Suzune heads towards the infirmary.

' Karma-kun and Ayanokouji-kun verbally demolished me. Having been surprised by that, I wasn't able to answer satisfactorily. '

She is diagnosed with a sprain and decides to utilize substitutes even if it means paying for them with her own Private Points. When she was about to leave through the main entrance, Kikyo ran over.

Kikyo panted. " I'm glad I was able to find you, Horikita-san. "

Suzune cross her arms as she turn to Kikyo. " ...What is it? I have business to attend to later "

Kikyo smiled. " Yep. Sorry, but this isn't a good place. Would you please hear me out? "

" Can you please explain here? "

Kikyo nod and lean near Suzune's ear as she began to whisper. " ...Umm you see, it seems Kinoshita-san, who ran into you and collapsed, suffered a serious injury. Right now, it looks like it's bad enough that she can't even get up, that's why......umm, Kinoshita-san is saying she'd like you to go see her. "

Hearing those words, she couldn't conceal her surprise. Suzune ask. " Where is she right now? "

" This way. "

The two girls then return to the infirmary to see her. Kinoshita and Chabashira are in the infirmary. The former is crying in bed. The latter pulls Suzune aside.

" Kinoshita-san ran into you during the morning's obstacle course race and fell. Do you recall that? " Kikyo ask Suzune.

" Of course. She ran into me and fell after all. "

Chabashira sensei turn to Suzune. " Kinoshita is saying that you, Horikita, deliberately caused her to fall. "

Suzune look away. " No such thing. It was a coincidental accident "

" I'd like to believe that as well but the situation isn't looking good. Kinoshita has testified that during the middle of the race, you kept on repeatedly looking back at her. For verification, we checked the video footage and you indeed checked Kinoshita's position twice. " Chabashira informed.

" That is because she's the one who repeatedly called out my name. That's why I looked back. "

Chabahira lean back. " She called your name, huh? I see. However, even if that happens to be the case, there's still a huge problem. She said you forcefully kicked her in the shin. "

" I didn't do anything. " Suzune firmly said.

" Of course, I believe in your innocence. However, as long as we cannot eliminate the possibility that it was intentional, it's natural for us to deliberate on it. "

Suzune comment. " That's stupid. "

Chabashira arch her brow. " If you ignore this, the problem will grow. Obviously this has reached the ears of the other teachers as well, and the longer this drags out, even to the student council. If that happens, the aftermath will be disastrous. You haven't forgotten what happened when Sudou fought with Class C, have you? "

Even when Suzune gives an expressionless expression, she feels troubled. ' If this drags out, my brother will inevitably learn of this as well. '

" But it doesn't seem like Kinoshita's going to listen, she's saying she'll report this to the school. Judging from her testimony and the footage, it doesn't seem like we'll be able to close this case. " Chabashira add.

" How did you happen to hear of this, Chabashira-sensei? Who else knows of this currently? "

" Kushida consulted me on the matter. She said she didn't want to make a big deal out of it but didn't know what to do. " The teacher replied.

Kikyo flinch before looking nervous. " Sorry, Horikita-san. Kinoshita-san insisted that I consult a teacher on this no matter what... "

Suzune sighed as she closee her eyes. " Thank you for your concern. Because if it had been a teacher from another class, this would have escalated into a big deal. But I have my doubts. Where exactly did you hear this from Kinoshita-san? "

" Because I'm good friends with Kinoshita-san...... " Kikyo answered shamefully.

" So that's how it is, huh. " Suzune murmured, there is no escaping this, a problem coming in after another.

Kikyo raise her head. " Would you like to speak with Kinoshita-san? "

Chabashira shrug her shoulders. " I don't know. Right now she seems a bit frightened so she might be emotionally unstable... "

Kikyo looked worried. " Please, sensei. "

" Alright, then let's try talking to her a bit. " Chabashira finally says after a few seconds of silence.

Just as Chabashira grants permission, Ryūen arrives.

He doesn't look any concerned at all. " Looks like it's become quite a big problem. "

Suzune stared at the newcomer with an unreadable expression.

