The private grudge that occurred in the equipment room was like a stone thrown into the deep sea; though it stirred up massive waves beneath the surface, everything quickly returned to calm on the outside.
The next day, Natsukawa Sosuke appeared in the classroom as if nothing had happened.
There wasn't even a trace of a fight on him. He continued to spin his pen during class, read books during breaks, and occasionally wandered over to the study group.
Seeing him return in one piece, Sakura Airi, who had been on edge, almost burst into tears on the spot, only managing to stop after Natsukawa's comforting.
Meanwhile, Hasebe Haruka looked him up and down very carefully, and after confirming that he wasn't actually missing any limbs, she gave a heavy huff, turned her head away, and said, "Evil deeds live for a thousand years."
However, thanks to this, the dragon boy completely fell silent.
From then until the final exams, the troublemakers from Class C, who had been like flies, seemed to vanish into thin air overnight.
Though the students of Class D found it strange, they were happy for the peace, assuming the school's warning had taken effect or that Class C had finally found their conscience.
In this rare atmosphere of tranquility, the final special exam called "Paper Shuffle" arrived as scheduled... December, the day final exam results were announced.
When Chabashira Sae stepped into the classroom in her high heels, the eyes of the entire class were fixed on her like spotlights.
Everyone was waiting.
Waiting for the judgment that would decide their fate.
"Regarding the results of this final special exam..."
Chabashira Sae stood at the podium, her gaze scanning the class. Today, her expression seemed a bit softer than usual; although still cold, the corners of her tight lips were slightly upturned.
"First, regarding the passing score."
"Everyone passed."
Those simple words caused the tense atmosphere in the classroom to instantly relax by half.
"Next, the results of the class competition."
Chabashira Sae picked up a piece of chalk and wrote the names and scores of the four classes on the blackboard with a "shua-shua" sound.
"First, the duel between Class B and Class A."
"The winner is Class A."
"Whoosh—"
A wave of surprised whispers broke out in the classroom.
"Class B actually lost?"
"Class A is still strong after all..."
Natsukawa wasn't surprised by this. Although Honami was excellent and Class B was united, there was still a clear gap in overall strength when compared to those in Class A.
Chabashira's voice continued, pulling everyone's attention back.
"Next is the duel between our Class D and Class C."
She paused, her gaze landing on Natsukawa in the back row for a second before turning to the whole class.
"The winner is Class D."
"Yeah—!!!"
Cheers erupted instantly, and Ike and Yamauchi hugged each other, howling with excitement.
They won!
Not only did everyone pass, but they also took down that disgusting Class C in a head-on confrontation!
"Quiet."
Chabashira Sae tapped the blackboard, signaling everyone to calm down.
"The official class points won't be updated until next month, so I'll just do some addition and subtraction based on the current points."
She wrote the final numbers on the blackboard.
Class A: 1550 points.
Class B: 1315 points.
Class C: 270 points.
Class D: 400 points.
After writing the numbers, Chabashira Sae turned around and looked at the stunned faces below, a clear smile finally appearing on her face.
"Do you see clearly?"
She pointed to the last two lines of numbers.
"400 points versus 270 points."
"In other words, starting from next semester..."
"You are now Class C."
"..."
Dead silence lasted for three seconds.
This was immediately followed by a roar even more frenzied than before.
"We... we're being promoted?!"
"Is this for real? We're no longer the bottom-tier Class D?!"
"Awesome! Hahaha! Ryuuen must be fuming right now!"
"Ugh... finally... finally, we've shed the title of 'the worst'..."
For this group of students who had been labeled as defective products since enrollment and had experienced major ups and downs, this promotion was not just an increase in points, but a reclamation of dignity.
Horikita Suzune sat in her seat, looking at the numbers on the blackboard, her lips tightly pressed together.
Although Class A was still far away, at least... she had taken the first step.
She instinctively looked back at the man who always sat in the corner with an air of indifference.
Natsukawa Sosuke was spinning his pen. Feeling her gaze, he looked up and gave Horikita a slight eyebrow raise, mouthing:
"Congratulations."
Horikita turned away, but a very faint smile played on the corners of her mouth... That night, Keyaki Shopping Center, restaurant private room.
To celebrate this grand victory and the survival of all study group members, Haruka and the others held a small celebration feast here.
"Cheers—!"
Five glasses clinked together with a crisp sound.
"This is great! Everyone passed!" Sakura Airi held her hot cocoa, her face beaming with a happy smile. "And we even moved up to Class C. It feels like a dream."
"Yeah," Miyake Akito agreed. "Thanks to Yukimura's tutoring and Natsukawa's predicted questions. Otherwise, my exam would have been a close call."
"Hmph, that's because you were somewhat hardworking yourselves." Yukimura Teruhiko pushed up his glasses. Although he said that, his expression clearly showed he enjoyed the praise. "As long as you're willing to learn, there's no hurdle you can't overcome."
Everyone chatted happily, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.
