After learning from Horikita that Sakayanagi Arisu from Class B, Year 1, had joined the student council, Hashima Hikaru's expression gradually turned serious.
Though he'd only met Sakayanagi once, he knew the girl who relied on a cane to walk was no ordinary person. Her comprehensive evaluation, even after accounting for her physical limitations, had landed her in Class A at the start of the school year—remarkable from any angle.
"Has Sakayanagi started working with the student council already?" Hashima Hikaru sought more information, continuing to question Horikita.
"She arrived before you, though she hasn't formally begun handling tasks yet," Horikita glanced at Hashima's expression, his tone indifferent. "How you handle this is up to you. You'll have to gather information about her yourself."
"Understood."
Hashima Hikaru nodded. He understood Horikita's intention: to prepare him to challenge Nancloud Masa after Horikita stepped down. Gathering intelligence on Nancloud was acceptable.
However, for internal class competitions within Year 1, the capable student council president wouldn't intervene directly. Victory would depend solely on his own efforts.
"Let's see how far you can go, Hashima-kun."
Horikita returned to the documents piled on his desk, ending the conversation.
"Goodbye, Horikita senior."
The boy politely bowed to Horikita before turning to leave.
Since he wasn't joining the student council, it was time to depart. With Ichinose and Ando remaining, information exchange could occur anytime.
As Hashima Hikaru opened the student council room door and stepped into the corridor, he spotted a girl with long purple hair ahead. She was tall, with colorful clips in her bangs, making her quite distinctive.
"Are you Hashima classmate?" The girl approached and initiated the conversation.
"?"
Assuming it was a random encounter, Hashima was surprised she addressed him. He didn't recall knowing her, leaving him puzzled.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Kamishiro Masumi from Class B, Year 1. I'm here specifically to find you." The purple-haired girl, Kamishiro Masumi, seemed reluctant but continued, "Are you free for a moment?"
"Um, Kamishiro classmate, right."
Hashima Hikaru was naturally cautious with strangers. Since she was from Class B, she might be probing for information. He intended to dismiss her quickly.
"May I ask what you need from me?"
"Someone wants to see you, so I'm here to invite you."
Noticing Hashima's suspicion, Kamishiro's tone worsened. She hated doing this; if not coerced, she'd never approach a boy.
"Oh?"
The answer surprised Hashima Hikaru. She was delivering a message?
Interesting.
"If someone wants to meet me, they should at least introduce themselves first."
"It's Sakayanagi classmate."
Kamishiro Masumi answered decisively. Sakayanagi had said she could reveal her name, so she didn't hesitate.
"Sakayanagi?"
Hashima Hikaru's expression changed. After learning from Horikita that she'd joined the student council, his focus on Sakayanagi Arisu intensified.
She was not only vying with Katsuragi Kohei for control of their class but had also successfully joined the student council, indicating she'd gained an advantage.
Since they'd inevitably clash, gathering intelligence early was prudent.
"Alright, I'll meet her. Please lead the way, Kamishiro classmate."
After considering, Hashima Hikaru decided to follow. It couldn't hurt.
"Follow me, then. Just as Sakayanagi said." After muttering one last remark, Kamishiro turned and led the way.
"What did she say? Did Sakayanagi mention anything?"
Hashima Hikaru wouldn't miss this. He asked immediately.
"Sakayanagi said if you refused to meet her, I could tell you she wanted to see you. Maybe you'd change your mind."
Kamishiro didn't turn back. She'd done this many times, so her tone was flat.
"Is that so?"
A faint smile curled Hashima Hikaru's lips.
She predicted I'd come?
Sakayanagi seems quite confident in herself.
Though slightly annoyed at being predicted, Hashima quickly shifted his thinking.
Since she likes guessing, let's play along.
Following Kamishiro Masumi for over ten minutes, she led Hashima Hikaru to a café. In a corner sat a slender figure with silver hair.
"Sakayanagi, I've brought Hashima classmate." Kamishiro delivered Hashima and immediately declared her task complete.
