"Senpaku, I am Sakamoto. What brings you here?"

They agreed to meet at the library.

He has already taken care of the trio of idiots.

However, when she calmed herself down and walked into the library,

The scene inside made her frown.

As expected, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji was already inside the library.

He still had a blank expression.

But besides them, there were four other people in the room—

It was precisely these three problematic figures: Haruki Yamauchi, Kanji Ike, and Ken Sudo.

What made her even more unhappy was that Kikyo Kushida was also present.

This social butterfly, loved by everyone in Class D and even the entire school, was wearing her signature bright smile at that moment.

They seemed to be trying to liven up the somewhat stiff atmosphere.

It seems that Ayanokouji used Kushida's interpersonal influence to successfully gather this "idiot trio".

A sense of irritation flashed through Horikita's mind.

She disliked this approach that relied too heavily on external forces.

I dislike Kushida's smooth-talking nature, which makes him seem like he can get along with everyone.

but now,

Just as she thought, the big picture should be taken into account.

To advance to Class A, changes must be made.

Imitating the strong is the first step toward success.

Sakamoto deserves much credit for Class A's perfect score.

Therefore, we should learn from his calm, composed, and elegant demeanor.

Perhaps it was a necessary practice—although his behavior today puzzled her.

Horikita Suzune took a deep breath, trying to suppress all the impatience and negative emotions in her heart.

Try to make your expression appear calm.

She took the initiative to greet him, her voice in what she considered a fairly friendly tone:

"It seems everyone has arrived."

Her gaze swept over Yamauchi, Ike, and Sudo:

"Regarding the study session, I hope you will seriously consider participating. The upcoming quiz will affect the class's score, and we can't afford to lose any more points."

However, the trio of idiots are still the trio of idiots.

Kanji Ike chuckled first, leaning back lazily in his chair and glancing sideways at Horikita:

"Huh? A study session? Horikita, have you lost your mind? Why are you suddenly being so 'kind'? We don't need that kind of thing. We can just cram a little at the last minute."

Kenya Sudo crossed his arms, looking displeased.

"Yeah, it's such a hassle. And why should I listen to you? You act all high and mighty."

Horikita forcibly restrained the urge to retort.

She told herself to stay calm.

She turned her gaze to Haruki Yamauchi, the only one who did not immediately object.

She noticed that Yamauchi's reaction was somewhat strange.

Unlike at the beginning of the semester, he didn't immediately join in the commotion or utter any vulgar or offensive remarks.

Instead, he seemed somewhat hesitant, his eyes darting around, as if he were weighing something.

“Yamachi-kun,”

Horikita tried calling roll, speaking in a softer tone.

"What do you think? It's never a bad thing to be prepared."

Haruki Yamauchi opened his mouth, then glanced at the resolute Ike and Sudo beside him.

He then glanced at Horikita and Kushida, who were waiting for his answer with "kind" expressions.

Finally, his gaze even lingered on Ayanokouji, who was practically invisible beside him.

He did seem to have a slight wavering.

Perhaps it was because of Kushida's charm, or perhaps I was genuinely worried about failing the course.

But ultimately, swayed by the unanimous firm stance of his two friends and their sense of "brotherly loyalty,"

He awkwardly touched his nose, his voice lowering:

"Um... I think what Ike and Sudo said makes sense... so let's not go through all that trouble..."

Seeing that Yamauchi ultimately chose to follow the crowd,

Kanji Ike snorted smugly, and Sudo also gave him a "you know what's good for you" look.

"You see, Horikita?"

Chi Kanji stood up, patted his buttocks,

"Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. You all should study hard yourselves! I'm leaving!"

With that, the three of them left the study room arm in arm, making a racket, without giving Horikita a chance to say anything more.

The door to the study room slammed shut, and the room fell silent instantly.

Horikita Suzune stood there, her fists clenched tightly.

She has tried her best to restrain herself and even attempted to change her attitude.

But the result remained the same.

First Year Midterm Exam: Chapter 058: Sakamoto Wants to Go to NASA

The night was as dark as ink, and a cool evening breeze swept through the campus, rustling the leaves softly.

The teaching building cast a huge shadow, intertwining with the halo of light from the scattered streetlights, dividing the area into areas of light and shadow.

In a secluded corner,

The light was dim, almost blending into the night.

Horikita Suzune stood here, her head slightly tilted back.

Looking at the person in front of her with their back to her,

A tall and aloof figure—

Her older brother, Horikita Manabu.

He wore his school uniform impeccably, even at night.

The lenses reflected a cold, hard luster in the dim light.

Even just his back view exuded a sense of oppression.

Horikita Suzune appeared somewhat thin, with a few strands of her long black hair blowing in the evening breeze.

She was unusually not as cold and sharp as usual, but instead showed a soft and gentle side unique to girls.

"Lingyin, you actually followed me all the way here."

Horikita Manabu did not turn back.

The voice was low and deep, revealing no emotional fluctuation.

"I am no longer the useless person my brother knew back then."

She tried to make her voice sound firm.

"I came here to catch up with you."

"Catch me?"

Horikita Manabu finally made a move.

He raised his hand and adjusted his glasses, the movement precise and cold.

"You may have noticed your shortcomings, but that's not enough. Choosing this school was a mistake."

His words were like icicles, piercing Horikita Suzune's heart.

A mixture of resentment and the pain of being rejected appeared on her face.

That vulnerability was something she only showed when she was with her brother.

"I'll get promoted to Class A right away and show you! That way..."

She tried to argue, but her voice involuntarily weakened.

"You can't do it."

Horikita Manabu's tone was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

"I will definitely do it!"

The ringtone's voice grew increasingly weak.

"What a disobedient little sister."

Horikita Manabu finally turned around.

His cold gaze peered down at her through his glasses.

The next moment, his movements were as fast as lightning.

A hand suddenly reached out.

He precisely grabbed Horikita Suzune's wrist.

The immense force slammed her against the cold wall.

"Uh!"

The bell let out a muffled groan.

My back slammed against the wall and I felt a sharp pain; my wrist was gripped so tightly it hurt.

Horikita Manabu leaned forward slightly, adopting a posture of absolute dominance.

His gaze was as if he were scrutinizing a substandard item.

"I'm the one who's embarrassed because I have a younger sister who was put in Class D."

His voice was very low.

"Get out of this school immediately."

Lingyin's face contorted in pain as she struggled.

But under the absolute power and imposing presence of her brother, she appeared futile and vulnerable.

"You don't even have the qualifications or the ability to climb the ladder,"

Horikita Manabu continued coldly, slowly raising his other hand, as if about to unleash even more extreme violence.

"Get this straight!"

Lingyin closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling, as if preparing to withstand the blow to come.

However, the expected pain never came.

A clear and composed male voice suddenly broke through the almost frozen air.

"Oh dear, violence is bad. It will scare it."

The source of the sound seemed to be very close.

But it's also somewhat unpredictable.