Chapter 008 Kei: I Have My Own Pace / The Self-Harm Knife Plan is Perfect!
Nanase Tsubasa froze involuntarily. The development of events seemed to be somewhat outside of her expectations.
'Huh? What's going on? Shouldn't Shimizu-senpai be simple and soft-hearted, agreeing directly? After all, he's that pitiful senpai who was led by the nose and toyed with by Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.'
But thinking back carefully, when Housen Kazuomi mocked him to his face last time, Shimizu-senpai countered almost immediately.
'Wait. Could it be that Shimizu-senpai is actually very smart?'
She remembered his Academic Ability on OAA was an A, and aside from Physical Ability, his other abilities were all rated A+. Then the question arose: why would a senpai like this be played like a puppet by Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?
On the other side, Shimizu Akira didn't notice at all that Nanase Tsubasa was staring blankly at him; he spoke directly into the phone: "Housen Kazuomi, your request is unreasonable. I won't accept it, and the students in our class won't accept it either. Goodbye."
A gorilla who comes out swinging wanting the initiative to distribute spots—if he actually agreed, who knows what kind of chaotic arrangements would be made.
Only then did Nanase Tsubasa snap back to her senses. Almost subconsciously and obediently, she pressed the end call button. Shimizu Akira gave her an extra look.
'This kouhai is quite well-behaved.'
Nanase Tsubasa blinked: "Senpai, I can guarantee that even if we are responsible for distributing the spots, we definitely won't do it recklessly. Um... I will team up with you! And then, if there's anyone Senpai needs to look after, we can prioritize arranging partners with high academic ability for them. What do you think about that?"
Shimizu Akira was stuck between laughter and tears: "Are you bribing me? Besides, I'm not the only one who has the final say in Class 2-B."
"Then who has the final say?" Nanase Tsubasa pressed.
"Don't Horikita-senpai and Kushida-senpai both follow your arrangements? Senpai, it's not a good habit to lie."
Shimizu Akira felt helpless but wanted to laugh. Fine, this person isn't stupid either; she sees things quite clearly.
"Even if they listen to me, the students in the class wouldn't agree to the conditions you proposed," Shimizu Akira explained. "If even the partners are decided by you, wouldn't the initiative be entirely in your hands?"
"But—" Nanase Tsubasa said matter-of-factly, "We wouldn't intentionally screw over the senpais. Trust me." She spoke with total confidence. Judging by her actions over the past few days, she indeed didn't seem like someone who would lie easily.
However, Shimizu Akira still shook his head: "Sorry, talk is cheap."
"Then..." Nanase Tsubasa asked tentatively, "What were the conditions proposed by Class 1-A? What do we need to do for Senpai to be willing to cooperate?"
"Class A's conditions involve intelligence exchange and concern class privacy; it's not convenient to disclose," Shimizu said.
"As for cooperating with your Class D, the most basic condition is at least having Housen Kazuomi apologize to everyone in front of the whole class. After that, we can talk about other things."
Nanase Tsubasa was stunned. "I see..." she said helplessly. "Senpai is quite wicked. That request will be very hard to achieve."
Shimizu Akira didn't deny it and finished his coffee in one gulp.
Just then, Nanase Tsubasa suddenly asked seriously: "Senpai, one last digression. In your eyes, what kind of person is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?" The question came suddenly.
Shimizu Akira set down his cup and answered seriously: "He is a person who is difficult to summarize in a few simple sentences. Why do you ask?"
Nanase Tsubasa lowered her head. "Because I've heard of him. Before enrolling, someone told me that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is a cold, calculating person who uses others as pawns. He approaches people of value, drains them dry, and then throws them away."
She raised her head and looked directly at Shimizu Akira: "And you, Senpai, are clearly not inferior to him in any aspect, yet you seem to always be doing things for him. So I'm curious, exactly what means did he use to make someone like you willing to be driven by him?"
