Perhaps due to the added effect of The Midas Touch, the hype exceeded expectations.
In the café, someone recognized Kaoru, and soon a crowd gathered around him, eager to confirm whether his claims were true.
At one point, an upperclassman noticed he was alone and deliberately brushed against him, nearly clinging to his arm.
Forced to answer a few questions, Kaoru quickly excused himself and left the scene.
His energy was limited—he couldn't waste it on random bystanders with no real aspirations.
Avoiding the crowd, he searched for a quiet place when he unexpectedly ran into Kamuro Masumi, who was carrying shopping bags, likely returning from the mall.
"Good morning, Masumi," Kaoru greeted her.
"Today was fine… until someone decided to use my first name," Masumi retorted with clear displeasure, her gaze flickering briefly toward his wrist.
"My apologies, I forgot your Christmas gift last time." He had genuinely intended to give her one, but he'd spent too long in Sakayanagi's room, leaving too late.
"Don't worry about me. You're Mitoma-sama, after all—your time is far more valuable." She moved to step past him.
"Oh? You actually know how to use honorifics?" Kaoru was genuinely surprised—it was rare to hear polite speech from her.
"I'll speak if I want to, and keep quiet if I don't. What's it to you?" Kamuro Masumi snapped irritably, then frowned in confusion as she saw him standing nonchalantly in her way.
"Shouldn't you be busy putting bounties on Nagumo? Why are you blocking me?"
It seemed news traveled fast—even Masumi already knew about it.
"Nothing much. I just suddenly remembered some of your past... exploits." Kaoru eyed her shopping bag thoughtfully.
"I don't steal every single day!" Masumi huffed, aggressively opening her bag. "Want to see my receipt?"
"As long as I don't catch you in the act, the student council can turn a blind eye." Kaoru rummaged through her bag and pulled out a canned drink.
"Consider this my Christmas present from you."
"Hey!" Masumi glared at him.
Who was the thief here, really?
"In return, this can be my gift to Masumi." Kaoru shoved the reward he'd just redeemed into her hand, giving her no chance to refuse.
Masumi examined the item—a rather gender-neutral-looking hair accessory.
"Your gift-giving approach is downright aggressive. Anyone would think you're mugging me."
"If I didn't do it this way, would you have accepted it?"
"Tch. Is this how rich boys always act?"
"Can you not use that term? It sounds weird."
"Am I wrong? By any measure, you're a playboy surrounded by admirers."
"..."
Kaoru was momentarily speechless—until Masumi snatched the drink back from him.
"Hey, wasn't that your gift to me?"
"I never said that. Someone just decided unilaterally."
"Are you trying to scam the scammer?"
"What's that supposed to mean? You're the scammer here." Masumi twirled a lock of her hair, avoiding his gaze.
"Christmas is already over. This kind of gift is basically unsellable now."
Kaoru gritted his teeth.
'If you think it's unsellable, then just give the damn hairpin back!'
'That reward boosts mental stats, you know!'
Buzz—
Kaoru's phone suddenly vibrated.
When he checked, the caller ID showed an unknown number.
The school-issued phones came with pre-installed SIM cards, so unknown numbers shouldn't exist.
Plus, he'd never shared his number with anyone.
"Mind if I take this?"
"Be my guest."
Kaoru answered the call and heard a gentle male voice.
"Is this Mitoma-kun?" The man sounded familiar, as if they'd met before.
"If you're referring to Mitoma from Class 1-A of ANHS, then yes, that's me." Kaoru searched his memory.
Since the caller could reach his number, they must be affiliated with the school.
The voice carried a mature quality.
"Might this be Chairman Sakayanagi?"
"It's me. My apologies, I hadn't intended to disturb students during their rest time," Sakayanagi Narumori said.
"But when those below couldn't reach a decision, I had to step in personally."
Apparently, the school had verified his identity, considering Kaoru hadn't disguised himself when registering.
