"Man, that entrance ceremony was pretty standard for a school like this. Don't you think, Kōenji-kun?"
Hasebe asks for my take as we leave the ceremony.
Just like the novel described, it was a totally ordinary event. For a school with this kind of reputation, you'd expect something flashy. But I know it's all a ruse to throw us first-years off.
"Yeah, I was expecting something more extravagant."
"Right? Still, it's a unique school. Handing out 100,000 yen to students is wild."
"So, Hasebe-chan, what's your take?"
"On what?"
"The fact they gave us such a huge sum right off the bat. Don't you have any concerns about it?"
I want to see if my exchange with Chabashira sparked any questions in the class.
Hasebe puts her index finger under her chin, thinking.
"Hmm… Well, at first, I figured it was just how this school rolls, but after you brought it up in class, I'm kinda confused… Ugh, I don't know! I'm not that sharp, so it's hard to wrap my head around."
Tired of overthinking, Hasebe gives up.
'At least she's got some doubts. That's a start.'
"So, Kōenji-kun, what do *you* think? I know you've got suspicions."
She turns the question back on me.
I just wanted her general thoughts, but as a friend, I might as well give her a heads-up.
"If you want my opinion, there's gotta be a catch somewhere. I can't quite pin it down yet, but I'm certain this setup isn't as rosy as it seems."
"You think the school's testing us?"
'Interesting. She says she's not sharp, but she just hit the nail on the head.'
"Maybe. This is a school for training future leaders, after all. I'd advise you not to burn through your points carelessly. There's no guarantee we'll get the same amount next month."
"That makes sense."
We reach the campus courtyard. It's like a park, with benches, a pond, and plenty of greenery.
"So, where do we start?"
I pull out the school map we got at the gate and unfold it in front of Hasebe and me.
She leans in closer, studying it.
"How about the Keyaki Mall?"
She suggests.
It's clearly the most intriguing spot on campus. As a reader of the novel, I'm curious to see what it's like in person.
I nod.
"Hey, you!"
We're about to head out when a voice stops us from behind.
We turn to see who it is.
'What a surprise…'
It's Sudō.
"What do *you* want?"
Hasebe asks with undisguised disdain.
Even she got a bad vibe from him earlier.
"Why're you coming at me? I didn't do anything."
"Not yet, anyway."
"I just wanna talk to Kōenji-san."
At that, Sudō shifts his gaze to me.
"What's up, Sudō-san?"
I ask.
I'm genuinely curious about what he wants to discuss.
"Can we talk one-on-one?"
'Intriguing.'
My curiosity's piqued even more.
"What? You trying to finish what you started in class? Kōenji-kun, don't go anywhere with him."
Hasebe steps between Sudō and me.
It's sweet of her to worry, but I don't think Sudō means any harm.
"It's okay, Hasebe-chan."
I place a hand on her shoulder to calm her.
"You sure, Kōenji-kun?"
She turns to me for confirmation.
"I'm sure. I don't think Sudō-san has bad intentions. Am I wrong?"
I direct the last question at Sudō.
"I never planned to do anything."
"Then why do you need to talk to Kōenji alone?"
"Hasebe-chan, I think Sudō-san has his reasons. Don't worry."
I gently ask Hasebe to step aside.
I move closer to Sudō, signaling I'm willing to discuss.
"No, it's fine. Here's okay too."
"You sure, Sudō-san?"
It didn't bother me much to follow him, especially if what he had to say was that important.
He nods.
'Well, if he's really okay with it, no problem.'
"Alright. What's up, Sudō-kun?"
Our eyes meet, but Sudō looks away, scratching the back of his head.
"I-I, uh… look, I just wanted to apologize for what I did earlier, that's all."
'Well, that's a surprise.'
Sudō steals glances to gauge my reaction. It's pretty unexpected from him. Sure, he's not a total jerk, but I didn't peg him for the type to come apologize.
I place my left hand on his right shoulder and give him a genuine smile.
"I'm really touched by your gesture, Sudō-san, but I think I'm partly to blame here too. How about we call it even?"
Even though he got physical, I did provoke him in a way.
My original goal was to build some kind of connection with Sudō since he'll be pretty important to my plans. But now, I've got a shot at more than just a connection.
Feeling more at ease with my response, Sudō meets my gaze and nods in agreement.
Meanwhile, Hasebe steps closer. I can see surprise on her face.
'Yup, Hasebe, never judge a book by its cover.'
"Well, if that's settled, I'll leave you two to it…"
Sudō starts to walk off, but I've got other plans.
"Hey, Sudō-san, Hasebe-chan and I were about to check out the Keyaki Mall. What're you up to?"
Yeah, I'm trying to invite him along.
He's stunned for a moment by the sudden offer but manages to find his words.
"Actually, I was gonna swing by there too."
"Really? Why don't we all go together?"
"Uh, I don't wanna impose…"
Sudō hesitates to accept.
I've got a hunch why.
Sensing the vibe, I notice Hasebe's eyes widen. She's just realized Sudō's hesitating because of her.
"If Kōenji-kun's cool with it, I'm fine too."
With her approval, Sudō seems more relaxed.
"Then I don't see any issue."
And just like that, our trio heads off to the Keyaki Mall.
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