Vol 7.5 Epilogue COTE

Epilogue: The Arrow's Destination

This day, Christmas. Students who have their club activities have already left the school and are on their way back. Even if someone were to pass me by, it would probably be a teacher. No, even that should be seen as being very unlikely. In this school there were no lights on that could be considered lighting.

"It's cold. Are they not here yet?".

"It's already supposed to be the scheduled time though".

20 minutes have already passed since the promised meeting time. And there was still no sign of anyone in the vicinity.

"After calling us out they're late? They're quite bold".

"Perhaps, by being late they're scouting out our situation?".

"What's up with that? Isn't that being unfair? Just confirming Kiyotaka's identity like that and going back?".

"They'd probably like to do just that too, but that's probably impossible".

I think with a fair degree of certainty, they will come into contact with us. However, I'd like some spice here to ensure that 'fair degree' becomes truly certain. That is the presence of Karuizawa beside me. If I happened to show up alone in this unpopular location, it would allow them to ascertain that I am the cooperator. However, today is Christmas. Even though it's small, there is still the possibility that we are just an unrelated couple trying to get some alone time, just the two of us, and happened to come here together.

Even if they thought of hiding themselves and contacting me via phone through an unknown number, my phone's battery has already been run dry. In other words, if they wished to confirm my identity, they would need to directly call out to me themselves. As Karuizawa and I stood side by side underneath the freezing sky and patiently waited, a single student approached us.

I recalled that student.

The moment our eyes met, I immediately understood that this was the person I spoke with on the phone. It was just unexpected....is how I should put it. It was such a person. It wasn't like they called out to us yet. There was also the possibility that they just happened to be here on their own. Of course, that increasingly unlikely probability was immediately rejected.

"I've kept you waiting".

"I just arrived here too, Vice-President Kiriyama".

In the instant I called out that name, he seemed surprised but instantly he resumed his serious expression. First let's see the attitude the other side will take.

"It looks like you've already gathered information on the student council to a certain extent. If I recall your name is....Ayanokouji was it?".

It's not strange even if Kiriyama, who was beside Nagumo during our conversation with him today, happened to remember my name.

"I never expected that the one bearing his fangs towards President Nagumo would be his own Vice-President".

"Before we talk about that, I'd like to ask one thing".

Using his hands to block my words, he directed his gaze towards Karuizawa.

"Who is that student over there? I didn't hear about her earlier".

"She's my trustworthy partner".

Karuizawa seemed slightly excited at that, but soon stiffened her expression.

"Trustworthy huh...a situation where I have no other choice but to trust a 1st year is a pathetic one".

Even after seeing the irregular here, Karuizawa, Kiriyama still chose to show himself without attempting to hide. It's either proof that he's simply just that dissatisfied with the Nagumo administration or that he simply believes that much in the older Horikita.

"Then shall we get right down to business? I'd like to avoid drawing this conversation out".

"Likewise. I feel like I'm about to catch a cold out here".

"In the first place, Nagumo and I never saw things eye-to-eye. The fact that I joined the student council too, was because I idolized the existence of Horikita-senpai. As a senpai from the same Class A. Of course, now it's former Class A for me though".

The fact that Kiriyama had been defeated by Nagumo and fell to Class B. If I assume the fact that he joined the student council too was due to the older Horikita's influence, it's not strange that he's still managed to keep his seat as Vice-President.

On the contrary, I'm more surprised at Nagumo who's kept Kiriyama, who had opposed him, as Vice-President.

"I had wanted to prevent Nagumo from assuming the office of the student council president, but that was an impossible task, it had long since become beyond the scope of my power. It's a pathetic story".

"The story about President Nagumo having brought together the entire 2nd year student body as his allies, how much of that is true?".

"Almost all of it's real. Naturally, there are those on the inside who aren't exactly satisfied with him but not enough to cast a vote of opposition against him. They've resigned themselves to just obeying him".

"Hey, Kiyotaka. I get the part about uniting the class but is it even possible to make allies out of other classes? Aren't we all competing while aiming for Class A?".

"I'm sure Vice-President Kiriyama will explain that part".

