Before Hiratsuka Shizuka could respond, Gannatsu-sensei blinked in confusion and slowly walked back toward her desk.
"Ah, Shizuka… you really need to work on your ability to judge rumors. You can't just believe everything you hear."
Matsueda Azusa, showing absolutely no respect, reached out and casually patted Hiratsuka's shoulder.
"See? Rumors are dangerous things. You can't spread claims without evidence."
He spoke earnestly, as if giving a lecture.
"For example, just because someone says you're an unmarried woman nearing thirty who can't find a partner… doesn't mean it's true, right? Everything needs proof."
Something snapped.
A vein bulged on Hiratsuka's forehead, and her eyes sharpened dangerously.
"I can also make the cameras in the teachers' office conveniently 'malfunction.'"
She cracked her knuckles.
"Say one more word, and I'll make sure there's no evidence left after I beat you to a pulp."
Matsueda immediately stuck out his tongue.
He knew when to stop.
Without another word, he slipped away.
12. I'll Write Every Single One of You Down
Rebellion was a natural part of adolescence.
If you never challenged a teacher even once, your entire school life would feel incomplete.
Matsueda Azusa returned to the classroom with a victorious air.
He had just secured another decisive win against Hiratsuka Shizuka.
Surely—
His capable subordinate, Hikigaya, had already prepared some yakisoba bread as a reward.
After all, he had just defeated three major figures in one day:
Miura Yumiko.Kobiki Sayo.Hiratsuka Shizuka.
Such achievements deserved recognition.
The classroom door slid open.
Most of the students looked at Matsueda with strange expressions.
That was expected.
To them, he was just a strange—albeit handsome—classmate who had caused chaos early in the morning and even ended up in the medical office after a fight.
From now on, anyone thinking of talking to him would probably hesitate, considering the pressure from the popular clique behind him.
Hikigaya glanced at Matsueda from head to toe.
No visible injuries.
He actually survived? Impressive.
He handed over a packaged yakisoba bread.
"To survive Hiratsuka-sensei… you really live up to your title, President."
Nice.
They were completely in sync.
Even with the burning gazes from the popular group behind him, Hikigaya pretended not to notice.
It was just "atmosphere," after all.
Ignore it, and it disappears.
"Of course."
Matsueda waved his hand dismissively and took the bread.
"Hiratsuka? Just another defeated subordinate."
Then he pointed at Hikigaya.
"Among all heroes—only you and I stand at the top."
"I wouldn't dare accept that honor."
Hikigaya narrowed his eyes.
Comparing him to this extremist was a bit much.
Behind them, whispers began to spread.
Without Hayama and Miura present, the so-called "popular group" quickly revealed their true nature.
They weren't even lowering their voices.
If anything, they were deliberately loud—trying to embarrass Matsueda in the most childish way possible.
"This guy hasn't reflected at all. He's so annoying."
"Still acting smug… does he think talking back to teachers is cool?"
"People like him always end up getting expelled."
Matsueda smiled faintly.
"If you have something to say, just say it directly."
For a moment, the classroom fell silent—
Then laughter erupted.
"He's scared! So lame!"
But—
The laughter didn't last long.
"If you say it out loud…"
Matsueda continued calmly,
"I'll write down every single one of your names."
Silence.
"I came to this school to rule."
"Those who follow me prosper. Those who oppose me perish."
His tone was casual.
Too casual.
"You really think there's anything I wouldn't dare to do?"
"I usually don't bother with dirty methods."
"But if you insist on acting stupid…"
"I don't mind."
"Do you even know what my club does?"
"I deal with what the Discipline Committee can't."
"I break up relationships they don't dare touch."
"In simple terms—"
"Execute first. Report later."
"Anyone on my list…"
"I won't let a single one of you off."
"Every day, I'll watch you."
"Until your parents are called in."
"Until you break down and apologize to me."
The classroom fell completely silent.
