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Ever since I could remember, I understood that I was blessed with good looks compared to other girls, I excelled at academics and I was also good at sports and confident when it came to socializing.

Then, am I a perfect person? If you were to ask me this, my answer would be 'no'. In this world, there are girls far more beautiful than me, people smarter than me, and many more who are better at sports than me. However, I think there are things people absolutely don't want to lose at.

I'm the type of person whose feelings would be greatly shaken whenever I lost to someone close to me. Every time I lost, darkness would grow in my heart. I know I'm not ordinary, but I'm also definitely not a genius. This reality weighed heavily on my heart. As such, I would get people to 'trust' me more than anyone else.

I would regain the feeling of superiority by being more popular than anyone else. I would repress my emotions, put on a fake smile, and spread a false kindness. I became someone who was liked by everyone, and in this, I couldn't lose to anyone. The day I realized that, I was truly happy. I came to understand something else on that same day.

From the most serious secrets to the most trivial ones, I took control of them all. Every time I made a new friend and was able to listen to someone's worries, my heart would pound with excitement once again. I trembled with delight every time I learned someone else's secrets. I was the most trusted person around. But there was something I didn't notice at the time. That trust can only be gained from living a life plastered with lies.

I spent every day living with an enormous amount of stress in my heart. And then... that incident happened. But that can't be helped. After all, everyone rejected me. But because of that, the 'ideal me' that everyone once saw was broken.

Everyone's respect and envy disappeared, replaced by fear and hatred. I didn't want it to turn out this way. I only wanted one thing. To gain that 'feeling of superiority' once again. That's why I swore I'd never repeat my mistakes. That's why I'm so excited about starting my new high school life. But still, the entrance ceremony, which was supposed to be the turned into my worst nightmare instead.

I reunited with Horikita Suzune on the bus to school. She's the one person who knows about "the incident" at this school. As long as she's still here, I will never know true peace. But she's not the only one. also saw me.

At first, I thought he was just using the video to protect his friend, and so I can use something to shut him up, but I was dead wrong. When I saw his true eyes, I felt... . As long as Horikita Suzune and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka will be in this school... .

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The sports festival ended in mid-October, around the time of year when it started getting chilly. The school held a general election to decide who would be in charge of the next student council. Immediately after the election concluded, the school ushered in the handover ceremony of the student council.

It was a large-scale event that gathered students from the entire school to the gymnasium. However, for most of the first year students, it was a very uneventful experience. They were drowsy, but they were attempting to keep quiet and slow their breathing so the teachers and upperclassmen wouldn't notice them.

Following the moderator's speech, Horikita Manabu slowly approached the microphone on the stage. Suzune watched over her brother's resignation, she was staring at him with a firm look.

" I am proud and grateful to have been able to lead the student council for almost two years. Thank you very much. "

After his brief statement, Suzune's brother quietly retreated and returned to his original position. The student council officers on the stage with him stood firm, not breaking their solid posture.

Miyabi Nagumo, the new student president, walked forward and stood in front of the microphone. " I am Miyabi Nagumo of the second year's Class A. President Horikita; I really appreciate your strict and kind guidance so far. I am honored and would like to pay tribute to you, who has played one of the greatest leadership roles in the history of this school. "

With that, he bowed deeply in the direction of Suzune's brother, and then re-faced the students. " Let me introduce myself again. My name is Miyabi Nagumo. I will be the next student president of Advanced Nurturing High School. Please take care of me.

It was quite different from the attitude Kiyotaka and Karma had glimpsed at the sports festival. Nagumo was very polite and gentle. His expression and attitude that he held during the final leg of the relay race had entirely disappeared.

But they felt we were only being shown the surface. Nagumo smiled thin and small so as to change the calm atmosphere.

As soon as Nagumo began his speech towards the students, it felt a nasty ting hit their ears. He spoke so forcefully that it seemed to negate all the merits of the former student president who stood behind him.

Nagumo glanced at Manabu, the former student council president, and then turned back to the students.

" I promise that there will be a great revolution in the near future. Students with strength will climb up to the top and those without strength will fall to the bottom. I will turn this school into a real meritocracy, so please show me what you all can do. "

The gymnasium was immediately silenced by his declaration, but almost all the sophomores soon started screaming with joy and became rowdy. But Karma, on the other hand, squinted his eyes at Nagumo.

' This guy's vibe reminds me of that fatso Takaoka. At first, it may seem that his smile is a genuine one... ' Karma then slightly glares at Nagumo. '

_____________________________

It was now the middle of the second semester. Their surroundings began to change little by little. Class D began to have unity as a class. Everyone's attitude towards classes has also significantly improved. In this regard, Sudō especially showed changes.

After the sports festival, although the number of days since then is still relatively small, it's clear that his general attitude towards school has improved. His violent attitude that he had with his friends Ike and Yamauchi had become gentler.

He didn't want his beloved Suzune's opinion of him to worsen by letting her witness him shamefully rampaging about.

In short, Sudō is growing steadily and he has begun to gain a better reputation amongst his classmates. There were changes not only in Sudō's reputation, but also with their own.