" Ryuuen-kun... "

__________________________

Ryuuen laughed sneeringly and stopped in front of them. " I came here after Kinoshita asked for me. To think someone would have deliberately caused that injury of hers. "

He then entered the infirmary. The girls too followed him. Entering the infirmary, Ryuuen brushed off the curtain that is veiling the bed in which Kinoshita is receiving treatment.

" Hey, Kinoshita. You ok? Looks like you've been through some tough times. "

Seeing Ryuuen-kun, Kinoshita-san openly trembled in fear.

Ryuuen walk near the injured girl. " I hear you've injured your leg? Show me. "

He pulled Kinoshita-san's leg out from beneath the sheets.

" This is bad. Not half bad, all things considered... "

Under Ryuuen's hand was Kinoshita's painful-looking leg wrapped up in bandages.

Kinoshita sniffled. " Sorry......I tried to hang in there and participate in the next contest too but......my leg just wouldn't listen......that's why......ahh! "

" Don't blame yourself, Kinoshita. I know you tried to participate in the three-legged race. " Ryuuen said as if to sooth the girl.

Suzune grip her palms as she glance at Kinoshita with suspicion. " ...It was an accidental collision. Kinoshita-san, what exactly are you trying to accomplish by saying I made you fall? "

Kinoshita averted her eyes.

Ryuuen then stood in front of her. " According to what Kinoshita's been saying, you fully intended on making her fall. You deliberately did it, didn't you? "

" Cut the jokes. Are you saying I'd do something like that? " Suzune ask.

Ryuuen smirk. " You can never tell what someone will do. Besides, look at the facts. Kinoshita, who happens to be better than you at sports, sustained serious injuries and had to withdraw. On top of that, she was planning on participating in all the Recommended Only Participation events later. In contrast, you continued participating in the contests in spite of your injury. You're asking the impossible if you want me to not be suspicious of that. "

Kinoshita then speak up. " Horikita-san...you told me after I fell...that I definitely won't win... "

Suzune cross her arms. " I said no such thing. Are you even aware that you're spouting lies? "

" Horikita, you were only looking back during the incident with Kinoshita. " Chabashira stated.

" I admit I was looking back. However, it's only because she called out my name many times over from behind me. At first, I ignored her. But clearly things seemed strange and so I looked back. "

" I never called you, not even once. " Kinoshita said through gritted teeth.

Ryuuen then reasoned out. " The person in question herself is denying it, sensei. Besides, even if Kinoshita happened to call Suzune's name, what's wrong with that? Just calling a name doesn't amount to foul play. "

Kikyo step forward. " I think it's unfortunate that things turned out like this but I don't think Horikita-san is the type of person to deliberately injure her opponent like this. "

" But Horikita-san told me...that she absolutely won't let me win...! " Kinoshita quietly said.

" That's probably just your desire to not lose getting to your head, is it not? I think Horikita-san was also surprised by the fall, I think she was desperate too. "

The girl look away from Kikyo. " But—I can't forgive her...now I have to take a break from even track and field practice... "

" ...Don't you feel any shame? Painting lies and ensnaring someone, is that fun for you? Or could it be that Ryuuen-kun set everything up? I doubt that it's mere coincidence you conveniently showed up here. " Suzune began to accuse.

" So you're blind to your own shortcomings and now it's the injured Kinosh*ta's fault as well as mine, huh? You're quite a terrible woman. " Ryuuen comment.

Suzune scoff. " Don't make me laugh. You provoked Sudou-kun a while back; I won't let you say you forgot. You're trying to use that same trick this time around as well, aren't you? "

" I don't mind if we can strike a quick and easy deal. "

" Strike a deal? "

" I'm talking about you shouldering any losses incurred by Kinoshita and Class C. " Ryuuen said.

" That's not funny; I don't even have to listen to this. "

Ryuuen shrug uncaringly. " Then we're done. You won't strike a deal but you're telling us to not report this to the bigwigs. That's too selfish of you, Suzune. This won't fly. "

" What exactly should we do...? " Kikyo ask carefully.

