitants Island test."

On the final day of the inhabited Island test where I and Nagumo faced each other, I heard from the transceiver that the operation to suppress Koenji was underway. It's no wonder Kiriyama knew it.

"I don't mind answering, but can you answer my question first?"

"A question?"

When I got a call like this, I was thinking of checking it. I continued to Kiriyama who had a mysterious face.

"I have been wondering since I have met Vice President Kiriyama. At first, you moved to defeat Nagumo."

It seems that he was there, but from what stage did he give up fighting...?

If Kiriyama is hoping for Nagumo's fall and defeat, this case should be welcomed.

"Did I give up? I don't know what it means. The personal battle is still going on."

"Is that so? I don't see that."

After denying it, Kiriyama seemed to immediately understand what I was aiming for.

"You seem to think I'm on Nagumo's side, but that's not the case. The changes in Nagumo's plan have begin to have a negative impact on me and the surrounding area. I se before the uninhabited island test. Don't get in my way."

One word is a list of words that express the ordinary denial issued by Kiriyama.

However, human beings make trivial rants.

That's an expanded interpretation. I was just talking about whether you gave up fighting, but it seems that Senior Kiriyama is strongly aware."

"..... would be similar"

"Acknowledging the loss is completely different from turning over to the other person. It's completely similiar and different. I think the Vice President knows that much.

People with high pride who categorise themselves as a good think they won't make mistakes.

"What do you want to say?"

Kiriyama tried to proceed without admitting or denying it. Right now, the easiest option this can take is to go through.

"I just wanted to ask you where you were. Is there any substitute for fighting but being an enemy of Nagumo? Or is it under Nagumo? For the time being, from Horikita Manabu. It was the one that was entrusted to me."

Perhaps he had the name of Horikita' Manabu for the first time in a while, Kiriyama's expression became stiff.

"That's right."

Maybe I remember the first time I met Kiriyama.

"When you think about it, you were a person who has no interest in the student organisation in relation to me, Nagumo, and Senior Horikita. In that sense, I wasn't the one to get involved in.

I put my left hand on the railing and squeezed it firmly.

"It's true that I was thinking of defeating Nagumo, because it would be impossible for our class to re-merge into A class without defeating it, but that spirit gradually changed in the middle of second year. It faded."

The current third grader allows A class to run alone, far more than our grade.

At present, the class points of the third year A class under 3rd year B class are more than 900 apart. Even in the middle of last year, they must have been a difference of more than 700 points.

From an early stage, he allowed Nagumo to run alone and came to a point where he couldn't catch up.

"In our 3 years we move to individual competition from an early stage. We started the game according to the original rules advocated by Nagumo secondary to class points and school rules."

It has a lot to do background of the unusual run alone.

If that happened, the hurdle would have been high for Kiriyama alone to comfort.

"I was struggling to break through, but soon after three years I was swallowed by the waves."

Regret? Give up? Kiriyama shows an indescribable profile.

"What happened when you were swallowed by the waves?"

"Hmm... I don't think you'll be satisfied unless you hear it clearly from my mouth."

"Because it's important to me."

"I was handed a ticket to graduate in Class A from Nagumo and decided to follow the rules that man made. This is what you wanted to hear. Right?"

In other words, his current position is not to stop hostilities but to become a member of Nagumo.

It's important for ordinary students to graduate in Class A.

20 million points is also a proof that it has that much value and appeal.

"Whether or not you have the greatest privilege of this school will have a big impact on your future life. No matter how your classmates finally resent you, it's more important to graduate in Class A. High school three years is a moment compared to the decades to come."

It's no wonder that Kiriyama is indignant and wants to know the details even when he calls me.

"It what is a proposition and a mission for Nagumo to take first place. However, due to your involvement the command system was disturbed, Koenji took the first place and Nagumo sank to the 2nd place. As a result, both class and private points where lost significantly. Do you know how much that is?"

As I was able to confirm on OAA, Nagumo had a trial card and 7 additional cards in his large group. The amount of money lost due to failing to take first place amounted to 7 million.