"...Nagumo's promised us reforms. Ones that surpass the boundaries between classes, he's declared that students with the capability to do so will be pulled up to Class A. As a result of the factional warfare in the class that followed, there are many students dissatisfied at having sunk down to the lower classes".

Towards Karuizawa who slightly tilted her head at that, I added.

"If I have to put it simply, he means types like Horikita and Yukimura".

"I see".

If it's on their own, they surely would've been able to rise to Class A, students who think that way can be made allies of even across classes.

"But that alone is not enough, right? There are also plenty of students from the lower classes that lack any kind of capability".

"If you believe Nagumo's words, every student will be given their own chance, it seems. The details of that, even I don't know".

"Isn't that like suspicious?".

"Even if it's suspicious, there's no other option but to go with that. The classes underneath B are already in crisis, since the class point gap between their class and Class A has already been clearly widened".

The fact that Nagumo made allies out of all the 2nd years, I felt like I understand now more or less. But if that is indeed the case, the presence of Kiriyama would become incomprehensible to me.

"Shouldn't Vice-President Kiriyama also bet on that 'chance' then? If you fought against the student council president and lost, than in itself would prevent you from returning to Class A, wouldn't it?".

"If there really is such a 'chance' that might have been an option too. However, I don't believe Nagumo will really offer that kind of 'chance' to everyone. There's no way he would do that. If graduation from Class A is guaranteed and the tables are then turned on him, he wouldn't be able to take it all back then".

So that's his reason for standing up against Nagumo.

"The moment Nagumo assumed the seat of student council president, did you not think about leaving the student council?".

"Normally one wouldn't feel like working under a person they are opposing, right?".

"If I left, what would happen? If I leave, Nagumo will only get that much cockier. If that's the case, then at least I can get into bed with him and collect information that way, and find a gap is what I thought. I believed if I gave Horikita-senpai that information, it would surely be useful to him".

Even as he spoke frankly, Vice-President Kiriyama allows his frustration to ooze through.

"Letting the traditions of this school be lost just like this, standing beside him and being able to do nothing except grit my teeth, do you understand how miserable I feel?".

Unfortunately I don't understand. Kiriyama too, from the start, probably did not think I would sympathize with him.

"There's no way you'd understand huh.....amongst 1st year students like you, there's probably not a single student who's like Nagumo".

Even though we haven't even heard the full story yet, Kiriyama continued on and on with his talk.

"But it's not like you guys are completely unrelated. Right now, Nagumo is still directing his caution towards Horikita-senpai and the 3rd years. Because if he gives them an opening, they are an existence that could threaten his position. But once they graduate that will be gone too, and once that happens, his next targets will undoubtedly be you 1st years".

"Even if you say that, is it even possible for us to get entangled with senior students like that?".

Unable to understand why we would be targeted like that, Karuizawa tilts her head.

"For students who don't fall in line, he will deal out merciless punishments. That is Nagumo's way of doing things".

"What do you mean by that?".

"Even if you're a 1st year, if you bear your fangs against Nagumo, it would mean you'll be harassed".

"Then he's the worst student council president".

However, there is also the possibility that one will receive privileges by obeying him. Since the students who had been Nagumo's rivals for 2 years had fallen in line and are obeying him, then he must possess a fair degree of competency and persuasive ability.

"Bearing fangs or whatever, isn't it usually uncommon to get involved with the student council president?".

"That was the case up until the 2nd semester. From this point onwards, our opportunities to interact with senior students will steadily increase. For the whole year, starting from the 3rd semester, a special exam is held in which 1st years up to the 3rd years will all be together. A similar thing to that will be repeated. Just like how it was for us last year. In other words, between the 1st years and the 2nd years, and depending on the situation, you might even have to fight against the 3rd years".

In other words, if things go according to schedule, in January we will be entangled with senior students who we possess little knowledge of. In the sports festival, there was an exchange where the school years overlapped but there were barely any opportunities to directly interact with them.

"It's very likely that with that timing, Nagumo will narrow down individual threats from amongst the 1st years".

Individual threats, in other words, students who might end up threatening his position. If that's the case, on that battlefield, I'd like to get it over with without attracting any attention.

