On the way to the teachers’ office, the route from Class 1-F to the office usually didn’t take long—only a few minutes at most.

However, the shortest path was currently blocked, as the third-year students were in the middle of arranging a small assembly. They were carrying desks and chairs across the hallway and would take some time to clear the path.

Kotomi had no intention of waiting. From studying the campus map before, she knew of a different way: she could go up a level on the opposite staircase, then circle around to the west staircase, descend, and walk a short way to the office from the other direction.

While it was a roundabout route, it still seemed faster than waiting for the third-years to finish.

“Let’s take the other way,” Kotomi suggested to Arisu. “Who knows how long it’ll take them to move all those desks.”

“Of course, that’s fine,” Arisu answered readily, not hesitating in the least. In fact, she was more than happy to take the longer route, as it meant she could spend more time walking with Kotomi.

Just as Kotomi took a step, she noticed the sound of Arisu’s cane tapping against the floor.

She remembered then that Arisu’s body was frail due to her congenital heart condition, which made her need a cane to walk.

“Ah…sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Are you okay to go the long way?” Kotomi asked.

Arisu smiled warmly, looking genuinely pleased by Kotomi’s concern. “Don’t worry. Although I’m restricted from sports and strenuous activities, I can definitely handle a walk. In fact, walking is actually good for my health.”

“I see…” Kotomi sighed, relieved.

With a soft smile, Arisu continued, “I suddenly realize how delightful it is to walk with you, Kotomi. Usually, I don’t like walking very much. But walking alongside you is different; it doesn’t feel tiring, and it’s not as dull as walking alone. If possible, would you keep me company more often?”

The presence of the cane was more than convincing, so Kotomi didn’t think twice about it and agreed readily. “Of course! Walking with Class 1-A’s president must be a goal every student would envy.”

“Kotomi, you’re as playful as ever,” Arisu chuckled.

Hearing that, Kotomi hesitated for a moment, about to ask Arisu if they had met before. Ever since they first encountered each other, she had been troubled by the feeling that she should already know her somehow.

She’d thought back many times but hadn’t found any memory of Arisu’s face. It really seemed like this was their first meeting.

Just as Kotomi was about to ask, Arisu interrupted with a sudden comment: “But actually, I think you’d make a better president of Class 1-A than me, Kotomi~.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

In an instant, Arisu’s remark had completely diverted Kotomi’s attention.

“I’d like to see you as Class 1-A’s president.”

The president of Class 1-A? Me?

Kotomi knew she could easily take on the role, but she had no interest in holding a position that would waste her time.

For an average high school student, being a class representative might be rewarding, but to Kotomi, it was a different matter entirely.

She didn’t need to fill her resume with high school achievements.

If she could win the Tokyo Metropolitan University’s Youth Manga Prize, she’d be guaranteed a spot at any university she wanted. And even if she didn’t win, with her current learning speed, any prestigious university would be within reach.

As for joining Class 1-A…

The moment she received her score sheet, Kotomi had already expected that an invitation might come.

If that was the case, she figured she already knew why Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to see her in the office.

“If I’m not mistaken, Class 1-A’s teacher, Yachiyo Kuhama, should be in the office with Shizuka-sensei, right?” Kotomi remarked casually.

“So you’ve already guessed? That’s so like you, Kotomi. I didn’t even need to say it!” Arisu responded with a delighted laugh, as if she’d been handed a precious treat.

Even her steps seemed steadier, almost as if she no longer needed her cane.

“Ah…I already figured I’d be invited to Class 1-A when I saw my test scores.” Kotomi sighed, looking a bit reluctant.

“Kotomi, you don’t want to come to Class 1-A? You’d get a 100,000 yen bonus every month.”

Arisu went straight to the point, knowing that nothing would pique Kotomi’s interest more than money.

Kotomi had been slightly tempted when she first heard about the 100,000-yen bonus.