Sakayanagi nodded slightly, her gaze falling on the boy standing beside her.
"Good afternoon, Hashima classmate. This is our second meeting." The silver-haired girl was polite, her tone gentle.
"Good afternoon, Sakayanagi classmate."
Hashima Hikaru pulled out a chair and sat, his demeanor relaxed. Since she'd invited him, appearing natural was best.
"Would you like something to drink, Hashima classmate? Their coffee is excellent." Sakayanagi extended her pale hand, offering the menu. A faint smile played on her lips.
"I'm not familiar with coffee. Perhaps you could recommend something? Do you have a favorite?"
"Hmm, I'd recommend this new item. It's quite good." Sakayanagi acted like an old friend, her demeanor and tone warm.
"Alright, I'll take that."
"I'll place the order, Kamishiro." Sakayanagi turned to Kamishiro, who, without hesitation, walked to the counter.
Hashima Hikaru was surprised. Kamishiro's relationship with Sakayanagi seemed unusual. If she were just a follower, why go this far?
She acted like a personal attendant—delivering messages, placing orders—all without question.
What kind of loyalty is this?
"Are you surprised, Hashima classmate?" Sakayanagi covered her mouth, a mysterious smile in her voice. "Since my legs are inconvenient, Kamishiro takes care of me in daily life. I'm truly grateful."
"I see. Kamishiro classmate is very kind, then."
Hashima Hikaru immediately complimented, matching Sakayanagi's attitude. But he gained deeper insight into her character.
Kamishiro had been impatient on the way here, yet Sakayanagi called it care.
Either Sakayanagi held something over Kamishiro or lured her into acting. Otherwise, this situation was impossible.
After Kamishiro returned from placing the order, she stood behind Sakayanagi, expressionless.
"Since the coffee is ordered, Sakayanagi, let's get to the point," Hashima Hikaru gazed at her delicate face, asking slowly, "Why did you ask me here?"
"I heard Hashima classmate is interested in the student council. You even brought classmates to apply today, is that right?"
"Yes, but how did you know?" Hashima raised an eyebrow, unsure how she knew his movements.
"I just happened to see you on the fourth floor. Please don't overthink it."
Sakayanagi smiled faintly, continuing, "My reason for inviting you is simple."
"What is it?"
"Curiosity. Though the student council list will be posted, I'm curious about your application results. Could you share them with me, Hashima classmate?" Sakayanagi blinked, her expression eager.
Seeing her demeanor, Hashima Hikaru's mind raced.
Normally, his class's student council results would soon be posted. It wasn't secret information, making her question redundant.
But would Sakayanagi ask something redundant?
Unsure of her true intentions, he decided to probe indirectly.
"Everyone's curious. I'm curious about you too, Sakayanagi," Hashima Hikaru smiled lightly. "How about a question swap? I'll share the results if you answer one of mine."
"Sounds fair."
The silver-haired girl nodded, sipping her coffee. "What's your question, Hashima classmate?"
"It's about what I saw in your class last time."
From Ichinose's probe, Hashima concluded Sakayanagi and Katsuragi competed for class control but differed greatly in personality.
Katsuragi was conservative, while Sakayanagi was aggressive and confident. Since she'd approached him, he'd test her attitude.
"Since you and Katsuragi compete for class leadership, both of you must earn trust. I assist Ichinose in serving our class."
"I'm curious about your methods, Sakayanagi. How do you gain everyone's trust? Could you share?"
"The answer is simple." Sakayanagi seemed relaxed, her tone light. "I just help classmates. After they accept my help, they might vote for me."
"I see. Your classmates love helping others, whether it's you or Kamishiro."
Hashima feigned understanding, glancing at Kamishiro behind Sakayanagi. "I'll work harder to help everyone."
"My question is answered. Hashima classmate, your turn."
"Of course."
Pausing, he explained, "We were lucky. Two classmates passed the student council review."
"...I see."
Sakayanagi nodded slightly. Out of Hashima's sight, she gently touched her cane, her purple eyes sparkling with curiosity.