I'm in a real religion, why are all the people who confess to me girls?

"Why did you provoke Miyako? If you hadn't provoked her, things wouldn't have turned out this way! If you hadn't provoked her, you wouldn't have been expelled! I could have kept my promise, so why? Why?!"

Hirata angrily grabbed Sato by the throat with both hands, the force of which lifted Sato's feet off the ground. Seeing Hirata's possessed state, Sato finally began to feel afraid.

"Help, help me!! You, you madman!!"

"A madman? Yes, I am a madman. I went mad the moment I witnessed my best friend end his life by jumping off a building because of bullying!"

Hirata brought his face close to Sato's and roared hysterically at him.

Sato, who was seeing Hirata in such a crazy state for the first time, was so frightened that he burst into tears.

"Someone, someone, someone save me..."

Hirata, standing close by, watched Sato weep, a chilling smile creeping across his face.

"That's right!! That's exactly the expression. After I made peace with that cowardly version of myself who dared not speak up for the bullied, and then went to trample all those arrogant bullies underfoot, they all had the same expression. Why? Why can't people understand each other? Why? Why can't people empathize with each other? Why? Why do people always do incomprehensible and stupid things? Why? Why do some people always choose to destroy themselves? Why? Why? Why!!"

Hirata suddenly tightened his grip, and Sato, whose eyes were already starting to roll back in pain from being choked, desperately pressed down on Hirata's wrists. He couldn't utter a pleading sound from his throat and could only beg Hirata for mercy syllable by syllable.

Just as Sato was about to lose consciousness, a figure suddenly burst in through the back door and punched Hirata without any hesitation.

Seeing this, Hirata simply threw Sato aside and then punched him in return.

boom! !

With a muffled thud, the two were simultaneously thrown backward by the force of the other's blow, but just before they hit the ground, they used their other hand to brace themselves, dissipating most of the impact and finally landing steadily on the ground.

"Yosuke Hirata, have you gone mad?"

Ayanokouji was greatly surprised to see that her left hand, which she could no longer use, was completely helpless.

When did Hirata Yosuke acquire such terrifying strength? Could it be that he usually keeps a low profile? No, that's not right. Hirata's physical abilities are excellent, but he doesn't seem like the kind of athlete who has specifically trained in strength.

Hirata's thin physique makes it impossible to tell that he has received any exercise.

So, it seems there's only one answer left.

The other person, like Amane, possessed some kind of unusual physical talent. The image of Amane flashed through Ayanokouji's mind, forcing him to perk up. Just where did this awful school find so many troublesome high school students? Any one of these people would probably be a gang leader in any other school, yet they were forced to squeeze together for a special exam that was like playing house.

That's a huge waste of talent.

"I've gone mad. If you think you can stop me, then come on! Oh, and you too! If you and Sato hadn't broken up, none of this would have happened in class... and no one would be dropping out... It's all your fault!"

Hirata swung his left hand, which was as soft as a noodle, at Ayanokouji.

Ayanokouji could tell at a glance that Hirata's left hand was dislocated, but Hirata seemed completely unconcerned about his life and death and was determined to fight him to the death.

In a normal battle, even if Hirata performs exceptionally well, Ayanokouji could easily defeat ten Hiratas with just one hand. In his eyes, Hirata's potential is extremely limited, and the probability of him being able to defeat him is almost zero.

But this is in normal circumstances. If someone like Hirata, who is obviously mentally unstable and has a mental breakdown, were to fight someone, let alone Ayanokouji, even Amane would not dare to go up and fight Hirata like that.

After several failed attacks, the pain from the pulling on his arm brought tears to Hirata's eyes. Ayanokouji, who was busy dodging, breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Hirata crying from the pain. If he really couldn't feel pain like Amane, it would be a real problem.

Finally realizing that his left hand could no longer harm Ayanokouji, Hirata began to punch Ayanokouji repeatedly with his remaining right hand. Once Ayanokouji confirmed that Hirata could feel the pain, he stopped holding back and punched Hirata directly in the face.

Hirata staggered and fell to the ground, but quickly got up and continued his mindless, idiotic brawl with Ayanokouji. Ayanokouji completely gave up on defense, letting Hirata attack his face, while at the same time he was also landing solid punches on Hirata's head.

The two were competing in endurance and patience. For a moment, the entire classroom was filled with the muffled thuds of fists hitting flesh, until a heavy thud was heard as something fell to the ground.

The classroom gradually quieted down.

All that could be heard at the scene was Hirata and Ayanokouji's heavy breathing. As for Sato, he had already passed out before the two even started fighting.

Are you calmer now?

Slightly out of breath, Ayanokouji looked at Hirata, who was lying on the ground and whose eyes were gradually clearing, and asked.

"I'm feeling better."

Hirata's vocal cords were hoarse from his constant roaring. He glanced at Sato, who was unconscious beside him, and then at his dislocated arm. Hirata closed his eyes in pain.

In the end, he couldn't hold back. He should have been the one protecting his classmates, so why did he become the perpetrator?

Sure enough, even though he re-established a new persona of wanting to protect everyone, once he recalled what happened that day, he would become no different from those bullies, and then turn into an even more brutal perpetrator.