" If you'll fork over 1 million points then I'll have Kinoshita withdraw her complaint. That way we'll be able to prepare a substitute for the Recommended Only Participation events and Kinoshita will be able to acquire a 'special income' thanks to me as well. Simple enough right? "

Suzune can feel her face twitch in anger and frustration. " I haven't done anything. I don't need to hand a single point over. "

" Then go ahead and prove it, Suzune. "

Kikyo then raise her hand as she ask kindly. " Umm...would it be no good with just my points alone...Ryuuen-kun? "

Ryuuen tilt his head. " Hm? "

Kikyo explained. " I don't think Horikita-san's the kind of person to deliberately do something like this. That's why I don't want to make a big deal out of this. But...I don't think Kinoshita-san's the type of person to lie too...an unfortunate coincidence, couldn't it be just that...that's why... "

Ryuuen smiled. " A beautiful friendship. But that's no good. "

While distorting her face in pain, Kinoshita raised her upper body.

" If they look at this situation, the school should understand too that this is a serious matter. They won't stand for this vicious stance that would do anything if it's for the sake of an inferior person's victory. " After that Ryuuen turn around, preparing to leave.

" Wait... "

That word clearly reached Ryuuen. They stopped walking.

" What is it, Suzune? You have no intention of responding to discussion, right? "

" If I pay, then you'll make it so that this never happens right...? " Suzune hesitantly ask.

Ryuuen raise a brow. " So you're admitting that you committed foul play in order to win? "

Suzune shake her head. " This time, I lost to your strategy. That's why I'll be paying for that. "

Ryuuen gave a laugh before nudging the girl beside him. " Did you hear that, Kinoshita? She doesn't think she's done anything wrong at all. Can you forgive her? "

Kinoshita looked down. " ...I won't forgive her... "

" Hear that? Unless you acknowledge your fault sincerely, we have no intention of responding. "

Suzune ask repeatedly. " If I pay a million points, you'll make it so that nothing happens, that's what you said. There are no other conditions, right? "

" Certainly. But that was only the case a while ago. You declined once right? The same conditions won't apply now. " Ryuuen then smirk. " Try kneeling and begging right here. Maybe Kinoshita's feelings and my own might change. "

Chabashira furrowed her eyebrows as she frown. " Wait, Ryuuen. This is too much. "

" Teachers shouldn't butt into this. This is a problem between us students. Don't think this problem will be over just because the sports festival ends, ok? I'll dig this matter back up thoroughly no matter what and fight against you. After school, you bring Suzune to me. "

Saying that, Ryuuen and Kinoshita both left the infirmary.

Kikyo turn to look at Suzune with a worried expression. " Are you ok? Horikita-san... "

" I'm fine.. Excuse me. " Hurriedly, Suzune left her classmate and her teacher behind as she left the infirmary.

As she walk across the halls she whisper in a tired tone. " This is pathetic... "

As she approached the entrance, she noticed the presence of two people who walked into the school building.

Suzune can feel herself choke. " Nii-san— "

Secretary Tachibana noticed her presence and diverted her gaze towards her, but Manabu did not even spare her a glance.

" Do you understand exactly what sort of situation Class D is in right now in this exam? " Suzune flinch at the cold voice Manabe gives off.

" ...I am currently realizing it. But please do not worry—I won't be troubling you, Nii-san. " Suzune quietly replied.

' That's right; that alone is something I must absolutely avoid doing. This incident is caused entirely by my shortcomings. '

" Please excuse me. "

And by that, Suzune manage to pass by her brother succesfully.

After that, she continues searching for Sudō. She returns to where Class D is gathered, hoping Sudō had returned on his own, but he has not.

Suddenly she felt a cold shiver as something touch her back.

" !! "

Suzune quickly look behind her and see Karma holding up two hands.

" Woah woah. You okay? " Karma laughed at Suzune's face.

Suzune glared.

" Don't worry, I'm not here to make fun, do you know where Sudo is, time wasting. " Karma said.

Suzune sighed. " No, not yet. But the places he could go to are limited. If he doesn't want to be seen, then the possibility that he's returned to the dormitory is high. "

Karma hummed. " Hey, is your leg okay? "

" I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt, but it's not like I can't run. Will you come along? "

" No sorry, I'll be in your way anyway. " Karma declined.

" I see... " Suzune muttered. She then started walking, but before she could leave-

" Suzu-chan... "

The said girl turn around.