"Has my conflict with Nagumo caused trouble for the school?" Kaoru asked rhetorically, knowing full well the administration wouldn't remain passive.
"The school was founded to cultivate talent for our nation's future. Though we've established thousands of rules, even the most comprehensive systems have loopholes - nothing in this world is perfect," Narumori said gently.
"As chairman, I've always hoped students would actively contemplate how to approach examinations, gaining life-enriching experiences through the process."
"My apologies, I didn't consider this sufficiently," Kaoru maintained a humble demeanor.
If wealthy heirs started emulating his money-throwing tactics, the school's regulations would become meaningless.
"No, I'm not reprimanding you, Mitoma. In fact, I've observed your school performance closely," Narumori continued.
"By our standards, you truly embody the qualities expected of a Class A student."
"I'm flattered, but I believe even Class A students must remain vigilant. Anyone could face expulsion at any moment, so taking necessary measures at critical junctures is essential," Kaoru said gravely.
"As the saying goes, it's easy to dodge an open attack, but hard to guard against hidden arrows."
Narumori fell momentarily silent.
"Personally, I'm indifferent about potential expulsion. However, when certain individuals exploit their wealth to openly bounty-hunt classmates, rallying others to expel targets, I find this contradicts the school's founding principles."
Kaoru pressed his advantage, unconcerned about provoking Sakayanagi Narumori.
Since Nagumo Miyabi had initiated the bounty system, if cash bounties were prohibited, why were Personal Points bounties permitted?
Essentially, did this mean anyone with sufficient
Personal Points could issue school-wide bounties?
Wouldn't this degenerate into autocratic rule by the powerful, where might always makes right?
Though ANHS preached meritocracy, Kaoru understood Sakayanagi Narumori wouldn't tolerate absolute power dynamics - otherwise, why maintain the ABCD class system?
After a prolonged pause, Narumori finally spoke.
"I've already instructed Nagumo to retract his bounty and issue a public apology on the forum. Does this satisfy you?"
Under normal circumstances, no apologies would be necessary - Narumori could simply warn both parties simultaneously.
But Kaoru's current status differed.
Even externally, Narumori had to carefully consider Kaoru's perspective.
Kaoru now wielded influence in certain spheres.
Checking the forum, Kaoru found Nagumo's bounty post had indeed been replaced by an apology, expressing regret for misusing public resources and causing disturbances.
"I see. That was impulsive of me earlier. I'll withdraw my post immediately."
After all, as Sakayanagi Arisu's father, Kaoru owed him some deference.
"It's alright, I can understand the thoughts of you young people." Narumori smiled faintly.
"However, if you plan to leave the school, you can inform me in advance. I'll have the security office let you out."
Considering Kaoru's current status, it wasn't surprising he'd make such a decision.
At the very least, Kaoru would need to attend the Shinomiya Financial Group's shareholders' meeting, wouldn't he?
What was truly surprising was that Sakayanagi Narumori didn't even ask how he'd managed to leave.
"That would be too much trouble for Chairman Sakayanagi," Kaoru replied with an equally faint smile, having achieved his goal.
"It's no trouble at all. Though I wonder—am I interrupting your date with a young lady right now?" Narumori's voice carried a teasing lilt.
Kaoru froze for a moment before turning to glance at the surveillance camera not far away, his expression darkening.
Like father, like daughter—both so fond of sneaky observation.
As Kaoru hung up, Kamuro Masumi, unaware of the conversation, asked curiously.
"Who was that just now?"
She thought she'd heard Chairman Sakayanagi's name.
"The school just reminded me to keep a low profile. Nothing important." Kaoru took the confused Masumi's hand and led her away from the surveillance range.
After letting him pull her along for a while, Masumi tried to shake off his grip—until she accidentally caught sight of his bracelet.
"I heard you went on a Christmas date with Ichinose?"
"Didn't I already tell you about that?"