The person who once ruled the entire grade with extreme violence during junior high school, the person who wantonly bullied others, was actually himself—Yosuke Hirata.

Becoming a bully in order to protect the bullied.

It's unbelievable that such a thing could happen to someone as cowardly as him...

The following day, the school issued a statement regarding the handling of the bullying incident.

Sato Maya was expelled from school based on the results of a special examination.

Yosuke Hirata has been placed on indefinite leave of absence due to his mental health issues and his aggressive behavior towards other students. He can only return to school after receiving a certificate from a hospital confirming that his mental health has improved.

Because Hirata Yosuke damaged school facilities and public property, causing extremely serious economic losses and a negative impact, 100 class points will be deducted from Class 2A as punishment.

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, a student in Class 2D, bravely fought with Yosuke Hirata, who suffers from mental health issues, to protect his classmate, resulting in injuries to himself. To reward his heroic act of protecting his classmate, the school will award Kiyotaka Ayanokouji one million personal points and Class 2D one hundred class points as encouragement.

Of course, that's a story for another time.

Tianyin, who had left the classroom early, had no idea that such an exciting thing had happened after she left!

If she were here...

Yeah, I bet she's the one who's been suspended from school right now.

Let's go back to when the special exam had just ended.

Tianyin and her group of four originally planned to go to Palette for some coffee and milk, but unfortunately, a downpour that had been brewing in the clouds suddenly poured down, catching the four of them completely soaked.

At this point, no one cared about the color palette anymore; everyone rushed towards the dormitory building.

Soon, Horikita and the other two were speechless as they watched Amane disappear from sight. It has to be said that the school's ban on Amane participating in the sports festival was somewhat justified. Amane's physical fitness had surpassed that of most first-class athletes. If physical exertion and muscle fatigue were not taken into account, Amane's physical fitness could even reach the terrifying level of a world champion. After all, not feeling fatigue and pain is more terrifying for athletes than taking performance-enhancing drugs.

When Horikita and the other two finally made it back to the dormitory lobby, Amane was already sitting there, drinking tomato juice and greeting them.

In the end, Amane originally wanted to go back to the dormitory with them to talk about life and ideals, but was directly rejected by Horikita and Ichinose. Megumi was a little tempted, but under the joint gaze of Horikita and Ichinose, she could only stand behind the two of them with a wronged look.

In the end, with no other choice, Tenon could only return to Arisu's place to live.

It's probably only Arisu who won't kick her out.

Upon arriving at the dormitory entrance, Tianyin skillfully swiped her key card to open the door. As soon as she entered, she smelled the aroma of food, which immediately brightened her eyes.

"I am back."

"Welcome home. Hey? Is it raining outside? Tianyin, why don't you change your clothes first... or just take a hot shower, the food will take a while longer."

Arisu, leaning on her cane, came to Amane and gently dried the remaining rainwater from Amane's hair. Her bright eyes were filled with Amane's image.

"I'm going to take a shower first. Do you need any help?"

Because it was difficult for Arisu to prepare and cook food by herself, she usually ate at the cafeteria or fast food at home. Only when Amane stayed at her place would Arisu make an exception and prepare a very sumptuous feast.

"You can take a shower first, I can manage on my own."

Urged on by Arisu, Amane was ushered into the bathroom. Knowing that Arisu would definitely not be able to handle everything by herself, Amane quickly washed up and then came to Arisu's side to help her prepare the ingredients.

"Now all that's left is the soup to be ready. Thanks to Tianyin for your help, otherwise I really don't know when we would have been able to eat."

Arisu looked at her delicate white hands and shook her head helplessly. Although she had become quite skilled in cooking under the influence of Amane, a foodie and master chef, due to her weak constitution, she was still sweating profusely just from making rice balls. She could handle vegetables, but she was completely helpless when it came to meat or ingredients that required vigorous chopping and hacking. If she had to buy ingredients, she could only buy pre-cut meat.

After witnessing Tenon's pleasing knife skills, Arisu couldn't help but sigh that it was much more convenient to have Tenon at home.

"When did Arisu and the others finish the special exams?"

Tianyin felt something was off about the steaming food on the table.

"Let me think... It should be around four hours and thirty-five minutes, right? Tianyin, why are you concerned about this... Could it be that you've exceeded the time limit?"

After Arisu returned, she was busy preparing ingredients and cooking, and didn't have time to check her phone messages at all. Therefore, she knew nothing about Class A's situation, which had just finished the special exam.

"It wasn't that we exceeded the time limit, but it was a special exam where we passed right at the last minute before the final voting round. It was quite a thrilling experience."

Tianyin stopped there and didn't continue.

Because she had already sensed the reason for the anomaly: time.

Arisu finished the special exam about 25 minutes earlier than Amane. The distance between the teaching building and the dormitory building is about 10 minutes. At Arisu's walking speed, it would take at least 15 minutes or even 20 minutes to get back to her room.

In other words, Arisu immediately started preparing dinner for Amane as soon as she returned. Amane had said she would be staying at Arisu's place for a while, but Arisu's timing made it hard not to think of something.