It's unfortunate that I feel as though I'm already in a situation where that wish won't be fulfilled.

"Then the contents of last year's exam?".

"Probably has nothing to do with this year's special exam. The majority of special exams are carried out so as to be wildly different every year. It won't come in handy".

"Even so, I feel like it would be better for me to know about it, it may prove advantageous to me".

"That may be so. But, unfortunately I cannot answer that. Even if you're the student that Horikita-senpai has nominated, I cannot come into conflict with the rules of this school. If this fact were to be revealed, I'd have to be prepared for expulsion. I cannot break this taboo. And I have no intention of breaking it".

More so if he's from the Horikita faction which holds the rules created by this school in high esteem.

"I sure have a troublesome senpai".

I voiced my honest feelings.

"In any case, the number of ways to drag Nagumo down from his student council president seat are limited. I don't even need to say it, but expelling him is the most surefire way, but reality isn't that convenient. Then next would be to make the fact that he is not qualified to serve as president into public knowledge and forcibly drag him out of office. If he's no longer the student council president, from amongst the 2nd years students willing to wash their hands of Nagumo will surely appear and there would be no effect on you 1st years and the newcomers that'll be enrolling next year".

In short, I don't know what kind of student Nagumo Miyabi might be. Even if I ask Karuizawa right next to me, she would probably repeat that same impression. It's just that we haven't had any exchanges with the other school years to that extent that we could not make a decision. Someone who's abnormally lifted up by his surroundings and cautious as well as being respected and envied by Hirata. I can only conclude that he's no ordinary student.

Originally, it would have been most desirable to find students from amongst the 2nd years who share the same opinion as Kiriyama and topple Nagumo that way. Well, since that's no longer possible it just means trouble came around to the 1st years as well.

"Getting him expelled or dragging him out of office, this is all just a bunch of dangerous talk, isn't it?".

"Even when a troublesome enemy is right in your sights, you won't resort to such measures?".

"I've never even once thought of it".

Beside me, Karuizawa for a moment gazed at me in suspicion but I ignored her.

"Then are you going to let me see you perform a frontal attack? If you can manipulate Nagumo into stepping down as student council president on his own then that's the best outcome but I don't even need to tell you how difficult that will be".

This student known as Kiriyama, I don't know how far I can trust him. Judging from the attitude he's taking towards Nagumo there's no mistaking that he definitely harbors negative emotions, hatred, towards him. But I can also see parts of his statements that are worded conveniently for himself. Whether this was done intentionally or not is subject to change but at the present moment I lack enough material to draw a conclusion.

I should not reveal anything beyond showing him the card that is Karuizawa.

"You're free to express your own wishes, but we'll be the ones to decide what to do".

"So it's not that easy to trust me, is that it?".

Naturally, Kiriyama also ended up noticing our distrust.

"I too, think I have overacted. There's no need for me to shoulder the responsibility of not being able to stop Nagumo but I just couldn't bring myself to let my kouhais see the same hell. Those are my genuine thoughts".

So he's looking out for his kouhais, huh. This is hard to believe all of a sudden. It's just that he's relying on the 1st years reluctantly because there are no human resources capable of taking down Nagumo amongst the 2nd years. He feels responsibility for not being able to stop him. I was wondering what he was going to say but this time it's for his kouhais, huh?

Compared to this, it would still have given him more credibility if he had told us he hopes to return to Class A by eliminating Nagumo.

I do suppose hiding the ugly truth and playing the saint is also human nature.

"How you perceive this is up to you to decide but just remember one thing. The students who make an enemy out of Nagumo have all been driven to expulsion without fail".

"Then, I feel like it would be best if I did not make an enemy out of the student council president".

Among the students who have been expelled up until now, there should have been those who boldly resisted and attempted to take down Nagumo. However, as a result, the buds of their objections were plucked and they were driven to expulsion.

If that's the case, I wonder if the best option here would be to get through this without either being liked by him or hated by him.

That was the entirely honest impression I had after the conversation with Kiriyama.

"...so you won't cooperate?".

"I will cooperate. I also have my own circumstances that prevent me from backing down, you see".