Furthermore, if all the piggy back cards that the third grader had were designated to the Nagumo group, an additional reward of nearly 15 million private points would have been obtained.

However, by sinking to second place, result was halved. Of course, it must be huge amount of money.

If you include the effect of class points from the trial card, the loss would increase further.

"It is a big lost to miss the the first place this time. Among us third graders who are approaching graduation. We need to collect private points without wasting even one point."

Considering that the Kiriyama group was concentrating "additional" cards on their own group with the intention of aiming for second place, it means that more private points that I just calculated have disappeared.

"It doesn't seem to be irrelevant that the group of Senior Kiriyama missed the prize.

When I I pointed out that point, I made his shoulders react slightly.

".....Ah. It was rushed out as a backup factor for the Nagumo group. However, the slight delay in echoed in all direction until the end. He just lost to Koenji and we were taken third bhaiya group of sophomores."

It was a large amount of private point awards for 3rd graders if everything was as planned. Although just for small calculation, there were just a lot of money to surely save their companions.

"20 million points are required to move to A class. We are always looking for the best way to create it. It can we say that the number of tickets have decreased by one in this case.

The uninhabited island test and the top rewards were all attractive, but the effects of the additional card and the piggy back card far outweigh the effects of the private points.

"So far, Nagumo has continued to produce results and has on the trust of his grade. However, bye coming here and sticking to your existence, he lost a lot of money and his trust was damaged. Still, the problem was minimal, but after the special exam, Nagumo took an unbelievable action."

"Unexpected dropouts of third graders, right?"

"That's right. Originally, the upper ranks pick up the group that was intentionally sunk to the lower ranks and prevented them from leaving school, aiming for replacement just before the end of the exam and relieving them."

However, because it was not carried out, the third graders in the lower group where expelled from school all at once.

"15 people dropped without any resistance. They didn't even have time to cry."

"It's scary if you're in the third grade."

"Of course. One whim will bring 3 years to nothing. If it's because of their actions, they'll give you, but if it's because of Nagumo's unreasonable behaviour, the story will change."

If everything is true, it could be a wake-up call for students who have been following up with peace of mind.

No, it can be said that it is unusual that the third graders do not seem to oppose Nagumo even after such and even occurs.

"Even if you want to go against it, you can't go against it. Nagumo and the students enrolled in class A for 3 years are protected by an inviolable fortress."

Inviolable fortress. It seems that A class having mechanism that can never go against it.

Then...by asking one question, it seems possible to solve the mystery.

"Vice President Kiriyama is holding the ticket directly, right?

Questions that would normally end with a 'yes' answer.

However, Kiriyama reply in a blink of an eye without changing his expression.

"If I had that ticket, I wouldn't have any problems."

"I see. If you had that ticket, the story would certainly change."

Speaking of course, Nagumo had a good strategy. If Nagumo manages all the private points, no one can go against him.

"If I continued to pledge alliance, I will prepare one ticket."

You can think of it as avoiding explicit statements by making such vague expressions. If give go against it in this state, the promise may be violated.

"It is also forbidden to run through and collect private points. The maximum amount that an individual can freely carry is is up to 500,000 points. Everything about that is taken up by Nagumo."

"It's tough."

Unlike cash deposits, private points that exist in the form of electronic money cannot be e hidden. There will also be rules to monitor each other.

Even if Nagumo was kick down and dropped out by some means, he would be dropped out with tens of millions or hundreds of millions of private points at that time.

With this, even if you try to cause a rebellion, you can never do it.

"Did you know why the third graders push Nagumo up and protected him abnormally?"

"Well understood"

It's a perfect dictatorship.It is impossible for anybody in the same grade to compete with Nagumo.

"He's been playing for the whole three years. Let the students who don't have the ticket compete with each other and show the winning guy the pretense to give the ticket and pledge allegiance."

Of course, for the students who are enrolled in the D class and C class who cannot win, the existence of this Nagumo is nothing but God.

"The little school life left for us, I want to compete to get as many points as possible. That's why your existence is only an obstacle Ayanokouji."

