Kiyotaka's Point of View

"WELL, THAT WAS UNFORTUNATE. Just a bit more, and we might've beaten Class B."

"Yeah." I only replied.

"Too bad." Axel said nonchalantly, he really looks so done with this festival.

We prepared a substitute for the four-way tug-of-war in Sudou's absence but we were still soundly defeated just now. We challenged them believing in the slim possibility of success.

But we lost.

We had plummeted down to the bottom.

As a class, we had decided to re-evaluate our coordination but it was Hirata who, more than anyone else, received the most damage. He'd shouldered the burden of paying for the substitutes, which cost him a lot of points. We were in a desperate situation, and Sudou—our ace—was still absent.

Hirata had paid three times so far, twice for Sudou and once for Horikita, who'd also planned to participate in the four-way tug-of-war. It wasn't cheap by any means.

If he has to pay for the next one as well it would come to a total of 500,000 points. No matter how many private points he's saved up, it's still overspending.

The only competitions that remained were the mixed-gender three-legged race and the last event, the 1200-meter relay. Hirata tries calling out to see if there's anyone interested in participating. But before he could, Kushida came running over.

"Um, Hirata-kun, would you mind if I helped, too? I'd like to participate in the three-legged race. Of course, I'll pay the points for it. Is that okay?"

Hirata looked at her with a quite shocked expression, "Eh?"

"I can't let Hirata-kun be the only one bearing the burden. Besides, I also want to try my best to contribute for Horikita-san and Sudou-kun's sake as well."

Axel nodded his head signalling that he agreed on Kushida to be paired with Hirata.

"Since you're pretty good at sports, Kushida-san, your offer is welcome."

"Thanks. I'll go tell Chabashira-sensei that I'll be participating in Horikita-san's place then."

Saying that, she ran off.

"Now for a guy. I'll ask around." Hirata wandered around the field.

"Hey, Hirata. Could I go in as Sudou's substitute? I'll pay for the points. I can't guarantee I'll be much help, but I'll try." I said to him.

"Well... Yeah, sure. I don't mind, of course, but...are you okay with that?"

"It feels awkward having you bear the burden alone. Besides, I'm feeling a bit anxious about the next exam. I'd like to secure at least one point."

"What about you Axel? Do you also want to participa–"

"No."

"Oh okay."

Having received permission, I immediately went after Kushida. I cut into the conversation she was already having with Chabashira-sensei.

"So, Ayanokouji, you're going to be Sudou's substitute?" she asked as I nodded my head.

"This is unusual, considering you like playing spectator."

"So Ayanokouji-kun's going to be replacing Sudou-kun. I'm looking forward to it."

"I'm not very fast so you'll have to forgive me for that."

"I think rather than speed, the three-legged race puts more emphasis on coordination though." While having that conversation, we made preparations right away for the contest.

"You two better win." Axel said while crossing his arm, I stared at him. What with his attitude now.

"Yoo-hoo! Ayanokouji-kun! Oh, Kikyou-chan, too. Looks like we're competing in the same group, huh?" Ichinose came up to us while saying that. Both her and Shibata, that is.

"Oh, wow, real tough opponents! To think the two of you are teaming up." Kushida said.

"That's true for Shibata-kun but I'm not that special you know? To tell you the truth, someone else was supposed to participate in this three-legged race, but I guess she sprained ankle before lunch. Looks like quite a lot of people are getting injured this year." Ichinose replied.

Apparently Class B has their own absentees. So this pair is an improvised one.

"Hey, Shibata-kun, Is it okay if I tie the cord now?" Ichinose said to Shibata, making Shibata nod his head.

The Class B pair cheerily tied their legs together.

"Well then, would it be okay if you tied us up?" I said to Kushida.

"Wait just a bit longer, okay? I'll be done tying in a bit." Replying in a cute voice, Kushida tied the string beautifully. I decided to abruptly interrupt Kushida.

I feel a glare in my back, it super glare to the point that I'll be killed in no time.

"Ahem. It's you, isn't it? The traitor who leaked Class D's participation table to Class C."

"What's the matter with you? Even as a joke, that's a cruel thing to say."

"I saw it. You snapped a picture of the participation table we drew up on the blackboard with your phone."

"That's just a record so I don't forget. It'd be a big problem if I forget my own turn after all."

"To only memorize one's own turn through writing it down by hand. Wasn't that the consensus?"

