The homeroom period arrived the day after the short quiz.
The quiz results were scheduled to be returned during this very session.
Sakagami-sensei was attaching sheets of white grid paper to the whiteboard, finishing the preparations right then.
"Now then, I will announce the pairs for the upcoming final exams."
The scores from the returned quiz were revealed.
Shiina-san and Komiya-kun. Kaneda-kun and Nishimura-san. Me and Ishizaki-kun.
Almost exactly as expected: the pairs consisted of high scorers matched with low scorers.
There was only one pair that deviated from the plan.
Ryūen Ryō ... Mio Ibuki
"…No way, right?"
Ibuki-san, seated in front of me, muttered those words.
She blinked repeatedly in stunned disbelief, but there was no error in what was written.
Because she had improved enough to study properly, she had ended up paired with Ryūen-kun, who had deliberately held back on the quiz.
Ryūen-kun noticed that his partner was Ibuki-san and sent her a pleasant smile.
Ibuki-san noticed the same and responded by flipping him the middle finger.
"Judging from these results, it seems someone figured out the purpose of the quiz—and shared that realization with the class. Impressive, I'll give you that."
Sakagami-sensei, arms folded as he studied the posted pairs, spoke with genuine admiration.
"I feel an explanation is hardly necessary at this point, but I'll give one anyway.
Pairs are formed in descending order of the largest gaps between a student's highest and lowest scores. When scores are tied, selection is random."
The students who had confirmed Ryūen-kun's prediction was correct visibly relaxed.
After another rundown of the Paper Shuffle rules, homeroom ended.
With the arrival of after-school hours, the students began to disperse however they pleased.
"Hey, Kamukura. Got a sec?"
The moment it was over, Ryūen-kun called out to me in his usual thuggish tone.
When I asked what he wanted, he cut straight to the chase.
"It's about the studying we'll be doing from here on. The finals are in early December… so I'll start setting up that study environment I mentioned, either the first week of November or the week after.
If we can steal the questions the other side makes, victory's basically locked in, but we still need real strength in case something goes wrong.
Kuku. Class D defied me twice. I've gotta crush them without leaving a single piece intact."
Ryūen-kun let out the distinctive laugh I'd grown accustomed to.
It was now late October, the final week.
He would begin preparations roughly a month in advance and offer the bare-minimum safety net to the rest of the class. Even here, his growth was evident.
"You, Hiyori, and Kaneda—the three of you will act as tutors and overseers. Secure a study space and drag the morons' grades up.
For the schedule, factor in club activities and split it into two blocks: 4–6 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. Keep an eye on each pair and give extra help to the truly hopeless ones."
He had thoughtfully divided the time slots to accommodate club members.
Solid planning. With the drive to completely shed his tyrant reputation, he laid out everything he had considered.
"As for the tutor shifts, one person every two hours is fine. The spare person can work on creating the test questions. You three can decide the rotation however you like—whatever fits your schedules."
The other major hurdle of this exam was creating the questions themselves.
The three of us in the tutor roles were the top academic performers in Class C. Whoever made the questions needed even deeper knowledge and more adaptable thinking than the people solving them.
Beyond teaching the anxious pairs, we were inevitably saddled with the critical task of producing the questions.
It was overwork, plain and simple, but it was a responsibility only the highest scorers could shoulder, so we had no choice but to accept it.
"Now, about compensation for the three of you…"
"Compensation?"
I had assumed he was finished, so I echoed the word as he continued.
"Yeah. It's only natural to pay people for their labor, right? Securing your own study time while babysitting everyone else's isn't the same as just being taught.
And on top of that, you're making the questions. Without pay, there's no motivation."
"I was mildly impressed."
"Shut it. I already said I pay those who follow me. Hiyori obeyed your orders on the cruise exam and produced results—I didn't take everything from her.
Your screw-up on the cruise was huge, so I skipped paying you at the sports festival, but that debt's cleared now. No reason not to pay you."
He apparently handled compensation properly behind the scenes.
He had given Kinoshita-san 500,000 private points at the sports festival as well; he might not lie when money was involved.
