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

It is indeed extraordinary.

Horikita Manabu's opinion of Sakamoto rose even higher.

He had high hopes for this newcomer from the beginning, believing him to be the key figure in restraining Nan Yun's ever-growing desire for control.

He just hadn't expected that Sakamoto hadn't even officially joined yet.

He had already single-handedly subdued Nagumo.

They even came to him and asked for official status.

This efficiency,

It far exceeded expectations.

"but,"

Horikita Manabu changed the subject abruptly.

"Despite the unconventional procedure, Vice President Nagumo has given you extremely high praise for your 'performance' during this period. Given your truly outstanding abilities, I hereby formally decide to approve your membership in the student council."

He paused and added:

"I will personally submit the membership application to the school. You just need to wait for good news."

Sakamoto bowed again:

"I am very grateful for President Horikita's recognition and promotion. I will do my best to contribute my modest efforts to the student council and the school."

Courteous and humble.

Yet he remained neither humble nor arrogant.

Horikita Manabu nodded.

But then another question was raised:

"Sakamoto-san, I remember when you first came to the student council room at the beginning of the semester, your purpose was simply to explore the school's rules and mechanisms. Why have you changed your mind now and decided to join the student council?"

Sakamoto adjusted his glasses and answered calmly:

"As the president said, I did not have this plan at first. By chance, Vice President Nan Yun offered me this opportunity, so I went with the flow. If I can use this platform to serve the group more effectively, that would be a pleasure."

Horikita Manabu remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing something.

Then he spoke again, his tone becoming even more somber:

“Very well. I can give you plenty of freedom. You don’t have to participate in the tedious daily routines of student council affairs, and you can maintain your maverick style without worry. But…”

He leaned forward, his gaze becoming even sharper.

It's as if they're trying to see into the depths of Sakamoto's heart.

"In exchange, I hope you can promise me one thing. You should know about my relationship with Horikita Suzune from Class D of the first year. So, I'm asking you for a favor..."

First Grade Midterm Exam: Chapter 074: Sakamoto Next to the Study Session

The next day, after school.

The study group of Horikita from Class D was held in the library's reading area.

Horikita Suzune sat at one end of the long table.

Textbooks and notes were laid out in front of him.

Across from her,

It's still the same "idiot trio"—Haruki Yamauchi, Kanji Ike, and Ken Sudo.

Kikyo Kushida sat to one side.

With her impeccable warm smile on her face, she skillfully adjusted the atmosphere.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, on the other hand, sat in a corner a little further away.

He had an indifferent attitude, as if it were none of his business.

He felt he was just there to fill a background role.

however,

Compared to the learning session a few days ago, which was filled with resistance, complaints, and inefficiency,

Today's atmosphere,

They are completely different now.

Horikita Suzune's changes are obvious.

When she explained the problem

His tone was no longer as cold and sharp as before, nor did it carry a commanding air.

Instead, there was more patience.

They might even try to explain the difficult points using simpler examples.

Although it still can't be considered particularly warm or friendly.

But that anxious feeling of wanting to succeed has indeed subsided considerably.

This change,

It stems from complex inner turmoil.

The midterm exam paper that Sakamoto "gifted" her, but which she rejected out of humiliation.

Like a thorn,

Instead, it ignited a stubborn fighting spirit in her—

She must prove,

Class D students can also pass the assessment through their own efforts.

Simultaneously,

My brother's cold words that night, and his praise for Sakamoto,

This also prompted her to reflect on her own approach of completely imitating her brother, which was aloof and inflexible.

Does it really apply to Class D?

Whether it really applies to me.

She began to try to find her own way.

Surprisingly,

Her small change,

It seems to have really worked.

Yamauchi, Ike, and Sudo,

Although he still showed a troubled and impatient expression,

But at least they stopped complaining loudly or giving up outright.

Sudo crossed his arms.

His brow was furrowed, but his gaze remained fixed on the textbook.

Occasionally, he would ask in a low voice:

"Hey, Horikita, how did you calculate this step?"

Although Ike Kanji still muttered, "This is so troublesome,"

But he would also pick up a pen and try to do calculations.

And the biggest change,

It's Haruki Yamauchi.

He kept his head down, but his gaze was more focused than ever before.

My fingers unconsciously twirled the pen.

It seems like he's trying to keep up with Horikita's line of thinking.

His two close friends, Ike and Sudo, both knew what he was thinking.

But they only exchanged a knowing look.

They didn't expose it.

they know,

That guy from Yamauchi,

It seems they secretly mistook a legendary figure from Class 1-A for...

A secret object of worship.

The secret technique I witnessed at the coffee shop that day

It left an indelible impression on Yamauchi's simple mind.

He thought Sakamoto was "super cool" for being able to accomplish incredible things while maintaining a calm and elegant demeanor!

Although he himself usually loves to boast and exaggerate,

But deep down,

I actually aspire to become a truly capable person who "says what they mean and does what they say."

The first step in imitating an idol

It starts with... studying hard?

Although he himself felt a little embarrassed by the idea.

I can't even say it.

Kikyo Kushida keenly sensed the easing of the tension.

Her smile became even more genuine.

Use an encouraging tone from time to time:

"Everyone was very focused today! If this continues, the midterm exams will definitely be no problem!"

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka took it all in.

Still expressionless.

He had little interest in improving the class's score itself.

I just hope this so-called "study session" can be at least a little more efficient.

So as not to waste his precious time of "peaceful high school life".

Just as the study session was in progress,

The appearance of a figure

It subtly altered the airflow within the reading room.

Sakamoto.

As usual, he walked calmly into the library.

It's like I'm just here to borrow books.

His gaze calmly swept across the reading area.

It naturally landed on the long table where the D class study session was being held.

He didn't deliberately get close.

I picked up a book from the shelf and started browsing.

But his very existence,

It's a powerful signal.