Chapter 331: Being Thanked for Starting a Harem / Kikyo: "I Want to Join the Student Council"
February 7th. Monday, the first Monday of February.
The weather remained freezing. In the classroom, several students had already taken leaves of absence one after another due to colds. The homeroom teacher and subject teachers repeatedly reminded everyone to stay warm.
Shimizu Akira didn't pay much mind to it. With his physical constitution, minor issues like colds or fevers were basically nothing to worry about. The next midterm exam was scheduled for the 15th of this month, which meant that winter break was already half over.
The exam day happened to be the day after Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day... it was foreseeable that it would be a very busy day in many senses of the word.
After all, he had quite a few girlfriends.
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At 7:30 AM, Shimizu Akira stepped into the classroom on time. Just as he put down his shoulder bag, a faint greeting came from beside him.
"Shimizu-kun... Good morning."
After his seatmate, Sakura Airi, whispered this, she immediately lowered her head.
"Airi, you can just call me 'Akira' from now on."
"Eh... is that really okay?!"
"Of course. Aren't we dating?"
"R-Right! Yes! I understand! Then, let me say it again... Akira-kun, good morning..." Airi finally looked up.
"Yeah, good morning," Shimizu responded with a nod.
"Akira-kun... thank you so much for being willing to accept me and Haruka," Sakura Airi thanked him with her head down.
"Even though the person you started dating first was Kikyo..."
"Uh..." Shimizu Akira didn't know what expression to make for a moment.
Being thanked to his face by his girlfriend for starting a harem—this was truly a first-time experience. It was actually quite a novel feeling.
He glanced around the classroom. Not many people had arrived yet—fewer than ten—so he reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"When it comes to feelings, there's no need for thanks. If I didn't already like you both, I wouldn't have agreed."
"R-Really? That's great!" Airi's cheeks instantly flushed.
"I know Akira-kun and Kikyo have a great relationship... so as long as I don't make things difficult for you, Haruka and I are willing to do anything! As long as you... can occasionally spare a little time for us."
In Airi's heart, dating Shimizu Akira felt like a dream.
She never expected to have him all to herself. Seeing him stand with a radiant beauty like Kushida Kikyo made them look like a match made in heaven in everyone's eyes.
Kikyo had always been gentle to her and Haruka, even taking the initiative to suggest sharing this relationship. For Airi, as long as she could be with Haruka and spend occasional time with Akira-kun, she was happy enough.
"I will definitely set aside time to spend with you two."
Airi really did have a personality that never fought for herself and even actively yielded ground.
"That's wonderful... thank you, Akira-kun."
"I told you, no need for thanks. Airi, you're just too self-sacrificing. So, are you and Haruka free these next two days? I want to ask you both out separately."
"Separately? O-Or maybe it's better for the three of us to be together... Is that not okay? Of course, if you think it's inappropriate, then separately is actually..."
"Uh, since you want to be together as three... then together it is."
"Um... afterwards, can Haruka and I ask Akira-kun to... apply sunscreen to our whole bodies?" Airi added in a small voice.
"...Sure." Shimizu Akira was momentarily choked up, managing a one-word reply.
'Do these two have to be bound together even for dates?'
If this kept up, would he have to add another person even in bed later? Moreover, Airi didn't even mention massages this time; she went straight for the full-body sunscreen.
She seemed like the shyest one, but in certain aspects, she was quite bold.
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Just as Shimizu Akira turned back, a cold gaze fell upon him.
Horikita Suzune had taken her seat at some point and was taking textbooks out of her bag with her usual crisp movements.
"Congratulations. You've claimed another girlfriend," she spoke up.
"Not one, but two," Shimizu corrected the error.
"Not just Airi, but Haruka is now one as well."
"Hasebe Haruka too..." Suzune's movements paused. "That makes five now, doesn't it?"
"Yes."
"Does that woman Kushida just stand by and watch as you expand your harem larger and larger?"
"It's not just 'standing by.' The one who pushed Airi and Haruka to my side was Kikyo herself."
"What?" Suzune was stunned.
Actively arranging for other girls to approach Shimizu Akira?
Does that woman.. have something wrong with her head? She clearly seemed to care so much about him, yet she would allow new girls to share him?
"That woman is certainly good to you! No wonder you provide strategies for her every special exam; you even helped her take second place in the girls' group this time. You two really are a 'matched pair' of talent and beauty."
"Kikyo is indeed good to me, but you're wrong about one thing. In the last exam, I only gave her the core idea of uniting three classes to fight Class A. Everything else was her own thinking."
"Only that much?"
