The soft bell echoed through the corridor, signaling the end of the test. As Ryota re-entered the classroom, he was met with a haze of quiet tension. The room wasn't loud, but the air was heavy—thick with unsaid fears and quiet murmurs.
Students whispered in low tones, their gazes flicking between each other with furrowed brows and worried eyes. Anxiety hung like fog.
Ryota's eyes scanned the room. No one noticed him enter—not really. Their thoughts were elsewhere.
He made his way toward Shiranami Chihiro, who sat at her desk, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on her notebook.
"Good morning, Shiranami," he said, soft but clear.
She glanced up and offered him a small smile. "Morning, Seki-san."
He tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"Think you did well?"
She shrugged, eyes drifting toward the window.
"I don't think I failed... but I doubt it was anything extraordinary. Academic stuff has never really been my strong point. I just did what felt right."
There was no frustration in her voice, just honesty.
Her gaze wandered, landing on the rest of the class. Groups were huddled together, voices sharp with concern.
"They think this was just a preview," she muttered. "That the final term exams are going to be even worse. Some of them are scared they won't be able to stay in this school if they keep falling behind…"
Ryota didn't need to listen too hard—he could already hear snippets from around the room.
"...I barely finished half of it…"
"What if we get expelled?"
"I don't have the tools for this…"
Ichinose stood near the front, trying her best to calm a growing crowd of nervous classmates. Her usually radiant energy flickered. She smiled and reassured, but her hands fidgeted—something was weighing on her too.
Chihiro looked back at Ryota, voice a little lower.
"You don't have to worry though, right? Your talent… it's different. You're not like the rest of us. But when things like this happen to the class, it's easy for everyone else to panic. They don't have the answers. They're looking for someone who does."
Ryota stared ahead.
"The world gave everyone different abilities for a reason," he said quietly. "When someone isn't equipped to overcome a challenge, someone stronger will step in to lift the burden. That's how it should be. If ever you're struggling, Shiranami… come to me."
Her eyes widened slightly—not because of the offer, but the certainty behind his voice.
He walked forward.
The quiet buzz of panic filled the room. The volume was rising. Ichinose tried again to restore order, but the worry was catching on like wildfire.
Then—clap.
A single, firm applause cracked through the air.
All heads turned.
Ryota stood in the center aisle, poised and calm. His presence silenced them without a single word.
"You're all anxious," he began, voice smooth but resolute. "And that's understandable."
His eyes swept across the classroom—no judgment in them, only certainty.
"This evaluation may not have counted toward our grades. But it was still a test. A test of foresight. A reminder that more is coming, and yes—it may be harder."
He paused, watching them, reading the room.
"But instead of seeing this as something to fear… be grateful for it. We were given the chance to experience pressure without penalty. That's a rare gift. Because without facing the problem, you can't possibly begin to find the solution."
A hand raised in the crowd, uncertain.
"Then… what is the solution?"
Ryota let three seconds pass. Silence anchored his answer.
"We create study groups."
He continued, more confident now as the idea formed.
"Those who excel in academics will support those who struggle. We won't leave anyone behind—not because it's convenient, but because it's necessary. To grow as a class. To grow as individuals."
The room was still.
"The school expects us to compete, to fracture. But what happens when a class chooses unity instead?"
Some looked at each other, uncertain. But others nodded slowly. Chihiro smiled at her desk. Ichinose, at the front, exhaled quietly—relief softening her shoulders.
Ryota looked ahead.
"Let's show them what a unified class looks like."