"I refuse."
Horikita Suzune coldly spat out these words, her voice devoid of any hesitation.
There was absolutely no way she would agree to such a humiliating thing. If the price of advancing to Class A was to act cute like an idiot in front of others, she would rather not take this so-called shortcut.
After speaking, she glared fiercely at Shikime Natsu. This guy's personality was truly utterly terrible; she would have to think of a way herself from now on.
Tsk, as expected. Getting Horikita Suzune to agree to this kind of thing isn't easy.
Shikime Natsu had anticipated this. If it were that smug brat Sakayanagi Arisu, she probably would have agreed. Just like in the beginning, when she came to his dormitory wearing a maid outfit intending to seduce him, even bringing a Recording Pen to record evidence against him.
To achieve her goals, Sakayanagi Arisu would use any means necessary, even using herself as a pawn.
Unfortunately, Shikime Natsu was never the type to be swept away by a honey trap, especially when facing a schemer like Sakayanagi Arisu. But Horikita Suzune was different.
Her baseline was too high. She would absolutely never do anything overly shameful, nor would she do excessive things like kneeling just because she was coerced.
If she actually agreed to such a shameful request without hesitation, Shikime Natsu would instead suspect that she had been possessed by something strange. After all, from the moment they met until now, this beautiful girl hadn't even given him a smiling face.
Even though the first task he gave her was to learn how to smile, a month had passed, and she still wore that cold expression, keeping a straight face all day as if she didn't know how to smile.
"Is that so? That's a bit of a pity."
Although he said it was a pity, Shikime Natsu's face didn't show much reaction.
Kushida Kikyou watched this scene from the side without saying much. Since Horikita Suzune had refused, naturally, there was no way to obtain the solution to Class D's predicament from Shikime Natsu through this method.
But it didn't matter. As long as she could extract the answer from Shikime Natsu privately later, the credit would still belong to her—and exclusively to her.
Just then, a hurried alarm rang out. That was the "Maid Service End Time" Horikita Suzune had set for herself.
Hearing the ringtone, Horikita Suzune stood up without hesitation and entered the bathroom to change out of the maid outfit.
"Time is up."
Horikita Suzune spoke. Her sense of time was very strong; she absolutely would not work a minute extra. Originally, she had come here today with the intention of gathering some useful information from Shikime Natsu, but now that plan had gone up in smoke.
Moreover... Horikita Suzune also realized one thing: some matters ultimately had to be solved by oneself. If she relied excessively on Shikime Natsu, she would definitely fall into a disadvantage when competing with Class A in the future!
Also, Shikime Natsu's personality was too terrible. Horikita Suzune couldn't accept anyone having a personality worse than her own.
With that, she walked out of the room without looking back.
With the sound of the door closing, only Shikime Natsu, Kamuro Masumi, and Kushida Kikyou remained in the room.
Kushida Kikyou stood there somewhat awkwardly. She looked at Kamuro Masumi, who was sitting by the bed as steady as Mount Tai, and then at the calm-looking Shikime Natsu, feeling incredibly conflicted inside.
She had originally wanted to take the opportunity to stay behind and chat with Shikime Natsu alone, incidentally using some small tricks to fish out the solution. But with this lightbulb Kamuro Masumi here, she couldn't open her mouth at all!
"Um... since Horikita-san has left, I should almost be taking my leave too."
Thinking about the tutoring Kamuro Masumi mentioned earlier, she estimated the other girl wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. As an empathetic little angel, Kushida Kikyou naturally knew how to read the room.
"Natsu, then I'll go back first~ Goodnight!"
She gave Shikime Natsu a sweet smile, then turned and left the room. She would just have to contact him via mobile phone later. Regardless, to maintain her status and popularity in the class, Kushida Kikyou would never give up easily.
With Kushida Kikyou's departure, the room finally quieted down.
"So..."
Shikime Natsu turned around, looking at the purple-haired girl still sitting by the bed, the corners of his mouth curling up into a smile.
"Masumi, are there any questions you don't understand that need tutoring?"
"?"
Being asked this, Kamuro Masumi instantly panicked a little. Actually, her study progress today had been quite smooth. Those questions that originally gave her a headache now seemed much simpler after Shikime Natsu's previous guidance; there was basically nothing she couldn't do.
Saying she needed tutoring just now was purely an excuse to stay behind.
But the words had already been spoken; she couldn't very well say she was lying, right?
So, she rummaged through her school bag for a while, casually took out an exercise book, and pointed to a math problem that looked complicated in steps and high in difficulty.
"This question... I'm not too sure about it."