"Really? Sorry, I forgot. Look, I understand what you're getting at, but I'm not the culprit, okay? I don't want to suspect any of my classmates, either." Having finished tying the string, Kushida slowly stood back up with her usual smile directed at me.

"In that case, how about we check with Chabashira-sensei? I'm sure she can tell us whether any students specifically asked to see the participation table after we submitted it."

"...."

Kushida closed her mouth and for the first time, her smile disappeared. In other words, it's an implicit answer that means an affirmation. However, she smiled deeply again right away.

"Hee hee. You really aren't an ordinary person, are you? Ayanokouji-kun?" Kushida laughs. It was a face I had seen before, the dark side of Kushida.

"It can't be helped if the cat's out of the bag. That's right, I leaked the information on the participation table."

"You admit it then?"

"Yeah. It'd have been surely exposed either way if you had asked Chabashira-sensei. It was only a matter of time. Besides, even if I told you the truth, Ayanokouji-kun, I'm confident I won't be exposed. You haven't forgotten, have you? My uniform that you touched? If that's revealed, it'll become a big deal you know?"

"I have no intention of exposing you. I just want to know. During the exam on the cruise ship, we ended up with the results we did because you had Ryuen tell all of the students that you were the VIP, right? Then you asked Ryuen for a favor in exchange for that information."

"And that favor would be? Do you know what I wanted to accomplish so badly that I'd even betray the class for it?"

"It's what you asked me about before, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's it. As expected of Ayanokouji-kun, you really figured it out."

"I'd like to hear it from your own lips."

"I wanted to expel her. Expel Horikita Suzune. That's what."

"I just couldn't figure out the reason why you're so persistent when it comes to targeting Horikita though. Sorry but I'm going to get Horikita-san expelled. No matter what you say, I won't change my mind on this."

"Even sabotaging Class D?" I asked her.

"Don't get me wrong. Once she's gone, I'll unite everyone, and we'll work toward reaching Class A together. I promise you that."

Apparently, getting Kushida to stop is impossible. She's committing this act of treason with that sort of strong resolve. If necessary, she'd likely approach even people like Katsuragi, Ichinose or Sakayanagi.

"Ahh. I changed my mind about something. That's the fact that you, Ayanokouji-kun, are now on my list of people to expel, since she's special to you so much. In other words, after the two of you have been eliminated, I'll aim for Class A."

She still wore that gorgeous smile. Her expression was almost dazzling. I looked away, but I looked again with her when she said something that she shouldn't have said.

"I take my words back, not just you two. I'll also expel Aris–." she didn't continue what she will say as I sent out a deathly glare at her,

"Haha what with that g–glare Ayanokouji-kun." she nervously said. I leaned forward to her ears and whispered.

"Expel him and I'll destroy you." With that conversation done, we ran the three-legged race, silent hostility in the air between us.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───

Horikita's Point of View

ROUGHLY AN HOUR HAS PASSED SINCE Sudou-kun left. If the programme has progressed smoothly then they should be on the cusp of the final contest right about now. The hole left behind by Sudou-kun isn't small by any measure. I can imagine Hirata-kun and the others putting up a good fight but I can't expect much in the way of results.

Ayanokouji-jun was right, I was blinded by my self-righteous attitude. I couldn't see the bigger picture of the whole incident. That's why I was easily trapped by Ryuen-kun's trap.

Sudou-kun may be reckless, but he's the person who tried his very best to lead Class D to emerge victorious in this event. Both two of us were practically the same. Sudou-kun's trying to gain attention and earn some respect from the others, he wants to show to everyone that he can be as reliable as Hirata-kun in these sport festivals.

As for me, I've been trying so hard to gain my brother's acknowledgement. I thought that, if I could participate in tons of competitions, he would stop and look at me. In the end, both Sudou-kun and I are just pursuing the same thing, approval.

I'm so disappointed in myself.

I sighed and continued to wait for Sudou-kun. I believed Sudou-kun would come back. Despite the fact that Class D's defeat was practically set in stone, I wanted to do whatever I could. That's all there is to it. And then, that feeling paid off.

"D–Did you seriously stick around?"

"You finally came back, Sudou-kun." I maintain my composure but deep down inside, I was glad.

"Isn't it already over? The sports festival, I mean."

"Perhaps. But if we go back now, we may still be in time for the last competition."

The outcome for the Class D is bleak. My injury, Kouenji-kun's absence, and Sudou-kun withdrew halfway through it. All leads to the current situation for Class D. But even so, if I could bring back Sudou-kun and catch up with the last event, there's still a turning point for Class D.