It could also be interpreted as buying loyalty with cash. His self-awareness was solid either way.
"Shiina-san isn't good with people, yet she took the tutor role because you hired her, didn't you?"
"Nah. Hiyori accepted my offer before money was even mentioned.
She said she hadn't delivered results for the class at the sports festival—in fact, she'd dragged us down—so she'd gladly take it on. Kuku. She's got surprisingly high pride for such a quiet girl."
I was slightly surprised by that backstory.
For Shiina-san, who had avoided human interaction to an extreme degree since enrollment, to voluntarily choose something she struggled with was uncharacteristic.
She was changing too. She had entered a phase of genuine growth.
"So how much are you paying us?"
I steered the conversation back to the main point.
"Fixed reward of 200,000 private points each. If the class gets good results on the finals, an additional bonus of 100,000—total 300,000 private points per person."
With three tutors, that meant a deduction of up to 900,000 or at least 600,000 private points from the class pool.
Even working two hours daily for a month, the fixed portion alone came to over 3,000 private points per hour.
Factoring in question creation and everything else, the amount was generous—an exceptional rate.
Overwhelmingly fair. With the bonus included, it was practically spotless.
"Any complaints?"
"None."
Having said his piece, Ryūen-kun strode out of the classroom.
A talent for manipulating people and a charisma entirely different from Ichinose-san's. I recognized once more just how formidable it was.
…
Once Ryūen-kun was gone, I quickly gathered my things to head home.
As usual, there was nothing in particular to do, so I would simply return straight home.
I briefly considered doing something more typical of a high school student while I was here, but nothing came to mind.
"Hey, cook dinner tonight too."
Ibuki-san, who had finished preparing to leave, called out to me from the seat ahead.
I was ready as well, so I nodded in reply.
"Kamukura-shi, may I have a moment?"
Just as I started to stand, my name was called with that distinctive polite suffix.
Only one person addressed me that way.
It was Kaneda-kun. When I turned, Shiina-san was standing beside him.
"Hello, Ibuki-san. May I borrow Kamukura-kun for a little while?"
"…Fine."
Ibuki-san had been sulking because dinner duties hadn't fallen to her, but sensing that the conversation likely concerned the special exam—since both Kaneda-kun and Shiina-san were present—she stepped aside.
"Is this about scheduling the study sessions?"
I didn't bother asking what they wanted.
Given what Ryūen-kun had just told me, the only reason these three would gather was to settle the study schedule.
"Yes. We'd like to decide as soon as possible who will cover which slots and handle question creation. Is now convenient for you?"
"It's fine. There's no harm in settling it early."
Standing conversations grow tiring, so we borrowed nearby chairs and sat.
"I'm in the art club, so if possible, I'd prefer to tutor during the later block that starts at 6 p.m."
Kaneda-kun stated his preference right away.
I appreciated it. I had no club activities and was perpetually free. Shiina-san belonged to the tea ceremony club and surely had commitments too.
In that case, it was most efficient for the perpetually idle one—me—to fill the gaps.
"That works. Actually, the two of you can decide freely first. I'm basically always available, so I'll adjust to your schedules. Shiina-san, you have tea ceremony club, correct?"
"Yes. But it isn't especially frequent, so I can adjust as well."
"Then let's have the two of us fit around Kaneda-kun's schedule."
The overall direction was settled quickly. Next came question creation.
"Sorry for forcing you both to accommodate me."
"It's no trouble. Those of us with more free time can adjust more easily. Good luck with your club."
"…Thank you."
Kaneda-kun offered a shy, quiet thank-you.
Objectively, receiving sincere encouragement from a girl widely considered beautiful—it would be difficult for an average male student not to blush.
"…Next, we should discuss test creation. How shall we divide it?"
Perhaps to dispel any awkwardness, Kaneda-kun swiftly changed the subject.
"What if we split the subjects and each create questions for certain ones?"
"That's not a bad idea. I had thought of the same thing. Once finished, the other two could review them to raise the overall quality—how does that sound?"
It was a good proposal. Assigning subjects according to individual strengths would likely produce higher-quality questions.