"Is this her Christmas gift to you?"
Kaoru was about to nod when he noticed her gaze fixed on his wrist. His expression turned odd.
"This... isn't from her. It's a gift from Kei."
"Who's Kei?" Masumi wasn't familiar with students from other classes.
"Karuizawa Kei, from Class D. My girlfriend." Kaoru finally admitted it outright.
"Your second girlfriend?" Masumi's expression remained unchanged, though she showed mild surprise—the kind any normal person would display upon hearing such a thing.
"I suppose so." Kaoru wasn't sure how else to explain his relationships.
"No wonder you never have time." Masumi shot him a sidelong glance. "Are you going to let go now?"
Kaoru gave her small hand a light squeeze, refusing to release it, his eyes locked onto hers without blinking.
"Why are you staring at me?" Masumi felt goosebumps rising under his gaze, an uncomfortable shiver running through her.
"Where's my gift?" Kaoru asked shamelessly.
His audacity amused her. She'd initially planned to ignore him, but an inexplicable emotion stirred in her chest.
"Let go of me first."
Kaoru hesitated, but seeing Masumi's irritation flare, he quickly released her hand.
"Actually, I did prepare something for you. But you can only look—no touching." Masumi wore an uncharacteristically stern expression, the most serious he'd ever seen her.
"Fine, hurry up and show me." Kaoru sulked.
What kind of gift can you look at but not touch?
Though it made no sense to him, he didn't care much—as long as he could take it back with him.
"No closing your eyes. No weird noises. If you call anyone over, I'll beat you to death." Masumi's face flushed inexplicably.
This seemed serious. Kaoru cautiously asked, "Can I take a photo?"
"No." Masumi said firmly. "Stand still. Keep your eyes on me. No sounds."
Kaoru watched as she took a few steps back, growing increasingly puzzled and unable to make sense of the situation.
Then, he saw Kamuro Masumi take a deep breath before suddenly gripping the hem of her skirt with both small hands.
Under his astonished gaze, she gradually revealed her plump thighs, the snow-white, smooth skin now fully exposed, tiny goosebumps rising from the slight chill.
"See… see now?" Masumi feigned composure, but her reddened ears betrayed the shame and nervousness in her heart.
"Why… why is it white?" Kaoru blurted out, his mind blank.
"Hah? Are you an idiot?" Masumi immediately regretted her decision. "Since you've seen, that's enough!"
"W-wait, I haven't seen the back yet!" Kaoru's expression changed as he hurriedly tried to stop her.
"Moron, who's going to show you the back?! You should be grateful for what you got!" Masumi was so angry she nearly kicked him.
"Front and back are different—you can't generalize." Intimidated by her glare, Kaoru didn't dare step closer.
"Pfft, so the others don't show you either?" Masumi's face was icy.
"They do, but right now, I'd rather see Masumi's." Kaoru replied. "Besides, this is your first time doing something like this, right? Does that mean… you don't hate me?"
"I—I-I…" Masumi's cold demeanor quickly melted. After a brief fluster, she forced herself to stay composed.
"It's because you're such a pervert! The moment we met, you asked to see down there—so are you satisfied now?"
Kaoru froze.
Had she really remembered the teasing remark he'd casually thrown at her back then until now?
"Can you step on me now?" he ventured.
"Degenerate!" Masumi finally snapped, throwing a punch that sent Kaoru dodging.
"Hold on, let me check if you even have the urge to hit people!"
"Who cares about that?!"
"The Masumi I remember is a gentle, sweet girl who'd never hit anyone."
"Cut the crap!"
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Truthfully, Masumi wasn't that angry. After letting her land a few hits, Kaoru quickly soothed her temper.
"Hey, wanna hang out together for New Year's?"
Masumi shot him a sidelong glance, watching as he took half a step back. She wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or amused.
"You're hoping for another gift, aren't you?"
"I really want to see it again."
