Amane watched Horikita's expression change continuously with the discussions in the classroom.
Although she felt a little heartache, if she wanted Horikita to face reality, this was the best opportunity to let her clearly see what kind of people she wanted to protect.
Only by facing reality would she know... what's the point of rising to Class A? Isn't it better to experience school life with her?
That's right.
Amane had always hidden her little intentions.
She was already working towards Horikita's future ascent to Class A, with the goal of saving the time spent meticulously earning points.
This saved time could be entirely used to accompany her.
Since there was a faster way, why carry a heavy burden?
Moreover, it was about moving forward with a bunch of ungrateful people; Horikita had no need to swallow her anger and do such a thankless task.
Wait... could it be that Horikita was developing in an M direction?
Just as Amane was still lost in thought.
A sudden roar from the front startled Amane.
"Enough!"
Hirata angrily interrupted the class's discussions.
"Horikita-san and the Student Council President have a family relationship, but I believe he will not choose to act selfishly and deliberately favor Class D. But what are you doing now? Are you trying to force Horikita-san to plead? Forcing a girl to beg her brother on your behalf to prevent your expulsion, do you not feel ashamed?"
Hirata showed an angry expression for the first time.
Seeing Hirata, who was usually a good-natured person, in a rage.
The class immediately fell silent.
"Yosuke, calm down a little, everyone didn't mean it that way."
Karuizawa quickly stood up, trying to hold Hirata back.
But just then, Yamauchi actually chose to confront Hirata head-on.
"What kind of sarcastic remarks are you making?! You're not the one who's going to be expelled!"
Only Yamauchi and Ike remained from the idiot trio.
Although their relationship was only slightly more than just friends.
But now, with the added title of the failing group and the expelled students.
It inadvertently made their relationship even better.
Seeing Yamauchi retort to Hirata.
Ike was originally a little scared, but then he remembered that if he didn't fight for it, he would soon face expulsion.
So he simply threw caution to the wind.
And also spoke out in support of Yamauchi.
"If you want us not to ask Horikita-san for help, that's fine. Then, Hirata-san, how about you help us get exempted from the expulsion punishment?"
As soon as Ike spoke, he saw many people looking at him differently.
Especially the girls.
He hadn't expected to have a day where he was the center of attention.
He should have known better than to let Yamauchi steal the spotlight.
"Hey! You two..."
Shinohara was about to finish scolding Yamauchi and Ike.
But then she was stopped by Hirata.
"Enough, Shinohara-san, they are right. I can't help them avoid the expulsion punishment, and it's understandable for them to criticize and complain."
Hirata sighed deeply.
"But..."
Shinohara-san was a bit unwilling.
Hirata-san clearly didn't do anything wrong, so why was he being blamed like this?
Karuizawa also had a gloomy expression.
She had no intention of giving the failing duo any good look.
Seeing her chance, Kushida-san quickly got up to mediate.
"Everyone, please calm down first. Firstly, Hirata-san, I think Hirata-san has already done his best. The reason this situation has developed to this point is not Hirata-san's fault. And Ike and Yamauchi are being a bit excessive. If you want Horikita-san to help, shouldn't you ask her nicely? If you keep pressuring her like this, and you anger Horikita-san, do you really think President Horikita would let his younger sister be bullied?"
Kushida-san's words were, to put it plainly, just smoothing things over, offering no substantial advice.
Moreover, at the end, she very insidiously hinted that Horikita might take revenge out of personal spite.
This made both Ike and Yamauchi's expressions change.
"We didn't want this either, it's just that Horikita-san is too heartless."
Ike tried to shift his responsibility to Horikita.
And that's exactly what Kushida-san was waiting for.
Seeing Ike start to pass the buck,
Kushida-san went over to Horikita.
With a pleading expression, she took Horikita's hand. Someone who didn't know them might think their relationship was very close, otherwise, such intimate behavior wouldn't be possible.
Amane, for some reason, stared intently at Kushida-san's hand.
She wondered what she was thinking.
"I know, Suzune, you hope President Horikita can disregard your feelings and handle this matter fairly, but... everyone is a classmate. Please, I'm begging you on behalf of everyone who's about to be expelled, please help us, please help everyone in Class D, okay? I'm begging you..."
As Kushida-san spoke, tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Kushida-san..."
Wang Meiyu covered her mouth, looking at Kushida-san in surprise.
She didn't expect her to care so much about those who were going to be expelled.
"That's right, Horikita, it wouldn't hurt to help a little, would it?"
Ichihashi Ruri also couldn't help but speak up for Kushida-san.
Karuizawa had no objection, and for a moment, almost all the girls from the Karuizawa faction, Shinohara-san's faction, and Kushida-san's faction simultaneously attacked Horikita.
And standing behind Horikita Suzune was only one person.
That was Amane.
"Amane, I remember you and Horikita are quite close, aren't you? Please help us plead with Horikita-san too, okay?"
The deadly Ruri threw a direct pitch at Amane.
If she caught the ball, she would gain the friendship of most of the girls in the class.
And she would only need to explain it later, and even Horikita wouldn't pursue the matter further. But without a doubt, if she were to help others challenge Horikita in such a situation, at least in this classroom, Horikita Suzune would immediately become isolated.
In contrast,
If she refused to catch the ball,
Amane would gain no benefits.
Because of her relationship with Horikita, they were just one thin layer away.
The stagnant favorability wouldn't increase because of this matter.
Instead, it would drag her into this argument herself.
She might even be ostracized by the entire class, especially the anger of those who were about to be expelled.
It was obvious that once Amane chose to help Horikita, they would surely hate Amane so much they'd want to devour her alive to vent their anger.
Wasn't the choice very simple?
Hearing Ruri's words, many people finally realized that if there was anyone who could sway Horikita's will, it could only be one person.
For a moment, everyone's gaze turned to Amane.
They awaited Amane's choice.
Amane also stood up under everyone's gaze.
As soon as she stood up,
Amane noticed several gazes with different meanings directed at her.
If she wasn't mistaken, the two gazes behind her should be from Horikita and Ayanokoji, who hadn't spoken yet.
And the gazes in front came from Hirata and Kouenji.
When did Kouenji start paying so much attention to her?
Amane smiled at the expelled students and those who hoped she would speak up and plead with Horikita.
Suddenly, the entire class relaxed.
Having Amane's help would be much more effective than their strenuous verbal persuasion.
Amane slowly opened her mouth.
"So noisy."
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