Although he had suffered a bit earlier, Kaoru didn't take it to heart.
"Have you found partners yet?"
Kaoru was quite concerned about this.
Hasebe Haruka and Sakura Airi weren't particularly outstanding students—their academic performance could only be described as average.
Unless one paid special attention, it would be difficult to notice these two.
This was Kaoru's assessment of their academic abilities, but when it came to the overall evaluation, things far exceeded his expectations.
He had already checked both of their OAA scores.
While Hasebe Haruka was somewhat understandable, Sakura Airi actually ranked last in the class alongside Ike Kanji.
It sounded unbelievable, but in the school's eyes, Sakura Airi was a student of little value—her physical abilities were among the lowest in the grade, her adaptability and social contribution were minimal.
She was just a physically weak, introverted student who struggled with communication.
Although Sakura Airi had tried to take the first step by making friends like Hasebe Haruka, Yamamura Miki, and others, this change ultimately came too slowly.
The OAA not only reflected students' inherent abilities but also represented the school's perspective on each individual.
Sakura Airi ranking last indicated the school didn't have high expectations for her.
Therefore, Kaoru couldn't help but worry.
"Not yet. It's only been a few days, so probably not many have formed teams yet."
Though she said this, Hasebe Haruka didn't sound very confident.
"Both Airi and I are C+, so we shouldn't lack for partners."
Thanks to Kaoru's occasional tutoring, their academic abilities had improved somewhat. With effort, they could likely reach around B-.
Kaoru fell into thought, while beside him, Sakura Airi grew somewhat nervous.
She wanted to tell him he didn't need to worry so much about her.
For some reason, she found it hard to say.
"If you senpai's are looking for partners, I can recommend some of my friends."
Komiya Kaho found their concerns somewhat puzzling.
Hasebe Haruka and Sakura Airi were taken aback.
Their caution and fear stemmed from psychological trauma from the previous voting exam, worrying that Nagumo Miyabi might target them again.
However, Komiya Kaho was Kaoru's "little sister." If she said she could recommend friends, they were likely trustworthy.
"Are they... reliable?"
Hasebe Haruka couldn't contain her emotions—could the solution really be this simple?
"Mmm, I think they're fine. Yumiko and the others are also worried about finding partners."
Komiya Kaho thought she was considering whether her friends would accept and pondered for a moment.
"Actually, they're quite easy to talk to, and their academic levels match yours well. I can convince them."
Sakura Airi looked at Komiya Kaho with admiration.
She truly was a sunny, energetic Extrovert—making friends within just a week of school starting, completely different from someone as withdrawn as herself.
"That's great! What are their nam... Perhaps we could find a place to talk? Thank you so much, Komiya-san."
Hasebe Haruka initially wanted to ask for their names, but considering Kaoru hadn't spoken yet, she suppressed her excitement and changed her words to thanks.
"Hey, no need to be so polite with me. After all, you're..."
Halfway through her sentence, Komiya Kaho suddenly froze.
What was she doing? Why was she helping her love rival? A wave of frustration washed over her, and she could only comfort herself by thinking.
"After all, you're my brother's good friends. It's only right for me to lend a small hand."
Hasebe Haruka smiled faintly, finding this girl quite interesting. She hadn't paid much attention to her before, only thinking of her as a clumsy fool.
But now, it seemed she had changed quite a bit.
Was it maturity that came with age?
"Is there a student in Kaho's class who acts like a leader?" Kaoru had already snapped back to attention.
"Someone who directs everyone on how to handle this exam, or someone many people trust."
"There is someone like that. He's good-looking, so many girls have a crush on him."
Komiya Kaho pouted, seemingly uninterested in this person. "But he doesn't tell us what to do. It's just that many people ask him for advice."
Is he similar to Katsuragi?
The thought crossed Kaoru's mind, because Katsuragi had also often helped his classmates solve problems early on, gradually earning everyone's trust.
It seemed like a relatively gentle student, not someone who forcefully unified the entire class.
"What's this person's name?" Kaoru asked.
"Yagami Takuya."
Komiya Kaho answered directly. "I don't like his smile. It always feels too fake!"
It was rare for Komiya Kaho to dislike someone.
"What about Nanase?" Kaoru said. "She seems to be in Class 1-D. Are you still in contact with her?"
Komiya Kaho immediately switched expressions, boasting proudly, "Of course we're still in contact! Tsubasa-chan is the first friend I made here!"
It sounded very close, but Kaoru felt it was probably one-sided closeness from Komiya Kaho.
Although Tsubasa Nanase seemed easy to approach, Kaoru knew she was also wearing a mask—likely another troublesome girl.
"Brother, are you concerned about the first-years?"
Komiya Kaho still didn't understand the dynamics here and found it strange. "If you want to cooperate with us, I can talk to my class about it. I'm sure many people would be willing to join you!"
"I was just thinking how impressive Kaho is, making friends so quickly."
Kaoru patted her head.
A good kid is always a good kid, no matter where they are. That temptation from the other day must have been an illusion.
Komiya Kaho beamed, nuzzling against his palm.
"If Kaho's friends can't find partners, I can help."
Kaoru stroked her head, feeling like he was petting a little puppy.
"Okay!"
Komiya Kaho seemed to wag her tail, making contented purring sounds as she squinted her eyes. She had already moved close to Kaoru, pressing against him.
"As expected... I still like you the most, brother."
Kaoru pretended not to hear, as someone nearby coughed.
"So, does that mean Airi and I have solved our partner problem?"
Hasebe Haruka listened to their conversation and felt it was settled.
"It would be best to meet Kaho's friends quickly and get to know each other."
Kaoru seemed to remember something. "By the way, Kaho, are your friends all girls?"
"Of course! Why would I hang out with boys?"
Komiya Kaho pouted.
Although she had hobbies similar to boys, the boys her age were all too terrible.
She wouldn't stay with this group of people—she was a girl, after all.
Kaoru was counting the number of people.
Fortunately, only a few like Hasebe Haruka, Sakura Airi, and Manabe Shiho were somewhat troublesome.
The others would be safe and sound even without his intervention.
Then, a name surfaced in his mind, and he hesitated slightly.
It probably had nothing to do with him.
Even if he didn't intervene, that person would be fine.
However, with Komiya Kaho's help, Amasawa Ichika's value had diminished considerably.
Kaoru actually wanted to place her near Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, but upon second thought, aside from startling her and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, it didn't seem particularly meaningful.
Speaking of which, he had already added Amasawa Ichika as a friend.
This little devil junior occasionally harassed him, which was somewhat annoying.
He'd teach her a lesson later.