After hearing this, Shimizu Akira asked back: "Those evaluations you just mentioned—who told them to you?"
Nanase Tsubasa pursed her lips and didn't answer.
But Shimizu Akira had already guessed. Who else could it be besides Tsukishiro?
"Have you ever thought," Shimizu Akira spoke slowly, "that everything you know about Ayanokouji comes from someone who wants him expelled?"
Nanase Tsubasa's eyes still carried doubt: "Senpai... are you speaking up for him?"
"I have no obligation to defend him, and he doesn't need it," Shimizu said. "But he has never forced me to do anything. Furthermore, our relationship isn't one of exploitation; we are simply friends."
"Friends?" Nanase Tsubasa pressed. "What if that's just your own assumption, Senpai? After all, you aren't Ayanokouji himself, so you don't know what he's actually thinking, right?"
Shimizu Akira shrugged: "I indeed don't know his thoughts. Ayanokouji is indeed a person with thin emotions. But since the start of school, he hasn't done anything to let me down or betray me; instead, he has helped me many times. I can at least say that much."
"Then doesn't that just prove," Nanase Tsubasa reached an even more blunt conclusion, "that he is planning an even bigger conspiracy?"
Shimizu Akira's lip twitched. He was completely speechless. No matter how he explained, she wouldn't listen.
'Just how much does this kouhai hate Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?'
He didn't bother wasting any more breath and stood up to leave.
"Senpai!" Nanase Tsubasa suddenly called out to him. Shimizu Akira turned back.
"I will find a way," she said seriously. "Regarding the matter of Housen-kun's apology and the cooperation. I will show Senpai that our Class D isn't just about relying on threats and extortion."
Her eyes were determined: "Please also... give me a few more days."
Shimizu Akira looked at her and nodded. "Fine."
Anyway, things weren't fully settled with Class 1-A yet. Taking this opportunity to string Class D along a bit might force them to offer better terms.
As for whether he'd agree in the end, that would be decided later. Why not?
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After school today, Karuizawa Kei officially began her work as a manager with Amasawa Ichika. Preparing equipment, tidying boxing gloves, cleaning, and assisting the captain with various chores. After a round of busywork, she had led the other girl around for nearly half an hour, yet Amasawa Ichika's face always wore a look of utter boredom.
The more Karuizawa Kei looked, the less she wanted to mentor her.
She didn't have a good impression of this person to begin with, always feeling like she had ulterior motives regarding her boyfriend. This current lack of interest made it even more obvious that her previous enthusiasm was all an act.
The two came to the equipment storage room to organize items.
Taking advantage of the moment alone, Amasawa Ichika suddenly spoke with a smile: "Karuizawa-senpai, may I ask, how did you and Shimizu-senpai start dating?"
Karuizawa Kei's movements paused for a moment. She turned to look at Amasawa Ichika; the other girl's face still held that harmless smile.
"Why are you asking that?"
"Just curious." Amasawa Ichika squatted down, pretending to help organize the gloves on the floor. "A person as amazing as Shimizu-senpai must have many girls who like him, right? Why was it Senpai who ended up with him in the end?"
Karuizawa Kei practically wanted to curse.
Could she say that she was the last one from the start, and only managed to squeeze into Shimizu Akira's harem at the seventh spot with great difficulty? Was this woman doing it on purpose, or was it an accident? She put a roll of bandages into the cabinet and said coldly,
"That has nothing to do with you."
"Mmm, Senpai is so cold." Amasawa Ichika tilted her head and continued: "But I can understand."
"Understand what?"
"Understand why Senpai likes him." Amasawa Ichika picked up a glove and gently slipped it onto her hand.
"A person like Shimizu-senpai doesn't say much, but he actually takes other people's matters to heart. He looks like he hates trouble, yet when it's time to act, he's faster than anyone."
She smiled: "A man like that is indeed hard not to fall for."
Karuizawa Kei frowned, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Nothing, I'm just concerned about Senpai's relationship progress."