Nagumo loses valuable points when he takes care of me.

Due to the resulting loss, the student who should be saved will not be saved.

This is the situation where the current third graders are placed.

"But new thing I'm in this situation because I want?"

"I know it."

"What should I do?"

"Just go back to the beginning. Tell me what happened on uninhabited island, then we can find a solution."

Nagumo didn't tell the vice president what happened, right?

".... That's right, but leaving it alone won't solve it.

Do you want to stop Nagumo's violence even if you risk losing your ticket?

"If if you don't feel like talking to me, meet Nagumo right now and talk to him. I will set the place if necessary. Even if you and Nagumo meet in the future, no one will know with, right?

"That's true"

"I advise you to stop the operations that Nagumo is carrying out. I want you to believe me."

The strategy third graders are executing. It is not necessary to border to listen to the contents.

"It's the gazes that has begun to be directed at me."

Kiriyama looks down at the pool and nods.

"What's is the aim, what is it for, and how long is it? There is no explanation for them. This bizarre behaviour continues to raise distrust among third graders."

Despite distrust, they have no choice but to obey Nagumo, who has all the rights.

"Although the Nagumo administration is solid, the voice can happen if we continue to do this."

Kiriyama and others who are given tickets will continue to follow faithfully, but many students who have not received tickets will not.

Kiriyama cannot cause a riot-like imitation.

But if you don't get a ticket anyway, it's not strange if you try to drop out Nagumo.

For Kiriyama and others, that is the worst scenario.

"I don't think it's the end of the story if you say you'll meet."

"I won't tell you the details, but I don't feel like meeting Nagumo."

"Then the situation is getting worse."

"Can you give me some time? I'll definitely give you and answer in the near future.

Perhaps the follow up will reach Kiriyama's ears from Nagumo, not from me.

"... Okay, what make a decision before Nagumo takes the next action."

Kiriyama was looking around the pool, so he immediately notice the appearance of a certain person.

Of course, Nagumo has been the centre of attention for a long time.

"I'm going. If he gets to know no I'm meeting I'll be a hassle again."

That would be wise. Kiriyama also bears a certain risk in today's contact.

Even if I knew the situation of the third grader for the time being, it was worth the contact.

PART 1

The pool was quickly cleared out as Nagumo and his friends began to increase in number.

If they want to talk to me directly, they don't need to contact me, they can just leave me alone and I know they will send a messenger.

I interpreted the current lack of it as an indication that there was no intention of setting up a way to talk about it.

Anyway, it's not a pleasant to be the centre of attention.

I went to the locker room to change my clothes so I could escape.

"Ayanokouji - Senpai!"

I ran into Nanase, who spotted me in the aisle and ran up to me with a happy look on her face.

On a ship where you know where you're going, it's not that unusual to see students you know repeatedly outside of your cabin, so it's not that unusual to see them two days in a row.

However, the way she appeared reminded me of a scene I saw yesterday because it was exactly the same.

"Can I have a moment of your time, please?"

She seemed to be checking my surroundings lightly to make sure I wasn't with someone else.

I was with Ishizaki yesterday, so she might not have been able to initiate the conversation.

However, I nodded my head, somewhat confused by the strong pressure or the close proximity.

"Actually I am not sure if I should report this, but well, there's something that's been bothering me."

"What on your mind?"

Nanase nodded and her cheerfulness disappeared, replaced by a serious expression.

Nanase then spoke in a whisper, paying attention to what was going on around her.

"There's one thing I didn't tell you, Senpai. If I tell you, you might get angry....."

I will get angry? I don't know what she's talking about.

"That....."

Nanase's voice became more whispery and she tried to tell me what she had been quite....

"Huh? Ayanokouji-kun?"

A less familiar voice called out to me, and Nanase hurriedly distanced herself from me.

It was Ichinose's classmate Kobashi Yume.

In all our years at school, we wouldn't have even said hello to each other if we saw each other.

However, in the deserted island test, we spent the same time, albeit briefly.

It seems to have brought about a change in the relationship.