But after learning about the attendance restrictions, the need to remain in class for higher placement, and the strict rules requiring near-perfect attendance each semester, she’d ruled it out completely.

One hundred thousand yen a month might be tempting for a regular high schooler, but unfortunately, she didn’t need that much money.

If they expected her not to skip a single day for that price, they were dreaming!

As for special learning resources, Kotomi didn’t care much for those either. With her system-enhanced learning ability, she hardly needed any help.

Besides, according to her future plans, she’d often have to take time off for work as a creator.

Book signings, events, and interviews would all require her presence. And even closer at hand, no matter how much her system boosted her skills, she couldn’t guarantee that she’d never hit writer’s block, get absorbed in a game, or forget a deadline.

In those cases, she’d need to take time off to work at home.

All things considered, Class 1-F was much more convenient for her.

“I don’t want to go.” Kotomi shook her head.

Arisu seemed unfazed by her answer, her pink lips curving into a satisfied smile as she said cheerfully, “I knew you’d say that. Kotomi, just follow your own instincts. When you see the teachers later, simply refuse. Personally, I don’t think Class 1-A deserves someone of your caliber. To me, Kotomi, you’re simply the best!”

“Th-thank you for the compliment…” Kotomi stammered, slightly taken aback by Arisu’s sudden praise.

Taking the alternate route down the west staircase, they were just a few steps from the teachers’ office. Looking over to the blocked hallway, Kotomi could see that the third-years were still busy moving desks.

It seemed her choice of a longer path had been the right one.

When they were nearly at the door, Arisu suddenly reached out with her left hand and gave Kotomi’s bottom a gentle pat.

Startled, Kotomi blushed as she jumped slightly, placing her hands protectively over her backside like a startled penguin. “A-Arisu! What was that for?!”

Even she was confused by her reaction; Arisu’s pat had only been light, yet she’d responded so sensitively, almost without thinking.

Could something be happening to her body? Kotomi wondered, embarrassed by her reaction.

“Sorry, Kotomi,” Arisu replied innocently, “I just saw some dirt on your skirt and brushed it off. Did I scare you? I didn’t mean to…”

“N-no, it’s fine. I’m just…a bit sensitive…” Kotomi stammered, waving her hand to assure her it was nothing.

“You go ahead inside. I need to make a quick trip to the restroom and will catch up later. It’s you the teachers want to see, after all,” Arisu said with a teasing smile.

“Alright then,” Kotomi replied, giving a polite knock before heading inside.

Arisu, however, didn’t move. She had no need for the restroom; she’d lied just to avoid joining Kotomi inside.

Opening her clenched left hand, she revealed a tiny recording device resting in her palm.

She’d noticed Megumi’s little move long before they left the classroom, but she had simply pretended not to.

Looking at the blinking light indicating the recording was still active, Arisu’s lips curved in a taunting smile as she spoke, as if delivering a challenge:

“Did you really think I wouldn’t notice you using that recording device? Fine, if you want to listen so badly, I’ll let you. But remember one thing: the only one who can fill the empty space in Kotomi’s heart…is me!”

As Kotomi stepped into the teachers’ office, her gaze immediately fell on the waiting Yachiyo Kuhama.

So that’s the Class 1-A homeroom teacher, Kotomi thought, sizing her up. She didn’t look like the type to be easygoing. If I’d foolishly accepted a transfer to Class 1-A, I’d probably have a hard time getting any time off. Good thing I’m not that gullible! Kotomi smugly thought to herself.

Noticing the sly look on Kotomi’s face, Shizuka Hiratsuka couldn’t help but feel puzzled. What kind of mischief is this little witch scheming now?

“Shizuka-sensei, you wanted to see me?” Kotomi asked, feigning ignorance of Yachiyo Kuhama’s identity.

She hoped to keep things straightforward. Yachiyo would naturally introduce herself, outline her purpose, and offer her a spot in Class 1-A. Then, after listening politely, Kotomi would swiftly reject the offer. Though they were both teachers at the same school, Kotomi, a Class 1-F student, figured she wouldn’t need to cross paths with Yachiyo much in the future.

