When Kiyotaka returned to the classroom, he saw that most of the seats were already filled. Like a transparent ghost, he quietly walked back to his seat. Only a few students glanced at him briefly.
Kiyotaka didn't care. He stared blankly out the window, casting all thoughts from his mind.
Horikita returned just moments after Kiyotaka. She gave him a quick glance—her eyes still filled with resentment, but now also laced with a trace of an emotion she couldn't name.
She felt a bit flustered inside, took a breath to compose herself, and then returned to her seat.
"Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment?"
A cheerful boy with light brown hair and a friendly smile stood up, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.
Seeing that everyone was now focused on him, the boy gave a bright smile.
"The teacher isn't here yet, so how about we all introduce ourselves? I think it's important we get to know each other and become friends. A round of introductions is the best way to do that. What do you all think?"
"I'm in favor."
"Sounds good, I don't mind."
"Sure, we don't even know each other's names yet."
...
Seeing everyone agree, the boy bowed slightly and said:
"Thank you, everyone. I'll go first. My name is Yosuke Hirata. You can just call me Yosuke if you'd like. I love all sports and hope to join the soccer club."
As soon as Yosuke finished, a lively girl with short blonde hair stood up and raised her hand.
"Then I'll go next! Hi everyone, I'm Kikyo Kushida. You can just call me Kikyo. I hope to become friends with everyone in class, so feel free to talk to me anytime!"
"She's so cute," one boy murmured after her introduction.
After Kikyo sat down, another girl stood up—beautiful, with a golden ponytail and a slightly rebellious look. She spoke confidently:
"I guess I'm next. My name is Kei Karuizawa. You can call me Kei. Please take care of me from now on."
...
Kiyotaka watched all the self-introductions with a calm expression. These introductions might determine his place in the class later on, but just thinking about it already felt like a hassle. Better not to get involved with anyone. Instead, he focused on the girls who had introduced themselves. He wondered if any of them might become future "targets." Should he start preparing?
"Next up is the boy sitting by the window."
As Kiyotaka was lost in thought, Yosuke pointed right at him.
Ugh… Kiyotaka stood up expressionlessly and spoke in a flat tone:
"My name is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. Nice to meet you."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Seeing that Kiyotaka had no intention of saying more, Yosuke quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
"Alright, can I call you Kiyotaka from now on? Nice to meet you!"
Kiyotaka gave a small nod and sank back into his thoughts.
Horikita Suzune, who sat next to him, glanced over with a flicker in her eye and muttered to herself:
"So that delinquent's name is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji."
Suddenly, the classroom was shaken by a loud crash of desks and chairs. Everyone turned toward the noise to see a muscular red-haired boy who looked like a thug.
"What are we, little kids? If you want to introduce yourself, go ahead. I'm not interested," he snapped.
"Everyone, return to your seats," a voice said as the classroom door was flung open.
A voluptuous woman with a tight, professional skirt barely covering her hips and a long black ponytail walked in.
"I'm your homeroom teacher for Class D, Sae Chabashira. There won't be any changes to class assignments for the next three years, so I'll be your homeroom teacher all the way through."
She handed out some documents and continued:
"This school has a special rule: it's fully boarding. Students are not allowed to leave campus or contact the outside world during the school term. But don't worry—everything you need for eating, drinking, and entertainment is available on campus."
She held up a student ID and gave it a small wave.
"To buy anything on campus, you'll need to use the points stored on your student ID terminal. Everything can be purchased using points. On the first of each month, your terminal will receive a deposit. You should have already received 100,000 points this month."
"100,000 per month?! Is this really for us?" one student exclaimed in shock.
The teacher gave a subtle, mocking smile.
"Yes, it's for your use. This is a school where everything is measured by ability. The fact that you were admitted means you have value."
After finishing her explanation, the teacher casually waved her hand with the teaching materials in it and swayed her curvy hips as she walked out.
"That's the end of our first homeroom class. You're free to go now."
With the class dismissed, those who had already made friends grouped up to hang out. Kiyotaka thought for a moment and decided to buy some daily necessities first.
At the convenience store, Kiyotaka watched the cashier deduct points from his terminal. His balance dropped from 100,000 to 94,912. He couldn't help but mutter:
"This school's got deep pockets… One class has 25 students, there are 12 classes total… That's several billion yen in spending just for one year."
As he walked out, still musing to himself, he suddenly caught a glimpse of Horikita from the corner of his eye and froze.
Horikita saw him too and glared.
"What are you staring at?!"
Kiyotaka found her reaction amusing and replied with his usual blank tone:
"What? Did you change outfits and want me to admire it again?"
"You—!" Horikita was furious but didn't want to argue here, so she tried to ignore him.
But Kiyotaka stepped forward, looked down at the shorter girl, and said:
"Since we'll be desk mates from now on, at least tell me your name."
Horikita glared at him, holding his gaze for a long moment before finally answering:
"Horikita Suzune. I hope you never have to call me."
A faint smile appeared on Kiyotaka's face.
"Alright, Suzune."
"You—!" Horikita was really mad now. She couldn't believe Ayanokoji kept pressing all her buttons. But when she saw the subtle smile on his face, her fury unexpectedly began to fade.
Seeing she wasn't angry anymore, Kiyotaka found it intriguing and pushed his luck further.
"To make it up to you, how about I treat you to a coffee?"
"No need. I advise you not to waste your money—be careful not to fall into a trap."
Despite her cold rejection, Kiyotaka persisted.
"Then how about you come to my dorm? I'll cook something for you. I need to eat anyway—it'll save money."
Horikita found him shameless. He couldn't even treat her to coffee, and now he wanted to invite her to his dorm?
But seeing that slight, sincere look on Kiyotaka's usually indifferent face… for some reason, she nodded.
Seeing her agree, Kiyotaka was thrilled. He quickly paid and took her by the hand, heading toward the dorms.
Let's see how long you can resist me.
On the way, Horikita could feel his hand in hers, making her head feel dizzy. Before she knew it, they had arrived at his dorm.
"Sit wherever you like. It's a brand-new dorm anyway—nothing dirty."
Seeing her hesitate by the side, Kiyotaka assumed she was a neat freak. He wiped down the chair and smoothed the covers on his bed.
Horikita shook her head slightly and whispered,
"Thanks for having me."
Then she took off her shoes and sat on the chair.