"Oh, am I interrupting something? I think I'd better wait."

She said apologetically, as if she had overlooked Nanase, who was standing behind my body.

"No I'm fine. I was just asking Ayanokouji-senpai something I didn't understand."

"Are you sure?"

Nanase nodded vigorously twice, as if it wasn't as serious as she thought it was.

"I will call you when I have more time."

The only thing she was sure of was that it was not something that other students should hear.

Nanase bowed to me deeply not only to me but also to Kobashi and ran off.

" Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were talking to her. She's a freshman, isn't she? Did I offend her?"

"I don't think you need to worry about that. Is there anything you want from me?"

"Actually, the girls in my class are going to have a party this evening to celebrate our good work. I was wondering if you'd like to join us, Ayanokoji-kun. I also wanted to thank you for saying Chihiro."

It was an invitation.

However, the keyword "girls in my class" struck out strongly.

"What kind of people are going to be there?"

I got scared and tried to check but Kobashi nodded her head saying "Nuh-uh"

"I guess I am still choosing. Don't worry so much there aren't any weird students."

It's not that I'm afraid of the odd member joining, but she doesn't seem to understand...

"It's only for students in Kobashi's class, right? Wouldn't it make you feel weird if I, a stranger, joined in?"

"Yeah? I don't think so, do you?"

A fluffy, abstract invitation to a good night party.

To be honest, I wasn't too keen on the idea, as there were not many people in Ichinose's class that I can talk to on a friendly basis.

Especially now, when I meet Ichinose, it's doubtful that I'll able to have a conversation with her.

It's a little painful but I'm going to say no

"No, I'll pass -------------"

Seeing that I was about to refuse, Kobashi clasped her hands together as if to sob.

"Please! I just thought it was a good thing we here, you know?"

It's hard to say no when you say so, nut I can't give in so easily.

I can see that if I go with the flow here, it wouldn't be good for me later.

"You mean it's my fault, right?"

"What?"

"No, I can't help it. I'm going to report it to the rest of the class. I asked Ayanokouji-kun out, but he turned me down because I didn't ask him out properly."

"Wait. How can that be?"

"So you'll come?"

" ...it's ..."

"You mean you didn't like me after all? Oh, if only I could have asked you out a little better.... I'm sorry."

"I don't want you to get too depressed."

All you have to do is show up at the party.....! Please as you see! And Honami is coming too!"

Once again, she rubbed her hands together with more worshipful intensity than before.

It was as if there was already no way out of this situation after being taken this far.

"Okay. Are you sure you want me to just show up?"

"Yes thank you! But don't tell Honami that you are going to the party today, okay?"

She smile so brightly that it's hard to believe that she was depressed and said just sad before.

It's been say that women are born actresses.

But don't tell it Ichinose? That part was a little tricky.

Why the secrecy? She need everyone's permission for me to join.

If even one student refuses to participate, feel free e to tell me about it.

That way, I can say no again in a dignified manner for a good cause.

"Because you know, it's better to surprise, right Ayanokoji-kun?"

That seem like a a surprise "in a not" so good way.

I don't want to get into it, but it seems that her classmates have a lot on their minds about me and Ichinose.

"I'll see you in in room 5034 at 8:00."

"Room 5034? We're doing this in someone's room?"

I told we should be using a rest area or a deck somewhere.

Moreover, the room number indicates that it is a room were girls, not boys, are staying.

"Is it not good?"

"It's not done I don't want to, it's just that I find it a little hard to go further."

"That's not true, is it?"

I've been pushed around by Kobashi offensive.

"Hey, I'm sorry, but...."

More and more retreats were being taken away.

"I'll be waiting for you! I'll see you soon!"

Satisfied with her promise, Kobashi walked away rather quickly.

"Oh my God."

It's not even time to talk to Ichinose face to face yet....

Well, if you're in large group at a party, you're okay.

If it's a party for good work, I'm sure they will be more than few boys there.

PART 2

After this, I spend a a bewildering amount of time in my room, not feeling like spending time freely, after dinner at 6, it was just before 8 in the afternoon.