"I have no reason to lie to you." Shimizu waved his hand dismissively.
"I didn't interfere after getting off the bus. As her deputy, you were with the girls' group the whole time; you should have seen her actions with your own eyes. In the last special exam, the person who contributed the most to the class was undoubtedly Kushida Kikyo."
Horikita Suzune pursed her lips.
It was true. During the Forest School exam, Kushida not only served as the leader for their group, but even girls from other groups would actively consult her when they encountered problems. Ultimately, she secured second place, earning 120 Class Points for the class. For the past few days, the classmates had been praising her non-stop.
"In the end, everything she does is just to win people over. Even if her group was at the bottom, you would have used 20 million Personal Points to save her," she argued, somewhat unwilling to concede.
"Don't worry about what she's thinking. Judging by the results, she was the person in charge and indeed bore the risks for the group," Shimizu said indifferently.
"A bad person who acts like a good person for their whole life is a good person."
He paused for a few seconds and continued: "Besides, do you really think Kikyo would need me to save her if she lost? She's much smarter than you think. In the last exam, the three people from other classes in her group all had some violation leverage caught by her. As the person in charge, she could have forcibly dragged someone down with her at the last moment.
At that time, she could either make those three classes pay a 'hush money' fee or just drag them down to force them to pool points to redeem their student. Getting nearly 20 million points isn't impossible. That was one of the solutions she had planned from the start."
"That woman... would really tear off the mask and go that far? The other classes might not necessarily obey," Horikita Suzune said skeptically.
"Kikyo wouldn't need to act personally. She just needs to 'accidentally' mention it to girls in the same group, like Haruka or Shinohara Satsuki, and someone will naturally pass the message along.
Currently, Class D is led by Kaneda and Shiina; they can scrape together 5 million points. Class B goes without saying. As for Class A... using 5 million to protect a student is an acceptable trade for Sakayanagi Arisu." Shimizu smiled.
"For example, if another class used this move and asked Class C to pay 5 million to save someone, would you pay?"
"..."
Horikita Suzune fell into silence. 5 million points divided among the class would be a little over 100,000 points each. That price wasn't high, so if a choice had to be made, probably no one in the class would object.
"Wait, if this tactic is viable, why didn't Ryuen Kakeru use it? Did he not think of it, or could he not do it?" she suddenly frowned and asked.
"He couldn't do it," Shimizu answered bluntly.
"First, he was already cooperating with me before the exam. Second, the person in charge needs the unanimous approval of the group. Third, even if he became the leader, students from other classes wouldn't dare enter his group. So, this tactic... only someone with a good enough reputation is qualified to use it."
The pressure around Horikita Suzune visibly dropped. "I only got sixth place in this special exam. Not only did I lose completely to that woman, but I also dragged the class down."
There it was again—that familiar, stubborn habit of overthinking.
Shimizu Akira reached out and gently placed his hand on the back of hers which was resting on the desk.
"The theme of the last exam was spirit, social skills, and social adaptability. That was never your strong suit. Your advantages in individual execution, self-discipline, and learning ability are separate matters. If the theme were a test of pure individual quality or tactical decision-making, the situation would be different. There's nothing to blame yourself for in losing to a specialist in a field where you don't hold the advantage.
Moreover, you can look at it from another angle," Shimizu continued. "In the forest exam, Kikyo's contribution was real. Doesn't this also prove the value of the bet between you two? It shows your groundwork was good."
Hearing this, Suzune's expression finally softened slightly. Indeed, ever since the bet during the Paper Shuffle exam, Kushida Kikyo seemed to be applying her abilities to class affairs more and more. From a result-oriented perspective, this was undoubtedly a good thing for Class C's overall strength.
She subconsciously glanced at Shimizu Akira.
He was, as always, very good at comforting people. In just a few words, he almost made her lose her cold facade.
Before the slight curve of her lips could last long, the classroom door was pushed open.
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In walked Kushida Kikyo.
As usual, she greeted several classmates along the way with a gentle smile, then lightheartedly stopped in front of Shimizu Akira's desk.
"Akira-kun, good morning."
"Good morning, Kikyo."
"Eh? You seem to still be wearing the jacket I gave you." Her gaze fell on his chair.
"Yeah, it was a gift from you, after all," Shimizu nodded naturally. "By the way, did you like the birthday gift I gave you last month?"
"I loved it! Thank you for putting so much thought into it."
"I'm glad you liked it; I spent ten days thinking about it."
The conversation between the two wasn't intentionally lowered, so Horikita Suzune, sitting nearby, heard everything clearly.
