"I don't understand..."
This was obviously not the result that Furukawa was expecting. He frantically looked around, trying to figure out what had just happened. As Itsuki looked toward him, she also began getting stressed after seeing Furukawa's expression.
"Why was the result different to the preliminary vote?" asked Itsuki.
"Some people must have been lying about what they were voting for."
Well, to be exact, I was the only person who was lying.
The entire class was confused as to what was going to happen now. People began noticing the point deduction notification for the invalid vote on their phones.
"What the hell? Who didn't vote? Because of you, I've lost 500 points."
There were some grunts in unison, as others also were angry due to the result. Everyone looked over at Furukawa, waiting for an explanation.
This was getting boring; I decided that it was time to go back to my dorm.
***
On the way back to the dorms, I was stopped by a girl. She seemed to be in a hurry. She spoke so quickly it was hard to understand what she was saying.
"Hey-hey-hey, what class are you in?"
"I'm in class E," I replied.
"Damn! Why can't I find anyone from the higher classes?"
"What's wrong?"
"I need to borrow points! Our class ch... Wait, why am I still speaking to you?"
The sudden cut-off was awkward as she looked at me with a glare that was reserved for insects. It seemed I was not someone she was looking for. Without even a salutation, she briskly walked off with her back to me.
That was a little mean.
*
As I entered my dorm, I was greeted by Kimura, who was sitting on his bed.
"You're a shrewd one, aren't you?" he applauded.
"I don't know what you mean."
ƥαṇdα-ηθνε|·ƈθm He reclined onto his back and put his arms behind his head. The soft mattress squeaked as he lent down.
"Oh well, at least I can have a rest while this exam goes by," he stated.
I made my way into the bathroom and decided to have a shower. The school provided a shower in every dorm room, which was quite convenient. I didn't turn the heat up very high, but I could tell that the water had a pretty large range of temperatures. As the water rained on my back, I heard a notification on my phone.
I'll check it when I get out.
After a few more minutes, I dried myself with a rough white towel and walked over to my phone.
-
To: Mizuhara Ayato
From: Hamasaki Aiko
Meet me in meeting room #03.
-
What was this now?
I wasn't going to decline, but I'm pretty sure that this meeting definitely has ulterior motives. Oh well, I'll figure it out when I get there. It was somewhat odd to be receiving mail instead of a text.
I put my clothes on and left the dorm once again.
"—You're off already?"
"Yeah."
During my morning stroll a few days ago, I was able to figure out that there weren't very many private places to gather at the school. I noticed security cameras in nearly every corner of the school. The only places which could allow for private un-monitored meetings were the dorm rooms, toilets and the meeting rooms in the library.
I made my way over and entered the meeting room.
"Come in."
I walked inside and noticed Furukawa and Itsuki sitting on the couch.
This was awkward.
"I don't think Takeuchi is coming," said Itsuki.
"Yeah," Furukawa replied.
"Well, now that everyone's here, let's begin," he announced.
I still wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but I had a general idea. It definitely has something to do with the special exam.
"I think there are people who have grouped against us," said Furukawa, "so I suggest that the four of us should work together for the time being."
Itsuki nodded her head to his statement.
"What exactly are we going to do if we do work together?" asked Hamasaki.
"Firstly, we will all pass this exam. Then, we'll find out the traitors in the class," he answered.
"I'm not sure about that," continued Hamasaki, "three of us are already nearly past or past the 4,000 mark. I don't exactly see how this will benefit me."
"This alliance will help us through future special exams when we have them."
"That's too superficial. We can just talk about that when it matters," replied Hamasaki.
"If we can agree to work together now, it'll make it much easier to collaborate in the future."
Hamasaki still wasn't convinced. She acted differently from my initial impression of her—I was expecting her to be a lot less rational.
I didn't exactly want to join this alliance either. The 'traitor' they were referring to is likely me, and I don't really see what there was to gain from joining.
"Well, Mizuhara, since you're also here, what are your thoughts on working together?" he asked me.
"I don't want to get involved in anything too diplomatic. I just want to have a normal school life."
Furukawa sighed.
"Alright, well, I don't think we're getting anywhere. You guys wanna sing something?"
"Yes, I do!" exclaimed Itsuki.
She snatched the mic and remote off the table and began scanning through the songs on the television. Hamasaki looked up at the songs and shook her head a few times.
"Alright, I'll sing a song as well." Hamasaki finally declared.
"Yay! Let's do a duet! Kai, join us as well!"
Furukawa was less enthusiastic about the invitation.
I didn't really want to sing either. I considered just leaving, but I didn't want to seem rude. Furukawa and I stayed seated as we watched the girls singing songs for the rest of the night.
About an hour later, the girls had had enough of singing.
"Alright, well, I'm going back to my room now," said Hamasaki.
"Same here," I decided to leave as well.
"Let's do that again another day, Aiko!" Itsuki offered.
Hamasaki and I left and made our way back to the dorms. It was relatively late now. The sky was a rich purple colour as the sun set behind the horizon.
On my way back, I suddenly felt my phone being flooded with notifications.
All of the notifications were very similar—the students of class B were asking for loans frantically.
-
To: First-years
From: Ester Kumagawa
I am requesting a loan of points from anyone who is interested. I am willing to double anyone's points after the exam. Text me if you are interested in providing a loan.
-
They were all something like that.
Perfect timing.
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