"Let's go"

If I would choose again to go or not to go, I would choose "No" without hesitation.

It was search an unwelcome invitation, But if I really didn't want to go, l should have turned it down without hesitation.

It was because of my half hearted response that I ended up in this situation, so I guess I had to leave it.

Now I determined to go.

today in front of room 5034 that I had arrived at.

It hair only been almost a minute since I arrived at this place.

I tried to knock, but I can only hear the occasional girls talking and laughing from inside the room.

There was no sign of any boys at all at that moment.

I have a bad feeling about this.

For some reason, I also felt like I was starting to break out in a kind of greasy sweat.

All I know for sure is that I'm more than I I was when I faced Tsukishiro in the desert island test.

"Wouldn't it be wiser to just turn around?"

The devil's whisper escaped came directly down my throat as a voice.

Wouldn't it be less damaging to just say, "I forgot," and apologize?

No, but I don't want to be known as someone who broke a promise if I can help it.

What the hell am I supposed to do....?

When you are stuck as if you were in a golden blind, sometimes the spell is broken from an unexpected source.

"Oh, you're here!"

It was Kobashi who appeared from the end of the corridor.

I don't know if it's the timing or what...

Kobashi was holding a large plastic bag in her hand, with snacks and bottled juice peeking out from inside.

Once you've been spotted, the option of escape naturally disappears.

"I think everyone's already here, so don't hesitate to come in."

"Oh, yeah.....I was just about to do that."

There was no longer any escape allowed.

The door that I had felt too difficult to open, Kobashi tried to open it without hesitation.

I have to prepare myself a little more.

While I was thinking this, the only door separating me from the guest room was being opened.

The first thing that simulated my senses was not sight, but smell.

It smelled like flowers, honey or something sweet.

Immediately after that, several eyes caught sight of me.

"Ta-da! Ayanokouji-kun, I brought him in!"

The girls were sitting in a not-so-spacious four-person room.

What is this in front of me?

One, two, three.....There are ten of them in all, including Kobashi.

This means that half of the girls in Ichinose's class are here.

There was not a slightest hint of boys, and I almost betrayed without my permission.

"Wait, that's not a good way to say you brought him in."

"Yeah? Oh, I brought what you asked for."

She placed the plastic bag on a small table near the bed in the small guest room.

What is this fluffy, light-hearted gathering?

It's definitely a little different from other girls groups, that's for sure.

Most of the participants were the girls I had never spoken before, but I remembered their names and faces from OAA.

Overwhelmed by the sight and unable to move, Kobashi tapped me lightly on the back.

"Well then, Ayanokouji-kun, where should I put you? Oh, is it okay if you sit next to Honami-chan?"

It's true that Ichinose is the closest person here, but I'm at a loss of here.

I don't think there was any choice because the room was so small to begin with, but the right to choose didn't seem to exist from the beginning.

The only thing that was a little strange was that even though there was 10 people in the room, there was enough space left from the beginning for one boy to sit next to Ichinose without any problem.

In other words, it wasn't a coincidence that there was an opening, but it wa most likely predetermined.

I tried to remember and compare what I said when Kobashi asked me out during the day, but it didn't help me in the current situation.

Standing like this would make me feel uncomfortable as I continued to be stared by ten people.

I hurriedly excused myself from the girls and went next to Ichinose.

"Can I sit down?"

"O...Of course."

After a quick question, I sat down next to Ichinose but I was still getting looks of almost everyone.

Or rather, all seven of them, except of Ichinose, Kobashi and Himeno.

No, I should keep a cool head and keep a straight face here.

I should be allowed to leave early at the right time. The tea was poured into a clear cup and handed to me by Kobashi.

When everyone has their drinks, Amikura, who seemed to be the moderator, spoke up.

[Moderator : The one who presides over an assembly, meeting or discussion.]

"I'm going to start with the party to thank Ayanokouji-kun for his hard work on the desert island exam and for helping Chihiro when she was lost." "Kanpai!"

[Kanpai : Japanese drinking Toast]

With these words, everyone raises their cups to the top.