" Are you two alone? " Suzune ask Kiyotaka and Karma.

Kiyotaka shrug. " Is it bad? "

Suzune chuckled making Kiyotaka stare at her blankly.

" Your dearest friends, Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun. They've been inviting you along much less often. "

" Is that so? " Kiyotaka raise a brow.

" Ara, my mistake. At lunch you two seem to be alone these days. After school as well as you can see. "

They watched as Ike and Yamauchi left the classroom with The Professor. Kiyotaka had thought he appeared to be as calm as the Buddha, but Horikita and Karma seemed to see through everything.

Suzune let out a scoff. " No way. They thought you were all birds of a feather, a bunch of useless students, so you stuck together. But you were actually hiding a lot of physical strength from them. "

Kiyotaka still pull out the ' What are you talking about, I'm inferior to you ' card. " What is high physical strength? It's only that my feet are a bit faster, at best. "

" But your footwork is fast, especially for a student. It's very fast. " Suzune point out, sooner or later she keep digging slowly.

Karma then add. " They probably noticed that your measurement for grip strength was higher than average. People have a basic tendency to hate others for being excellent, and your situation is that you've been hiding your excellence. "

When Karma said this, he was smirking; because it was his fault that Kiyotaka's grip was higher than average, making the said person to give Karma a half-hearted glare.

" Enjoy your solitary life boys. " Horikita gave a sarcastic look before leaving the classroom, her long hair flowing.

As they saw her off, Kei, who was still in the classroom, threw an indescribable glance in their direction. But as soon as their eyes met, she looked away naturally as if she never had any intention of looking their way in the first place.

There was obviously some kind of meaning behind this look, but she followed Suzune out of the classroom without revealing anything in particular.

Kiyotaka blinked. " How's she... Well, it's okay. "

" Okay? " Karma looked confused.

" Hey, hey, Ayanokōji-kun, Akabane-kun. " a girl walk towards them as she looked around the room nervously.

Karma smiled. " Classmate-chan! "

" It's Sato, Karma. " Kiyotaka turn to the said girl. " What's the matter? "

Sato scratch her cheek. " Yes, well. It's a bit. Well, how can I put it? Can I borrow some time? I have something to say. "

Karma perk. " Sorry Sato, I got something to do right now, but... Ayano-kun just told me that he has no plans, so you and him can speak, . "

At the end of the sentence, Karma winked, making Sato flustered.

" I-it's a little inconvenient here, is it alright if we go somewhere else? "

Before Kiyotaka can answer, Satō seemed to predict that he would not refuse, and offered to change places.

Kiyotaka obeyed her and followed behind her, although his eyebrow was twitching because he saw Karma smirk again. Karma chooses to silently follow them.

" Ah... "

As Kiyotaka was about to leave the classroom, Sakura made a sound as if trying to say something, but nothing came out and she ended up turning away. Karma then apologetically looked in her direction.

' Sorry Sakura-chan, but I needed to create such a situation to see... ' Karma then followed them and smirked. ' How would Ayano-kun react to a confession? '

They went out of the hallway to the liaison corridor connection to the gymnasium. Sato stopped and then turned around.

" I'm going to ask you something a little strange... Ayanokōji-kun, is there someone you're currently dating? "

Kiyotaka stop walking. " Er, what does that mean? "

" Well... literally speaking, it means having a girlfriend... How about that? "

" No... "

" Hmm, I see... Can I take that as though you're looking for a girlfriend? "

Sato did not look down on him, nor pity him, but instead showed a happy little smile. Karma, who was standing behind the corner, then chose to look at Kiyotaka's face, but he then frowned.

' Man, they're speaking about boyfriends and girlfriends, and he's got that straight face; plus, I think now he's thinking that this situation is about framing. '

" If you'd like to start with just being friends — well... would you exchange phone numbers with me? " Sato ask as she raise her phone.

Kiyotaka didn't say anything as he obligued.

The mobile phone shows the completed contract registration page. After this brief interaction with Satō, there was a strange tranquility in the atmosphere.

" Why are you suddenly asking me for my contact information? "

Satō blushed a little and didn't open her eyes. " During the relay of the sports festival... Should I say you were very cool? Or should I say you've been so close-by, and I haven't noticed you at all? I had thought the best guy in the class was Hirata-kun, but he is Karuizawa-san's boyfriend, so he's out of the question. "

As she finished saying this, she opened her eyes and looked up at him, and awkwardly adjusted what she had said.

" Ah... should I say that I don't think you are worse than Hirata-kun? To be honest, after I got a closer look, you seem to be more handsome than Hirata-kun. You also look really reliable and gentle... That's all! "

Perhaps the feeling of shame had swelled up in her, as Kiyotaka and Karma couldn't hear the last part very well, and Satō inevitably left like the wind.

Kiyotaka's thoughts couldn't keep up with what had happened with her, so he stood still.

" Man, that was no fun. "

Kiyotaka's eyes widen as he turn to Karma. " How long- "

" I followed you two from the start. But man... " Karma then sighed dejectedly. " You're really dense, Ayano-kun. "

" What are you talking about? "

" Don't mind, don't mind. "

Karma let out a sigh.

