This year's Class D still looks utterly useless.
Suzune ended up in Class D again, and she hasn't shown any improvement.
It's truly disappointing.
"Horikita Manabu—isn't he the one who gave the speech at the entrance ceremony? He's also the student council president."
"He's apparently Horikita Suzune's brother. It seems like Suzune entered this school to prove herself in front of him."
"But what are they doing here?"
Saiki Kusuo's gaze shifted to the wall. His X-ray vision allowed him to gradually see what was on the other side.
A bespectacled boy with a stern expression leaned against the wall, observing Class D students by the pool through a barely noticeable one-way glass. It was Horikita Manabu.
Beside him stood a girl with a bun, her face adorable. Kusuo hadn't seen her before, but using telepathy, he learned she was the student council secretary and, like Manabu, a member of Class A in their third year.
"Class D seems to have lost some points already today. Their situation doesn't look promising."
"Does the student council participate in point evaluations too?"
Kusuo guessed their purpose. The council assisted the school in grading lower-year classes and even had the authority to amend school rules.
"Kusuo, want to swim with us? The P.E. teacher said we're free to do whatever this period!"
At that moment, Kushida Kikyō hurried over, smiling.
Kusuo immediately shook his head. If the class was free activity, he'd avoid participating as much as possible.
Swimming was slightly better than other sports, but it was still a challenge for him. Accidentally breaking a world record would be disastrous.
Normally, Kusuo occasionally rested on the ocean floor. His powers created a barrier, keeping seawater out.
Swimming? He didn't need it.
"Huh? Kusuo, you can't swim?"
Kikyō asked curiously.
Kusuo didn't deny it. It would save him trouble.
After classes, Kikyō invited Kusuo to eat.
Regardless of her true intentions, she kept her promise, which satisfied him.
"Even though I couldn't befriend Horikita, thanks for your help, Kusuo!"
Kikyō's smile made her even cuter.
"I promised to treat you, so order anything!"
"In that case, I won't hold back."
Kusuo's lips curved slightly. Heading to the dessert section, he ordered several expensive treats he hadn't had yesterday.
Is he eating desserts as a meal? And so many?
Though Kikyō thought this, she kept smiling, her inner thoughts unreadable—even Kusuo had to commend her acting.
If a disguise is flawless and consistent, it's no longer a disguise.
Kusuo carried his desserts to a corner seat with Kikyō. He preferred eating alone in silence, but since she was treating him, he accepted the situation.
"It's a shame Suzune's so hard to get along with... I thought we could all be friends..."
Kikyō deliberately lowered her head, looking pitiful, then quickly lifted it, smiling.
"Everyone's different, so I can't force her to change. But I hope she'll join our class."
Though Kikyō seemed considerate, her true thoughts were far different.
That bitch thinks she's all that because she's cute. Die, die, die! That worthless woman, die!
Kikyō cursed Suzune viciously in her mind—words no one would associate with her.
Yes, I'll act helpless to gain sympathy. More classmates will side with me, including Kusuo.
Kikyō's smile deepened as she turned to him, hoping to continue the conversation.
However, Kusuo was focused on his desserts, savoring them as if oblivious to her words.
Is he even listening? Guys usually pay attention when I talk. What's his deal?
Kikyō knew her cuteness and feigned enthusiasm easily charmed boys, making them unable to refuse her. But her tactics seemed ineffective on Kusuo, leaving her surprised and annoyed.
Still, her smile never wavered, showing no emotion.
This topic's going nowhere. He's difficult.
Exactly. That's the plan.
Kusuo wanted Kikyō to slightly resent him, so she'd avoid him later. Her attention-drawing nature wasn't good for him.