Inside Class 1-B's classroom, Hashima Hikaru was contemplating how to solve this problem.
"I need to make Kushida acknowledge the reason for my actions. I hadn't considered this thoroughly before."
Hashima Hikaru tapped lightly on the desk as his thoughts raced.
"What kind of excuse would work best..."
After about a few minutes, he came up with a simple reason that both aligned with the mindset of teenage boys and girls and could easily explain why he was actively helping her.
But would she actually believe it?
"Good morning, Hashima !"
A familiar greeting came from beside him. Hashima Hikaru looked up at Ichinose Honami who was walking over and smiled.
"Good morning, Ichinose."
"Mm-hmm."
After yesterday's talk therapy session, the girl had completely shed her gloomy demeanor from the day before. Her expression was soft, emanating a trustworthy aura.
"Let's start by reviewing yesterday's information," said Hashima Hikaru, taking out his notebook. Since he had already told the lie, he needed to play his part thoroughly.
"Alright, I'll start first then."
Ichinose Honami's expression became much more serious as she looked at the boy in front of her and began speaking. "First, regarding Sakayanagi's attitude—she disagreed with the alliance, or rather, she looks down on alliances."
"Looks down?" Hashima Hikaru was confused.
"Yes, she said that Katsuragi approaching us for an alliance was just playing house. Plus, she's very confident in herself," Ichinose Honami recalled her conversation with Sakayanagi yesterday and continued slowly. "She seems to believe that whether it's class competition or her rivalry with Katsuragi, she will definitely be the winner."
"That's what I sensed."
"I see."
Hashima Hikaru nodded. After thinking for a moment, he spoke up: "It seems this Sakayanagi will definitely be a formidable opponent for us in the future. After all, she has an obvious physical disability, which means she's essentially giving up on all physical education courses and exams."
"Yet she was still assigned to Class A. That already says a lot."
Ichinose Honami's expression became solemn. She had already deeply recognized the other girl's abilities yesterday. Despite exchanging quite a bit of information during their conversation, the girl still felt she couldn't see through her opponent.
"So what about the alliance decision? What does Hashima think?" the girl asked.
"Let's put it on hold for now. Since we already know Sakayanagi's attitude, and Katsuragi doesn't have complete control over Class A, forming a partnership under these circumstances would be risky," said Hashima Hikaru, stroking his chin as he analyzed. "After all, we've already received rewards from the school. Before next month arrives, it's probably better not to share information with other classes."
"Yes, I think so too."
The pink-haired girl nodded, then spoke again: "So what information did Hashima get from Kushida yesterday?"
Noticing Ichinose's suddenly sharp gaze, Hashima Hikaru found it somewhat amusing but responded calmly.
"Oh, it was about the study group."
"Kushida said their class is planning to organize a study group. After all, there are monthly tests, plus the important midterm exams later. If they can help everyone improve their academic performance, it will definitely be beneficial for future class competitions."
"I see," Ichinose Honami's beautiful eyes flashed with understanding as she quickly said, "I think Kushida's idea is very right. No matter how class competitions unfold, this is still a school, so students' grades are definitely important."
"Let's organize a study group too, Hashima !"
Hashima Hikaru had anticipated her reaction and responded mildly: "Sure, I think this is definitely a good thing. We can divide into small groups for review, identify gaps in knowledge, and help everyone improve together."
"Mm-hmm!" The girl suddenly became excited, as if such collective plans always made her happy.
"Then I'll leave this plan to Ichinose—organizing the group study sessions," Hashima Hikaru shrugged and said lazily, "After all, I want to be lazy right now and don't plan to put in effort."
"That's fine, Hashima should rest well. I'll handle it!"
Ichinose nodded seriously. She naturally understood that Hashima Hikaru meant to fulfill their agreement to let her take the spotlight, so she immediately became motivated.
"I look forward to Ichinose's performance. Just let me know after you've formed the groups."
"Mm-hmm."
--
After school, while Ichinose was actively communicating with classmates about how to form groups for the study session, a group of people also gathered in Class D's classroom.
Leading them was naturally the super popular Kushida Kikyō, and standing beside her were three male students: Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji with expectant looks on their faces, plus the expressionless Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
Yamauchi and Ike were certainly not looking forward to studying, but rather the opportunity to interact closely with class idol Kushida. Meanwhile, the expressionless Ayanokōji Kiyotaka seemed confused.
"Um, why do I have to join the study group too? My grades are actually..."
"Ayanokōji, I remember you often can't answer the teacher's questions in class," Kushida Kikyō said with a gentle smile. "Join our study group, and Horikita and I will be your support."
Ayanokōji looked at the black-haired girl with her bag next to him. Though she still maintained a cold expression, she had clearly already agreed to join this study session.
She's actually willing to do this kind of thing?
"...Alright then, I'll join."
"As for Yamauchi and Ike, if you have any questions, you can ask Horikita and me, okay? Let's all work hard together!"
"Oh yeah, we'll work hard!"
The two boys, looking at Kushida's energetic smile, felt it was so fortunate to be invited to her study group.
The five of them walked together to the study room after school. It was a very spacious classroom with many long wooden tables for students who came to study.
"Let's choose this spot. Today we must study hard and conquer challenging problems," Kushida invited everyone to sit down. As a girl, she naturally sat with Horikita Suzune on one side, while the three boys sat opposite them.
"Let's begin. To better understand your actual levels, I've brought a set of test papers," Horikita Suzune said expressionlessly as she took several identical test papers from her bag and handed them to everyone. Her tone carried a hint of command: "This test is quite comprehensive and can assess everyone's weak subjects. You can work on it first, then I'll grade it."
"Hey, Horikita, are you treating us like children?" Yamauchi objected upon seeing her superior attitude. "Can't we just study on our own?"
"Yeah, why should we take your test? You're not a teacher," Ike added.
Meanwhile, the calm Ayanokōji simply reached for a test paper without saying anything.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Kushida Kikyō immediately began mediating, gently persuading: "Um, Yamauchi, Ike, don't be like that. Since Horikita is being so helpful, why don't we just take the test? Her grades are so good, she can definitely help everyone."
"Hmph, I'll do it for Kushida's sake. Watch how I conquer this test!"
"I'll do my best to show Kushida my abilities!" Ike Kanji said very confidently as he took the test paper.
"I look forward to your performance."
Horikita responded indifferently, then handed the remaining test paper to Kushida Kikyō.
"Kushida, this is yours."
"I have to take it too?"
The short-haired girl couldn't help but twitch at the corner of her mouth. She didn't think she really needed tutoring—she was just using this opportunity to investigate Horikita Suzune's situation.
"What do you think?"
"Fine... I'll take the test too."
After cursing under her breath, Kushida Kikyō accepted the test paper with a smile and began working on it.
Meanwhile, after seeing that everyone had received their papers, Horikita Suzune quietly took out her own workbook. She had always been strict with herself—since this was a study session, she couldn't waste time.