_____________________

While they were returning to the classroom, pondering about the complicated situation, they ran into Katsuragi and Yahiko of Class A. Katsuragi stopped and said to Yahiko.

" I'm sorry, go on ahead. I have something to say to Ayanokōji-kun and Akabane. "

Yahiko took up his guard, but because it was the instructions of Katsuragi, he immediately nodded his head and left.

Karma wave pleasantly. " Yo, baldy-kun. "

That earned Karma a glare from Katsuragi, but he quickly composed himself. " Horikita doesn't seem to be with you. "

" We don't always stay together. " Kiyotaka step in.

Katsuragi cross his arms. " That's true. To be honest, I was surprised by the relay race and the 1 vs 1 confrontation at the sports festival. Akabane and Ryuuen's fight was probably expected by most, except for an ending, but the relay race probably was something no one else in the school would have expected. "

" Class D won't always continue to be the losers. " Karma bit his tongue as he remind himself not to compare Class E.

" That's fine, but most of the students in Class D looked surprised as well. As long as their reactions weren't an act, then there seems to be a limit to the number of people who know how fast you can run. "

Kiyotaka close his eyes. " You are free to imagine what you will do, but I'm not going to say anything. "

" It doesn't matter. I'm not trying to get anything out of you. "

" If it's a hostile class, don't you want as much information as you can get? Or, from the point of view of Class A, do you not see Class D as a threat? " Karma ask.

Katsuragi gave a slightly vexed expression and took a few steps forward, stopping at the window. His gaze shifted towards the outside. " I'm being overworked with all sorts of tricky problems at this time. I simply don't have the luxury to pay attention to other classes. "

" You told Horikita to pay attention to Ryūen. "

" That guy always moves while disregarding his image for the sake of winning. He does whatever it takes to come out on top, even if he has to utilize things like intimidation and violence, just like you, Akabane. "

Karma fiddle his ear with his pinky as he roll his eyes. " Ehh, don't compare me to him. "

Katsuragi ignored that comment as he add. " He and you are the type of person who will do that kind of thing skillfully and covertly. Please continue to urge Horikita to not look down on him. Although this all might seem as though I'm helping an enemy and making you wary, Ryūen is a common enemy of Class A, Class B, and Class D. "

' It is true that Class C is actively fighting against all the other classes. However, there is evidence that Katsuragi and Ryūen had previously joined forces with one another. '

As they think of this, Katsuragi seems to feel their distrust. " You don't believe me? "

Kiyotaka explain. " To be honest, we can't believe you entirely. It's hard for us to decide if I want to tell Horikita what you said. "

" We can't tell you the source, but there are rumors that you were in partnership with Ryūen. Are these just rumors? " Karma stared at the big male.

" No... There is no need to delve into that. I regret it now. Although it was a momentary feeling and there was no leeway, I really shouldn't have taken the risk and involved myself with him. That's why I want you to take this advice. If you become involved with that guy, you'll be damned. I knew right from the start that there was a risk in joining forces with that guy. "

" Then what's the value in accepting your proposal to join forces against him? " Kiyotaka proceed to ask.

At that, Katsuragi laughed to himself.

" We know you are working to stop Ryūen, but that problem should belong to Class A and Class B. We saw the public class points that were displayed at the start of October. "

Katsuragi shut his mouth; it seems that he is indifferent on the matter. " I really can only admit that this is not a very good state for Class A to be in. I was fooled by the school structure. My inability to perfectly understand the system of class points is also a factor. I was born in the countryside and went to a local middle school. This place is very different from the high school life I always imagined. "

After Katsuragi had said so, he clammed up a bit out of frustration. " I have recently felt it again. Students of the same grade should be friendly to each other and should never be hostile to one another. Are you not wavering, Ayanokōji-kun, Akabane? "

Kiyotaka shake his head. " Honestly, not at all. It doesn't affect my judgment of how good or bad this school is. If the goal of reaching or maintaining Class A is put aside, this is definitely a charming and moving school. "

Karma chuckled at the thought. " With only a certain amount of hard work, students don't have to worry about things like food and clothing. We even get money to spend on entertainment because of the points the school pays. Everything in the school is impeccably well prepared and thought out. "

" I agree. If there is something to be disgruntled about, it is that the environment is too perfect.It's all just nonsense. Regardless, please tell Horikita about the threat that Ryūen poses. " Katsuragi remind the boys.

They were advised by the reticent man and promised that they would communicate this to Horikita.

As the sun began to set, Karma yawned.

" I'm so tired. "

" Then go to sleep, we will both meet together tomorrow. " Kiyotaka said.

" No, it's so early though.. "

" That is no reason to come in my room again Karma. "

" But- "

" Rest in your room. "

" I- "

" In your room. "

Karma twitch, walking towards Kiyotaka he grip his arm. " You. Me. Your bedroom. Now. "

________________________

That night, Kiyotaka and Karma rest in Kiyotaka's room.