Shikime Natsu leaned over to take a look. This question indeed had some difficulty; it belonged to the type where if you didn't grasp the specific problem-solving approach, you wouldn't be able to solve it even if you racked your brains.
However, for the current Kamuro Masumi, although this question was hard, it wasn't completely unsolvable.
He looked at Kamuro Masumi with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, not exposing the girl's little scheme. Instead, he patiently sat down beside her and began to explain the question in detail.
From the problem-solving approach to the application of formulas, and then to the derivation process of every step, Shikime Natsu explained profound things in simple terms, his logic clear.
Kamuro Masumi nodded. Her own line of thought was the same as Shikime Natsu's solution. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Like this... it should be no problem now, right?"
A few minutes later, Shikime Natsu put down the pen and asked with a smile.
"Mn... I understand."
Kamuro Masumi nodded, subconsciously reaching out to rub her somewhat sore shoulders. She had studied in the library for a long time today, so her shoulders were indeed a bit tired.
Just then, she felt the mattress behind her sink slightly. Before she could react, a pair of warm, large hands had already landed on her shoulders.
"You worked so hard today. Good job."
Shikime Natsu's voice came from behind.
"?!"
Kamuro Masumi was startled by this sudden action, her body stiffening instantly. But immediately after, those hands began to gently knead her neck and shoulders.
The force was moderate, the technique skilled; every press appropriately alleviated the soreness of the muscles.
"Mm..."
Kamuro Masumi couldn't help but let out a soft hum, her originally tight body gradually relaxing.
Although Shikime Natsu's action was sudden, she wasn't repulsed. In fact... she even enjoyed it a little. That gentle touch transmitted through her thin school uniform shirt to her skin caused a faint blush to rise on her cheeks.
It was very comfortable. Really very comfortable.
It was just that occasionally, those hands would inadvertently brush against her bra strap, bringing a strange sensation that made her feel somewhat awkward and shy.
Fortunately, Shikime Natsu didn't tease her verbally, only focusing on massaging her.
The room was very quiet, with only the sound of the girl's slightly hurried breathing. This atmosphere made the irritability and unease in Kamuro Masumi's heart gradually dissipate, replaced by a sense of peace she had never felt before.
The only one who can enjoy this kind of treatment from Shikime Natsu should be me, right?
Like Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyou, and also Sakayanagi Arisu, they were all aiming for the role of a maid. But she wasn't. So... it should be that only she could enjoy Shikime Natsu's massage, right?
And the gifts too. Although Shikime Natsu gave Kushida Kikyou a maid outfit, her own hair clip was still more precious. She was still wearing it now, and after wearing it, she seemed to have truly become lucky—for instance, she could enjoy a massage from Shikime Natsu right now.
After all, a master giving a maid a massage or something wouldn't be quite right, would it?
Only she was special.
Thinking of this, the corners of Kamuro Masumi's mouth turned up slightly, and a trace of small sweetness welled up in her heart.
Ten minutes passed quickly. For Kamuro Masumi, these ten minutes seemed like the blink of an eye.
"How does it feel?"
Shikime Natsu withdrew his hands and asked with a smile.
"Mn... not bad."
Kamuro Masumi lowered her head, her voice somewhat indistinct.
"That's good."
Shikime Natsu checked the time.
"It's about time to rest; we still have class tomorrow."
"Mn."
Kamuro Masumi nodded. Although she was somewhat reluctant in her heart, she still obediently stood up and packed her things.
"Then I'll go back first. Thank you for today."
"Take care."
After seeing Kamuro Masumi off, Shikime Natsu closed the door and picked up the mobile phone on the desk. The screen displayed an unread message.
Sender: Nagumo Miyabi.
He didn't even need to look at the content; Shikime Natsu could roughly guess what this guy wanted to say. Clicking it open, it was indeed as expected.
[Junior Shikime, thank you for helping Nazuna today. I am thanking you for your help on her behalf. These points are a token of gratitude. Please do not trouble yourself with future matters, Junior Shikime.]
The meaning these words wanted to express was quite obvious: Here is money, stay far away from Asahina Nazuna in the future.
Nagumo Miyabi had transferred 10,000 personal points. Not a lot, not a little. But for Shikime Natsu, this was like dismissing a beggar.
Shikime Natsu sneered and chose to leave it on 'Read' without replying.
Not long after, the phone rang. The caller ID was Nagumo Miyabi.
Shikime Natsu didn't rush to answer. Instead, he let it ring for more than ten seconds before leisurely pressing the answer button. By now, Nagumo Miyabi was probably already enraged, right?
Taking advantage of these ten-plus seconds before connecting, Shikime Natsu conveniently opened 'Observer' to check Nagumo Miyabi's recent activity.