"Fine, then. Either way, Nagumo's already begun to direct his attention towards you. And besides, in the not too distant future, even if you don't want to, you'll end up finding out just what kind of person he is. From now on too, I will leak information about Nagumo and his actions to you. Of course, as long as it's within the range of the rules. After that the decision is up to you".

The contents of that, whether I use them to let him live or kill him off, is up to me, is what he means to say. Kiriyama also seemed to have sensed that I was not into it beyond what he expected and almost seemed as though he would have given up halfway through. Even though he will provide me with information, it seems as though he intends on avoiding putting excessive amounts of expectations on me.

"To be perfectly blunt, the amount of impression you give off amounts to nothing. If it weren't for that relay with Horikita-senpai during the sports festival, I would probably not be here formally requesting your cooperation. As a matter of fact, the very reason Nagumo has begun to pay attention to you is also because of that relay".

That would be the one and only 'truth' that made Kiriyama make his move. If I had known about Nagumo beforehand, I too, would not have done something that conspicuous during the relay. That choice has led me to face Kiriyama like this now.

"Should I ever deem you unworthy of passing information onto, I will immediately withdraw from this".

"If you don't do that, would it mean Kiriyama-senpai would be in danger?".

In response to that question from Karuizawa, Kiriyama did not say a word in response and silently nodded. He must be dissatisfied, this is probably the current power balance between Nagumo and Kiriyama.

"And one more thing, from now on I will never meet directly with you in-person anymore. I will create a random mail account and keep in touch that way".

I'm also thankful for that. Communication via free mail is the best.

"And then.....by any chance, should my collusion with you be discovered by Nagumo due to your inaptitude, I'll have you understand what will happen".

He didn't say it out loud, but it probably meant he'd be taking me down with him. If there was a 1st year who happened to be making an effort to topple Nagumo, then Nagumo would go after them. Having finished saying what he had wanted to say, Kiriyama quickly left.

"Don't you think from start to finish, there was a bad feeling to this?".

"I suppose so".

It might just mean that Kiriyama simply cannot afford to relax.

After the conclusion of our conversation with Kiriyama, we were finally on our way back. On that way back, Karuizawa who was walking behind me called out.

"It's like this developed way beyond my expectations".

"What do you think? About what Vice-President Kiriyama said earlier?".

"There's no way I'd know anything about that. It might be because I still don't know why he hates President Nagumo to that extent".

Those thoughts of Karuizawa, resemble my own thoughts. A wise person would not draw any closer....might be true. In order to secure the older Horikita as an ally, I had considered temporarily making Nagumo into my enemy but despite everything I still felt as though that choice was not the right call.

It's just sadly enough, thanks to me amusing myself during the relay against the older Horikita at the sports festival, Nagumo ended up fixing his interest on me. Of course, if I make Nagumo think that is simply his groundless fear, he would soon enough forget about me, but depending on the situation he may also move to get rid of me. If I take the word of my surroundings at face value, Nagumo will never tolerate the existence of his enemies.

"By the way. What was that stuff earlier......that partner thing".

"Did you not like it?".

"If you onesidedly decide to make me your partner, it can't be helped even if I dislike it right?".

"Then shall I cancel it?".

"....if you want me to become your official partner, there's an appropriate attitude and sincerity you should be having right?".

"Can you explain to me in detail about that attitude and sincerity?".

"Money?".

"Oi".

"I'm just joking. Kiyotaka seems like the person who'd be in a bind over merely lending me points after all".

I wasn't expecting anything, Karuizawa said something like that.

Indeed right now, due to the matter of the "target" Karuizawa possesses those private points.

"Hey more importantly, is Horikita-san fine with this? If we're talking about Kiyotaka's partner, it's her right?".

"She's just like a neighbor to me. She's nothing more and nothing less".

I've already lost count of how many times I've repeated this to other people.

"Then it means I'm the only one you've acknowledged?".

"It is true that you have the ability".

".....I, I suppose".