"Let's do that. Then please each tell me two subjects you're strongest in. I'll handle the remaining four."
There were eight subjects in total.
Mathematics (Mathematics I and Mathematics A, counting as two), Japanese Language, English, Science (two foundational courses), Social Studies (two courses from history and civics).
They were drawn from the five core academic areas.
"That would give Kamukura-kun far too large a share. Since my club meets less often, I think it's better if I take three, Kamukura-kun takes three, and Kaneda-kun takes two."
"My priority is ensuring you two secure enough study time for yourselves."
"Still, Kamukura-shi…"
"Originally I intended to create all eight subjects alone, so this is already considerably lighter. I'm grateful."
I offered thanks I didn't particularly feel, trying to nudge them toward acceptance.
"But it will cut into your own study time, Kamukura-kun."
"No need to worry. I will definitely score perfect marks."
"…Truly?"
"Yes. Care to wager on it?"
"…No, because if it's you, Kamukura-kun, you very well might, and the odds would be poor. Besides, if you insist that strongly, I'll gratefully accept your generosity. More study time is welcome for me as well."
Kaneda-kun nodded in agreement.
They had yielded.
It took a little time, but everything could now proceed as intended.
Both of them had outstanding grades—top of Class C and consistently high in the entire year.
That was only natural once one established an effective personal study method.
This particular exam was ideal for raising their level further. It would provide excellent fuel for even higher-quality studying.
Shifting from the role of solver to the role of creator.
Gaining that new perspective would train more flexible thinking.
If I created all eight subjects myself, I would rob them of that chance.
That would be wasteful.
"That should settle the general policy for now. Let's sort out the detailed schedule in the chat."
"Chat?"
Kaneda-kun meant the messaging app built into the school-issued mobile devices.
Each student had their own account, and the app was impressively full-featured.
It supported not only private messages but group chats too, so much so that the class used it for official announcements.
Photo sharing, daily status posts—there were all sorts of extras that made it useful in countless ways.
"Come to think of it… I haven't added either of you as friends yet. I'd like to make a group for just the three of us—would that be all right?"
"Yes… Please do."
Shiina-san's reply came out a little louder than usual, perhaps from the simple joy of gaining new contacts.
She quickly slipped back into her normal quiet tone, though, and continued the conversation. I gave Kaneda-kun a nod to show my agreement.
"Understood. I'll post my availability tonight, so please take a look when you can."
Kaneda-kun stood and turned away from us.
He glanced at his wristwatch—club practice must be starting soon. Class C's strategist certainly kept a busy schedule.
"You done?"
Ibuki-san, who had been idly scrolling on her phone a short distance away, chose that exact moment to call out.
"Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting."
I rose and turned toward the door.
Almost in perfect sync, Shiina-san stood as well.
"…Um, would it be okay if I came along too?"
"You don't have to ask so nervously. I'm not going to say no."
Ibuki-san gave her usual brusque permission to the hesitant Shiina-san.
With everything settled, the three of us left the classroom.
…
After leaving the school grounds, we made our way to Keyaki Mall.
Shiina-san had mentioned wanting to check out some new releases at the bookstore.
"What are you drinking?"
Shiina-san, back from the restroom, eyed the banana juice in my hand and asked.
Going straight to the bookstore felt dull, so I was enjoying the after-school hours by grazing as we walked.
Along the way I'd stopped at a recently opened handmade juice shop and picked this up.
"That place over there."
Ibuki-san answered for me and pointing at the store.
"His is banana, mine's strawberry. I thought about getting one for you too, Shiina, but I didn't know what you'd like, so I didn't."
Shiina-san nodded in understanding, her face lighting up with obvious desire. She headed straight for the shop.
Ibuki-san went with her, and they returned safely with juice in hand.
"…I see. I had assumed you two were dating, so I hesitated a little before asking."
The pair walked back while chatting lightly.
Ibuki-san glanced at me, shrugged dramatically, and spread her arms wide. Evidently my existence didn't meet her aesthetic standards.
"Just friends. Nothing more—absolutely nothing. As a guy… or rather, there are even times I can't see him as human."