'The jacket was a gift from this woman? Last month was her birthday? He prepared for ten days?'
Suzune bit her lip. Unpleasant. She was still somewhat annoyed. But on second thought, they were a couple; giving gifts to a girlfriend was perfectly normal. Then again, her own birthday... seemed to be coming up in a few days.
Shimizu Akira smiled. "By the way, are you free this afternoon? Dinner together?"
"I'm sorry, Akira-kun. I have to go to the Student Council after school today. Is tomorrow night okay?" Kikyo shook her head apologetically.
"Sure. You're going to the Student Council? Why the sudden interest?"
"Mhm." Kikyo nodded, her gaze suddenly turning to Horikita Suzune.
"I happened to run into Horikita-senpai and Tachibana-senpai a few days ago. We talked about the Student Council's work, and I found the authority is much greater than I imagined. I unknowingly grew interested.
I also heard from Horikita-senpai that you, Horikita, don't seem very interested in the Student Council? How about coming with me after school today for a simple visit? Maybe... you'll change your mind.
Even if you hate Nagumo Miyabi, aren't you even a little curious about the operating mechanisms of this school? This is, after all, the place your brother once poured his heart into."
The topic being suddenly thrown at her made Horikita Suzune visibly startle. If it was just a visit, she wasn't without a tiny bit of interest. But going with Kikyo... she instinctively felt some resistance.
"What, afraid I'll eat you?" Kikyo's smile deepened.
"With just you?" Suzune looked away and snorted. "4:00 PM. If you're late, I'm going by myself."
"Mhm, it's a deal." Kikyo withdrew her gaze with satisfaction and waved to Shimizu Akira. "Then, Akira-kun, I'm off."
She turned and left without looking at Suzune again.
Horikita Suzune didn't care about that childish snub, turning instead to stare at Shimizu Akira. "Why is your girlfriend suddenly interested in the Student Council? What is she plotting now?"
"You're asking me? How should I know," Shimizu shrugged. "It's not like she reports every single thing to me."
"Is that so? You don't seem to have any intention of asking more. Not even a little curious?"
"If she wants to do it, let her. I know people in the Student Council and will keep an eye out. Since she's interested, I'll just help her join. Even as a couple, there's no need to pry into everything; that would be exhausting for both parties. She'll tell me when she wants to."
"Tsk." Horikita Suzune jerked her head away, completely done with dealing with this couple. Her teeth felt inexplicably sore.
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The time soon reached 8:00 AM, and today's intelligence quietly refreshed.
[1. Hondo Ryoutarou from Class 1-C privately holds a special attraction toward girls with fuller figures.]
[2. In the last Forest School exam, the full member list of the group Ichinose Honami (Class 1-B) was in is as follows: Wang Mei-Yu, Shiina Hiyori, Ibuki Mio, Yamashita Saki, Kinoshita Minori, Nishino Takeko, Manabe Shiho, Nishi Haruka, Motodoi Chikako, Rokkaku Momoe.]
[3. Within the next half month, Ichinose Honami will fall into a period of low spirits and self-isolation.]
Hondo Ryoutarou... one of Yamauchi Haruki's former cronies.
During the last "VIP" special exam, Yamauchi had instructed him, Miyamoto Soshi, and Onizuka to spread some rumors. But ever since Yamauchi's reputation was ruined in that exam, those few seemed to have settled down.
When Yamauchi was expelled during the Paper Shuffle exam, they didn't show any particular reaction.
'So he prefers curvy girls... well, as a male, even knowing this personal preference isn't very interesting. Just a piece of useless intel.'
Moving to the second point: the specific group list for Ichinose Honami in the last exam.
The members included many students from other classes he was familiar with, like Wang Mei-Yu from Class C, and Shiina Hiyori, Ibuki Mio, and Manabe Shiho from Class D. Wang Mei-Yu and Shiina Hiyori were both physically weak, while Manabe's group were "gyarus" who liked to bully the weak but feared the strong.
This group's comprehensive ability was indeed weak. No wonder Ichinose, despite being so good at interpersonal coordination, only got fourth place.
Finally, the last piece of intel.
Ichinose Honami... will self-isolate for a while?
After the forest exam, hadn't he already comforted her properly? Did his words back then not truly help her? Shimizu Akira immediately picked up his phone and sent a message to Ichinose Honami.
Shimizu Akira: How have you been lately, Honami? Ichinose Honami: ? I'm doing great, Akira-kun! Ichinose Honami: Ever since I've been with you, I feel full of energy every day! Ichinose Honami: You don't need to worry about me. I don't really mind the matter with Katsuragi-kun!