Of course it's not like Horikita lacks the ability. But in her case, I'd like her to take a different path, I'd like her to develop her character as a leader. And in time, Hirata and Karuizawa will become partners to support Horikita. Eventually, Class D will come to have what can be considered a strong lineup, I went ahead and imagined such. Ultimately whether it ends up becoming that or not can be said to depend on Horikita's competency.

"Since it can't be helped then, I'll become your partner for you".

Of course, up until now she had been carrying out her tasks suitably but here once again, she confirms her commitment.

"If I follow you, I might get your favour".

"That...is something you're better off not expecting I think".

If I had to say, it's far more likely that she'll suffer damage.

"You may be marked as an enemy alongside me, you know".

"You mean, by the student council president?".

"He's the likeliest one".

"I mean, even if we make an enemy out of President Nagumo, if it's Kiyotaka you should be able to do something right?".

"As far as physical strength and academic quality is concerned, I'm sure I won't lose to him".

"As expected. Pretty good".

Karuizawa says that with a naughty grin.

"However, when it comes to a battle where the rules of this school are applied, there are no absolutes. If he uses something like a suicide bombing strategy with the use of a sacrifice, he may be able to deal out the defeat of expulsion against us".

"Suicide bombing strategy?".

"Well, you can think of it as an extension of the incident where Sudou quarreled with Ishizaki and the others from Class C. If they had been in cahoots with the student council president who presided over as the judge, the outcome would have been massively different".

And besides, if it had been elevated from a simple incident of violence, expulsion might have occurred.

"Umm, I don't really get it. That incident, I wasn't interested in it at all so".

".....I see. Then please don't mind it. In any case, regardless of its desirability to 'expel someone' in itself is a relatively simple task".

Naturally, that is the case excluding the sacrifices that would need to be paid for that to occur.

"So it means if he no longer cares about keeping up pretenses, Kiyotaka would also be in danger then".

For now since she had arrived at a correct answer I'll leave it at that.

"That's what it means".

No matter how much you tighten your security, there is always a way to break through. Just like that, the enemy's attack, too, cannot be blocked with a 100% certainty. The things needed to block this attack even a little are sagacity and a cooperator.

"If it comes down to that, I'll save you".

"What a heartening partner".

"Do you genuinely mean that?".

"Yeah".

"I-I see. More importantly Kiyotaka, what kind of middle school student were you? There's absolutely no way you were normal".

"I may just be your average run-of-the-mill middle school student, you know".

"No way, no way. If someone like you were normal, the whole world's definition of normal will be overturned".

Karuizawa swung her hands intensely from left to right while completely denying it.

"You're smart and strong in fights too, but normally you're very quiet. There are places where you can be a little naive about the world. And honestly, what you're doing is messed up".

"Then, from your perspective, what kind of middle school student do you think I was?".

"I'm asking you that because I don't know".

As if complaining, she pouts.

"A hypothesis will do".

Since I had come to feel like asking, I tried asking her.

"Uuuu~mmm...".

Perhaps she had no immediate answer to give, but Karuizawa crossed her arms and tilted her head.

"If this were a manga, I'd say you are an agent who was raised strictly in a facility ever since childhood, or something along those lines. I don't know, I cannot think of anything else except that".

Gazing in a far off direction, Karuizawa answered with an accuracy that was beyond imagination.

"Ahh mou I don't know. I give up. What's the correct answer?".

"That's a secret".

"Uwa---. After asking someone all that, to think you won't even tell me".

"I never said I'd answer in the first place".

"One day, I will absolutely make you tell me".

"It won't be anything interesting so don't keep your hopes up".

"Ahh, it's started snowing".

"..............".

Karuizawa didn't seem to be listening to my words. It was only lightly, but it had begun snowing. From midnight until morning, it seems snow's going to accumulate again. After staring up at the sky, once I had returned my gaze to Karuizawa, Karuizawa was staring intently at me.

".....speaking of which, Satou-san gave it to you right? Christmas present".

"I wonder".

"It's useless even if you lie. Could it be, you realized that from the moment we met up?".

From spending time with me for too long, she seems to be gaining more trust from me than necessary. The time I met up with Satou, from the corner the wrapping paper had been sticking out. On a day like this, without any meaning, one wouldn't carry around a present for someone else prior to the date. In all probability, it was something prepared for me, I had felt that.