"Since you've come all the way back here, I assume this means you feel like going back to the competition?"

"Nah. I just came here to check if you're still here or not." he replied.

"I see. I've been sorting out various thoughts in my head while waiting an hour for you. What kind of person I am, what kind of person you are... Actually, we're similar, after all. You and I."

"We have nothing in common. You and I are just too different."

"No. You and I are similar. The more I think about it, the more I feel that way." I said but this isn't a lie. These are words from the bottom of my heart.

"If there is a difference between us, it would be that the acknowledgement we crave either derives from a single person or from a group of people. You already know a bit about the student council president, right?"

"Uhh, yeah. That guy who's always putting on airs right?"

"He's my older brother."

"Ahh wait, you said something about having quarreled with him, right?" As Sudou-kun started thinking back on it, I began speaking about my brother with Sudou-kun as though I were monologuing.

"My relationship with him is far from good. My outstanding brother dislikes being associated with someone as incompetent as me. That's why I tried my best to become someone talented. I put everything I had into trying to achieve that goal, from academics to athletics. Even now."

Sudou-kun listened attentively without interrupting. I paused for a moment before continuing.

"In order to catch up with him, I've been running straight ahead, not caring what anyone else thinks of me. I thought that it was fine. Because I believed as long as I am talented, then eventually my brother would acknowledge me, or care about me. Which is why I told you that I wanted the anchor position in the relay. So that, and I thought, my brother might call out to me or cheer for me. Now that I think about it, I was foolish."

By confronting Sudou-kun's weakness, I'd also confronted my own.

"But, even though you're trying so hard, he really doesn't acknowledge you? Not even a little bit." I sighed and shook my head.

"Sadly, no." Sudou-kun awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and stared at the ground.

"But, I finally realized it now."

"Realize what?"

"I want to make it to Class A to earn my brother's respect. That hasn't changed. Well the two weird people, I mean Ayanokouji-kun and Arison-kun helped me realized the methods I've been using to achieve that are wrong. I'm not alone. That for the first time, by having allies, I may be able to get closer to that peak."

I finally understand. I should not rely on them always. I'll never realize my shortcomings. I'll never see the bigger picture. I'll never grow up.

A person couldn't survive alone. They must walk that path with someone else. This sports festival has proved to be a trial for Class D and yet it's become something to be thankful for.

"I said that you'd continue to act violent. And so I turned my back on you. But that wasn't the case. That wasn't the right answer. If it ever seems like you'll stray from your path again, I'll be there to pull you back onto it."

I looked him right in the eye and didn't avert my gaze

"That's why until we graduate, please lend me your strength. I, too, promise to lend you my strength to the best of my ability."

Sudou-kun looked me back in the eyes and seemed to be lost in thought. Then, he let out a small chuckle.

"Fine, I'll work with you." He said so as he took a step towards me.

"Besides, I owe you three. Maybe I'll apologise to Arison also."

I smiled.

But I still wonder if I've taken that small first step.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───

Kiyotaka's Point of View

THE LAST EVENT OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL, the 1200-meter relay, was about to begin. Tensions are running high for everyone other than Class D.

"The final event, huh? We'll have to prepare two substitutes for this one, too."

"Hah, hah. Sorry, I kept you waiting!" Just as the situation of Class D looked hopeless once again, a breathless Sudou came back, with Horikita arriving soon after.

"Sudou-kun, you came back!" Hirata said.

"Sorry, it took me some time to take a dump." He had a bright and cheerful look on his face. However, quite a lot of students turned to look at Sudou coldly. Sudou took their stares head-on.

"Sorry. I punched Hirata and crushed our morale because I lost my temper. It's my fault that Class D is about to lose." He said while looking around, his eyes met Axel's own.

He gulped and clenched his fist. He is clearly nervous, because Axel is literally glaring at him. Don't get him wrong, Axel is just...irritated because of the heat and the sweat on his body.

That's why he looks so pissed right now.

Before anyone could blame him, After Sudou said that and gave a deep bow. If Sudou had been the way he was just a while ago, he wouldn't have done such a thing even as an act. So, it must be Horikita's doing.

"I want to apologize to you, too. Hirata, Kanji, Yukimura. It was my fault that I didn't realise my mistakes after I did something wrong."