Amasawa Ichika took off the glove and stood up.
"Then let me ask one more thing: how is the progress between Senpai and Shimizu-senpai? Have you reached the final step?"
Mentioning this, Karuizawa Kei's expression immediately soured.
To state the conclusion first: indeed, nothing had happened between her and Shimizu Akira yet.
Yes, she really did spend an entire night alone with Shimizu Akira during spring break. But she was so nervous that day her stomach ached, and she forced an excuse to flee miserably.
After returning to the dorm and using the bathroom, Karuizawa Kei lay in bed, the more she thought about it the more she regretted it; her "intestines turned green" with regret.
"So... you haven't reached that step yet?" Karuizawa Kei turned her face away, "None of your business."
"It's not my business." Amasawa Ichika smiled, her tone light. "I just find it a bit surprising. A person like Shimizu-senpai probably wouldn't initiate a push; and you, Senpai, get nervous so easily..." She seemed to be thinking seriously: "Then won't you be stuck here forever?"
"Who—who said that!" Karuizawa Kei immediately countered, "I'm just not ready yet!"
"Mhm, I get it." Amasawa Ichika nodded obediently, but her face wrote "I don't believe you."
Karuizawa Kei took a deep breath, forcing herself not to look at that infuriating smiling face.
"Oh my...!" Seeing this, Amasawa Ichika laughed even more happily.
"How about this? Since Shimizu-senpai helped me out before, I'll give Senpai a little support!" She smoothly pulled a small packet of "umbrellas" (condoms) from her pocket and held them out to Karuizawa Kei: "A gift for Senpai. I hope things go smoothly for you."
Karuizawa Kei was both ashamed and angry, her cheeks instantly flushing red: "Wh-what are you doing!"
This kouhai was too outrageous! Is this kind of thing something you just give away randomly?! Karuizawa Kei pulled her hand behind her back as if she'd been burned.
"You're a first-year, why are you carrying this kind of thing around!"
Amasawa Ichika's tone was innocent: "Just in case. And it's not for my own use."
"Then you definitely shouldn't give it away randomly!"
"But Senpai clearly wants it, right?"
"Who wants it! Our business is none of your concern!"
Amasawa Ichika blinked and gently placed the packet on a nearby equipment box.
"Then I'll leave it here. If Senpai changes her mind, you can take it anytime."
"I won't take it!"
"Mhm, I know." Amasawa Ichika said with a beaming smile, "Senpai is a reserved girl, after all."
Karuizawa Kei was so angry she couldn't speak.
She felt like this person was targeting her on purpose! She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.
"Things between me and Akira-kun will happen naturally. I don't need you meddling."
Amasawa Ichika just smiled, turned around, and picked up a roll of bandages. "If Senpai doesn't go out soon, the captain will come looking for us."
Looking at her slender back, a surge of complex emotions hit Karuizawa Kei.
'What is this person thinking? She took a deep breath, picked up the packet of umbrellas from the equipment box, then tapped Amasawa Ichika's shoulder. When the girl turned around, she forcefully stuffed them into her hand.
"Don't leave them here. What if someone sees? Keep them yourself."
Amasawa Ichika blinked in surprise.
"Then who will fix Senpai's intimacy?"
"I have my own rhythm; you don't need to worry about it!"
The two walked out of the storage room one after the other.
On the ring, Shimizu Akira had just finished a round of sparring and walked down. He noticed Karuizawa Kei immediately—or rather, her unnaturally red face.
"Why is your face so red?"
"Too much exercise... cough." Karuizawa Kei looked away. "Um, can I go to your dorm tonight?" "Sure."
She immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Not far away, Amasawa Ichika was watching with great interest. Karuizawa Kei glared at her fiercely and then pretended not to see her.
'How are this woman's ears so good?'
She took a deep breath and forced her mind back to her work in the boxing club.
Around five-thirty, club activities ended. Karuizawa Kei returned to her dorm and spent over half an hour in front of the mirror.
Changing clothes, tying her hair, letting it down again—she fussed through several rounds. By six-thirty, she finally stood before Shimizu Akira's dorm door. She took a deep breath. Gently knocked. The door opened quickly. Shimizu Akira, wearing light blue pajamas, stepped aside to make room: "Come in."
Karuizawa Kei walked in with her head down. The room held a faint scent of body wash, and a steaming cup of tea sat on the table. Shimizu Akira pointed to a chair: "Sit." She sat down but didn't know where to put her hands.
"Want some water?" Shimizu asked.
"No, no need!"
The atmosphere was a bit subtle. Shimizu Akira didn't press her either. He sat down on the edge of the bed, checked his phone, and put it back down. "...Akira-kun." Karuizawa Kei spoke. "Hmm?"
"Aren't you going to ask what I'm here for?"
Shimizu Akira thought about it.
"You'll say it when you want to." This person was always like this. No prying, no rushing, no pressure.
Yet it was precisely this gentleness that made her even more unsure of where to start. However, since they were alone now with no one around, Karuizawa Kei simply let go of her reserve.
"I... I just feel like we've been dating for a while, but it seems like we've been standing still. I was even teased by a kouhai because of it. So, I must take you down tonight!"
Shimizu Akira couldn't help but rub his forehead.
'Why does it feel like she stole my lines?'
He looked at Karuizawa Kei. Despite her bold and aggressive words, her body was very honest as she shuffled over and sat by his side. Then those small hands started being restless, gently pressing and squeezing his arm.
"Nice muscles," she murmured. Actually, she had been eyeing these muscles since the start of school. Back then, she used her "fake gyaru" boldness to touch them once, and remembered it until now.
Tonight, she finally had a legitimate reason to get her hands on them. Shimizu Akira didn't dodge; he smoothly wrapped an arm around her waist, while his other hand pinched her cheek. Karuizawa Kei didn't pull away either, leaning further into his embrace.
"This time, follow my rhythm, okay?" Shimizu Akira was slightly startled, then smiled: "Alright."
"First of all..." She looked up and pointed to her lips.
"I don't want to be laughed at by others anymore because I've never 'played the game'."
The two of them had actually never kissed before. Shimizu Akira's gaze fell on her slightly pursed lips, then moved to meet her eyes.
"Is it okay?"
Karuizawa Kei was a bit annoyed by the question: "What are you still confirming at a time like this...!"
Before she could finish, he gently supported the back of her neck. The distance was very close. Close enough to see her eyelashes trembling. Kei involuntarily held her breath. His thumb brushed against the side of her cheek—like a comfort, and like a reminder to be ready. Then he lowered his head. And gently covered Karuizawa Kei's lips.
Kei unconsciously wrapped her arms around his waist, her entire consciousness seemingly sinking into this first kiss. It wasn't until ten or so seconds later that Shimizu Akira was willing to let her go.
How should she put it? The experience was actually quite good. Except she had to use her nose to race against time for air, which was a bit embarrassing.
"How did the first kiss feel?"
"Do you have to ask that kind of question?"
"Curious."
"...It was okay."
Karuizawa Kei thought to herself, no wonder the other six women looked so surprised when they heard she and Shimizu Akira hadn't kissed yet.
So there was such a good thing in this world? If she'd known, she would have tried it sooner.
"One more time. I'll try to take the lead this time."
Then Shimizu Akira felt a clumsy little tongue poke in, stirring around in his mouth without any rhyme or reason. But everything has to start somewhere. He slowed his pace, gently guiding her. At first, she was like a reckless novice, but gradually, she seemed to find the way, and her movements slowly softened.
She was surprisingly a fast learner.
After a long while, the two separated. Karuizawa Kei's cheeks were crimson, her eyes sparkling with a trace of lingering desire and faint pride.
"How... was it?" she asked softly, unable to hide her "I learn fast, right?" smugness.