Natsukawa Sosuke sat by the window, holding a glass of soda, smiling as he listened to their chatter.
Just then, the chair beside him was pulled out.
Hasebe Haruka sat down next to him, holding a glass of juice.
She wasn't wearing her school uniform today, having changed into a loose knit sweater, her hair falling casually over her shoulders.
"Hey."
She nudged Natsukawa lightly with her elbow, her voice low and carrying a hint of awkwardness.
"What is it?" Natsukawa turned to look at her.
"Um..." Haruka's eyes darted around as if she were organizing her words. "About before... thanks."
"Thanks for what?" Natsukawa asked, playing dumb.
"Stop playing innocent." Haruka glared at him, but her eyes lacked their previous wariness, replaced by a more complex emotion. "I'm talking about you dealing with that Ryuuen matter."
"Though I don't know what methods you used, those Class C people have definitely behaved since that day. Not only have they stopped looking for trouble, but they even go out of their way to avoid us."
She looked at Natsukawa, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry.
"Just who on earth are you? To be able to keep a delinquent like that so well-behaved."
"Me?" Natsukawa smiled, leaning back against the chair. "I'm just an ordinary high school student who's slightly good at fighting."
"Like I'd believe that." Haruka curled her lip and reached out, her fingertip lightly poking Natsukawa's arm.
"But... whatever. Everyone has their secrets."
"Anyway... you win this time. I take back my previous unobjective evaluation of you being a'scumbag who only relies on women'."
"Oh? And what's the evaluation now?" Natsukawa asked with interest.
Haruka glanced at him, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she still spoke straightforwardly.
"A... somewhat handsome, responsible scumbag."
"Hey, is that'scumbag' prefix never going away?" Natsukawa didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Of course not," Haruka said matter-of-factly. "Look at the girls around you... don't think doing a few good deeds can whitewash your womanizing nature."
She paused, suddenly leaning in closer, her beautiful eyes staring into Natsukawa's.
"However... since we're friends now, I'll give you a privilege."
"A privilege?"
"Yeah." Haruka nodded, a sly smile playing on her lips. "From now on, you don't have to call me Hasebe-san. It's too formal."
"Then what should I call you?"
"Just call me Haruka... though that feels a bit weird. Fine, either that or call me Haruka-chan like Airi does."
She tilted her head in thought, then her eyes lit up as if she had a great idea.
"Since your name is Natsukawa... I'll call you 'Natsu-chi'!"
"...Huh?"
Natsukawa Sosuke's expression froze.
"Natsu-chi? What kind of kindergarten-level nickname is that?"
"It feels very friendly, doesn't it?" Haruka seemed very satisfied with the name. "Since I consider you one of us, you naturally need an exclusive nickname."
"Can we change it? Like 'Sōsuke' or 'Big Brother Natsukawa'?" Natsukawa tried to bargain.
"Rejected." Haruka made an 'X' with her arms in front of her chest. "It's Natsu-chi. If you don't agree, I'll keep calling you'scumbag'."
"...Fine, whatever makes you happy." Natsukawa sighed helplessly.
Seeing Natsukawa's defeated look, Haruka couldn't help but burst out laughing.
In that instant, her somewhat cold and elegant features seemed to melt like snow, revealing a heart-stirring brightness.
Natsukawa looked at her smile, thinking that she truly was Class D's sharp-tongued beauty; not only was she well-endowed, but her looks were also top-notch.
Haruka seemed to notice Natsukawa's gaze as well; her laughter gradually subsided, while the blush on her cheeks deepened.
She hurriedly looked down, taking a sip of juice to hide her discomfort.
In truth, the moment she confirmed Natsukawa's safe return, and saw that he had not only solved the trouble but also maintained his calm and composed demeanor, something in her heart had already changed.
But... Haruka's peripheral vision glanced at Sakura Airi sitting on the other side.
(No...)
Haruka warned herself in her heart.
(That's the person Airi likes. He's Airi's hero.)
(I can't... I absolutely cannot steal the person my friend likes.)
She took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing that newly sprouted flutter back into the deepest part of her heart.
She looked up, putting back on her frienemy-like expression, and nudged Natsukawa with her elbow.
"Hey, Natsu-chi. Although I've acknowledged you..."
She lowered her voice, her tone carrying a hint of warning and a bitterness only she understood.
"If you treat Airi poorly or make her cry... I'll settle all the old and new scores together. When that time comes, no matter how good you are at fighting, I won't let you off."
"Got it?"
Natsukawa looked at her seemingly fierce eyes, smiled, and raised his soda, lightly clinking it against her glass.
"Don't worry."
"I'll take good care of her... including your share."
"...Hmph, at least you're sensible."
Haruka turned away and downed the rest of her drink.
Not far away, Sakura Airi smiled as she saw Haruka taking the initiative to make peace with Sōsuke-kun and seeing that their relationship seemed quite good.
That's great.
Haruka-chan has finally acknowledged Sōsuke-kun too.
It's so good... for everyone to be together like this.