Sudou once again bowed deeply to Hirata, Ike, and Yukimura. Hirata was not even mad at Sudou in the first place as he laughed cheerfully, Ike and Yukimura looked perplexed at first but then apologized to Sudou as well. One apology led to another. The tension amongst the class had been reduced significantly.

He looked to Axel who is beside me, he really looked like a scared puppy right now. This is not the Sudou I know.

Axel really tamed him.

"Arison, I'm sorry for my behaviour and I'm sorry for not listening to you." Sudou-kun said, Axel stepped forward and raised his hand, Sudou closed his eyes as if he would get punched or slapped.

"It's fine, you already felt sorry for what you've done. So It doesn't matter anymore." Axel said while patting his head. I roll my eyes.

Wait.

I?

I rolled my eyes?

Tsk,

Well in the first place there's no need to pat his head. I grabbed Axel's hand and removed it from patting Sudou's head. For some reason it clearly irritates me.

Axel looked at me and smiled. "Do you want me to pat your head also?" He asked while laughing. Sudou stood up straight with a tint of red on the tip his ears as he looked at Axel.

Tsk.

"Later." I said, he smirked and nodded his head.

"So about the final events?"

"If you haven't decided on the substitute for the relay then please let me–" Sudou didn't finish his words as Axel interrupted him while stretching.

"No need, I'll run." Sudou stares at him with a quiet shock. Hirata also widens his eyes.

"Are you sure?" Hirata asked.

"This is the final event so..I also want to run. Don't worry I got this!" Axel cheerfully said, the class started on his leg who is literally shaking.

Both guys and girls would run the final 1200-meter relay. From each class, the runners must be evenly balanced between male and female. Three guys and three girls from each class had to participate and each must run 200 meters.

"I'm sorry, but may I ask for a substitute runner? I wouldn't run very well with my leg like this." Horikita requested that with an apologetic look on her face.

"Are you okay with that, Horikita-san? You really wanted to be in this relay, after all." Hirata asked.

"Yes, it can't be helped. I don't want to drag the class down with my selfishness." Horikita also gave a deep bow. Having heard that, Hirata nodded and decided that Kushida would be participating in her stead.

She'd craved the anchor position, reached for it, because she envisioned herself running alongside her brother. But, she gave up the anchor position to be with her brother on the field. She chose it for the sake of the Class D.

After this lesson, I'm glad that both Horikita and Sudou had matured and became quite candid. They made a complete change in attitude. They'll prove to be reliable assets for the Class D to reach the Class A.

The five of them with Kushida as Horikita's replacement took on the challenge with that lineup.

"As for Miyake-kun's substitute..." Apparently, Miyake had injured his leg during the 200-meter dash, so his substitution was inevitable.

I feel a pinch on my side.

"Aw."

I then immediately raised up my hand and said.

"Then would it be fine if I ran, Hirata? Of course, I'll pay the points for the substitution." Everyone looked surprised as I said that, including Horikita. Hirata seemed relieved and smiled at me.

"Of course, Ayanokouji-kun. I've been watching everyone. I think you will do well." That was all it took to shut down dissenting voices. Hirata's words had weight.

Our final line up.

1st - Axel Arison
2nd - Yosuke Hirata
3rd - Kayano Onodera
4th - Maezono
5th - Kikyo Kushida
6th - Kiyotaka Ayanokoji (Anchor)

With that, the list of runners from Class D's complete. After discussion, Axel said that he would go first. Hirata, sufficiently speedy himself, was second. After that, the three girls, including Kushida, will have their turn and in the end, it'll be my turn. We'll be going in this order. I talked to Hirata earlier to make an arrangement to entrust me with the role of anchor.

The chosen elites assembled in the middle of the field. Horikita's older brother, and that second-year student Nagumo, were among them.

The 6 of us made our way to our respective positions on the track. I looked at Axel who was talking with some students. They were smiling at Axel who was just nodding his head.

I don't know what they're talking about.

"Goodluck, Arison-kun!" Hirata shouts and in the same vein, Kushida and the other runners also send some cheers.

The first-year students appeared to be in a slightly advantageous position, since Class D had the innermost lane. They'd arranged it so that the third-year Class A students were in the outermost lane.

As excitement peaked, the last relay finally began.

Of course, Class D no longer has any chance of winning the sports festival but if we can obtain victory here, it may alter future events drastically. They must have had such a premonition.

Bang!

Crack!

Axel dashed ahead at full speed, completely overwhelming all the opposition. I gave a small smile looking at him running, he said he hates running but...he didn't say that he can't run.