It had to be said—
This method was incredibly effective.
Because everyone hated one thing more than anything else:
Getting their parents involved.
"Matsueda Azusa…"
Hikigaya thought to himself.
You've really become something terrifying.
"Vice-President."
Matsueda held out his hand.
"Bring me paper and a pen."
Hikigaya immediately complied.
"Yes, sir."
Better not provoke him.
After all—
This so-called "club" wasn't as simple as it looked.
With backing from both the Student Council and alumni, it was practically a shadow version of the Discipline Committee.
And Matsueda?
He wasn't bluffing.
He would actually do it.
This guy… is he trying to become the school's final boss?
Under that pressure, the popular group collapsed instantly.
They scattered back to their seats—
Lowering their heads—
Avoiding eye contact.
"Pathetic."
Matsueda clicked his tongue.
"You don't even have the courage to face the consequences."
"Yet you gather together and talk behind people's backs?"
"Mockery, manipulation, contempt…"
"These things last longer than hatred."
"It's easier to insult someone than praise them."
"Throw in a few clever remarks, and suddenly it feels fun."
"That's why people keep doing it."
"They think it's harmless."
"They think it's not bullying."
"How naïve."
"If this were America—"
"You'd already be full of bullet holes."
"Bang."
He made a finger gun.
Several students flinched.
At that moment—
The classroom door opened.
Miura Yumiko and Hayama Hayato walked in.
From Miura's expression—
It was clear.
She still hadn't gotten the answer she wanted.
"What… happened?"
Hayama asked, noticing the strange atmosphere.
"Nothing much."
Matsueda shrugged.
"I just taught your subordinates a lesson in manners."
He looked directly at Hayama.
"You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
Hey… why is he still provoking them?
Hikigaya felt a chill.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.
Matsueda wasn't done with Hayama.
Was he trying to start a full-blown war?
Then—
It clicked.
He's making an example.
If Hayama and Miura fell—
Everyone else would be terrified.
Especially couples.
This guy…
He's trying to rule the entire school.
"…What do you want now?"
It wasn't Hayama who spoke.
It was Miura.
Again.
Matsueda sighed.
"A brute with nothing but strength…"
"She really never learns."
He raised his hand dramatically.
"Vice-President! Bring me my Green Dragon Crescent Blade!"
Hikigaya paused.
Then grabbed a random book and handed it over.
"No blade. Only a sword."
"Unacceptable preparation."
Matsueda took it anyway.
"But I'll spare you this time."
He pointed it at Miura.
"For someone like you, this is more than enough."
"…."
Miura stared at him.
Then rolled her eyes.
"You're insane."
She walked past him.
"I am."
Matsueda chuckled.
"This is called winning without fighting."
Then he turned to Hayama.
"Well?"
"Still planning to fight me from the shadows?"
Hayama hesitated.
"…Let's talk privately."
"No."
Immediate rejection.
"What if you call me out, drop a signal, and suddenly a bunch of guys jump me?"
"I'd rather not end up in Tokyo Bay."
He smirked.
"Or… is it something you don't want others to hear?"
"…Have I done something wrong?"
Hayama frowned slightly.
"If so, I'll apologize."
"Just stop this. Everyone's uncomfortable."
"No."
Matsueda shrugged.
"I'm just doing my job."
"You came to me."
"Not the other way around."
"Don't twist it."
"The solution is simple."
"As long as you promise—"
"You won't fall in love."
"And Miura won't pursue you."
"Problem solved."
Silence.
This wasn't a joke anymore.
Matsueda wasn't here to make friends.
He was here to crush everything.
"Or…"
He crossed his arms.
"You won't commit."
"You won't reject."
"You just want to keep everything ambiguous."
"Let others fight for you."
"…So this is the famous Hayama Hayato."
"I saw right through you."
Hayama's face turned pale.
After a long pause—
He spoke.
"…If I make that promise…"
"…will you stop?"