'I think there's a question that I should ask: Are we human beings truly equal? Nowadays, people don't stop talking about the need for equality. A man once said, "Heaven does not create one person above or below another." I don't think the quote ends there... keyword I think. I'm not as knowledgeable as you'd think. Oh, wait! I remember— it actually says we are equal at birth, but then gaps appear. That the differences are the result of one's academic efforts, or lack thereof. Why did use that word...? It didn't even sound right. At any rate, humans are capable of thinking for themselves. "Equality" may be a false concept, but our inequality remains a difficult thing to accept.'

These were the thought of a man with Purple/Lavender, medium-length, spiky hair. Yeah, Protag-kun of course. He was on a bus, his destination: Advanced Nurturing High School.

"Excuse me... could you give up your seat?" Said a girl with short, light brown hair. The male looked over and saw she asked another male, one with long blonde hair and a very punchable face— wait sorry. Can't think like that. "That's a priority seat. I think you should let this elderly lady sit here."

"My, my, pretty girl." The blonde began. "While it may be a priority seat, there is no law requiring me to relinquish it. You want me to give up my seat just because I am young?" He said arrogantly, finishing with a laugh. "Nonsense, pure and simple. Even if I am young, standing consumes more stamina than sitting. Why should I do something so detrimental with no benefit to myself?" He asked.

"I think you'd be contributing to society. And this lady seems to be having trouble staying upright..." the girl tried to reason.

"I have no interest in contributing to society. Besides..." he said pushing his hair up dramatically. "What about those sitting in other seat—"

"Okay, now you're making a scene." Said a soft voice. The three turned and saw the purple haired male standing up. "Ma'am you can take my seat." He said before guiding the elderly lady to his previous seat. "Thank you, young man." She said with a smile. "Oh, it's no issue." He said walking over to the girl from before. "Besides, it seems I've got plenty more stamina than him." He whispered into the girls ear earning a giggle from her.

"Thank you. My name is Kushida Kikyō, nice to meet you..."

She began, looking for his name. "Keikēko Kyoro, and p-please don't let the name change your view of me, I'm just a little observant." He said nervously. "Well, your first impression was good. So you have nothing to worry about." She admit. "Thank you." He said with a smile. The two began to ride in a comfortable silence.

~•~

The bus stopped and the students began to leak out of the bus. Our protagonist, Kyoro, walked off of the bus with a stoic face before he heard a voice behind him.

"Excuse me." She said making him turn around. "I'm interested in why you gave up your seat on the bus, if I may ask."

"Well, I'm not a fan of arguments and I thought it'd be best to diffuse the situation and involving others." He said scratching his cheek with his index finger. "Hm. Your reason doesn't seem to match the tone you used." "E-Excuse me?" He said in confusion. "You sound like you just wanted to come off as smart." She said with a smirk. 'Shit.' Kyoro thought while his face showed a guilty smile. "You got me. I just thought it was the right thing to do." He admit. "Though, I'm not a fan of standing out— I just had to be born with purple hair..." he said with a sad chuckle. "Well, at least I have the truth. Goodbye." The girl said and walked away. "Bye." He said with a wave. 'Wait, I'm going the same way...'

~•Time Skip of the introduction of the student council president: Manabu Horikita•~

Kyoro was in the D for Defect class: Class D. He was in the very back right hand corner from the teachers desk. Everyone was conversing as he lied with his head on his arms, daydreaming. He was in bliss before—

"What a unpleasant coincidence." The black haired female from before said to his right.

"H-Huh, oh he— wait why is it unpleasant, what did I do?" He said in panic. "I didn't receive a greeting when I seated myself beside you." She said with her eyes glued to a book. "I'm sorry. I never actually introduced myself. My name is Keikēko Kyoro, and I'm just observant." He said lifting his head and giving her a small smile. Before she could replay a male spoke up.

"Everyone, may I have a moment? I was hoping we could all introduce ourselves to get a jump on getting better acquainted. The teacher doesn't seem to be here yet, anyway. How about it?" He asked. Kyoro just stared blankly before trembling at the mention of introductions to large groups. He watched as the girls agreed including Kushida. "Thanks. Okay, I'll go first. I'm Hirata Yōsuke. Just call me Yōsuke. No need for formality. I play all kinds of sports, and I intend to join the soccer club at this school. Nice to meet you all!" He said giving Kyoro a one word impression:... Ikemen.

'Man, I really hope he ends up the class leader. I just want to blend in.' He said looking out of the window.

"I'll go next!" Kushida started. "My name is Kushida Kikyō. My goal is to become friends with each and everyone of you! I'd like to make lots of good memories, so don't hesitate to invite me anywhere!" She said with a small bow. She got cheers from a large majority of the class.

'She's already super popular, there goes my friendship with her...' Kyoro thought noticing the praise she was receiving.

"Me next! I'm Ike Kanji! I love girls, and hate hot guys! I'm always accepting new girlfriend applications!" He said earning laughs.

'I guess I should prepare to introduce myself. Should I act confident. Or be natural...? Man, this is tough. It was easier when people would just avoid me... The only things I can think of that are worth mentioning is drawing but I don't want people to ask questions...'

"Next up..." Hirata said before pointing at Kyoro. "You!"

"Eh? M-Me?" He said sweating bullets. He only received a nod in response. "W-Well, my name is Keikēko Kyoro. There's not much to me but the fact that I like to draw. I hope to get along with all of you..." he said with a bitter smile. 'That was awful!' He screamed in his head seeing the others stare at him before clapping.

'He's normal.' They all thought with smiles at the same time.

"Nice to meet you, Keiko-kun. Let's be good friends." He said with a closed-eye smile. "Wait, y-you kinda got my surname wrong, it's Keikēko. You forgot the kē." Kyoro explained. "Apologies, I'll be sure to remember it next time." Kyoro sat down before hearing the small expel of carbon dioxide to his right. "Did you laugh at me?" He asked the black haired girl. "I did nothing of the sort." She said sternly. "O-Okay..." 'She definitely laughed at me.' He said crying internally.

"Okay, next up—" Hirata was cut off by a tall male with short red hair standing out of his seat aggressively. "Introductions? Please. What are we, little kids? Do that if you want but leave us out of it."

"Everyone," begun a mature feminine voice. "Take your seats." She said placing a notebook on the teachers desk. "I'm Chabashira Sae, and I'm the homeroom teacher for Class D."

'HOLY SHIT, SHE'S HOT!' Kyoro thought with a blank face. 'Focus, dumbass. She's your teacher. You can't undress her with your eyes— don't be a degenerate.' He continued.

"There will be no changing of classes in this school. I will be responsible for you for the next three years, until you graduate. First, I'll hand out the school rule book. Take one and pass it back. We have special rules at this school. First, you will live in dorms, and while at school, your ability to leave campus and contact the outside world will be limited. But don't worry, the school offers a variety of facilities. Everything you need can be found here, including entertainment. To buy things, you'll use points stored in the school's official computer system. At this school, you can buy anything using points. Points are allotted on the first of each month. One point is worth one yen. You have already been allotted 100,000 points for this month." She explained. Kyoro checked his phone and saw she was correct, everyone else doing the same but with actual reactions. Kyoro began to mutter different possibilities before the teacher spoke again. "Are you surprised by the size of your allotment? This school judges students based on merit. You are attributed significant value just for being accepted here." She said as Kyoro raised and eyebrow.

~•~

Kyoro has just purchased items at a convenience store on campus.

"It really works like money." He said in awe. '25 students per class, 4 classes per grade... That's 300 students total. If each student gets 100,000 yen per month, that's 360 million per year! Strange... even if the government is funding them...' he thought with a hand on his chin. He turned to his right and saw the same black haired female in his class.