"Arison-kun was amazing!" Shibata said. Even Shibata, spectating from beside me, gave his praise. Axel ran at an overwhelming pace leaving some students behind him. When he finished his leg of the relay, he'd secured an advantage of at least fifteen meters.

"Go Yosuke!" Class D brimmed with excitement. Axel passed the baton to the next runner, Hirata. Hirata's top of his ears become r–stop just run Hirata.

One after another, the other students followed in tow but the gap that had formed could not be bridged and our planned lead was maintained all the way up to Onodera, who would be running third.

New students ran one after another. By the time Onodera passed the baton to our fourth runner, Maezono, our lead was almost gone.

However, such happenings are an inherent part of the sports festival. A girl from Class A of the 3rd year who was fourth to be handed the baton, stumbled and fell. This created an opening for the second year Class A runner to widen the gap between them.

By the time Maezono passed the baton to Kushida, our fifth runner, Class A had overtaken Class D, and we'd fallen to seventh place.

I thought we'd at least aim for the winners' podium but the fight appears to have become a difficult one. The first-year students just couldn't compete at the same level as the seniors. Class B of the first years alone only managed to hold onto third place with effort.

The ace of Class B who could gather attention to himself in a single stroke, Shibata, seems to be acting the role of the anchor and just like me, he took up his position and awaited his turn.

"Looks like we won this fight, President Horikita. If possible, I'd have liked to run against you."

Glancing at the approaching top runner, a student from Class A of the second year, Nagumo laughed.

There was a thirty-meter gap between him and the third-year Class A student in second place. A distance at which those equal to one another in ability can never win.

"Guess this is the dawn of a new era, eh?" Nagumo said.

"You're seriously gonna change the school?" Manabu replied,

"All I'm going to do is help make this school the ultimate meritocracy, no more no less." Nagumo said so as he slowly started to walk forward. He started on an approach run to receive the baton closing in. Not too long after Nagumo nabbed it, Shibata also received his baton. Shibata, with fiery eyes, started running as though chasing after Nagumo.

Due to the students between us leaving, for just a moment, I made eye contact with the older Horikita.

"To think that you're the anchor."

"Well, your sister was originally slated to be in this position. I'm just running in her stead."

"I've been watching your class and up until a while ago, I thought of you guys as a hopeless class. But in this final relay, I don't feel any of that from you guys. What happened?"

"I wonder? If anything's changed, it would be your sister. And our class is become stronger"

"I see."

No surprise. He only replied briefly with that usual, composed expression of his. As the older Horikita glanced at his approaching teammate, I stopped him with my words.

"By the way, I'll race against you seriously. I'll show you exactly what kind of person I am."

In response to my unexpected provocation, the older Horikita stopped entirely and turned to face me.

"Interesting."

He didn't seem as though he was going to move at all. His team's fifth runner passed him the baton, looking perplexed, but the older Horikita took it and stood completely still.

Naturally the spectators who had realized this bizarre situation turned their eyes towards the older Horikita. One after another, other runners passed the third-year Class A, and he just stood there.

Finally, Kushida approached me at full speed. She'd be here in seconds. I looked at Axel who was staring at the two of us and after that our eyes met. And smiled and mumbled some words that I understood.

'Go. And. Have. Fun.'

I gave him a small smile.

"Oh, and I'll just say this before the race." I looked at Manabu who was looking at me.

"What is it?" As the two of us started on our approach run, I said this one sentence.

"You'll need it to run like hell." For just an instant, I felt that the older Horikita, who had disappeared behind my field of vision, wore a thin smile.

Finally, the baton passed to me.

"Ayanokoji-kun!" I accepted the baton Kushida handed over and as the opening act, I dashed forth at full throttle.

Well, for the first time, I'm taking this seriously in my whole life. The situation is completely different compared to when I had continued running indifferently in that cold, inhuman room.

That's right. I didn't care about catching up to and overtaking the runner in front. All that mattered right now was competing against the man next to me.

We ran at full speed, almost as though we were cutting through the wind, and closed the distance between us and the frontrunners.

"W-What the hell!?"

As he was overtaken, the student gave a dumbfounded shout but he was left in the dust. The sound of the winds had completely cut off all the cheering sounds. The adrenaline in my body exerted its effectiveness. Almost like an athlete got into the zone.

Suddenly, as I ran beyond the first curve, the runner in front of me staggered as we approached and fell down. Instinctively, I leaped over him and landed perfectly without decelerating.