"Keep dreaming."
"And after I dream?"
"How should I know?"
"I like you, Masumi."
"..."
Masumi stopped in her tracks as Kaoru took the shopping bag from her hands.
"I'll carry it back to your dorm."
"What did you just say?"
"That I like you."
"..."
Masumi couldn't pretend she hadn't heard.
Why did he say it so naturally, as if he were just answering whether he'd eaten or not?
"What's wrong?"
"You said you like me."
"I know. Masumi doesn't have to rush—you can take your time liking me back. Until then, I'll keep liking you."
"I never said I would."
"And I never said you couldn't refuse. Until you agree, I'll keep feeling this way."
"..."
Kamuro Masumi watched his retreating figure with a jumble of thoughts, wanting to follow yet frozen in place until a clump of snow fell from nearby treetops, startling the girl back to awareness.
"Too slow."
Kaoru barely registered the girl darting past him before she snatched the shopping bag from his hand.
"I was waiting for you."
"If you were waiting, you shouldn't have walked so fast."
"Hey, now you're saying I walked too fast?"
"I showed you earlier—what did you think?"
Kamuro Masumi clasped her hands behind her back, walking backward while keeping her gaze fixed on Kaoru as if guided by radar.
"Thanks...?" Kaoru ventured.
"Disgusting," Masumi shot back without hesitation before adding, "Actually, I don't even know why I showed you. It felt like an impulse."
"More impulses like that, please," Kaoru said earnestly.
"Why do you like me?" Masumi asked.
Kaoru thought for a moment before countering, "Do you like snow?"
"No," Masumi answered bluntly.
"..." Kaoru fell silent for a long moment.
"Truth is, I don't like snow either. But I do like walking home with you when it snows."
"You like being with me?" Masumi frowned.
"I like you, and I also like the version of myself when I'm with you," Kaoru said with a smile.
"If that's the case, you shouldn't have said to look down there," Masumi muttered, pursing her lips.
"The more I like you, the more I want to see—because I can't help wanting to be closer to you, Masumi." Kaoru took a small step forward.
Masumi retreated a step. "I don't understand what liking someone feels like."
"Then don't think about it," Kaoru said. "When you do like someone, you'll realize it."
Masumi considered this and found it made sense.
"Aren't you going to brainwash me?"
"Brainwash you how?"
"Aren't you good with words? This would be the perfect chance to fill my head with weird ideas. Or pin me to the bed and threaten me, saying this is your leverage—tell me to give up resisting."
"...I never should've brought you along in the first place."
"I saw you kissing the senpai."
"I know. Why did you bring Yamamura along?"
"Who would've thought you'd be so bold."
Kamuro Masumi turned around and finally started walking normally.
The sway of the girl's skirt occasionally brushed against her plump thighs, reminding Kaoru of the scene from earlier.
"Would you obediently comply if I threatened you?"
"No." Masumi rejected the idea without hesitation. "If you dare threaten me, I'll take you down with me."
"Is that so? Well, I never planned to threaten you anyway," Kaoru Mitoma said.
After a moment of silence, Masumi spoke up: "I'm boring, and not as cute as others."
"I like you," Kaoru replied.
"Even if you like me, I won't like you back," Masumi said flatly.
"I'll still like you," Kaoru continued.
"Suit yourself," Masumi said. "I won't like someone who has multiple girlfriends anyway."
"As long as you don't hate me," Kaoru smiled slightly. "New Year's is coming up in a few days. Let's get along well next year too, Masumi."
As he spoke, he extended his hand toward the girl.
"Don't call my name like that..." Masumi hesitated for a moment before taking his hand.
"Let's get along well... as classmates."
"Yeah, as classmates for now," Kaoru agreed with her words but didn't let go of her hand.
Seeing how tightly he was holding on, Masumi realized she had no chance to break free and simply allowed him to keep holding it.
---------
Read 50 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator