Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
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These days, the concept of an "ideal partner" had gradually taken shape in her mind.
First, he must be a fan of detective stories—that was beyond doubt.
She imagined two people in the library on an afternoon, arguing heatedly over a locked-room mystery, then exchanging a knowing smile at a sudden flash of inspiration.
'At least he should understand terms like "red herring" and "Knox's Ten Commandments," right...'
A kind disposition was the bottom line—after all, Sherlock Holmes could be eccentric, but Dr. Watson was always warm and reliable.
'The wavelength of communication must be in sync...'
If even discussing "The Tragedy of Y" led to awkward silence, how could they expect sparks of thought during an investigation?
Second, social skills must be excellent—this was the shortcoming she most yearned to compensate for.
The ideal partner should be able to flit like a social butterfly between the four classes, easily striking up conversations with everyone from the shyest girls to the fiercest boys.
And she would only need to stand quietly in the shadows, like Sherlock Holmes observing a client, catching every unnatural pause and suspicious micro-expression from the other party.
'Although it's not 221B Baker Street... this division of labor would be perfect...'
Third, preferably a handsome male student.
She'd seriously studied the chapter on the "halo effect" in "Criminal Psychology"—people with attractive appearances were indeed more likely to gain the trust of strangers.
As for gender preference, it was purely a pragmatic consideration: when needing to question the sweaty boys in the sports club, a male partner would clearly have an advantage.
As soon as she thought of this, she quickly stopped herself.
'What am I thinking...'
Shiina buried her face in her palms.
Reality wasn't "Poirot," after all—how could a perfect assistant meeting all conditions just happen to appear out of nowhere?
But when she looked up, her gaze still unconsciously drifted toward the library entrance—as if someone carrying a detective novel would push open the door the next second.
'Sure enough... reality isn't a plot convenience from a detective novel...'
She sighed softly.
Just then, the library's glass door was suddenly pushed open, and a clear speaking voice, like wind chimes, broke the silence.
"Ichinose-san, those people from Class C have really been pushing their luck lately!"
"Yesterday they cornered Sato-kun outside the men's restroom again..."
"They specifically target boys and change who they harass every day, so it's impossible to guard against!"
Shiina looked up slightly and saw a group of people walking into the study area not far away.
The pink-haired girl, surrounded by others, sat in the center, having already placed her textbook on the table, and said very seriously. "I'll figure out a way to handle this. For today, let's focus on studying, okay? After all, we specifically came to the library. Being noisy will greatly affect efficiency, and it will also disturb the students in other seats."
'Ichinose...! The leader of Class B...!'
Shiina instinctively recoiled, but couldn't help but secretly observe through the gaps in the bookshelf.
The legendary Ichinose was even more dazzling than imagined—not a harsh glare, but like the morning sun filtering through sheer curtains, gently enveloping the entire small group.
At this moment, she had her hands clasped together, a simple gesture that, when she did it, seemed to work magic, causing the restless students around her to quiet down.
"Since Ichinose-san said so."
"Okay, we'll all listen to you..."
"You decide, class representative."
'Class C... it must be someone from our class who did it.'
This realization made Shiina's ears flush slightly.
Just yesterday, Ryuuen had gathered the entire class in a karaoke room. "Starting today," he tapped the glass coffee table, "pay special attention to the boys in Class B. I want that woman, Ichinose, to know how miserable the consequences are for offending me. And before we climb to Class A, we have to crush the obstacles in our way. Class B's existence is a bit of an eyesore."
All of this stemmed from the commotion last month—Ichinose, through some method, had extracted Ryuuen's identity from a Class C student.
This incident thoroughly enraged Ryuuen.
Although, out of consideration for her and Ibuki, Ryuuen hadn't laid a hand on that student, it was clear to anyone with eyes that he had no intention of letting Ichinose off easily.
Furthermore, Class B, where the other party belonged, was inherently the first opponent Class C needed to overcome to advance.
Although Shiina disapproved of Ryuuen's actions, she also knew that trying to persuade him would not only be ineffective but might also lead to her getting beaten.
She'd seen the fate of some people in her class.
She had to admit that in the current Class C, Ryuuen was an indispensable presence.
Without him, Class C was just a group of disorganized delinquents—with him, Class C truly had the right to contend with other classes.
But these thoughts were quickly suppressed by Shiina—her focus now was on investigating the surveillance incident.
Through the gaps in the bookshelf, Ichinose was earnestly guiding a classmate through a problem.
'Ichinose-san must know some clues! She was the one who actively contacted Class C that day, and then Ryuuen-kun received a friend notification. In other words, she definitely knows that mysterious person, or even... she herself might be that mysterious person!'
This crucial clue instantly connected in her mind, and the object of her suspicion became clear.
But even though Shiina was eager to approach and speak, her feet felt rooted to the spot.
People were coming and going around her—she never had the courage to speak up in front of so many people—moreover, with her Class C identity, and the other party having just been harassed by Class C students, approaching rashly would likely only be met with a cold shoulder.
All these concerns weighed on her mind, making her unable to act.
Just then, Shiina suddenly noticed Ichinose hesitating for a moment, then actively stood up, a particularly brilliant smile spreading across her lips. "Shimizu-kun? What a coincidence! Are you also here to study today?"
Shiina followed her gaze and saw a boy walking toward them.
He was about one meter eighty-five tall, only half a head shorter than Albert in her class, but his features were sharply defined—his back was perfectly straight, indicating a long history of physical training, and he had a calm expression on his face.
"Do you want to study together?"
"No, I'm not actually here specifically to study." The boy waved his hand. "I suddenly became interested in detective books a few days ago, so I came to look. You all go ahead and get busy."
"Alright." Ichinose nodded lightly, with a clear hint of regret in her voice. "Since you say so, then we won't disturb you."
Shiina watched through the gaps in the bookshelf as the boy walked step by step toward her, and was momentarily stunned.
She, of course, knew him.
It was based on her suggestion last month that he'd chosen the Japanese Language supplementary textbook.