" What is it, Karma-kun? I'm in a hurry- "

" You didn't tell us everything, right? "

Karma looked at Suzune directly, making her sweat a little.

" What are you- "

Karma then held his hand up to stop her talking. " You don't need to tell me anything, I can already guess what it is, but... "

Karma then smiled a little, making Suzune shocked, because it was his genuine and gentle smile. " We're also your allies, so when you're in a pinch, you can also rely on us. "

Suzune was surprised. " R-right. Well then, if it's all, I'll be leaving. "

Suzune then sped off to find Sudo, but because Karma was already going back, he didn't see a little red on her cheeks.

_______________________

The latter half of the festival begins with the Recommended Only Participation events, where elites chosen from within the ranks of the class are expected to participate. The first event is Scavenger Hunt.

" Speaking of which, Ayanokouji-kun will be participating in the scavenger hunt right? " Yosuke ask the said male.

Kiyotaka sighed. " If possible I'd rather not though... "

" The problem is the absentee, Sudou-kun... " Yosuke then raise his head. " I think a substitute will be necessary. When it comes to individual contests, our class is probably the worst. That's why in order to win in overall points, we have to win here. "

" Then, the question is who to use as a substitute. " Kiyotaka said.

" 100,000 points are required for a substitution after all. The substitutes we can use that I think would be fine are Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun. "

Karma nod in understanding. " Because if they take 1st place, they'll be able to acquire points for their tests? "

Smart yosuke.

Yosuke smiled. " Yeah. I think it's a good idea to make use of that merit. "

.

.

.

Ike, who was chosen after winning rock-paper-scissors against Yamauchi, joined the participating group.

Ike takes on the first race and manages to get 1st place in his run.

Kiyotaka joins in the second run.

" Now then, what exactly is going to be written down... "

He inserted his hand into the box. He snatched one paper out. He unfolded the paper: "Bring along 10 friends".

" ...You've got to be kidding right? "

" What are you spacing out for?! Hurry it up, Ayanokouji! "

ke shouted out to him like that but there's nothing he can do about it.

Karma, on the other hand, was trying his best to hold his laughter, because he could see what was written on the paper, mabye because of his training with the rifle.

" I'd like to request a change... " Kiyotaka said.

He stood by for 30 seconds and drew his second lot: "The person you love".

Kiyotaka curse. " No, no, no...no, no, no, no. "

When Karma heard and read that, he burst into a laughing spree and fell on the ground, holding his belly. " Hahaha! O-Oh god...! Hahaha! "

" C-Change. "

On the third attempt, he manages to get one that tells him to find a table clock. However, he cannot find one in time before other contestants finish their run and accepts finishing in the last place.

///

During that time, Suzune finally finds Sudō in the dorm's lobby.

" Sudou-kun. "

Sudou perked up by Suzune's voice. " ...Horikita. Why did you come here...? Could it be you're here to persuade me? "

" Do I look like the type to come all the way here to persuade you? " Suzune cross her arms.

" Then why? Did you come here to scold me again? "

Suzune shakes her head. " If you withdraw, Class D will stand no chance. "

" Aren't they in trouble right now? "

" Yes. I guess right about now they're at the very bottom and to turn things around, taking 1st place consecutively on the Recommended Only Participation events will be necessary. Even then, it'll still be pretty much impossible for us to stand at the top. "

Sudou look away, guilt and anger shown on his face. " I just couldn't stand being on the losing side of it. What that bastard did was against the rules. "

Suzune walk near the male. " If you were someone people could trust in and rely on, then rather than me you would surely have a lot of classmates here instead, to convince you to come back. "

Sudou gave the table a light kick.

" That attitude's the problem here. Class D's always been bossed around by you, the midterm exam, and the incident with Class C, snapping and going on a rampage this time around. "

" I don't care about something like that. " Sudou said with tch.

" Your weakness is that you're too easy to figure out. What would happen if you didn't happen to study? What would happen if you were to instigate violence? You lack the imagination to think ahead. " Suzune explained.

" Ahh damn it all, it's already over! Leave me alone already! Your preaching is making me want to vomit! "

" If you dislike it, you're free to hit me. "