"Another unpleasant coincidence." She said while glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. "Why's it still unpleasant? I haven't done anything!" He said in defense. "Anyway, I didn't catch your name during the introductions. What is it?" Kyoro asked shyly.

Silence. "U-Um, t-that's fin—" "Horikita Suzune." She said cutting him off. Kyoro smiled and stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you." He said waiting for a handshake. Reluctantly, Suzune shook his hand. 'Where have I heard that last name...?' Kyoro thought before shaking his head. "Are you just going to stand there?" Asked Suzune. "O-Oh, no— sorry." "You apologize too much." "Sorry." "You did it again." "Sorr—Ow!" "Stop." She said poking his side. "You aren't very good with interacting with people." Suzune observed. "Well, I'm socially awkward and have an inferiority complex— but I'm getting better! I think..." he said earning a doubtful gaze from Suzune. "I'm trying really hard though..." "Your looks really contradict your personality." She said while glancing at his face before going back to picking up items. Suzune glances to her right and saw a table 'selling' free items.

"Free?" She questioned aloud, Kyoro's interest peaking making him walk to her side. "Maybe it's to help people who use up their points." He inferred. "On top of 100,000 yen a month? This school is quite indulgent." She said.

"You looking down on me? Huh?!" The same redhead from class D yelled from outside. "You're from class 1-D, aren't you?" One said pointing a finger. "And what if I am?!" He yelled with his hands up, ready to fight. "Now, that's no way to talk to your seniors." Another one said. "Shut up!"

"Isn't he in our class?" Kyoro asked Suzune. "My integrity would take a dive if I involved myself in that." She said at the register. "That's reasonable." Kyoro said with a sigh.

"We'll let you off easy today." A third said. "You guys are already defective losers. If we knocked you any lower, you'd just be pathetic." One said as they walked away. "Are you running away?!" The redhead shouted. "Scream all you want. The real hell is yet to come for you people, anyway." The second said as Kyoro walked out. 'Hell?' He thought in confusion. The redhead turned and kicked over a trash bin. "Damn it!" He shouted before storming off. Kyoro just stared at the fallen bin with a blank face before picking up all the trash and picking it back up. He sighed and looked up but saw a camera. 'Good thing they didn't fight.'

Kyoro peaked his head back in the store. "Bye, Horikita-san." He said with a little volume. Everyone turned to the boy and then the mentioned girl, whose face was a little red in embarrassment.

~•~

'I'm so alone...' Kyoro said from his seat. Everyone was in their own group of friends, except for Kyoro and Suzune. They all talked about their purchases so far. Kyoro began silently weeping with his head in his arms. 'I failed at making friends...'

"You're pitiful." Suzune said bluntly while unpacking her lunch. "That's not fair! I've tried... And, aren't you alone, too?" He said with a frown. "Yes, because I like to be alone." She said with closed eyes before eating. "Well, everyone has there preferences. I'm going to the cafeteria. Bye Horikita-san." He said getting up from his seat. He walked out of the door but almost ran into Kushida.

"There you are! You're name is K-Kei-k-kēko-kun, right?" She said with a smile. "I-Uh, um— Yes, that's me." He said with blush at how close she was. "Is there something I can help you with, Kushida-san?" "Thanks! I'm glad you remember my name!" She said with an even bigger smile. "Well, I did formally meet you." He said with a chuckle. "Well, can we talk?" She asked a little shyly. "Y-Y-Yes."

•

"K-Keikēko-kun—" "You can call me Kyoro if it's too difficult." Kyoro interrupted. "O-Oh! Well, um, K-Kyoro-kun, you seem very close to Horikita-san." She said with her hands behind her back. "Well, she says that we aren't friends, and that she wants to be alone, but I am trying to be her friend. I don't think she considers me one though."

"But you're the only one she ever talks to. I want to be friends with everyone in school. So I asked Horikita-san for her contact information, but she turned me down... She said she doesn't want to be friends with anyone." She said fidgeting. "I think that's just how she is." He said messing with his hair. "But I want to be friends with Horikita-san, too! Won't you help me?" She said and grabbed Kyoto's hand. "I-I-I d-don't know what I c-can do." He said with a red face, internally freaking out about how close his hand was to her chest. "You... won't?" She said tilting her head. "D-Dont do that— please— stop, okay! I'll help, I'll help!" He said making her smile in awe.

~•~

"The head of the Yamato government was known as the 'o-kimi'. He controlled the powerful families of each region using the uji-kabane system. "Uji" referred to groups that shared the same bloodline, while "kabane" refereed to post and status. In other words, it was a system where bloodline determined one's post and status. " She explained. Kyoto's eyes were darting from the board, his teacher, his notes, and his classmates at a rapid pace. He noticed the redhead male was sleeping and many others were on devices texting or reading manga. The bell rung and Kyoro's eyes dilated back into the center before he blinked. "That's all for today. Please review the material thoroughly." Chabashira-sensei said before walking out. Kyoro shook his head while rubbing his nape. He stood up and began to pack up.

"This school is really indulgent." Suzune said beside Kyoro, also packing her things. Kyoro tilted his head acknowledging her start of the conversation. "Students play around and nap in class, but the teacher never calls them out. Is this really an advanced school run by the government?" She asked. "Maybe it's about encouraging student autonomy." He said with a hand on his chin. "Perhaps..."

"Hey, um, if you're on your way out, w-would you come with me?" He asked while adverting his gaze. "What are you after?" She asked sternly while looking at the back of his head. "It's j-just an invitation. Do you think because I asked I have an ulterior motive?" He asked turning his head back. "If you tell me specifically what you want, I'd be willing to hear you out." "Well, there's that cafe in the the mall, right? The one where lots of g—people hang out. Would y-you go there with me?"

"Why me?" She asked. "W-Well... you know I'm lonely..." Silence. "A-And I'm afraid to go by myself... It feels like a place where boys aren't allowed." He admit with a blush. "And there's no one else you can ask? No, I suppose not..." She said closing her eyes. "You didn't have to answer for me..." He said with a frown.

•

"There's not a guy in sight. Oh, god..." Kyoro said quietly beside Suzune, the two at the entrance of the cafe. "It's quite crowded." She added. "Is it your first time coming here? Ah, right. You're like m—Ow!" He joked getting poked in his side. "Don't compare me to you. That's childish." "B-But you did it!" He said holding his side. "Oh, that table is free." He said seeing her ignore him. The two sat down after getting their orders.

"I wonder if we look like a couple to the ot—" He mumbled but stopped seeing her glare. "Forever Alone..." he said crying on the inside. Kyoro picked up his coffee he ordered and began to think. 'Thinking of what's about to happen is making my head hurt...' he said taking another sip and looking away from Suzune.

"Horikita-san!" A recently arrived Kushida said. "What a coincidence! You, too, Ky— Keikēko-kun! Do you two come here often?" She asked sitting down beside Suzune. "Today's our first time." Kyoro said. "I see. I'm here alone—" Kushida said but was cut off by- "I'm leaving." Suzune said standing up. "B-But we only just got here." Kyoro said in panic. "If Kushida-san is here, you don't need me, do you?" 'Now or never!' Kyoro thought.

"But I really enjoy your company!" He said bluntly. "I appreciate that." She said with a tint of pink on her cheeks. "But, besides..." she said turning to Kushida. "I don't like this. What are you after?" She asked with suspicion.

"C-Come on, it was just a coincidence..." Kushida said. 'You were supposed to say, "What's that supposed to mean?", we went over this, Kushida!' He thought while glancing at her. "The girls who were sitting here, and the two at the next table over, were all students from Class D. Coincidence?" Suzune asked. "Woah~! I'm surprised you recognized them." Kyoro said looking around. "We came here right after class ended, which means they could only have been in this cafe for a few minutes. Too soon for them to be leaving." She explained.

"Um..." Was all Kushida could let out. "I'm sorry. We set you up." Kyoro said with his head down. "I thought as much." She said to Kyoro. "Horikita-san! Please be my friend!" She said standing up. "I want you to leave me alone. I won't trouble the class." Suzune said coldly. "But you'll be lonely all by yourself..." Kushida said. Suzune quickly glanced at Kyoro before looking back, not unnoticed by him. "I have never once felt lonely by myself. You're wasting your time. Every word that comes out of your mouth disgusts me." Suzune continued. "Are you sure about this...?" Kyoro asked. "I've been alone for the last nine years, so I'll be fine. Longer if you include kindergarten." She said before walking away.

"Sorry. I might have made Horikita-san hate you..." Kushida said rubbing her arm. "You're fine. I don't think this will affect our relationship." He said earning a smug look from Kushida. "N-Not like that!" Kyoro said with blush. Kushida giggled before looking down. "Maybe I can never be her friend..."

~•~

"If I can't even make friends with my own classmates, I guess my goal is still far away." Kushida said beside Kyoro, the two walking back to the dorms. 'I think that she may be an exception...' Kyoro thought. "Oh, it's Ichinose-san! Ichinose Honami-san from Class B. We became friends yesterday." She said as the two waved at each other. "You're even friends with students in other classes?" He asked in awe. "Yeah! There are a lot of nice people in Class B. But this school is pretty amazing, huh? There are so many stores, and we get 100,00 yen each month..." "Personally, I think that amount is a bit excessive." Kyoro said thinking about how many points he had left. "Yeah... you think so, too? And calling them points makes me spend them without thinking. It really messes with my sense of money." She said making Kyoro gasp in his head. The gears in his brain began to turn, his eyes focusing in and visibly becoming brighter. He remembered the free items from the convenience store before his eyes went back to normal. "I want to be really careful not to over-spend. I'll buy things I have to, of course. Daily necessities like soap and detergent... underwear, and stuff..."

"WOAH! D-Don't just say that! You can't tell guys that." He said stopping, his face red. Kushida began to laugh at his flustered face while putting her hands on her knees. Kyoro recovered and pouted before walking again. "Now I remember, Horikita was doing the same thing." He said with a matter-of-factly tone while passing Kushida. "Eh?" She said standing straight. She walked in front of Kyoro and put her chest on his. "You know how Horikita-san spends her money? You're really close, aren't you?" She said in his face. Kyoro began stuttering while holding his hands above his head. "I-I j-just h-happened to s-s-see it." 'TOO CLOSE! TOOOOOO CLOSE!' He screamed in his head feeling the fabric of her clothes against his. She back off before laughing again and wiping her eyes. "You're fun to tease. But, we'll just leave it at that." She said with a smile. 'Such a tease! Anyway, she said she wants to be everyone's friends so maybe she can be my first one!' "K-Kushida-san, do you want to be friends?" Kyoro asked clutching his bag's strap tightly.

"Of course! You seem like a great guy and you're probably the most lax boy to be around. I'd be happy to be your friend!" She said and grabbed his hands. Kyoro's eyes watered and he began to cry with a smile. "Thank you." He said closing his eyes, Kushida panicking seeing his tears.

•

Kyoro jumped on his bed after changing into sleepwear. He shook his hands in excitement while smiling. "I got a friend! Oh. My. God! I've never been more happy..." he said snuggling with his blanket and pillow. He grabbed his phone and checked it. "100,000 per month...huh?" He said before putting it on the charger and going to sleep.

~•~

'Most students decided to make the most of their school lives, without thinking too deeply about anything. Day after day, they blew through their monthly allowance of 100,000 like it was nothing. Sensei was very lenient, so in-class conversations, napping, tardiness, and absences became a daily occurrence. Not many paid attention in class. Extravagance, de-debauchery, and indolence were rampant. See, I've been getting better with big words. And then, May 1st arrived. The day to see if my deduction was right.' Kyoro monologued in his head.

"Huh? What's going on?" A girl asked. "Really? You, too?" A male asked. "How come?" Another girl asked, all of them on their phones. Kyoro was also on his phone and saw his point value was the same, no addition. His points were at 87,635.

"Take your seats." Chabashira-sensei said walking in. "Morning homeroom will now begin." She said setting down a roll of poster paper. "Hey, Sensei, we didn't get our points! We're supposed to get them on the first day of the month, right?" A male asked. "No, this month's points have already been allotted." She said crossing her arms. "But..." the same male mumbled. "The points have been allotted. I can say that for certain. There is no chance that this class has been overlooked, either." Chabashira-sensei said again. "But we didn't get any points!" Ike said making everyone agree.

"What a bunch of idiots you are." Chabashira-sensei said coldly. Most of the students gasped at her words. "A combined total of 98 tardies and absences. 391 instances of talking and cell phone usage in class. Quite a month's work. At this school, your grades and performance evaluations are reflected in the monthly points you are given. My assessment of you has resulted in the loss of all 100,000 points you were to be given. The points you're receiving for this month... are zero." She explained. "You mean I have to live on no money this month?" Ike asked. "Wh-What the heck? No one told us that..." A male said. "Did you really think that mere high school students were going to be given 100,000 yen a month to spend without a single catch? That's absurd. Use your common sense. If you had doubts, why did you do nothing about them? I told you in the first day, didn't I? This school judges students based on merit. Which means you're all worth nothing. You're garbage." Chabashira-sensei said with a glare.

Kyoro smiled bitterly. 'I was right... but she didn't have to call us garbage...'

~•~

Class D was at the swimming pool. Kyoro was sitting by the side with his feet in the water, his eyes focused on his own hands.

'During free time at swim class, people naturally break up into groups, I guess...' he said taking his feet out of the water. 'At least I was offered to hang out.' He said recalling Kushida asking if he'd join, but he declined politely. 'She'd have more fun without me.' He said with a sigh.

"What are you brooding about?" Suzune asked with a hand on her hip. "I'm having an internal struggle with myself." He said avoiding her eyes. 'Good lord do the uniforms hide a lot. I can't even look at her!' "How can they be so carefree after what just happened?" She asked sitting beside him, a little to close for his standards. "I think they're just trying to get their minds off the topic." Kyoro said looking forward. "Perhaps they are." She said looking at him. "They seem to be enjoying themselves." She added. "Classes in the pool started early this spring. Most people come here when there's a free period. Since we are high schoolers, I think we're allowed to go a little nuts..." Kyoro said while staring into space. "They're like little children. But I can't spite them for it, either. In the eyes of the S-system, they're the worst kind of defectives." Suzune explained. "Doesn't that include me and you?" Kyoro asked. "Yes." She said glancing at him. 'S-system... It assesses is students in real time and assigns is numerical values. Apparently, we've proven that we belong in Class D, the worst kind of defectives at this school. Our class surprisingly set a record, being the first class ever to steam through our class points... For each class point, 100 private points are assigned to us individually. And we lost them all. If we get more class points than a certain class, we'll promoted to that class' ranking, and they'll be demoted to ours. A chance for this is the midterms. But... most of the people in our class are below average when it comes to academics. And whoever fails the midterm... is expelled immediately.' Kyoro went over in his head.

"Given the information we currently have, if we want to get even a few class points, everyone will have to change their habits and try to get high marks on the midterms." Kyoro explained. "True." Suzune agreed. "More to that point, in order to achieve the blessing of the outstanding college advancement and employment rate we all dreamed about when we came here..." Kyoro added. "...We need to overtake Class C. As long as we are in Class D, our hopes of advancement are out of reach." Suzune said bluntly.

"Was that an imitation of Chabashira-sensei?" He said with a grin. Suzune turned to Kyoro with a blank face. "No." "Oh, well, you sounded like her a little." Kyoro said with a chuckle. Suzune perked you when she finally looked at Kyoro in full view. "Keikēko-kun, do you play sports?" Suzune asked. "N-No. I would never." He said waving his hands. "Still... the development of your body..." she said looking at his back, arms and chest. Kyoro covered himself with a blush.

"Hey, hey! Horikita-san! Wanna swim with us?" Kushida asked leaning over the edge of the pool. "No, thank you." She said surprisingly nicely. "Horikita-san, are you not good at swimming?" Kushida asked. "I neither excel nor fail at it." "Back in middle school, I was simply awful at swimming. But I practiced really hard, and now I can do it just fine." Kushida explained. "I see. How nice for you." Suzune said standing up, and walking away. Kushida got out of the water and stood in front of Kyoro.

"She's making herself unapproachable..." Kyoro said with a frown. "I wish we could get along a bit better..." Kushida said before looking at Kyoro. "Wow~... do you work out?" She said looking at his arms. "S-Stop staring, please..."

"Everyone. I want you to listen to me seriously for a minute." Hirata spoke up. "We didn't get any points today. This is a problem that's going to haunt us through the rest of our time here at school. There's no way we can make it to graduation with zero points." He continued. "That's why we need to make sure we get some points next month." He finished. "You can do whatever you want. Just leave me out of it." The redhead, now known as Sudō, said before pushing Hirata out of his way. The others looked troubled seeing Sudō' slack of cooperation.

~•~

Kyoro was back in class and at his desk sipping on coffee from a thermos of his. He was listening to a boy ask another with glasses to buy his handheld since he was out of points. He also heard a girl ask Kushida for a couple points as well.

"Do you have plans for lunch?" Suzune asked Kyoro suddenly. Kyoro darted his head around his disbelief. "M-Me?" He asked in shock. "Yes. I was wondering if you might join me." She said with closed eyes. She looked up and saw stars in his eyes and gave him an awkward look.

•

"Itadakimasu!" Kyoro said with his hands enclosed before digging in to his katsudon. "Thank you, Horikita-san." Kyoro said after eating a little. "Now, I want you to hear me out." Suzune started. She heard chopsticks fall and looked at Kyoro, his face full of betrayal. His eyes were glassy as he stared at Suzune. She gave another awkward look before continuing. "It seems Hirata-kun and the others worked out their plan of action earlier today. They're going to hold a study group to prepare for the next test." "You bribed me..." Kyoro mumbled eating again, his eyes still glassy. "But three classmates with especially poor scores have refused his invitation to join." Suzune continued. "Sudō, right?" Kyoro asked. "As well as Yamauchi-kun and Ike-kun." Suzune added. "They aren't the studious type, I guess." Kyoro said before picking another piece and eating it.

"I personally can't imagine how someone could fail a test." Suzune started, Kyoro freezing up. "But the fact remains that there are hopeless students out there for whom failure is nearly inevitable." Suzune finished. "As cold as usual..." Kyoro said with a sigh and a smile. "I'm staying the truth, that's all. If nothing changes, it's extremely likely that they'll fail. And if we want our class to be promoted, it's vital that we not only avoid losing points, but that we also gain them. Right?" Suzune asked. "So you want to hold a study group? For the three who don't want to join Hirata-kun?" Kyoro asked finishing his rice at the bottom of the bowl. "Yes." She answered. "Are you serious about it?" He asked again. "Dead serious. If left to their own devices, they could damage Class D as a whole. If I really have been relegated to Class D, then I'll crawl my way up to Class A." Suzune responded. "Wait a minute." Kyoro said. "What?" Suzune asked. "Did you just say Class A?" "I did." "Not Class C?" Kyoro asked. "Class A. I find my assignment to Class D utterly unacceptable." Suzune answered. "So, step one is to help the failures?" Kyoro asked. "If you've grasped that, you can guess what I'm about to propose." She said with closed eyes. "I don't wanna." Kyoro said defiantly. "You are it, didn't you?" Suzune asked. "You enjoyed the luxurious special lunch set I treated you to. I still haven't forgiven you for conspiring with Kushida-san and taking me out on false pretenses." Suzune said. "Wouldn't this just make us even? And I'm only saying no because of the bribe. I would've helped if you had just asked." Kyoro said crossing his arms. "I call foul play..." he said closing his eyes. "Help me." "No." Help me." "No." Kyoro turned to Suzune and saw her glaring at him. "Help. Me." She said again. "F-Fine..." He said unfolding his arms. "Your job is to round up those three and bring them to my study group." She said before sliding him a piece of paper. "That's my cell phone number and email address. Contact me if you need anything." She said making Kyoro's eyes widen. She walked away as Kyoro picked up the paper.

'Wow. I don't even have Kushida's number yet and I got Horikita's! This is the first girl's number of... my life. The circumstances weren't all nice, but I'm still happy.' He thought before adding her number and email to his contacts with a smile.

~•~

Kyoro was walking back to the dorms after failed attempts at trying to get the three idiots to come to the study group.

'What kind of insult is: "I won't take anything from you, pretty boy." I'm not even good looking and if anything it's a compliment...' he thought while entering the building. 'Anyway... that was a bust. They all just insulted me and said no.' He said entering the elevator. "Maybe I can get help from someone they get along with, like Hirat— Nope. They don't like pReTtY bOyS... Kushida might help me." He said getting off the elevator and onto the fourth floor. 'I don't have her number, though...' He said walking up to his door. He unlocked it and put away his keycard. 'I could use the dorm phone.' "Honey I'm home~!" Kyoro joked.

"Welcome back!" Kushida said in casual clothing, peeking out from the kitchen area of his dorm. "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kyoro screamed, not expecting a response.

•

Kyoro was standing next to his bed with his head in his hands. Kushida was sitting in his desk chair with a smile. Kyoro's face looked exasperated and dead. "How... did you get in my room?" Kyoro asked lifting his head. "When I came over last week, after I left I got a copy of your keycard!" She said holding up said card. Kyoro looked at it in disbelief before throwing himself on his bed. 'This school just gave a random girl my keycard... do they not care for our safety?!'

"I feel violated for my room. I'm not helping you with homework anymore." He said turning to her. "W-Wait! I'm sorry!" She said running to his bed. "Please don't stop helping me! That's what I came here for!" She said shaking him. "Nope. Intruder alert." Kyoro said pulling the covers over himself with a blank face. "Stop messing with me." She said grabbing the covers. Kyoro turned the other way and gave a blank face. Kushida grumbled before hopping on the bed. "What are you—?!" He was cut off by Kushida taking off the covers and tickling him. "Will you help me with the homework?" She asked as Kyoro began squirming while laughing. "S-Stop! I-I—" he stopped and began laughing. "I'll help! Stop!" He said grabbing her arms. He realized how close their faces were and blushed before letting her arms go. She got off of him with a smug smile. Kyoro sat up and rubbed his temple.

"So, can you help me?" Kushida asked holding out her notebook and textbook. "You know I will. Let me change first." He said walking to his bathroom.

~•~

Kyoro was lying back on his bed with Kushida beside him. He wore his usual pink hoodie, a pair of black shorts, and the same color pink slippers. Kushida was wearing a large light blue sweater and a pale red skirt. The two were working on their homework until Kyoro set aside his books.

"Did you finish?" Kyoro asked. "Yup." She said closing her books. "It's only four, so what do you wanna do?" Kushida asked putting her books up. "Before we do anything else," Kyoro started before turning his body towards her. "You've been selected as a goodwill embassador. For the sake of our class, please give this all you got." He said before explaining Horikita's plan. "Sure, I'll help. I owe it to you for hanging out with me so much." Kushida said with a nod. "And the homework..." Kyoro added. "Details. So I need to invite them to a study group? And Horikita-san's running it?" She asked. "Yeah. I was bribed by her into helping. I can't really complain, the food was great." Kyoro said with a smile. "You had lunch with Horikita?" She said with a dark tone. "W-Well, yeah... She bought me lunch but then forced me into helping her." Kyoro stated. "Hmm. Those circumstances are acceptable." She said with a huff. "I tried to ask them before school was over but they all said no." Kyoro added. "I'll help you, but I need a favor in exchange.I want to join this study group, too." Kushida said pulling out her phone and texting the three idiots. Her phone made a ding and she smiled. "Done." She said showing their responses.

"Woah, that was fast! Then I'll ask right now?" Kyoro said pulling out his phone. Kushida leaned over his shoulder and watched as he opened a contact. Her eyes grew colder as she watched Kyoro press call for the contact and place the phone to his ear. "Horikita-san?" "Yes." "I got the three to accept. With a little help..." "Good. We'll meet in the library tomorrow after class." Suzune said. "A-Also, my... 'help' wants to know if they could joi—" "No." she said swiftly. "B-But—" "No." she said again before hanging up. Kyoro called back. "But she got the three of them to go! Give her a chance!" Kyoro said as Kushida leaned over his shoulder. "No." She said before hanging up again. Kyoro turned to Kushida with a frown. "She said no... I'm sorry, even after I asked you to help." Kyoro said with guilt. "Don't worry, leave it to me." Kushida said with a finger pointed to herself. "Now, what are we gonna do until eight?" Kushida asked. "Well, I did by a tv..." he said pointing to a tv on his desk. "Perfect!" She said grabbing his blanket and throwing it over the two. Kyoro smiled as he grabbed a remote and turned on the tv. Kushida scooted closer as Kyoro turned to a channel he liked.

"Kyoro-kun." Kushida said softly. "Yes?" Kyoro said turning to her. She took his phone from his lap and added her contact before putting it back. "I'm glad we're friends." She said giving him a closed-eye smile. Kyoro blushed and turned away. "I am, too. I-Is it okay I-If I call you... Kikyō...?" He asked messing with his bangs. "Of course! It's only right since I call you Kyoro." She answered. Kyoro shed a tear before putting his head on hers with a large smile. She let out a yelp before sinking into his embrace.

~•~

Kyoro was hiding his head under book in the library. The three idiots, Kikyō, and Suzune, were there as well. Kyoro lifted his head from the book and helped Ike who tapped his hand.

"Did you call me incompetent?!" Sudō yelled at Suzune. "Yes. If you can't solve a single simultaneous equation, I shudder to think of where you'll end up in the future." She answered. Sudō growled and went to grab her collar. Kyoro saw out of the corner of his eye and grabbed Sudō's hand. Kyoro stared at him with out turning his head and Sudō glared at him before shaking his hand away. "Who needs these stupid problems? Studying's pointless, anyway. If I want a good future, I'm better off playing basketball to prepare for my pro career than sticking my nose in some book!" Sudō said bringing his focus back to Suzune. "Oh? How childish. You want to be a professional basketball player? You really think the world will grant a dream like that so easily? Someone so lacking in commitment and dedication can never become a professional." She responded. "I skipped club for this crap. Damn waste of time." Sudō said packing up. "I'm out too. Horikita-san might be smart, but I can't hang with someone who talks down on me. But you're an alright guy Keiko-kun." Ike said packing as well. "Same. But thanks again, Keiko-kun." Yamauchi added.

"If you don't mind being expelled, do as you wish." Suzune said as they walked by her. Kyoro lied his head down on the table and stared at Suzune. "What was that?" Kyoro asked. "Yeah... No one's going to study with you if you act this way." Kikyō added. "Yes, I can see that I was mistaken." She started making Kyoro sigh in relief. "I realize now that I was wasting my time on a fruitless endeavor." She said making Kyoro glare slightly in annoyance. "You mean..." Kikyō began. "I mean that if they're going to hold us back, it's better that they drop out as soon as possible." Suzune finished, Kikyō's expression darkening a bit. "Ah. I see. I'll work something out myself. I promise I will. I really don't want to have to say goodbye to them so soon. I don't want to abandon them." Kikyō said packing her things. "I think you feel the same way. That's why you started this study group, right?" Kikyō asked. "If you're saying that in all sincerity, I don't mind. But... Rather... what did you really come here for?" Suzune asked. "Did you come here to sabotage me?" She asked making Kyoro look at her in complete confusion. "What do you mean? I don't understand... How can you be so comfortable saying such hostile things?" Kikyō asked sounding hurt. "It makes me feel so sad..." She said looking down and walking away quickly. Kyoro held out his hand but dropped it with a frown. "You sure you want to give up?" Kyoro asked. "Yes." Suzune said walking away with her things.

"Guess it's up to me..." Kyoro said standing up with a sigh.

~•~

Kyoro was outside of the dorms buying a coffee. It was dark outside and Kyoro had just put the money in the machine.

"I think I'm addicted..." he said grabbing it from a vending machine.

"Suzune, I didn't expect you to follow me here." He heard a male say from an alley beside him. Kyoro's eyebrow rose and he walked over to the opening. "Brother... I'm not the failure I was back then. I came here to catch up with you." Suzune said. 'She does have a brother, doesn't she?' Kyoro thought while hiding behind the wall watching Suzune and Manabu Horikita.

"Catch up? You still haven't realized your own shortcomings. You were a fool to choose this school." Manabu said fixing his glasses. "I'll reach Class A soon! When I do—" She said lacking her usual cold tone, but she was cut off. "Impossible." Manabu interrupted. "I will... make it there." Suzune said trembling. "What an unreasonable sister you are..." Manabu said before pushing her up against the wall with her hand raised. "My little sister, assigned to Class D... And I'm the one who bears the shame of it. Leave this school right now." He added, Kyoro's hands balling into fists, crushing his can and emptying its little contents. "Brother... I..." Suzune whimpered, Kyoro's nails began digging into his own skin, blood beginning to leak. "You have neither the right nor the ability to aim for something higher. You must learn..." Manabu said preparing to strike her with his palm. Kyoro had enough and quickly appeared behind him grabbing his wrist, his eyes glowing in the darkness of the night.

"K-Keikēko-...kun?" She said seeing the blood on his hands leaking onto Manabu's. "You were really gonna hurt her, weren't you?" Kyoro said darkly. "Let. Her. Go." He demanded. "Stop it, Keikēko-kun." Suzune said softly. Kyoro glanced at Suzune's expression before slowly releasing. Suddenly, Manabu went to backhand Kyoro but Kyoro leaned back to avoid it. Manabu went for a high kick but Kyoro dodged to right. Manabu, surprised by his reflexes, went for a punch but Kyoro blocked and parried before pushing Manabu to his left. Kyoro grabbed Suzune and placed her behind him before taking a stance.

"You move well. Do you practice something?" Manabu asked with a glare. "Graphic design and Animation." He said as his eyes dimmed. "Oh, that's right. I heard there was a new student who got 78's in every subject on his entrance exam. You got a 78 on the quiz the other day, too. That's exactly a C+ on our grading scale. Was that intentional?" Manabu asked, Suzune's interest increasing. "Perspective." Was all Kyoro said with his hands still up. "You're a unique man, I see. Suzune," he said switching focus. "I'm genuinely surprised to see you've made a friend." Manabu finished. "He's... he..." Suzune stuttered. "As usual, you've mistaken isolation for independence. Suzune. If you want to ascend to a higher class," He began before walking past the two, Kyoro blocking Suzune with his body. "Struggle with every ounce of strength you have." He said disappearing around the corner. 'HOLY SHIT! I've never fought before— how did that work out?!' Kyoro thought as the two walked out of the alley.

"Here you go." Kyoro said handing a sitting Suzune a can of soda. She took a sip as he stood to her side. "I guess you caught me at an awkward time." Suzune said in her usual tone. "Actually, I'm glad I could see you act like a normal girl— Ow!" He said getting poked in his side again. "Shut up." She said with her glare faltering. "You're incredible." Suzune added. "Is this about graphic design and animation?" Kyoro asked. "Did you really rig your scores on the entrance exam?" Suzune asked. "No, I... just fell asleep after a certain point... I... didn't have any coffee that morning..." Kyoro admit. Suzune stared at him before sighing. "I don't understand you at all." She said looking at him. "Are you really done with the study group?" Kyoro asked. "Yes. I've determined those persistent failures to be a waste of my time. It doesn't benefit me in any way." She answered. "They'll be expelled." Kyoro pointed out. "I don't care what happens to anyone else. To the contrary, those who remain will be the better students. Their loss will make it easier for our class to rise. I couldn't ask for more." Suzune explained.

"Are you sure that's not a wrong way of thinking?" Kyoro started, a hum from Suzune making him continue. "Your flaw is that you assume others will hold you back, and put them at a distance from the start. Couldn't that way to of thinking, looking down on others, be what got you put into Class D in the first place?" Kyoro asked making Suzune gain a complicated look. "I..." was all Suzune said.

~•FlashForward•~

'And so, with everything looking hopeless, the day arrived. We... We of Class D... Every student in Class D... In grammar, math, chemistry, civics, english, and every other subject... achieved high scores.' Kyoro thought with his head on his palm.

Suddenly Ike screamed while on his knees and all the other males followed suit. "We owe it all to you, Kushida-chan!" A male said at her desk. "Yeah, you really saved our birds this time." Another said. "Oh, gosh... I didn't do anything..." Kikyō said sheepishly. "Angel..." Ike wept. "Kushida-chan, you're our angel!" He said squirming.

"Keikēko-kun." Suzune said beside him. "What exactly did you do?" She asked. Kyoro smirked before his eyes gave off a mysterious glint, him smirking after.

~•BackToPresent•~

Kyoro was walking back to the dorms before he heard shouting.

"Sounds great to me! Bring it on!" Sudō shouted a short distance away. "What era did you step out of with that thug act? So lame." A male said from in front of him. "You are a pathetically ugly creature." Another male said. "Say that again!" Sudō said before trying to grab the male but the two others beside him grabbed his arms.

'Kikyō asked me to invite him to her study group, but...' Kyoro thought watching the scene. "Let me go!" Sudō shouted. "I can't wait to see how many from you class will be expelled after the upcoming test." The male with long brown hair said walking up to Sudō. "I bet the first will be..." the same male said before reaching out his finger dangerously close to Sudō's eye. Sudō flinched and the male tapped his forehead. "I hope you've said your prayers." Sudō said before shaking off the two males on him and charging at the other.

"Both sides, stop right there!" A girl with long pink-blonde hair said. "The he'll do you want?!" Sudō asked. "Stay out of this!" He shouted. "As a student of this school, I cannot allow violence to pass under my watch. If you insist on fighting regardless, I'm going to call security." Kyoro noticed the girl speaking was Kikyō's friend Ichinose. "Ichinose, this isn't a fight. We're the victims here." The male with long brown hair said. "Are you sure? It looked to me like you goaded him into it, Ryūen-kun. If you keep this up, I'll have to report this to the school." Ichinose responded. Ryūen began walking away with a smile. "Hey, monkey." He said passing Sudō. "You son of a..." Sudō let out. "I think you'll make a nice plaything." He added as his lackies followed him. "Hey! You running away? Hey, you! I told you to—" Kyoro suddenly put a hand on his shoulder. "Sudō." He said before shaking his head.

"Listen up. Don't let Ryūen-kun bait you, okay?" Ichinose said walking up them. "You shit the hell up." Sudō retorted. "Sorry for the scare! It's okay now!" Ichinose shouted to the girls on a nearby tennis court. "No more causing trouble for others, okay? That's all!" Ichinose said before walking away.

"Damn it!" Sudō said picking up his bag. "Um, Sudō, do you have some time now?" Kyoro began. "Kik—Kushida's studying in the—" "Pass. I've got club." Sudō said walking away. "Ike and Yamauchi are both in on it now." Kyoro added, but only received silence. "Will you be alright on your own?" Kyoro asked. "Scrambling at this point won't get me anywhere." Sudō responded.

'Why is this so difficult...' Kyoro thought with a sigh.

~•~

"Kyoro-kun, this is the first time we've hung out at school!" Kikyō said sitting really close to Kyoro's side, the two in the cafeteria.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to take you away from your other friends." Kyoro said with his head in his palm. "Nonsense. I won't lie, it would be a bit embarrassing revealing that we are on a first name basis." Kikyō said fidgeting in her seat. "I get that. Now, back to business. Kikyō, promise me you won't tell anyone what's about to transpire." Kyoro said. "Of course!" She said leaning forward. The two got up and walked to a corner. The two peeked out and watched a certain male get lunch. "Let's go." Kyoro said softly. "Sure!" Kikyō said with enthusiasm.

"Excuse me. You're an upperclassman, right?" Kyoro asked sitting beside a male with  short black hair. "I'm Keikēko from Class 1-D. You're in D, too, right?" Kyoro asked as Kikyō sat in front of the male. "Yeah..." they answered. "The free stuff must taste pretty bad, huh?" Kyoro asked with a more serious tone than usual. "What do you want?" The upperclassman asked.

"I want to consult with you about something. Of course, I'll make it worth your while." Kyoro said intertwining his hands and putting his elbows on the table. "Consult?" The male questioned. "Do you have the questions from your fist midterm two years ago?" Kyoro asked side-eyeing him. "I want you to give them to me." Kyoro added. "Why are you coming to me about this?" The male asked nervously. "Why else? Those low in points would be more likely to make a trade. And I saw you eating that foul-looking wild vegetable lunch set..." Kyoro said setting his hands down. The upperclassman began to think before asking— "How much will you pay?" "10,000, highest offer." Kyoro said his eyes beginning to glow. "There's a risk in this for me, too. I'd need 30,000 points at the very least." The male said. "I'm afraid that's not possible." Kyoro said. "No deal, then." The upperclassman said before Kikyō stood up and leaned over the table. "Wait a minute! A friends of ours might be expelled. Please!" She said leaning over the table a little more. "10,000." Kyoro said adverting his gaze from Kikyō. "25,000." The male said before Kikyō placed her chest on the table. "10,000." Kyoro said again. "20,000." The upperclassman said shakily before Kikyō began staring into his eyes. "The offed is 10,000." Kyoro said more sternly. "15,000. I can't possibly go any lower." The male said closing his eyes.

"Deal. In exchange, please include your quizzes from the first term." Kyoro said turning his head back. "Okay." The male said. "Thank you so much!" Kikyō said smiling at him. 'So devious...' Kyoro thought glancing at Kikyō.

•

Kyoro and Kikyō were in a courtyard sitting at a bench.

"Do you think it will be okay?" Kikyō asked. "Don't worry. It's within school rules." Kyoro said leaning his head back on the bench. "I suppose so... but using old test questions feels like cheating." Kikyō said. "Y-You could see it that way— but I think seeing his reaction says otherwise, that trading old questions between students isn't uncommon." Kyoro explained. "But they're still just old questions. They might not have anything to do with this year's test." Kikyō said.

"It may not contain the exact same questions, but I don't think they'll be entirely different." Kyoro responded. "Really?" "I don't think you have to worry, Kikyō-san. It's like insurance against the expulsion of Sudō and the others." Kyoro said before his phone dinged. He took it out and saw the upperclassman sent the requested attachments. Kyoro saw he got a 30 on a history quiz and chuckled. "Kyoro-kun." Kikyō said hitting his shoulder. "Sorry..." Kyoro said pulling out an old quiz. He compared to the one on the screen and smiled. "It's the same. Right down to the letter." "Wow! What about the midterm, then?" She said on his shoulder. "It's likely to have the same questions." Kyoro said putting his phone away. "Let's show it to everyone, not just Sudō and the others!" Kikyō said. "We shouldn't show it to them yet." Kyoro said closing his eyes. "Why not?" "Say we reveal the questions the day before the test. What will our classmates do then?" He asked giving her a smirk. "They'll work desperately to memorize the questions!" Kikyō answered. "Precisely." Kyoro added. "Hmm, Kyoro-kun, you're a lot sharper than you let on." Kikyō said with a sly grin. "W-What? No I'm not. I'm just cunning." Kyoro said with a chuckle. Kikyō just smiled at him smugly before laughing as well. "Can you do me a favor, Kikyō-san?" Kyoro asked.

"Could you tell them you're the one who got the questions?" Kyoro asked while rubbing his neck. "Sure, but are you okay with that?" She asked. "Yeah, I don't want to stand out. I'd rather be in the background." Kyoro answered. "Plus, they'd all trust you more than me since I've never done anything." He added. "Okay, if that's what you want." She said happily. "Thanks for this, Kikyō-san." Kyoro said with a sigh of relief.

"You don't have to use honorifics, Kyoro-kun." Kikyō replied. "Then please do the same for me." Kyoro said with a smile. "I guess will be our little secret, then!" Kikyō said with a closed-eye smile. "Yeah..."

~•~

It was the end of the next day and Kikyō called out to the other students.

"Hang on, everyone. There's something I want to give you before you go." She said handing out the old quiz and test questions. "Test questions? Did you make these?" Kei Karuizawa asked. "Actually, they're questions from an earlier test. A third-year gave them to me last night." Kikyō answered.

"Past questions?" Ike asked. "Yeah. He said pretty much the same questions have appeared on the test the last two years. So I bet they'll be useful on our test tomorrow, too!" She answered. "Are you kidding me?!" Ike shouted hugging the packet of questions. "Heck, I didn't have to run myself ragged studying al this time." Yamauchi said flipping through the pages. "This is great!" Sudō said.

"Kōenji-kun, here." Kikyō said attempting to give the leaving student one. "I beg your pardon, but I need no such thing. And I have a date to get to. Now, if you'll excuse me." Kōenji said before leaving. "Kushida-san." Suzune said walking up to her. "I know you might not need it, but..." Kikyō said handing her a packet. "May I ask you a question?" Suzune asked but was interrupted by the males of the class got in between her and Kikyō giving thanks. Kyoro walked to the door with a smile before leaving.

~•~

The day of the test results arrived. Kyoro was doing his usual napping since the teacher wasn't in the classroom yet. Suzune looked at him before sighing and poking his side.

"Ow!" He shouted holding his side. "Yes, Horikita-san?" He asked putting his head back down on his arms. Suzune only stared at the males surrounding Kikyō. "Seems she really fits her role." Kyoro said with a grin. 'She just wanted to talk.' He thought looking at Suzune. "Not much of a compliment. And what happened with you?" "Huh?" "How did all of a sudden you get high marks?" Suzune asked seeing Kyoro with low 90's across the board. "I-I also... got the packet..." Kyoro said adverting his gaze, watching the teacher walk in. "I'll look into that later..." was all Suzune said in response.

"To be honest, I'm impressed. I never thought you'd be able to get such high scores. I acknowledge your efforts. However..." Chabashira-sensei began. 'No...' Kyoro thought hearing those words. She walked to the far left of the board, and drew a red line above Sudō's name. 'No... no...' Kyoro thought in panic. "You got a failing score, Sudō." 'HOW THE FUC—'

•

"What? You're kidding!" Sudō shouted. "How did I fail?!"

"The threshold for failure on this midterm test was 40. The average score on the midterm test was 79.6. Divided by two..." she started doing the math on the board, the answer being 39.8, Sudō getting a 39. "Since we round that up, you needed a score of 40 or higher to pass." Chabashira-sensei explained. "Forty..." was all Sudō let out.

"We only knew each other for a short time, but I appreciate your efforts. I'll issue your notice of expulsion after class." Chabashira-sensei said coldly. "I'm gonna be... expelled?" Sudō muttered. "Wait a minute! Isn't there anyway to save him?" Hirata asked standing up. "A failing score means you're finished." She replied. "Is there anything we can do? We can't let Sudō-kun be expelled..." Kikyō said in desperation. "Rules are rules. Give it up." Chabashira-sensei said with an unimpressed look. "Homeroom is now over. Sudō, I'll be waiting in the staff office after classes." She added walking to the door. Before she left she looked at Kyoro for a moment before leaving, not unnoticed by Suzune.

"Hey, are we just going to accept this?" Kikyō asked the class. "Sudō-kun is going to be expelled." She added. Kyoro stood up with a tired face. "Kyoro?" She said before covering her mouth as everyone looked at her and then back to the walking Kyoro. "I'll be back. Just g-going to restroom." Kyoro said with a sigh before walking out. The girls of the class gave smug grins to Kikyō but the guys glared at the door Kyoro walked out of.

•

Kyoro closed the door and watched as Chabashira-sensei rounded a corner. He followed her and eventually made it to the roof. Kyoro saw she was smoking as her hair blew in the wind.

"What is it? Class is going to start soon, you know." She said not looking at him. "W-Well, the way you looked at me made me think I was supposed to do something..." Kyoro said scratching his cheek. 'I'll just take a philosophical approach about this...' he thought before his eyes glowed. "Sensei, may I ask you question?" Kyoro asked. "A question?" "In Japan, right now, do you think society is equal?" Kyoro questioned.

"That's quite a question. Is there any point in me answering that?" She asked back. "It's important. Cans you answer, please?" He answered. "From where I stand, I'd say... society is certainly not equal. Not a bit." She said.

"I agree. The word 'equal' is a lie. But we humans are thinking creatures." Kyoro added. "What's your point?" She said putting out her cigarette. "That rules require, at least, the appearance of equal application." Kyoro said walking closer. "Oh?" She said with a smile. Kyoro sighed before holding out his phone, showing he had 71,210 points. "This gonna be expensive..." he mumbled. "What's that for?" Chabashira-sensei asked. "Sell me one point to add to Sudō's English test score..." he said with a tired face. Chabashira-sensei stared at him before smiling.

She laughed as Kyoro's face grew unamused. "You're an interesting one. You want me to sell you test points?" She asked.

"You told us on the first day: we can buy anything with points. Rules must be applied equally, even on this midterm test." Kyoro explained. "I see. Your idea is indeed plausible. However, that doesn't mean you can afford it." Chabashira-sensei said with smirk. Kyoro sighed. "How much, then?" He asked. "Let me see... If you can give me 100,000 points right here and now, I'll sell it to you." She said making Kyoro's eyes glow a bit more. He walked past her and towards the gate of the roof. "What are you doing...?" Chabashira-sensei asked with a face palm. "Giving up." He said and started to climb up the gate.

"I'll pay, too." They heard from behind them, Suzune being the source of the voice. "We don't know what the penalty might be enacted on a class that loses students to expulsion. I've determined there may be considerable merit in keeping him around." She said before Kyoro ran at her and hugged her. "Thank you so much!" He said squeezing her. "W-What are you doing? Unhand me!" She said blushing, trying to push him off. "T-Thank you..." he said picking her up off the ground. "Put me down!" She said with a red face. Suzune began hitting him in the face. "Ow. Ow. Ow—"

"I knew you people would be interesting. Very well. I'll sell you Sudō's test point." She said interrupting the two. Kyoro, not putting Suzune down, walked over to Chabashira-sensei. "You can let him know his expulsion has been rescinded yourselves." Chabashira-sensei added. Kyoro held out his phone again before Suzune kneed him in the chest. He fell to the floor clutching his stomach and Chabashira just picked up his phone. "Are you sure?" Suzune asked. "I agreed to sell it for 100,000 points. I don't have a choice." She answered. "Split it... fifty...fifty..." Kyoro said from the floor.