"Well, first of all, thank you, Ayanokouji-kun. I really appreciate your help at that time."

Then Shiranami, sitting to the left of Ichinose thanked me.

I haven't done anything to be awed more than once...

For now, I couldn't expand on the conversation, so I gave a small nod.

"Um, Ayanokouji-kun."

Personally, I wanted to say that the party was in full swing, but when I wanted to lament that only about 10 minutes had passed, Shiranami looked at me with a serious face.

"What's....?

A can of orange juice was clutched in both hands, she seemed to be trying to say something.

"I'm grateful for your help, but I haven't admitted it yet."

" ....What?"

Without explaining in detail, Shiranami just said and squeezed the orange juice down her throat.

"Pfft! I can't say anymore!"

No, no, no, what are you talking about....

I was confused, but the people around Shiranami showered me with words of encouragement and praise, saying that I have done well and that I have worked hard.

Shiranami couldn't say it fully, but what is it?

In an away state, you can't ask back like that.

At the beginning of the party, Shiranami mentioned me, but after that, the girls started to talk about whatever they wanted.

I watched from the sidelines like a borrowed cat.

Of course, if you ask me if I'm comfortable, I'll tell you ...no

But still,....

You get to see how amazing the girls talk is, coming up with one topic after another.

Regardless of the genre, the topics are as busy as an airplane flying around Japan.

But no matter the topic, there is one thing in common.

It means that many girls think of Ichinose as the centre, trust her, and have delusional faith in her. I'm not saying that's a bad thing.

Honami Ichinose is without doubt the most trustworthy student among the second year students.

I can assure you that this is true regardless of friend or foe.

The criteria for what constitutes a trustworthy depends on the person, but trust is something that is built up over time.

Just as no one would trust a student who had never spoken before if she or he suddenly said, "Trust me"

But being trustworthy and being delusional are two different things.

Because even if Ichinose is a trustworthy person, she can make wrong choice from time to time.

If we continue to trust such people, the results will not be good.

There will always be a need for students who can say what is wrong is wrong in order to correct the mistakes.

"Can I talk to you for a second?"

While the excitement of the girls was at it's peak, one girl, who had so far only shown the occasional gesture, raised her hand.

"What's wrong, Yuki?"

"The usual headache. I'm sorry, but I'm really tired. Can I go back to my room?"

If it had been a mere statement with nothing else to say, I would not had paid attention, but I was surprised by the unexpected tone.

This is because everyone in Ichinose's class is basically polite and decent.

Himeno briefly tells Ichinose whi she is not feeling well and wishes to leave.

"Sure, why don't I follow you?"

Ichinose, who heard about her friend's illness, and the girls rushed to Himeno's side.

"No, no, no. I'm not a kid..."

Himeno stood up, looking fed up with her overprotective behaviour.

There was this type of student in Ichinose's class?

As I recall, Yuki Himeno's group for the desert island test were all from the same class.

Anyway, a change came to the where I could not leave yet. I miss the chance, I don't know when I'll be able to go home.

Let's take the plunge and Himeno's lead here.

"Well, I guess I'd better get going."

"Oh you're leaving already? You could've stayed longer."

"No, I was originally just going to show up, and I have plans to meet someone later."

If I told them I had plans, Ichinose and others wouldn't be able to hold me back.

"I'll see you later, Ayanokouji-kun."

Ichinose, who was sitting, and girls sent me off and I left the room.

PART 3

"Whew I was about to sweat strangely."

No it can be said like that I was already sweating.

Less than 30 seconds after Himeno left the room, I too escaped from room 5034.

It may be heaven for some people, but for me, it was a painful place to be.

I can't say that I'm very good at getting close to people.

It would've been a different story if I had completely created the role from the beginning, but with the premise of deciding to play an inconspicuous high school student. It's not easy to change it.

However, I think I was able to shorten the amount of distance from Ichinose's class, as I had hardly ever been associate with them before.

With Ichinose at the centre, I could vaguely see that what kind of students were beside her.