Everything seemed normal; she still had her usual cheerful attitude. She probably thought he was talking about Katsuragi Kohei's temporary decision not to join Class B.
Since the intel pointed to the future, it meant there might not be obvious signs yet. It seemed he would have to pay closer attention to Ichinose's mental state over the coming days.
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The school bell rang. Shimizu Akira began to pack his textbooks unhurriedly. His academic situation remained the same as always. Except for Japanese, he could steadily score above 95 points in almost every other subject. Japanese wasn't like Math where a sudden realization leads to rapid progress; it required reading, writing, and practice—relying on daily accumulation.
Starting today, he would set aside at least one hour a day specifically for Japanese reading comprehension. The midterm mock exam on the 15th didn't carry an expulsion risk, but since he took first place in the last finals, he couldn't let his ranking drop too embarrassingly!
"You have to give me a hint for the next special exam as well," Horikita Suzune emphasized every word as she stuffed the last book into her bag.
"Even if it's just a direction. I cannot be suppressed by that woman at every turn."
She paused and turned her face: "In exchange... I can agree to one request that isn't excessive. Like before, you can do what you want to do."
Shimizu's lips twitched slightly. This "Pokémon" of his was starting to negotiate in that blunt yet awkward way again.
"Suzune-san, did you forget something?" he spoke up leisurely.
"?"
"In the last Paper Shuffle exam, I beat both you and Kikyo at the same time. According to the agreement, you both owe me one request each. That debt hasn't been settled yet."
"...There was such a thing." Suzune's movements hitched, and she looked away uncomfortably.
"Then... what request do you want to make now?"
"We'll save that one for later. Let's talk about the present," Shimizu tapped the desk.
"I can give you a hint. But as a condition, when you go to the Student Council with Kikyo today, don't start being confrontational right away. Tone down your attitude. In return, I'll tell Kikyo to be polite to you. Can you do that?"
"...Understood." Suzune was silent for several seconds before answering dully.
"Also," Shimizu seemed to suddenly remember something, "come to my dorm tonight. I want to be intimate with you."
"Okay." This time she answered quickly, with almost no hesitation.
"You agreed so readily?" Shimizu feigned surprise.
"Hmph... it's just an equivalent exchange." Suzune coughed lightly and picked up her bag. "Alright, I have to go to the Student Council. See you tonight."
Still a tsundere. Oh well. Shimizu watched her walk away; anyway, she'd be honest once night came.
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A minute or two later, a female student walked to his desk.
"Shimizu-kun, are you free right now?"
Shimizu looked up. It was Sato Maya. He didn't have a bad impression of her. Last time, she had been the one to proactively find him to remind him to check on Karuizawa Kei.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Um... actually, it's like this." Sato Maya nodded vigorously.
"After the last forest exam, I realized more clearly that your performance at the Sports Festival was truly amazing! You run like a flyer; you zoomed past everyone 'shoo'! By contrast, we couldn't contribute much during the relay... luckily the senpais performed well, so we didn't end up last."
"Third place is actually quite good," Shimizu said, following her lead.
"Shimizu-kun got first place in the large group this time! You really are amazing... you've contributed so much to Class C. Now we're only a few dozen points away from Class B, right? Under your leadership, our class might actually make it to Class A! I feel like my contribution to the class is so small... the only thing I'm good at is researching fashion, and I've read a lot of books on men's styling."
She took a deep breath.
"Shimizu-kun, are you interested in fashion? This weekend... would you like to go shopping with me? I can help you pick out a few outfits that really suit you!"
"Sorry, Sato-san. I already have other plans this weekend." Shimizu thought for a moment and politely declined.
He had already made dates with Airi and Haruka, and he didn't know what the situation was with Ichinose Honami yet. He wasn't familiar with Sato Maya, so he didn't have time to go out with her.
"I-I see..." The smile on Sato Maya's face stiffened visibly.
"Then... I won't bother you. Goodbye."
She finished speaking, turned, and walked back to her seat. After returning, she whispered something to Matsushita Chiaki and Karuizawa Kei next to her. Matsushita seemed to gently pat her on the shoulder.
Fragments of words drifted over: "This time... my turn... next..."
Shimizu Akira's lips twitched. If this were a group of real "gyarus," he would probably assume without hesitation that this was just a whim—they were playing a penalty game and having fun at his expense.
But the problem was, this group were "fake" gyarus.
He subconsciously glanced in Karuizawa Kei's direction. Coincidentally, she was also looking over; when their eyes met, she quickly looked away.
'These three are very suspicious!'
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