The air in the Library seemed to freeze at this moment.
All eyes focused on the boy who suddenly emerged from the shadows, his face calm, yet speaking astonishing words.
Ishizaki Daichi was stunned. He looked at Natsukawa Sosuke, who stood before him with his hands in his pockets, not even glancing at him directly, and his mind struggled to process it.
"You... what did you say?"
Ishizaki subconsciously asked back, his original arrogant tone subtly weakening without him realizing it.
"Don't be ridiculous! You, a mere extra from Class D?"
Although he said that, Ishizaki's body honestly took half a step back.
Unlike Miyake Akito, Natsukawa Sosuke gave him the feeling of a bottomless, stagnant pool of water.
"Whether you believe it or not is your business."
Natsukawa Sosuke didn't get angry at the other party's skepticism, not even bothering to lift an eyelid. He walked up to Ishizaki, the distance between them so close that their breathing could be heard.
"Go back and tell Ryuuen. Since he wants to see me so badly, I'll give him the chance."
"The time is set for tomorrow after school. As for the location..."
Natsukawa's lips curled into a playful arc, his dismissive attitude a blatant provocation to Class C.
"He can pick. Whether it's the rooftop, the warehouse, or some shady corner, I'll be there."
"But, he'd best bring everyone he can. I don't like cleaning up trash one by one; it's too much trouble."
"You—!!"
Ishizaki Daichi's face instantly turned a liver-red color. This wasn't just a provocation; it was outright humiliation!
"Good! Very good!"
Ishizaki nodded, gritting his teeth.
"You're digging your own grave! Since you want to see Ryuuen-boss, I'll make it happen!"
"Don't think you can scare us by putting on an act in the Library. Tomorrow, I'll make you kneel on the ground and beg for mercy!"
He glared fiercely at Natsukawa and snorted coldly.
"Let's go!"
Ishizaki waved his hand, leading the Class C followers behind him, and stormed out of the Library... Walking out of the Library building, a cold wind blew, and Ishizaki Daichi's heated mind cooled down slightly.
He looked back at the quiet building, a strange unease rising in his heart.
That Natsukawa... was he really the mastermind?
"Ishizaki, do we really have to go back and report?" Komiya beside him asked hesitantly, "What if it's a trap?"
"Trap my ass!" Ishizaki cursed, pulling out his terminal from his pocket.
The phone rang twice before being answered.
"Hello, Ryuuen-boss." Ishizaki's voice immediately became respectful. "We encountered a situation in the Library..."
He reported everything that had just happened, including Natsukawa Sosuke's appearance, his words, and his arrogant attitude, in full detail.
The other end of the phone was silent for a moment.
Then, a low, intrigued laugh came through.
"Hahaha... interesting."
Ryuuen Kakeru's voice came through the line, carrying the pleasure of discovering a new toy.
"Natsukawa Sosuke from Class D? The hanger-on who usually follows Horikita around? I didn't expect it to be him."
"Challenging me to a fight? And telling me to bring everyone? Ha! That's quite a big mouth."
"So... boss, what do we do?"
"Since our guest is so sincere, of course, we'll give him a good reception."
Ryuuen's voice carried a chilling, bloodthirsty edge.
"The location will be the abandoned Sports Equipment Room in the Special Teaching Building. The soundproofing there is good; even if he screams his lungs out, no one will hear him."
"Go to the site now and prepare. Come with me tomorrow after school."
"Yes! Understood!"
...Inside the Library, the commotion had subsided, but the atmosphere had not lightened.
Sakura Airi was still sitting on the ground. Although Natsukawa had helped her up, her legs were still a bit weak. She clutched Natsukawa's sleeve tightly, looking up with large eyes brimming with tears.
"So-Sōsuke-kun..."
Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears.
"You... are you really going to see that Ryuuen? Please don't go! They... they'll definitely hit you!"
"It's okay, Airi."
Natsukawa Sosuke knelt down and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Some things, someone has to resolve."
"Ha..."
A very ill-timed sigh, full of helplessness and irritation, sounded nearby.
"I say, how long are you two going to keep this act up? Is this some third-rate hot-blooded anime set?"
She stepped forward, grabbing Sakura Airi's other hand. Her usually languid eyes were now filled with sharp scrutiny, staring directly at Natsukawa.
"Hey, Natsukawa."
Haruka's tone was not polite; it even carried a hint of sharpness.
"You, are you missing a screw in your head? Or do you think you're super cool right now, trying to show off in front of Airi, oh no, in front of us?"
"Ha-Haruka-chan!" Sakura tried to argue but was stopped by a look from Haruka.
"Airi, don't say anything, this guy just needs a good scolding."
"That Ryuuen, although I haven't had much contact with him, just looking at his followers, who are like wild monkeys, tells you enough. He's definitely an unreasonable thug leader."
Although Haruka's tone was harsh, if one listened carefully, they could discern the anxiety hidden beneath her words.
"Going there alone, are you trying to be a hero? Or a punching bag? Those delinquents won't go easy on you just because you look decent."
"If you get crippled, Airi will be the one crying her eyes out. I don't want to spend time comforting a crying Airi; it's too much trouble."
Although she said "trouble," her gaze did not leave Natsukawa, instead carrying a hint of inquiry and subtle worry.
In her understanding, boys who usually seemed frivolous and loved to show off at critical moments were most likely to mess things up for the sake of their pride. She didn't dislike people with flaws, but she hated idiots who made those around them worry for the sake of vanity.
"You don't really think you're some hidden master, do you?" Haruka frowned, scrutinizing Natsukawa from head to toe. "Even if your physique seems decent, two fists are no match for four hands. If those Class C guys bring weapons, even if you kneel and beg for mercy, they won't let you go."
"Listen to me, hurry up and find a teacher, or the school. It's a lame thing to do, but at least it'll save your life."
Faced with Haruka's relentless barrage, Natsukawa Sosuke not only didn't get angry but even showed a somewhat surprised smile.
He could tell that although this girl had a venomous tongue and spoke harshly, every word was for his and Sakura's consideration.
'A classic case of tough on the outside, soft on the inside.'
"Hasebe-san."
Natsukawa Sosuke straightened up, shedding his casual demeanor, and his tone became calm and serious.
"Thank you for your advice. I know you're worried about Airi, and also... worried about me."
"Huh?" Haruka froze for a moment, a blush instantly rising to her cheeks, then she turned her face away. "Who, who's worried about you! Don't flatter yourself! I just don't want to cause trouble for myself..."
"But some things can't be solved by going to a teacher."
"People like Ryuuen, the more you go to a teacher, the more he'll think you're weak and easy to bully. He's like a stray dog on the street; the more you back down, the more he'll pounce and bite you."
"To deal with this kind of rule-breaking thug, you can only use harsher methods to beat him into submission, to make him fear you when he sees you, to make him never dare to bare his teeth at you again."
"And..."
Natsukawa flexed his wrist, a sharp glint flashing in his dark eyes.
"I never said I was going there to die."
"Since he wants to solve problems with violence, then..."
"Should I avoid his sharp edge?"