Looking at her like this, Shimizu Akira couldn't resist leaning down to peck the corner of her lips again.
"Mhm, rapid progress."
She immediately smiled happily. "Of course, I am Karuizawa Kei."
Saying that, she burrowed into his chest again, finding a comfortable position to nestle in, then her finger poked at his abs every now and then.
"Akira-kun."
"Mhm."
"Can we do this often in the future?"
"Do what?"
She glared at him: "You know exactly what."
Shimizu Akira laughed, "We can." He said, "Anytime."
Karuizawa Kei buried her face back in contentedly. "Akira-kun."
"Mhm."
"I'm really not going back tonight."
"I know."
"Then you have to wake me up tomorrow morning; I can't be late for school."
"Okay."
"Also, you're not allowed to sneak out of bed first."
"Okay."
"And one more thing..." Her voice lowered. "You're not allowed to do strange things while I'm asleep."
Shimizu Akira was silent for two seconds. "...What counts as a strange thing?"
Karuizawa Kei was stumped, and after a while, she squeezed out: "Just, just that kind... think for yourself!"
"I can't think of it, tell me!"
"You're doing it on purpose!" She was both angry and laughing as she hit him.
'How about that? My rhythm as Karuizawa Kei is pretty fast too, right? The second night and I've already secured a kiss.'
She was beyond satisfied with herself.
Shimizu Akira involuntarily raised his hand to gently rub her hair.
While the other girls would take the chance to tease him with a few words at night, wishing he'd do something bad, this one just snuggled obediently in his arms. An honest kid is also quite cute. Better to take it slow.
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Meanwhile, at the same coffee shop. Housen Kazuomi and Amasawa Ichika sat opposite each other. The convener this time was Amasawa Ichika.
She got straight to the point: "I think for this special exam, we should honestly give up the plan targeting Shimizu Akira."
"What? Just because he arranged a mixer for you?" Housen Kazuomi had also heard later how Class 2-B hooked up with Class 1-A; it really was the result of Amasawa Ichika's intentional or unintentional push.
"It has nothing to do with that," Amasawa Ichika replied immediately. "It's just that after staying in the boxing club these few days, I've found that Shimizu Akira has no obvious weaknesses at all. He's very hard to strike."
"Tch." Housen Kazuomi clicked his tongue.
Yesterday, he and Nanase Tsubasa played the bad cop and good cop, but the guy didn't care for either approach, and even made the absurd request for him to apologize in front of all of Class 2-B.
Housen Kazuomi had been a delinquent leader since middle school; there was no way he'd do something so humiliating.
"Since you can't get him to take the knife," he changed the subject, "how about switching to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka? Haven't you already successfully gotten close to him?"
What he was still obsessing over was that self-harm framing plan. Since Shimizu Akira wouldn't budge, they could just change the target for expulsion.
"About that... it's already in progress." Amasawa Ichika nodded. In fact, on the day they exchanged contact info, she had smoothly asked if Ayanokouji had a partner yet.
He said not yet, so she proposed "if you cook a meal for me, I'll team up with you," and he agreed. Currently, everything was moving according to plan.
"Heh, fine," Housen Kazuomi sneered. "Expelling that empty shell Ayanokouji first works too. Our plan is flawless."
Amasawa Ichika almost couldn't keep it together.
'Does this guy really think that self-harm framing plan is flawless?'
Thinking back, every step was clearly full of holes. But by now, the arrow was on the string. Tsukishiro's side was watching closely, and she had no way back.
She'd have to say sorry to Ayanokouji-senpai for now.
Although she indeed admired him, after all, the reason she and Yagami came to this school was to get him expelled.
If the plan failed, she would be forced to withdraw, or even leave the White Room entirely.
And she was just a test-tube baby; even those biological parents she'd never met—she didn't know if they would even be willing to recognize her.
To protect herself, Amasawa Ichika could only harden her heart and keep walking down this path.
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