For example, Sato, who suddenly and inexplicably launched an attack.

And this table of food seemed to be a sure sign that Tianyin would come to her place as soon as the special exam was over.

"Just ask whatever you want to ask. It's so uncomfortable to keep it to yourself."

Having spent a lot of time with Amane, Arisu naturally knew that Amane had something she wanted to ask her, but didn't know how to bring it up. In order not to make things difficult for Amane, Arisu took the initiative to bring up the topic.

"It seems my guess was correct."

"I didn't expect to be able to hide this from you, Amane. But I didn't expect that useless Sato wouldn't let me see what choice Horikita Suzune would make in such an absolute adversity where she had to choose between two options."

Although it's unclear whether Sato succeeded or not, judging from Amane's behavior and attitude, it's highly likely that Sato not only failed to accomplish her goal but also got herself into trouble.

Arisu dared to guarantee that if Sato actually followed her plan, the voting results would never be unanimous, let alone result in his expulsion.

So if Sato really is going to be expelled, it can only mean that Sato changed her plans on her own initiative.

However, these things were insignificant to Arisu. It was just Sato; dropping out of school was no big deal. What she cared more about was whether Amane would have any unpleasant thoughts about this.

"So, Tianyin, you came here as soon as you finished the special exam, were you originally planning to confront me?"

Arisu put her cane aside and let herself fall into Amane's arms, looking up at her beloved lover with a smile that could only be described as doting.

"How could this be..."

"Hmm? Are you angry because I bullied your girlfriend?"

"No way! How could I possibly be angry with Arisu?"

"Really not? Then why won't you look me in the eye?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Tenon could only stop her evasive gaze and meet Arisu's eyes.

"Look at how wronged you look. I just had a sudden urge to test Horikita Suzune... Well~ I'll make it up to you tonight. Seriously, you've grown into such a big girl, how come you're even more affectionate than when you were little?"

Looking at Amane, whose lips were almost pouting to the tip of her nose but who still refused to admit that she was throwing a tantrum, Arisu could only sigh helplessly. She felt that she had somehow gotten herself involved in all of this.

Chapter 246: New Partners

Just as Amane and Arisu were about to engage in some intimate play while the soup was still simmering, a perfectly timed knock on the door interrupted the two who were about to become completely separated.

"Who's so wicked?"

Just as they were about to savor the delicious dish of Arisu, they were interrupted. Amane complained irritably toward the doorway.

"Alright, alright, there's plenty of time tonight. Go and see who it is first."

Arisu chuckled and distanced herself from Tenon, urging her to open the door. Helpless, Tenon could only come to the entrance with a dark face, intending to first look through the peephole to see which jerk it was. If it was someone she didn't know well, Tenon planned to just kick them out. She was already quite angry.

While Amane went to open the door, Arisu straightened her clothes, which had been crumpled by Amane. If outsiders saw this, Arisu would probably be so embarrassed that she would die.

Looking through the peephole, Tenon saw Kamuro, dressed casually, playing on his phone at the door. He clearly knew that it would take Arisu some time to open the door, so after knocking, Kamuro didn't urge him but waited quietly outside.

Seeing that it was Kamuro Amane was in a real predicament. If it were a boy disturbing her good time at this moment, Amane would definitely chase them all away. If it were a girl, she could basically use the excuse that she had something to talk to Arisu alone to get rid of them. If it were Horikita, Ichinose, or Megumi... cough cough, Amane would warmly invite them to open the door and join her. But now it was Kamuro outside the door.

The relationship was quite delicate. Kamuro and her were at most acquaintances, not friends. However, Kamuro and Arisu had a good relationship, so it seemed inappropriate to drive her away. But Amane's mind was full of erotic thoughts, and with a big electric cannon around, Amane would have to endure it. Just thinking about it made Amane's stomach hurt.

Seeing that Tenon had been standing in the entryway for a long time without saying anything to shoo anyone away or opening the door for them, and instead seemed to be standing there as if being punished, Arisu couldn't help but become curious about the visitor outside the door.

Who's here?

"God's room."

Tianyin covered half her face with her hand and helplessly told the names of the students who had come to visit outside the door.

"Why didn't you let Masumi in? I was the one who invited her over."

"I see..."

When Tenon heard that Arisu said that she had invited Kamuro over, she had no choice but to open the door. This rare time for the two of them was over before it even began. So, she could only wait until tonight?

"Hey? What are you still doing here?"

When Kamuro heard the door open, he instinctively planned to complain that Arisu was taking so long to open it. But when he looked up, he saw Amane standing there with a low-pressure aura, looking at Kamuro with the same eyes that looked at a lamb.

"What do you mean I'm still here? Given my relationship with Arisu, isn't it perfectly normal for me to be in her dorm?"

"Huh? What nonsense are you talking about? Don't you usually live with your girlfriend Horikita Suzune? I've hardly ever seen you here at Sakayanagi-san's place!"

Faced with Kamuro's complaints, Amane really couldn't retort. Although Amane also came to visit Arisu from time to time, Kamuro probably came here dozens of times more often than Amane.