As Manabi and I approached the last curve beyond the straight line, he managed to keep up with my speed and decided to give a final sprint.

Because of that I sprinted even faster. When the two of us approached the finishing line, cheers that resembled angry bellows rang out throughout the grounds.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───

"Y–YOU'RE SURPRISINGLY SUPER FAST." After the contest, Karuizawa said that to me while averting her eyes from me.

"Really? I thought it was just because my opponent was slow."

"No, no. Are you really saying that after seeing everyone's reactions?"

"Well, I think luck was one. But I couldn't beat the president."

Karuizawa waves her hands, "It's just a second difference, just 2 seconds! You almost beat him."

"Man, Ayanokoji You're damn fast! You've been holding back until now, haven't you? And Arison-kun? He's damn so cool also!"

"Don't swear if you're going to say his name. ALso running is about my only forte after all. But I seemed to overdo it. I guess I'm all fired up during the final relay." And not just Sudou, but also several students who were surprised by my run came over to me and called out.

"That still doesn't explain it. That speed, I mean. You liar." Slightly dragging her foot behind her, Horikita came over. She used her hand as though it were a blade and stabbed me in the abdomen.

"Ouch."

In the end, the winning team is...

"The Red Team wins."

The competition had been incredibly arduous, but the Red Team D/A coalition appeared to be victorious.

For the overall points for each class, It is also displayed on the board.

The board divided the twelve classes into three categories, and it displayed the overall points for each class all at once. We didn't really care about the details of the second- and third-year scores. What was crucial for us was Class D's position.

1st Place: First Year, B Class
2nd Place: First Year, C Class
3rd Place: First Year, A Class
4th Place: First Year, D Class

As expected, we lost. It's great that the Red Team won but apparently our first years have been quite a liability. I suppose it's an inevitability, having two absenteeism in the form of Kouenji and Sakayanagi ended up being a major factor in it.

However sadly enough, despite having won as part of the Red Team, Class A only placed third in terms of overall points and so that's a minus 50 points for them. Because Class D had come in last place, we faced a 100-point penalty.

Due to the White Team having lost, Class C will also have 100 points subtracted. As Class B won the first place in terms of overall points, they'd gain 50 points and lose 50 points due to the White Team's loss.

None of the classes had really won.

Axel's prediction was right.

Everyone was thoroughly exhausted and overwhelmed. Even though we'd tried our best, our class points had decreased. Of course, students who won out individually will be able to supplement any future exams with this so I won't go as far as to say it was all pointless.

As for the first-year MVP, Sudou didn't win it. Instead, the MVP was Shibata Sou, from Class B. Well, it was expected as well. I mean, Sudou was absent in some events and our class lost in the final event. These two factors contributed the most to why Sudou didn't win the first-year MVP.

Horikita leaves the room, leaving me and Karuizawa. I don't really know why she's still here. We are literally the last person inside this room.

"Why are you still here?"

"That's my question to you." I replied to her. She chuckled and she jolted on her seat as if she remembered something.

"Where is Arison-kun? I was going to tell him that he was super fast!"

"He is in the bathroom, his stomach hurts, I'm waiting for him here." As I said to her, she grinned. She stood up and kept poking my shoulder.

"So...are you two...officially?"

"What?"

"Don't what, what me. As I asked, did you two you know have something like...you two are officially dating or something." she asked as she looked so super invested in our topic right now.

I looked away.

"WHAT!?"

"YOU STILL NOT ASKING THE PERSON YOU LIKE!?" she shouted at me, not really like. I sighed and looked at her.

"Give me a br–"

"No, you need to ask them now. I'll help you." She said and stood in front of me. What is she saying?

"Confess."

"What?" she rolled her eyes.

"Imagine I'm them, and you're going to confess to me. Now go."

I just stared at her, waiting. She crossed her arms and glared at me as if she was saying, 'what are you waiting for.'

I sighed and imagined her as Axel.

"I like you."

"Eh? That's it? Louder."

"I like you."

"..." she didn't reply as if she was demanding that I make it louder. I sighed.

"I like yo–" I stopped when the classroom's door opened and Axel stared at us with an unreadable expression. Karuizawa looked at Axel with a shocked expression.

She looked at me and then back at Axel.

"Ariso–"

"Oh sorry sorry, Did I disturb you tw–" Axel's didn't finish his sentences as Karuizawa shook her head.

"N-No! No we're no–"

"It's fine, continue. I'm leaving." He coldly said and after that he immediately ran away.