-225- Always comes quietly

At this stage, it seems that the situation is similar across all groups, right?

Regarding Class A's strategy, based on the different styles of each class, their responses can basically be predicted.

Class B is known for its unity and is the class closest to Class A. Even if not everyone is as shrewd as Ichinose Honami, none of them will act arbitrarily.

Regardless of how tempting Class A's suggestion might be, they will reserve their opinions and decide only after discussing with Ichinose Honami and others, considering their classmates and being wary of opponents.

Class C is under the control of Ryuen Kakeru. Whether they agree or not, they will follow Ryuen's instructions, even if it means breaking the rules. Therefore, their decision becomes irrelevant and seems casual in all groups.

Class D is even worse, being a disorganized mess. For instance, Yukimura Teruhiko only cares about advancing, while Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudou Ken only want to earn more personal points. The rest also have their own motives and reasons. Their responses to Class A's plan are bound to be inconsistent in each group.

Regardless, the styles of the three classes result in different responses in each group.

Ultimately, Class A cannot gain unanimous agreement from everyone.

Therefore, none of the twelve groups can reach a consensus, leading to a deadlock in the discussions.

However, this doesn't matter.

Class A has already decided on their strategy. Regardless of whether others agree or not, they will not participate in the discussions, causing a lack of progress in all groups' discussions.

This is the result of the first discussion session on the first day of the special exam.

Every group is in the same situation.

Clearly, the Cow Group, which includes Sakura Airi, is no exception.

This hinders each group's attempt to identify the VIP, proving that Katsuragi Kouhei's strategy is not entirely useless.

If it weren't for the alternative methods to identify the VIPs in this special exam, Class A would likely dominate this exam.

Given this situation, the atmosphere in each group is undoubtedly poor.

Especially in the Cow Group, where Sakura Airi is, the conflict in today's discussion was no less intense than in the Rabbit Group.

"Everyone is quite frustrated with Class A. Ike was very angry, and Sudou even wanted to confront Class A physically. At one point, we didn't know what to do."

At this point, Sakura Airi seemed very helpless.

"It's really tough for you," Hori could only sympathize.

Given Sakura Airi's personality, it's easy to imagine how scared she must have been in such a tense situation.

If it weren't for the one-hour activity limit, Sakura Airi might have run away immediately.

It's no wonder Sakura Airi is sighing and couldn't help but call Hori over.

"What should I do, Nanaya-kun?" Sakura Airi asked Hori pitifully.

Hori thought for a moment and then came up with a plan.

Actually, the solution is quite simple.

"From now on, you should follow Class A's example and not participate in any discussions or deal with anyone."

Hori suggested.

"Is that okay?" Sakura Airi was surprised, tempted, but also anxious.

Not cooperating with anyone and not agreeing with anyone's opinion would undoubtedly lead to exclusion.

Just like Class A, if she remained silent, it would only frustrate and irritate those eager to find the VIP.

If Sakura Airi did the same, the Cow Group might target her.

This would be a real disaster for Sakura Airi.

But Hori reassured her.

"As long as Class A doesn't participate in the discussions, there will be no progress anyway. Whether you participate or not won't make a difference. If someone bothers you, let Ike and Sudou handle it." Hori told Sakura Airi, "Just tell Ike and Sudou that I told you to do this. I doubt they'll have anything more to say."

This way, Sakura Airi could remain silent, avoid any interactions, and get through the exam.

Given Class B's approach, they certainly wouldn't trouble Sakura Airi. Class C generally fears Hori, so knowing it's Hori's instruction, they wouldn't dare bother her. As for Class D, after the uninhabited island test, they wouldn't question Hori's instructions, even if they didn't understand, and would only complain a bit at most.

With Class A's inaction, even if Sakura Airi had to stay in the Cow Group's room for two hours a day, she wouldn't have to struggle as much as today.

"Is that so?"

Sakura Airi could only nod in partial understanding, feeling somewhat relieved.

Without having to interact with anyone, Sakura Airi's anxiety would undoubtedly diminish greatly.

However, this also made Sakura Airi feel very ashamed.

"I'm sorry, Nanaya-kun," Sakura Airi said, lowering her head in shame. "If I were more useful, I could help you."

As mentioned before, Sakura Airi is not unwilling to communicate with others; she just lacks the courage and is naturally shy.

If possible, Sakura Airi would also like to contribute in the discussions.

Unfortunately, her shy personality makes it impossible for this gravure idol to handle such situations.

Wanting to communicate with others but feeling anxious and scared about it.

This contradictory mindset naturally makes Sakura Airi feel useless.

Remembering how Hori stood out and led the entire class to a perfect victory during the special exam on the uninhabited island, and then thinking about how she was trembling in a small group discussion and had to ask Hori for help, Sakura Airi felt a sense of inferiority.

(Nanaya-kun is really too amazing…)

She wondered if someone as useless as herself was worthy of such an outstanding person.

At this thought, Sakura Airi felt a pang in her heart.

Until a large hand covered her head.

"Ah…"

Sakura Airi snapped back to reality and let out a bewildered sound.

Then she saw it.

In front of her, Hori was reaching out, patting her head while smiling faintly, and he spoke.

"What a little idiot…"

No comforting words were said.

No romantic lines were spoken.

However, just this one sentence revealed the hidden, tender side of Hori that no one could see.

Sakura Airi's heart was immediately filled with a certain emotion.

That emotion made her feel both pained and happy.

"Nanaya-kun…"

Sakura Airi could only whisper his name softly.

At this moment, Sakura Airi confirmed it.

(I really do like Nanaya-kun…)

Love always comes quietly.

Sakura Airi didn't know if this love would ever bear fruit.

But at least, for now, Hori was by her side.

Just having that was enough for Sakura Airi.