While chatting with Symon in her mind, Hiyori Shiina didn't keep Sakura waiting long. She untied the ribbon and opened the gift box, revealing a set of exquisite metal butterfly bookmarks.
There were four bookmarks in total—pink, blue, green, and purple. Their edges were outlined in gold, and the butterfly wings shimmered with a jewel-like luster. They were exquisite and beautiful, clearly a thoughtful gift.
"Thank you, I love them," Hiyori Shiina said with a smile.
"That's wonderful." Airi Sakura pressed a hand to her chest, creating a gentle curve, looking visibly relieved.
"Ara, is this the girl who's a gravure idol?" a voice suddenly interjected from behind.
Holy shit, doxxed!
The moment the words were spoken, Airi Sakura and Hiyori Shiina both froze. They turned around and immediately saw Arisu Sakayanagi leaning on her cane, having appeared behind them at some point, with Masumi Kamuro standing guard by her side.
Suppressing her confusion for the moment, Hiyori Shiina smiled and greeted them, "It's been a while. Judging by the looks of you two, have you reconciled recently?"
Arisu Sakayanagi tilted her head, glanced up at Kamuro beside her, and after a moment's thought, asked with a smile, "When did we ever have a fight?"
Kamuro averted her gaze. "We didn't."
Seeing her reluctance to speak, a smile touched Sakayanagi's lips. She turned her gaze back to Hiyori and said, "A reminder like that... I understand."
Hiyori Shiina tilted her head. "For someone like you, Sakayanagi-san, it should be easy to notice. You should be more mindful of those who care about you~"
"I have indeed been reflecting on that. In return..." As she spoke, Sakayanagi turned her gaze to Sakura, who stood with her head slightly bowed, clearly nervous, and smiled. "I'll help keep this girl's matter a secret."
Airi Sakura lowered her head. "Th-Thank you!"
"If that's the case, then that's wonderful." Hiyori Shiina clasped her hands together, looking relieved by the cooperation, then asked with some curiosity, "Did you come over for a particular reason, Sakayanagi-san?"
"Perhaps I simply wanted to see you."
Saying this casually, Sakayanagi sat down beside her and spoke with a hint of implication, "Hiyori-chan, you must have noticed, right? The class points for Class B and Class D next month."
"If you're talking about that..."
Hiyori Shiina began hesitantly, giving her assessment of the matter, "Class D itself has some unconventional people, so it's not surprising they obtained past exam papers. Class B, on the other hand, seems a bit strange—"
"For three weeks, with a full 40 students, and with the Behavioral Standards Exam as a precedent, not a single one of them tried to think outside the typical student mindset. That's just too..."
"Too pathetic," Sakayanagi added with a smile.
Hiyori Shiina didn't respond.
It's a bit harsh, but she's not wrong, Symon quipped in her mind.
Back during homeroom, the two of them had already discussed the significance behind the class points, which had given rise to a question—how could Class B be performing at this level? What about Ichinose? You're supposed to save them!
Meanwhile, Masumi Kamuro and Airi Sakura, listening to this blunt assessment of Class B, secretly exchanged glances before silently looking away.
Airi Sakura wondered: Am I really supposed to be hearing this?
Masumi Kamuro thought disdainfully: You get used to it.
To Masumi Kamuro, Hiyori Shiina was a very special person. Only when Hiyori was around did Arisu Sakayanagi seem more genuine and happy—something that she, who "lacked talent," could never achieve.
The other girls' subtle movements didn't escape the notice of Sakayanagi and Hiyori. After each offered them a reassuring glance, Hiyori Shiina asked with curiosity, "Are you planning to attack Class B and Class D, Sakayanagi-san?"
"No, I have no such intention."
Arisu Sakayanagi's eyes narrowed slightly as she smiled. "To ask such an adorable question, you must not have been actively gathering intelligence, Hiyori. Your information is a little outdated."
"In anticipation of our future showdown, I've recently been busy forcing Class A's neutral factions to pick a side, to facilitate my eventual takeover. While I've gained a few more pawns, Class A has also, unsurprisingly, slipped from my control."
"As for Class B, while I did happen to notice an old acquaintance making a move a few days ago, he's unfortunately already submitted to that Ichinose woman. Besides, his talents are somewhat lacking, so he's not worth worrying about."
"And as for Class D..."
At this, a pleased smile curved Arisu Sakayanagi's lips. "You misspoke just now, Hiyori-chan. Class D obtaining those exam papers was no accident. You two must have crossed paths with that person, haven't you? If you're not careful, you'll suffer a major defeat~"
Hiyori Shiina tilted her head. Recalling a previous warning from Symon, she smiled and asked in a light, airy tone, "Are you talking about Kiyotaka Ayanokōji?"
"I knew it..." Arisu Sakayanagi was not at all surprised she answered instantly, her smile growing even brighter. "If it's you two, I imagine you'll crush Katsuragi-kun soon enough. I will look forward to that day."
"But..."
Hiyori Shiina tilted her head and hesitated before speaking. "According to what you just said, the key players in every class are operating from behind the scenes. In that case, for you to be the first to step forward and declare war, Arisu-chan, isn't that a bit..."
...a bit too childish? That was what Hiyori held back, not having the heart to say it out loud.
"No, it's a bit tacky."
No, it's just plain tacky, Symon added in her mind, teasing with a laugh. Hiyori, it looks like you found her blind spot. Given how proud and chuuni this girl is, that's probably the only angle she'd understand.
Hearing him say that, Hiyori Shiina focused her attention on Sakayanagi's face, and sure enough—
The smile on Arisu Sakayanagi's face gradually vanished.
______
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