Probably, if her confession had succeeded, she intended to hand it over to me then.

"How does it feel to have missed that?".

She asked me teasingly but I don't really feel any shock over that.

"Since it's you, you probably haven't been given presents by anyone before right?".

Saying that and without looking me in the eyes, Karuizawa presented me with a small bag. What is this? But asking her that would be too thoughtless.

"It's a Christmas present from me. Gratefully accept it".

"Is it really fine? If I accept it".

"I'm comforting you for not being able to get into a relationship, something like that I guess. Ahh, in return paying me back twice that amount should be fine".

"...that's almost as if you're swindling me".

Just by accepting it, my loss was determined.

"Did you buy it for me?".

"Obviously not. Formally at the very least, Yousuke-kun and I are dating right? That's why at least on the surface, I prepared it for him. I went shopping with the girls who genuinely intended on handing over their Christmas presents and so I made good use of it".

"You don't make any oversights, do you?".

In preparation for her date with Hirata, she bought Hirata a present. No matter how anyone looks at it, there's no doubting the relationship between those two.

"Then wouldn't it have been perfect if you had handed it over to Hirata?".

"......that's right. Normally that would be true".

Slurring her words, Karuizawa cut in.

"Hey Kiyotaka, since we were on the topic of Yousuke-kun I'm sorry but...".

"Hmm?".

"If I happened to....break up with Yousuke-kun...will I no longer be useful?".

She cut in with that.

"Is that the reason why you didn't hand over your present to Hirata?".

"That's, right. Is it unfair of me to be saying this after things didn't work out with Satou-san?".

The thought that I might find Satou more valuable than Karuizawa, that is what Karuizawa is terrified of.

But I cannot say that there is no risk in breaking up with Hirata, not even as lip service. It's obvious that this is an action that would lower the value of the existence known as Karuizawa Kei.

However, this is no longer the case. Even if her value were to decrease, it is now within the range of acceptability.

"You are no longer the old Karuizawa. Even without the existence known as Hirata, there should be no change from your current status. Nothing will change".

"But, me breaking up with Yousuke-kun, was something you didn't think of right?".

The anxieties Karuizawa held, were by no means trivial. In response to that, I continued speaking.

"If Karuizawa's value lied in the continuation of the relationship with Hirata, I would have told you a long time ago to continue your relationship. The fact that I didn't do so is my answer".

If it's Karuizawa and no one else, this statement should have the greatest persuasive power. It's only because she's seen the way I think from up close that she understood the fact that I don't make small mistakes like this.

If Hirata Yousuke happened to be an indispensable piece to me, it was obvious that I would have given the order to protect that. It's just, strictly speaking that wasn't the truth. I had already assumed that Karuizawa would want to break up with Hirata, or more like, I had induced her into wanting it.

Simultaneously both prompting her to be able to act autonomously even after losing Hirata as well as making her switch her parasitic destination over to me was my goal.

In other words, everything so far is going according to plan. Although I did not expect her to barge in on my date with Satou, as a result I was able to connect with Karuizawa even more strongly than before.

"I-I see.....the truth is, I've already been talking about this with Yousuke-kun. Since we're both only in a fake relationship, dragging this out further is no good, like that. I was hesitating".

Saying that, she continued on.

"And besides, the role of Yousuke-kun's girlfriend was something that did promise me influence but for what it's worth, there was also a pressure or something like that strongly affecting me".

Now that the surroundings have stabilized, she wishes to put down that load. Karuizawa declares that. I ignored that cute lie of hers. I don't have much a problem with it, but looking at it from Karuizawa's perspective this is a mistake. If I were in Karuizawa's shoes, just in case I would have left behind insurance. Thinking ahead in the case that I am no longer useful to her, keep Hirata. And in the case that Hirata is no longer useful, keep me. That would have been ideal. Looking before you leap. She had that right to adopt such a strategy.

Karuizawa also understands that. If even so, she rejects such an insurance, that is also fine. Carrying around all those strategies will also require that much stamina in return, that is also a fact.

If from a small open seam she happens to lose both at the same time, the shock of that time would be more than double. She can simply construct a strategy befitting her stature.