What is lacking and what is missing? At this point, I know there strengths and weaknesses of Ichinose's class.

The presence of the students who can speak up is essential no matter who the leader is.

At this point, I can only think of Kanzaki, a boy.

But in a class that evolve around Ichinose, the girls seem to be just as outspoken as the boys.

Kanzaki is the type of person who can speak against Ichinose, but whether he couldn't appeal to the class and control the girls is a another matter entirely.

"Hmm"

Himeno complained of a headache and she said she would go back to her room, but she walked in a different direction from the guest room.

She went around the corner in an instant, but I must not have been mistaken because she had a distinctive hair colour.

Himeno, who made me uncomfortable in the girl's meeting earlier.

She was also a bit tricky, so I decided to follow her

We arrived at the deck at night, when there was no sign of anyone.

Looking at her profile from a distance, I remembered Yuki Himeno's profile again.

2nd year Class B Yuki Himeno

Academic ability - B (63)

Physical ability - C (51)

Thinking ability - C+ (58)

Social contribution - C+ (58)

Overall - C+ (57)

Other than the 'high' level of academic ability, she is normal for better or worse, and had no outstanding abilities as far as I can see.

But that's just the way the school sees it. Unseen strengths and weaknesses can be hidden in any student. I'd like to explore this a little more.

The shortcut here would be to try to contact them directly.

"What are you doing?"

"Is.....? What?"

She looked away with a slightly bummed look on her face.

It's not natural for her to be here since she left the room saying that she had a headache.

"Are you done with the headache?"

"All right..."

She mumbled a few words that were almost drowned out by the wind, but it sounded like she said "annoying".

There are certain number of boys and girls who use abusive language, but in Himeno's case, it's not so much abusive as it is a guarded way of speaking to keep people away from her.

However, perhaps concerned about the external situation, she coughed once and turned her gaze to me.

"I just thought I'd stop by to get some air and relax."

"Do you get headaches a lot? You were saying something like that earlier."

I was going to ask her for more details, but she shut me up, as if she didn't want to have any more conversations.

Even in the girl's meeting earlier, she hadn't make any remarks except when she was leaving.

In addition to that, the other girls basically never approached Himeno.

It's not like she's being ignored, Ichinose wouldn't tolerate such a thing, and if the relationship

was bad, she wouldn't show it to me from another class.

I think she half-heartedly invited Himeno to a party to celebrate her good work.

If we think of it as a classmate's desire to have as much fun as possible, we can see the

connection.

"It's because I have migraines."

She replied shortly, in a messy manner.

"If it's a migraine, you're right to cool it down."

It is caused by the dilatation of cerebral blood vessels due to changes in female hormones,

fatigue, and lack of sleep. Blood vessels dilate less when cooled and expand when warmed, so

exposure to the wind is not bad.

But only if it's really a migraine.

"I'm tired…"

"Isn't a headache just an excuse to get out of an unpleasant space?"

"What? You think I'm lying?"

Himeno had been relatively unconcerned up to this point, but as soon as it was pointed out to

her that she was lying, her color changed. She is a rare type for Ichinose's class, which has

many mild-mannered classmates.

My gut feeling was right.

"I can see you're pissed."

"It's different. I mean, what is it? My head is starting to hurt again, so I'm going back to my

room."

"I'm sorry if I upset you. I just need you to listen to me for a minute."

Holding her forehead, Himeno looked back at me in disgust.

"My headaches are getting worse."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, but... I'm supposed to listen to you?"

"You don't look good."

"I hate that."

I was able to see through her after a few conversations. This one seemed to be more her true

self.

"Oh, well, that's just the way it is."

Does she understand me? I shrugged indignantly.

"I guess I'll have to go back to the girls' meeting now and report that Himeno might be faking it."

"Huh? Don't treat me like I'm sick. You're a liar."

"Lies? I think I'm right. That's all. At least that's what I felt, so I had the right to throw a stone.

You can prove whether it's true or false in front of everyone later."

"There's no way to prove a headache."

"Maybe."

"What? They were all complimenting you, but you've got a nasty personality."