"In the history of this school, no Class D has ever advanced to a higher tier. Do you still intend to struggle for it?" Chabashira-sensei asked. "I don't know how he feels, but I will ascend to a higher class." Suzune said with determination. "And how do defectives like you, abandoned by the school, expect to aim for the top?" Chabashira-sensei asked coldly. "If I may be so bold, defective merchandise can often be fixed with the slightest of alterations. That is my feelings on the matter." Suzune replied.

"I look forward to seeing it, then. As your teacher, I'll watch over you warmly." Chabashira-sensei said leaving. Kyoro tried to get up but Suzune stomped into his back. "Why...?" He groaned.

~•~

Kyoro and Suzune were sitting at the same bench he and Kikyō were at before.

"Class A has 1,004 points. By comparison, we have 87 points. Honestly, aiming for Class A feels like a pipe dream." Kyoro said looking at his phone. "I won't give up. I will advance to Class A." Suzune said in response. "I see." Kyoro said nervously. "What, pervert?" Suzune asked. "It was an act of appreciation and affection! But... I owe you one. Thanks for saving Sudō." Kyoro said with a smile.

"Didn't I tell you? I did that for my own sake. Nothing more." Suzune said. "Sure~." Kyoro said looking away. "What was that? That doesn't sound like you believed me." Suzune said leaning towards him. "You know Sudō's English midterm score would be borderline, so you intentionally lowered your own score, didn't you?" Kyoro asked with a smug smile seeing that Suzune got a 51 in English. "That's a very nice thing to do for someone you once pushed away." He added putting his phone away. "I told you, I did it to get into Class A." Suzune insisted. "Yeah, okay. Whatever you say~." Kyoro said leaning his head back.

"Hey." She said grabbing his attention. "I don't like your attitude, Keikēko-kun." She said darkly. "Eh?" Kyoro let out. "To regret in suffering, or to regret in despair..." she began pulling something out of her bag and standing up. "Which do you prefer?" She said holding a compass as a weapon. "W-What?" Kyoro said in fear. She stood over him with the compass raised. "Choose." Suzune said before Kyoro flipped over the bench, her missing his body. "Was that a vital you aimed for?! Horikita?!" Kyoro said seeing her slowly walk toward him. "Receive your punishment, pervert." She said before running at him. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kyoro said trying to scramble to his feet. Suzune jumped on his back and held down his arms with her knees. "HELP! SOMEONE HEL-" She began her punishment. "AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Kyoro's screams were heard across campus.

~•~

Kyoro walked into his dorm with Suzune behind him.

"Cheers!" The three idiots and Kikyō yelled. "I'm gonna kill you all. Why are you here?" Kyoro said with bandages wrapped around his hands. "I don't object to a celebration but my room was never the destination..." he said taking off his blazer. He grabbed a pair of shorts before heading into his bathroom. He came out in his pink hoodie and black shorts. "Why is the party in my room? Kikyō, did you let them in as I was being brutally assaulted?" He said glaring at Suzune, said girl reading while sitting on his bed.

"Man that was close! If Kushida-chan hadn't gotten those old test questions, Ike and Sudō would've been out by a mile!" Yamauchi said. "Don't ignore me!" Kyoro said eating some chips. "Hey, you just barely passed, too." Ike retorted. "I haven't gotten serious yet." Yamauchi said dramatically. "Sudō, you still failed even with the old test!"

"Kyoro. How did you get them to rescind Sudō-Lin's expulsion?" Kikyō asked as Kyoro sat in between her and Suzune. Her question made the three idiots stop and look. "Horikita had a talk with the school." He started making her stop reading and look at him. "She said you can't expel someone without an explanation just because they got a failing score." Kyoro said pretending to shed a tear. "W-Wait a—" Suzune attempted. "You did that, Horikita?" Kikyō asked. "I've... never seen her so passionate!" Kyoro said with a sniff. Suzune glared with an embarrassed face. "It was incredible! She threw out all these accusations, not one of the teachers could fight her." He said putting a hand to his heart with closed eyes.

"You're kidding! Horikita-chan, that's amazing!" Ike praised. "I guess we had the wrong idea about you!" Yamauchi said honestly. "Aren't you glad, Sudō?" Kyoro asked with a grin. "Why would you do that for me?" Sudō asked.

"I merely acted for my own benefit." She said flustered. Kikyō only had a bitter smile as the others praised Suzune.

~•~

"Thanks for helping me clean up, Kikyō." Kyoro said typing up a trash bag.

"I should be thanking you for letting us use your room." Kikyō said with a smile. "Yeah... let..." Kyoro said with a sigh. "Kyoro..." "Yes?" "Do you like girls like Horikita-san?" She asked. Kyoro dropped the bag he was holding as his face went red. "I always see you with her if we aren't together. All the girls in class are talking about a love triangle." Kikyō explained. "W-WHAT?!"he yelled. "She's a f-friend but I'm not interested in her. S-She's just my friend." Kyoro said with a smaller blush.

"I see..." Kikyō started. "But can you prove it?" "Eh?" He said before she walked closer to him. Kyoro took a step back as Kikyō stepped closer. He reached the wall before Kikyō put her chest on his. The look in her eyes was different and colder than before, not as innocent. Her voice was just as cold and unfamiliar. "Can. You. Prove. It?" She asked before pushing him into his bed. Kyoro looked up and watched as Kikyō straddled him. 'WHERE THE HELL IS THIS GOING?!' He thought as Kikyō leaned over him.

"She thinks she's so great because she's pretty, and smart. I hate her so much. I really hate her. I wish she would just die. I hate her... You hang out with her just as much as you do with me." She said before getting in Kyoro's face. "Prove that you are just friends. Prove it tonight." She whispered. Kyoro's face was red and steaming before he figured it out.

"We're just friends." he said softly before wrapping his arms around her waist. Kikyō's eyes widen before she began crying. She hugged him back and began crying harder. The two shared the embrace until Kikyō stopped crying. Kyoro lifted his upper body and Kikyō wrapped her legs around his waist. "Thank you..." she began. "Can you please... not tell anyone?" She asked. "Of course I won't." Kyoro said hugging her again. "We should get you back to your dorm..." Kyoro said trying to stand up but was pushed back down. Kikyō shook her head and whispered in his ear. "Let me stay the night." "B-But... I'm gonna get in so much trouble if we're found out." Kyoro said with a tired face making Kikyō giggle before switching back to her other 'personality'. "How scandalous~." She said before blowing in his ear. Kyoro let out a yelp before backing his head up. "Just take some of my clothes and hang your uniform on the chair." Kyoro said before she stood up.

•

Kyoro was facing the wall while lying on his bed before feeling arms slink around his body. His blushed again before hearing Kikyō's voice.

"Goodnight," he felt her hands go under his hoodie and on his chest and abs. "Kyoro~." Kikyō said seductively before feeling on his body. 'SHES A PERVERT, TOO?! WHAT THE FUCK AM I GONNA DO?!' He yelled internally as she explored his upper body.

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This was chapter 1 or, Arc 1– the Midterm Arc. I planned to do this by Arcs but I didn't think it'd be 12,000+ words...

Let me know how you feel about the word count, please. I'd really appreciate it.

Before I go, enjoy this!

Ciao!

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