"But ever since the pool day, you two seem pretty close, don't you?"
Shiina-san stared fixedly at us.
Having observed us for a while now, she appeared quite sensitive to personal distance.
"Progress… or more like things went back to normal?"
"It's simply that Ibuki-san's sulkiness returned to its baseline."
"Hah? You're the one who was sulking. I'll pound you."
I brushed off her snapping retort with ease while sipping my banana juice.
Yapping like that, she truly was a mad dog. If I engaged too lightly, I'd only waste energy.
"…Even so, your closeness goes well beyond ordinary friends. More than friends but less than lovers—best friends, perhaps?"
Shiina-san calmly delivered her verdict.
I couldn't deny that spending considerable time together had eroded normal reservations. Seeing the same faces every day naturally shortened the distance between people.
"That analysis is mistaken. It only looks special because an ordinary person and a genius far removed from one another are speaking openly. We're merely classmates."
"Calling yourself a genius is gross."
"…I understand now. It's the time spent together that's done it."
After I offered my own analysis, Shiina-san wore a thoughtful expression for a moment before nodding in acceptance.
It looked as though she'd forcibly brushed aside her lingering questions, but there was no need to pursue it further.
More pressing than that was heading to the crepe shop I'd visited once before while waiting for Ryūen-kun and Ichinose-san.
"You're going the opposite way from the bookstore, you know."
Ibuki-san grumbled but followed all the same.
Shiina-san trailed a step behind, moving her feet.
"A small detour is fine. I rarely come here, so it's a good opportunity."
Realizing my destination was the crepe place, Ibuki-san's face twisted.
"…Crepes. Sweet drink plus sweet food… You really that much of a sweet tooth?"
From her expression alone it was clear she preferred to limit unrestricted sugar intake.
The sweet-on-sweet combo seemed especially unappealing to her.
"I'm merely ingesting glucose to keep my brain running efficiently."
"That's what everyone else calls being a sweet tooth."
Shiina-san sounded exasperated, but I felt slightly wronged.
I wasn't eating them because I liked them. I was simply consuming what benefited cerebral performance.
It might appear excessive to the average person, but for me it was well within safe limits.
"You'll get fat, you know."
"I also possess the talent of never gaining weight."
The possibility of obesity didn't exist for me. That was simply how my body worked.
Intense stares from the two women stabbed into my back, but it was no concern of mine.
"I'm jealous."
"…It's annoying how it doesn't even sound like a lie. And what's this 'talent' for not gaining weight? It's just your constitution."
I tuned out their complaints and bought a strawberry crepe.
With that, the grazing walk resumed.
"If we're buying books, let's get a move on."
"You're way too self-paced."
Ibuki-san didn't bother hiding her irritation.
Shiina-san laughed as though she found the anger-tinged words amusing.
"Hehe. You really are a mysterious person."
"Hah, he's just ridiculously weird, that's all."
Each spoke in her own distinctive way.
A soft gently curving smile, and a rough snort of laughter that still carried satisfaction.
Looking at those perfectly ordinary smiles, I sensed a shift in something deep inside me.
Sensations I'd once dismissed as trivial—I would have rejected them outright before—but now I'd grown so used to them I felt almost nothing.
Yes, strangely, I felt no disgust toward the version of myself that was being influenced.
"It seems I'm no exception after all."
I had witnessed every conceivable form of despair.
Ruled by boredom, I had never known a heart that swayed.
Yet in this utterly peaceful everyday life, faint emotions I'd kept hidden were beginning to stir.
As I thought, Hope creates a future even I cannot predict—more than Despair ever could.
"What kind of books are you getting today?"
"At last, Ibuki-san is interested too!! Then I'll recommend tons. The series I'm looking at today is—"
Shiina-san's eyes sparkled as she answered Ibuki-san's casual question.
In her eager rush, Ibuki-san found herself dragged into an explanation too far along to easily escape.
Afterward, they finished buying the books, and we went our separate ways.
I had been able to enjoy a perfectly peaceful stretch of time, uneventful and calm.
***
If you want to read up to 25 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)