"At least I wasn't praised for my good nature?"

I'm not saying it myself, but I was just being thanked for helping Shiranami.

"Oh, yeah."

"I'm not sure what to say. You are an odd one. It's not like Ichinose's class."

"Are you crazy? If you ask me, the people in my class are too good-natured. Our class often

gets together in large groups to do things. I don't mind that in itself, but the problem is that each

meeting is too long and they never leave."

If there was a repeated meeting that I didn't like, I would be fed up with it.

However, Ichinose's classmates are enjoying the gathering.

That's why no one wants to leave after each gathering, and that's why it takes so long.

"If you don't like it, why don't you just not participate?"

"Do you think you can do that? Even if you think it's annoying, it's important to keep in line."

"Well, yeah."

The class as a whole is cohesive, and there is a strong sense of unity, especially among the

girls. Even if they were unhappy inside, it would take courage to throw a stone and cause a stir.

Himeno. Maybe the encounter between me and her will be the one that changes the direction of

things. Normally, I wouldn't get deeply involved with Himeno, a person of the opposite sex,

unless I was in a special situation.

However, it would not be a bad idea to take a step forward here.

Of course, if that ended up being a problem for Himeno, so be it.

"If you want to release stress, isn't screaming the best way?"

"Shouting ...? Even if you don't want to, you'll get pulled over if you scream here."

'Not many students come to the deck, and given the noise of the ship, shouting won't make a

difference to the surroundings. It'll just be drowned out and gone in no time."

"But…"

She looked confused, as if she had never shouted that loud before.

"Well, why don't you go ahead and shout it out?"

"Me?"

The unexpected reply made me wince.

"I don't know about you, but you don't strike me as the quiet type... but as the type who would

scream. Show me how to do it, and I'll try."

I'm in trouble.

Since I don't remember ever feeling strong stress myself, I don't have enough experience to say

that I don't, if you ask me if I actually remember screaming out loud.

"If you can't do it, get the hell out of here."

If I backed down now, it would probably be the end of my relationship with Himeno.

"All right…"

With Himeno watching, I made up my mind and shouted out to the ocean.

"Ah———— Okay, now it's Himeno's turn."

"・・・・・・ Are you kidding me?"

"Really?"

"You didn't even have a shred of volume."

"Then show me how it's done."

"You can't set a good example, can you?"

I caught Himeno's back with my words as she tried to run away in disgust.

"I thought if I did it, Himeno would do it too?"

"No, no, no, it's just annoying when people think they've done it."

"Whatever the volume of my voice, I responded. But if Himeno's voice was just as low as mine,

you have no right to make fun of me at all."

In order to avoid being accused of shouting in the same low voice, I will go ahead and seal it off.

"It's ... All right, just once, okay? Then you can leave."

After taking a breath, Himeno put her hands up to her mouth as if she had no choice.

"Wa————"

The sound of the ship's engines and the wind drowned out the voice from the rest of the world,

so no one but me could hear it.

However, a voice echoed in my ears, twice as loud as I had imagined, and echoed around me.

I felt the ship shake, but that was just a feeling, it couldn't be actual shaking.

Her tone was low and her voice was subdued, but she has a tremendous, awesome voice.

"That's refreshing."

Himeno nodded her head in satisfaction.

"Right? It was worth the screaming."

"No, no, no, you weren't screaming at all."

I get poked and prodded with her eyes.

"Well... in the midst of all the stress, I could have done well."

"Yeah? You didn't look like it."

"You're better than I thought you'd be. You must have been under a lot of stress."

"What? I'm gonna kill you?"

She has a very sharp eye.

Even when she was angry, she never put her hands before her mouth.

"I was a little out of line."

I apologized honestly, but I am not afraid.

Maybe this Himeno has a scary side to her, too.

"I'm going back to my room."

"Yeah, I'm sorry I held you up on all that."

"If you realise it was bad, it's still better."

With that, Himeno returned to the ship.

"I think I'll go back to my room."

I thought the thank you party was a place to go, but I was unusually tired.

I think I'm going to have a deep sleep today.