"I'm sure everyone in the class will be surprised when the 3rd semester starts".

"I suppose that's true".

Hirata and Karuizawa are a big couple who are famous even outside of our class. In particular with regards to Hirata, even on that very day a new girlfriend candidate would appear.

"That guy, do you think he'll go out with someone else?".

"Even if you ask me that, I don't know Yousu......no, it's not like I know Hirata-kun that well either. But in some places, like Kiyotaka, he can be cool. As long as he's pretending to go out with me, he won't be able to date another girl too, and he might not even be that interested in romance".

"Even though you're going back to calling him Hirata, you're still calling me like this?".

"Ahh.....I see. Is it better if I change it back?".

Karuizawa seemed dissatisfied as she looked up.

"That's not what I meant. You're free to call me whatever you like".

Even in our current group, we are not exactly on a first name basis yet but sometimes we do address each other by our first names.

"This might be a good opportunity".

I stopped, and turned back to look at Karuizawa who was walking slightly behind me.

"I'll also just be calling you 'Kei' then".

"Tauwa!".

".....tauwa?".

"N-n-n-n-nothing! Why is Kiyotaka also calling me by my first name?".

"If one side uses the surname and the other side uses the first name, it wouldn't feel right".

I couldn't quite grasp the sense of distance between the two of us, it's easy to get the image that's not in focus. If Kei wishes to call me by my first name, then doing the same for her is also natural.

But even if I say that, in regards to our surroundings, the relationship between Ayanokouji and Karuizawa is still as it always has been. That is something that is ubiquitous and unchanged.

"By the way...just to get things straight. The original proposer that set up the double date was not you, but Satou right?".

"W-What's that supposed to mean, set up?".

Saying that, she tried to deceive me but I could see her impatience at me having suddenly hit the bull's eye.

"Your acting was pretty much spot on but here and there, Satou's actions were strange you see".

"Ahh---....as I thought you realized it? I also thought Satou-san was being suspicious".

It seems Kei too, had something to say about Satou's acting. I put my hand into my pocket. I remembered that I had put a small paper bag in it.

"That's right. I also have a Christmas present for you".

"Ehh? No kidding?".

"I lied".

"Huh? You want to get beaten up?".

"More precisely, it's just a normal present. I think it may be an unnecessary product for you but".

I brought out the paper bag from inside my coat and handed it over to Kei.

".....wait, what's up with that pharmacy bag? Are you mocking me?".

Even as she said that she checked the contents, and peeled off the cellophane tape.

What came out of it was neither a flashy accessory or a cute stuffed toy.

"Cold medicines and a receipt.....?".

"Don't mind the receipt, please throw it away".

"Hey, this receipt has 10:55 am on the 23rd written on it though.....".

Even though I told her not to mind it, Kei turned her gaze towards it.

"On my way back after buying it, I saw you and Satou together at Keyaki Mall. That's how I realized that the double date was a set up from a relatively early stage. I had thought your health would have deteriorated, but it seems that prediction was spectacularly off the mark".

"So.....that means the reason you didn't call me out of worry was.....".

"You weren't wearing a mask either, even from a distance I could see that you were healthy".

"I-If you're this worried about me.....instead of doing things in a roundabout way like this, do things like visiting me earlier or at least giving me a call. You could have confirmed it that way".

"In such a conspicuous dorm, I can't afford to directly visit your room. Contacting you via phone would be an effective means of doing so, but I also took into account that you'd act tough in that case. Because you hate showing your weakness after all".

"B-but then as a result, wouldn't it mean you've wasted money on the cold medicine".

"If it's just the cost of the cold medicine it's pretty cheap. I can also use it on a different occasion as well".

"That.....might be the case.....I seem like such an idiot now for thinking you weren't worried about me at all and holding a grudge".

Saying that, Karuizawa hung her head.

"I was also hugely involved in that incident on the rooftop. I did something inhuman to the point I cannot complain even if you were to beat me up. Even though it's the next day, if I contacted you unnecessarily, I had thought it would place a burden on your mind and body and that is why I avoided you. It seems like that too, was an unnecessary concern".

