Seeing that things were mostly resolved, Saiki Kusuo left the crowd without hesitation.
Thanks to his 'behind-the-scenes manipulation,' this exam shouldn't cause any major issues.
Whether or not they bought last year's test questions, Class D's scores should improve slightly this time. At least they wouldn't lose all their class points, ensuring he'd have enough for daily expenses.
No one would connect these events to Saiki Kusuo. To others, it was Kushida Kikyō who overheard the information by chance.
'This plan is a success, I guess.'
Saiki Kusuo was about to return to his seat when he heard the voice he least wanted to hear.
"Saiki, let's go together."
'...'
Saiki Kusuo turned reluctantly, his eyes meeting Kushida Kikyō's. Despite his calculations, he hadn't expected this to end up on his plate.
'Though we're technically friends, Saiki is someone I talk to the most.'
'...'
'Ike Kanji and the others interact with me a lot too, but involving them would only make things messier. They're just idiots.'
'Hard to disagree there.'
'Right now, Saiki is the best choice. He'll probably be happy I asked him. Plenty of guys in class want to team up with me. This could bring us closer, making it easier to get him to do what I want. This move will definitely boost my reputation in class!'
'You're overthinking this.'
Saiki Kusuo felt exasperated. Things were spiraling beyond his control.
He could sense the hostile glares around him.
'Saiki? Is he even in our class?'
'Hey, it's been days since school started. Not remembering my name is a bit much, right?'
'Why did Kushida pick him? Why not me?!'
'Sorry, I'd switch with you if I could.'
'Damn it! That should've been me!'
'It never could've been you.'
Saiki Kusuo noticed everyone's eyes on him. Now the entire class would know him.
His plan to stay unnoticed was ruined. Worse, his relationship with some classmates—especially the guys—would likely sour.
'I need to find a way to refuse.'
As Saiki Kusuo searched for an excuse, Hirata Yōsuke approached with a smile, patting his shoulder.
"Count on you, Saiki."
'I never agreed to anything!'
Saiki Kusuo was speechless. Hirata's words left him no room to refuse.
...
After class, Saiki Kusuo had no choice but to follow Kushida Kikyō to the cafeteria.
"Saiki, how's your review going?" Kushida asked with a smile.
"Average."
Saiki gave a vague answer.
"You're being modest! I didn't understand the questions the teacher gave yesterday. Do you?"
Kushida leaned slightly toward him, looking hopeful.
'Let's test Saiki's abilities.'
"Sorry, I don't know either."
Saiki replied instantly after hearing her thoughts.
He knew Kushida's academic level—he'd used his powers to check everyone's entrance exam scores. Kushida's weren't bad.
But she hid her abilities. Her goal was simple: force Horikita Suzune to drop out, using any means necessary.
'If she finds out I know her past, I'll probably be her next target. But she can't outsmart a psychic.'
Saiki didn't care about Kushida and Horikita's feud, as long as it didn't involve him.
'Is he lying? Can't tell yet.'
Kushida kept smiling, then glanced at a corner of the cafeteria. Sitting there was one of the upperclassmen Saiki had seen earlier.
"Satō-senpai, sorry for the wait!" Kushida greeted warmly.
"Kushida-kouhai."
Satō, the second-year student, smiled at her arrival.
'She's so cute... My first time being approached by a girl. Maybe my luck's turning!'
'Sorry, my doing.'
'Is she into me?!'
'Unlikely.'
'If it were true... I don't have enough points for a date. Karaoke, dinner—it'd cost a fortune...'
'You're imagining too much.'
'If not for Nanase... our class wouldn't be in this mess. That monster...'
'Nanase? Who's that? A second-year? Doubt I'll interact much with them.'
Saiki glanced at Satō's tray: a small bowl of rice, all green vegetables, no meat, barely any seasoning.
'Eating this daily? Unthinkable.'
"Satō-senpai, how many points for the test questions?" Kushida asked cheerfully.
"Fifty thousand!" Satō replied promptly.