It turned out this guy had just been frantically complaining about him to Asahina Nazuna on the phone, saying he was a scumbag who flirted around and telling Asahina Nazuna to stay away from him.
Flirting around isn't wrong, but I'm planning to build a harem. I'm sincere toward every girl, so I can't be counted as a scumbag. However, Shikime Natsu took note of it. Secretly badmouthing me, huh?
Although Nagumo Miyabi said this to Asahina Nazuna, Asahina Nazuna not only didn't listen but instead told Nagumo Miyabi not to interfere too much in her private life. She even called Nagumo Miyabi petty, saying that Shikime Natsu placed him and Horikita Manabu on the same level, yet he viewed his junior this way.
Placed on the same level? Nagumo Miyabi didn't believe it. Especially thinking of Shikime Natsu's attitude in the Student Council that day—his eyes held absolutely no awe for this senior. How could he possibly place him and Horikita Manabu on the same level?
And these words from Asahina Nazuna filled Nagumo Miyabi with jealousy, so he came directly for Shikime Natsu.
"Good evening, Nagumo-senpai."
After the call connected, Shikime Natsu spoke first, not a trace of abnormality in his tone.
"Good evening, Shikime-kouhai."
Nagumo Miyabi's voice came from the other end. Although it sounded calm, even carrying a smile, Shikime Natsu could clearly feel the fury suppressed beneath that calmness.
His superficial act was done quite well.
"It's so late; does Nagumo-senpai have some urgent matter for calling me?"
Shikime Natsu continued to play dumb.
"Hehe, Shikime-kouhai, you should have seen the message I sent you, right?"
Nagumo Miyabi chuckled lightly.
"Oh? The chat history..."
Shikime Natsu spoke casually.
"I saw it. It's nothing. Asahina-senpai is my Senpai; this is what I should do. If Asahina-senpai needs my help later, I will still provide assistance."
The meaning Shikime Natsu wanted to express was also quite obvious. Nagumo Miyabi didn't believe Shikime Natsu couldn't understand his hint; the look he gave Shikime Natsu in the elevator should have been enough for him to understand.
But now he actually dared to play dumb with him?
Nagumo Miyabi's voice turned cold.
"It seems you are refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit. Shikime, you should know that Horikita-kouhai and the people from Class 2-D bought past exam questions, right?"
"If this matter is reported to the school, I think you should be clearer than me on what the consequences will be."
Finally, the dagger was revealed.
Threatening me with Horikita Suzune's matter?
The corners of Shikime Natsu's mouth curled up into a playful smile.
Doesn't matter at all.
He spoke in a relaxed tone.
"If Nagumo-senpai plans to report this matter to the school, then please feel free to act. By the way, Nagumo-senpai, I have something I want to show you. Please take a moment to look at it; it's a very important thing."
After speaking, he operated his phone a few times and sent a video over.
It was precisely the video Shikime Natsu had recorded from a good angle at that time. It hadn't even been a day, and it was already being put to use. He really was lucky.
The picture clarity was extremely high. That male student's fearful, unwilling expression, as well as the action of transferring money to Nagumo Miyabi, were all captured clearly.
Moreover, although this video had no sound, even without sound, the meaning it wanted to express was obvious: Nagumo Miyabi was intimidating a classmate to demand points.
The other end of the phone fell into a deathly silence.
After a good while, Nagumo Miyabi's low voice sounded again.
"...Where did you get this video?"
Judging from the video's angle, that position was extremely hidden. He had clearly confirmed there was no one around at the time.
Who was it? Who was so insidious?
"A kind person sent it to me~"
Shikime Natsu said in a cheerful tone.
"What does Nagumo-senpai think of how this video was shot? Both the angle and clarity can be called perfect."
"Especially Senpai's expression of 'caring for a classmate'; it's simply touching."
"What do you want to do?"
Nagumo Miyabi's voice contained suppressed anger on the verge of erupting.
As the Student Council Vice President controlling the entire second year, although he possessed partial power, he absolutely dared not openly provoke the school rules. Even if he covered the sky with one hand in the school, if it involved serious disciplinary offenses like "intimidating classmates and extorting points," once there was solid evidence, even he would be in deep trouble.
And now, the evidence was solid.
That male student's expression was obviously one of being intimidated and extorted, and there was also the transfer record. Even if he made that male student testify that it didn't happen, it probably wouldn't have much effect.
The balance of power reversed in an instant.
"Nothing much, just wanted to share this wonderful video with Senpai."
Shikime Natsu yawned and spoke lazily.
"It's getting late. Senpai should rest early. Goodnight~"
After speaking, he made a move to hang up the phone.
"Wait!"
"How many points do you want?"
____
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