Far from me having to make contact, to think it would be Karuizawa who would draw close to me.

"I failed to properly read the strength of your heart".

"T-That's right. Don't underestimate me".

"Towards that Karuizawa with such a strong heart, please allow me to confirm one thing again".

"What is it you want to confirm?".

"From now on too, as much as possible I'd like to avoid doing conspicuous things. But, depending on the situation, I may have to move behind the scenes like I have up until now. At that time, just as you always have, please lend me your power".

"That, isn't it a little late to be saying that? Say it during the whole partner talk earlier".

"That's right I suppose".

After a brief silence, Karuizawa sighed once candidly.

"That's fine, I'll lend you a hand. In exchange, with all your power, protect me ok? If my relationship with Hirata-kun ends, various troublesome things might happen".

"Yeah, I promise".

Beyond the thick clouds, the sun started to set.

The two of us together, stared out at the sun that was no longer visible.

"Christmas is also over, huh".

"If I recall...Christmas goes from the evening of the 24th until the evening of the 25th, was it?".

That is why lovers mostly spend time together from the night of the 24th until the evening of the 25th, it is said.

Because it can be considered the greatest bliss for lovers to welcome the moment the 25th starts together. However, in regards to the world, Christmas can be thought to hold slightly special circumstances. It is because the calendar of the church inherited from the Jewish calender determined it to range from the 24th of December until the 25th of December.

But there are almost no lovers who are aware of Judaism or the birth of Christ. It could be said that in modern times, it has been made into a trendy event by becoming a fad.

This year's Christmas, including the Eve, have been quite busy. Soon the 1st year will end.

"Let's go back, shall we?".

"Yeah".

I start walking. And then, with a slight delay, Kei also starts walking.

In this one year, looking back the one I've gotten the closest to may be Kei who's behind me. This is likely something Kei herself also feels. Before I realized it, she had sublimed into an essential existence for me. To call this friendship, might be being somewhat rude to Kei but.....it's just, from now on, if I can aim for Class A and sever my connection with the student council, at that time we could be friends....no, I feel like it could change into something beyond that.

Afterword

It's the cold season now. Did you catch a cold? It's Kinugasa Shougo.

Recently, I've been thinking my resistance to the cold has gone up, but not too long after, at the end of the year disappointingly my health broke down twice. But compared to average, I feel like it's been quite an improvement. In a few years a perfectly flawless Kinugasa shall make his debut so please expect that. Last year was a year where I spent all my time on work, I'm thankful for that.

Sometimes work was difficult and there were times where I disliked it but to have something to do is wonderful. It's just, on the flip side of being happy, to have my schedule be entirely filled for the next 3 years might be a bit of a problem. Sometimes, just for one month, I'd like to relax at places like Hawaii or Vegas~ Overseas? Ever since I was born I've never travelled overseas before though. Japan's best.

Now then, with this and that 2017 has passed. 2018 is finally here. Early in the New Year, I was able to drink the expensive 14 year sake I was able to gain vitality. There was another expensive sake too but the seal on that one was broken and I couldn't get it. This year, too, I'll work hard for the whole year and look forward to next year. 7.5 ended up being a complementary story to the volume that came before it. Since the rooftop incident, what each individual is thinking, what they are feeling, I feel like it has become a book that tells that. For no special reason I only realized it after I finished writing but during the volume, only 3 days worth of time had passed.....

Well, let's not dwell too deeply on that. The publishing pace for the first time will be 3 months so now I wonder when I'll be able to deliver the next volume 8 to everyone. Specifically, aren't you going to write 'when'? If I write that nothing good will come of it after all! This volume 8, the contents will be a story that begins from the 3rd semester. A transient rest has ended and we'll be entering a special exam. And, up until now, Class D vs. Class C has been the main but I feel that too will undergo change.

Will Sakayanagi carry out her attack against Class B as she had declared? Or won't she? Will Ayanokouji begin his attack against Nagumo? Or won't he? And, the Class C that has lost Ryuuen, what choices will they make? Is what I would like you to pay attention to.

Now then, everyone. I'll see you all again at the end of April~

.....!?