Chapter 47: Resolving the Knot, Horikita Suzune's Unknown Side
"There's one more thing, Katsuragi-kun."
Horikita Suzune asked curiously, as if something had just occurred to her.
"What is it?"
"Are you not even slightly worried about reaching that agreement with Chabashira-sensei?"
"Worried about what?"
"The contents of the agreement. That level of difficulty is not small. Setting aside the matter of class rankings, simply ensuring no one is expelled during the official exams is no simple feat, is it?"
"It's fine. After all, ensuring no one is expelled during the official exams isn't that hard. If a normal person studies enough to pass, there shouldn't be a problem... It's a worthy price to pay to be able to play games in class."
After saying this, Keima's expression stiffened slightly. This matter... might not actually be that simple.
"What's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing." Keima immediately shook his head.
"What if you fail?"
"Even if someone truly gets expelled, it would just mean returning the previous points. The points spent are far lower than the price Mashima-sensei quoted; I won't lose out either way," Keima said. "Instead of that, you should consider the possibility of other exams later."
"Other exams?" A flash of confusion crossed Suzune's face.
"When Chabashira-sensei spoke to me earlier, she consistently used the term 'official exams.'"
"Is there a problem with that? It's likely just to distinguish them from the ordinary monthly tests."
"But usually, a teacher would say 'midterms' or 'finals,' wouldn't they?"
"Now that you mention it, that does seem to be the case. But does that really prove anything?"
"During the entrance ceremony speech, your brother repeatedly mentioned 'ability,' and Chabashira-sensei did the same," Keima explained. "Based on what she said, midterms and finals should just be ordinary written tests. If that's the case, they only test a student's 'academic ability,' not their total 'ability.' Therefore, I speculate that besides official exams, there are other types of tests. However, since those wouldn't fall under the scope of the contract, I don't care—of course, this is merely my speculation."
Suzune studied the boy in front of her carefully. She hadn't considered this issue at all.
Academic ability, observation, reasoning—Katsuragi Keima was practically top-tier in every aspect. Even Horikita Manabu thought he was special. Suzune realized that she might need to understand the person in front of her much better.
"What are you doing?"
Keima's voice snapped Suzune's thoughts back to reality. She realized she had been spacing out while staring at him for quite a while. With her cheeks slightly flushed, she hurriedly averted her gaze.
"Speaking of which, what exactly do you like about games?"
"Games provide me with a kind of joy that reality cannot. The people in games have distinct personalities and are full of charm. In my eyes, they are girls who transcend time and space, waiting to meet me!"
"Are they really that attractive?"
"Of course. Don't tell me you've become interested in games too?"
"I, I—I haven't! But if it's just to understand them a little, it's not like..."
"If you want to play, go buy your own handheld console. I only have two myself right now."
"Who asked you!"
.
.
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Meanwhile, inside the dormitory.
Sakura Airi lay on her bed, looking at the game cartridge in her hand.
"I... I actually bought it..."
At the time, Airi had no idea what game would be best, so she had asked the shop assistant which game had the best reputation. With Shiina Hiyori's company, Airi finally mustered the courage to buy the cartridge.
However, a more serious problem occurred to her. How on earth was she supposed to give this game to Katsuragi Keima?
She couldn't help but imagine the potential scene...
'It's impossible... I can't bring myself to say it...
But... why do I care so much about Katsuragi-kun's affairs?'
This question arose in Airi's heart, but she had no answer.
"Forget it... I'll update my status for today first..."
Airi suddenly found her motivation again and posted a stockpile photo she was satisfied with.
[User 575]: The girl is so pretty! [User Did You Eat Today]: Full of energy today as well! [User snmcvnv]: So cute!
Looking at the comments praising her one by one, a happy smile appeared on Airi's face. But then, she saw a few specific comments:
[Anonymous User]: I saw you again today~ [Anonymous User]: You were very cute today too. [Anonymous User]: I've been seeing you every day lately. Shizuku-chan, you came just to see me, right! [Anonymous User]: We couldn't be alone last time. Come by yourself next time! Let's enjoy our world for two!
Watching these fanatical remarks, Airi's body trembled, and a trace of fear appeared in her eyes. She remembered that when she went to the game store today, she had passed by the area where she previously bought her camera. The shop assistant from last time was there. He had seen her, and he had been staring at her...
Could it be... No, I must be overthinking it... This person is just a fanatical fan online... Airi comforted herself in her heart.
The next morning.
Katsuragi Keima arrived in the classroom.
"G-Good morning, Katsuragi-kun..."
"Good morning, Sakura-san."
Keima greeted Airi and sat back in his seat. Airi watched him out of the corner of her eye, her heart becoming even more conflicted.
How am I supposed to give the game to him?! Airi had absolutely no experience with this! Should I just speak up? No... what if other students notice... Then, should I wait until no one is around?
While Airi was agonizing, she heard Horikita Suzune's voice from beside her.
"Good morning."
"Eh?" Airi turned her head in utter shock.
Did I hear that wrong? Horikita-san actually took the initiative to greet Katsuragi-kun?
Horikita had seemed to be the cold type before... she hardly talked to anyone, and her greetings were usually just a slight nod. And hadn't she argued with Katsuragi-kun yesterday? Why today...
Wait... yesterday evening, Horikita-san went to buy a game for him! Oh, right, she promised to buy a game as a condition, so it's normal... Horikita-san is probably the type who hates owing people.
But, why would she take the initiative to speak and greet him?
While Airi was brainstorming, Keima looked at Suzune, confused, and pointed at himself. "Are you talking to me?"
"Are you an idiot?"
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