Ichinose Honami SS

An Upcoming Promise

In the morning, I arrived earlier than the appointed time and sat down on the bench.

Waiting here, in a little while I'll have a brief conversation with Ayanokoji-kun.

He fills my heart more than I imagined, making me feel incredibly happy.

But this isn't acceptable.

Ayanokoji-kun now has Karuizawa-san as his girlfriend.

I, as a human being, must calmly accept this fact and make a decision.

But at least in my heart, I want to enjoy this date.

Waiting for someone you like, like lovers do—this feeling I can savor a little.

"Kiyotaka-kun."

On the bench with no one around, I softly spoke.

If we were in love, I could call his name even more intimately than now.

Perhaps Ayanokoji-kun would also call me "Honami."

Just imagining it made my heart flutter, pounding rapidly.

I never thought that this love, which I was initially unaware of, would develop into this.

The question is—to what extent can I suppress this one-sided love, that's all.

I saw him coming.

Clearing my mind, I straightened my back as if to maintain my composure.

"Good morning."

Facing Ayanokoji-kun, who greeted me, I responded as well.

"Good morning, Ayanokoji-kun. Is it really okay for you to invite me here?"

"What do you mean?"

"This place is crowded. If Karuizawa-san or someone close to her sees us, won't they misunderstand?"

Actually, I wanted to be seen by others.

I wanted to destroy this relationship, but that isn't acceptable.

"Don't worry. I told Kei about today. Unintentional secrecy and clumsy lies would only become shackles that hinder maintaining our relationships."

"Regarding the special exam—what are you planning to do, Ayanokoji-kun?"

After that, I talked a bit with Ayanokoji-kun about the special exam.

Because we are in opposing positions.

Because I bear the mission of not being able to lose.

Because only during the exam must I seal away these feelings.

So, at least for now, let me feel happiness.

I made this small wish.

Ryuen Kakeru SS

Sincerity

In an empty, silent karaoke private room, I waited for that guy. While waiting, I glanced at the grape juice on the table and imagined splashing it out.

If that guy doesn't notice the existence of this juice, I'll do it.

But nine times out of ten, he'd notice, so forget it.

Using dirty tricks every time would only make him more vigilant for nothing.

Before long, that guy appeared with a calm expression.

"You didn't bring your buddies today?"

"Heh, that's an unexpected comment. Could it be that you prefer a livelier atmosphere?"

"If Ibuki and Ishizaki were here, it might lighten this dull mood."

Even when dealing with me, his expression remained unchanged. His composure was truly infuriating.

"You speak as if it's my fault, even though you're the one who invited me."

"That's true."

"Forget it, whatever. I was planning to contact you this time anyway, so I'll let it slide."

It saves me trouble and time.

"Then we should be talking about the same topic."

As I opened the conversation, I urged Ayanokoji to sit down.

"Don't be shy, have a seat."

"If possible, I'd rather not. Are you planning to splash grape juice this time?"

Tch, so he noticed after all? I erased the possibility of making a move from my mind.

"Don't overthink it. If you want to dodge, you can, can't you?"

I continued saying such trivial things while preparing to reveal my true feelings in front of Ayanokoji.

There was something I had to tell this man.

Betting on expulsion in the battle with Sakayanagi wasn't an important issue.

What mattered was making this guy acknowledge me afterward.

For that, using any means necessary wouldn't be unreasonable.

However, just this once, I couldn't do that.

"I'll show Sakayanagi—and you—my true strength. Although it's not my style, I'll crush you fair and square."

Let's see who's truly more capable.

Because that's what's most important.

Therefore, the vow made here holds significant meaning. Without a doubt, I conveyed my true feelings. So that afterward, I can avenge myself against Ayanokoji waiting ahead.

Sakayanagi Arisu SS

Wavelength

Letting my sleepy body lie on the bed, I put the phone to my ear.

"Hmm-hmm..."

Even though the call hasn't started yet, a smile naturally spreads across my face.

The reason is that I'm waiting to talk with Ayanokoji-kun.

After dialing, it wasn't long before Ayanokoji-kun answered.

"Sorry for calling so late. Is now a good time?"

"Yes, it's fine."

It's Ayanokoji's voice, just like usual.

But why does this voice make me feel so at ease?

It must be because we're on the perfect wavelength.

"You mean you have something to tell me—"

It doesn't matter how trivial the matter is. Just having the chance to talk to Ayanokoji-kun like this makes me happy.

"Apparently, you've accepted Ryuen's challenge with expulsion as the stakes."

"Oh, that. I figured it was only a matter of time before it reached your ears. Who did you hear it from? No, asking that would be a bit tasteless."

It's no surprise where he gets his information from.

As long as he wants to, he can do anything.

"From Class A's standpoint and considering the protection point, it's quite an extreme condition."

"From the standpoint of the conditions, that might be so. But there's no way I could lose to Ryuen-kun. His actions could be called digging his own grave."

No matter what kind of special exam it is, his superiority is unwavering.

Because of such confidence, he can maintain his usual demeanor.

"Are you worried about me? Is that why you're calling? That can't be it, right?"

"Do you need me to worry about you?"

"Not at all. It's enough for you, Ayanokoji-kun, to witness the outcome of this battle."

If Ayanokoji-kun is concerned about me like this, I might not mind.

Ever since I reunited with Ayanokoji-kun at this school, I've often imagined when we could fight with all our strength. Longing for each other, fully exerting ourselves to determine who is superior.

That day is indeed approaching.

But I can't say it now. Because first, I must prepare to defeat Ryuen-kun.

However, after accomplishing that, I want to pour out all my feelings to you.

Feeling happiness through the phone, I gradually drifted into sleep.

Horikita Suzune SS

The Usual Everyday Life

In the cafe after school. All along, I've always felt calm here, but now my heart is beating a little faster.

I guess it's because I've been informed about the year-end special exam.

Being optimistic might be a bit risky, but depending on how things develop, we might be able to advance to Class A.

When I first found out what it meant to be in Class D, I wondered what to do, but now we've finally come this far.

I feel that I've contributed a bit to the class. But I can't be complacent.

The results so far are thanks to the great support of my classmates.

As the appointed time approached, he finally arrived.

"Did something happen?"

His first words surprised me.

"Did something... you mean?"

"You seem to be lost in thought. If I'm mistaken, forget I said anything."

It seems my preoccupied state was obvious.

"Was it that noticeable?"

"Very noticeable."

"Is that so? Sorry, I was just thinking about next week's exam. Didn't mean to make you worry."

After apologizing, I pulled myself together and maintained my usual composure.

"Getting nervous at this stage?"

"It's understandable, isn't it? This time is a major turning point; class points will change drastically. Whether our class advances or falls depends on this."

It's impossible not to think about the exam. But even if we continue talking about it here, I won't calm down... Maybe we should change the topic.

"By the way, have you noticed there are fewer first-years around, Ayanokoji-kun?"

"Yes, the juniors are finally about to take their year-end special exams."

"Time flies, in the blink of an eye, they've already been here a year."

I was the same two years ago, following in my brother's footsteps, stepping into this school. Back then, I never thought about making friends or having fun. I only focused on improving my grades. Lately, I've been spending more leisurely time with Kushida-san and Ibuki-san.

Well... can those two be considered friends?

And with Ayanokoji-kun in front of me, it feels like I'm often with him.

This usual everyday life—I can now say without hesitation that it's indispensable.

I'm a bit shy about having become like this, but also proud.