Analyzing the benefits of staying in Class 1-F had already solidified Kotomi’s decision to focus on strengthening her relationship with Shizuka Hiratsuka. Barring any surprises, Shizuka would be her homeroom teacher for all three years. Given that, building rapport would make things much easier for any future absence requests or even the occasional skipped class.

Seeing Shizuka’s expression darken with disappointment, Kotomi understood immediately: Shizuka believed she’d soon agree to Yachiyo’s offer and transfer to Class 1-A.

Seeing this as an opportunity to improve her standing, Kotomi held off on rejecting the offer right away. Originally, she’d planned to reject Class 1-A outright, but she figured waiting until Yachiyo presented her case would allow her refusal to make a bigger impact—and hopefully boost her relationship with Shizuka Hiratsuka along the way.

Their relationship was good, but Kotomi hadn’t yet found the right chance to push it to the next level—close enough that, with a bit of luck, Shizuka might even overlook any future skipped classes or absences.

Now, here was that golden opportunity!

The perfect opportunity!

A real plan in action!

Keeping her emotions in check, Kotomi maintained her usual innocent expression, appearing every bit the typical high school girl.

As Shizuka prepared to introduce the teacher beside her, Kotomi quickly shifted her expression to one of mild curiosity.

“Kotomi, this is Ms. Yachiyo Kuhama, Class 1-A’s homeroom teacher. She’s here to speak with you.”

Shizuka hadn’t even finished speaking when Yachiyo Kuhama snapped out of her daze.

The moment she’d seen Kotomi, Yachiyo had been utterly captivated by her beauty, nearly too stunned to respond.

“Hello, Kotomi. I assume you already know your score?” Yachiyo said, opting to get straight to the point. “Usually, students apply to Class 1-A and go through a rigorous evaluation before being accepted. However, your outstanding score of 1,047—the highest in your grade, the highest in all of Tokyo—makes you an exception. As long as you agree, you’ll bypass the usual evaluation process. From the next class, you’ll be a student in Class 1-A, and at the end of the month, you’ll receive a 100,000-yen bonus.”

Yachiyo kept it brief, offering Kotomi the essential information. She chose to focus on the bonus, opting not to go into details about the educational resources and other perks Class 1-A students received, such as the favorable reputation with top universities that accompanied an A-class graduation.

It wasn’t that she meant to downplay these benefits. On her way over, Yachiyo had spoken with Arisu, who seemed to know Kotomi well, and asked what would most likely persuade her. Arisu had responded immediately: money.

Yachiyo nearly stumbled, momentarily caught off guard by the simplicity of the answer. But on second thought, she felt relieved.

If Kotomi were motivated by money, bringing her to Class 1-A would be simple.

Money was hard to earn but easy enough to offer. Who wouldn’t be tempted by a 100,000-yen monthly bonus?

Even Yachiyo, from a well-off family herself, had felt a bit envious when she learned that Class 1-A students received a monthly stipend of 100,000 yen. High school students were generally still financially dependent on their parents, so the bonus allowed them to buy whatever they wanted.

Yachiyo folded her arms, waiting confidently. As soon as Kotomi agreed, she planned to take her hand and lead her to Class 1-A, as triumphantly as a prince in a fairy tale leading his princess… Wait, where did that thought come from? She quickly realized she’d been too charmed by Kotomi’s beauty.

Watching silently, Shizuka’s face clouded over. Though she was still technically Kotomi’s homeroom teacher and had a certain level of authority, she couldn’t think of anything persuasive to say.

Maybe…wanting Kotomi to stay in Class 1-F had been a mistake from the start. Shizuka smiled bitterly to herself.

Though she’d never experienced romantic heartbreak, Shizuka suddenly felt as if she were in the midst of one, lost and powerless as if unable to even say goodbye.

Aged twenty-nine years and twelve months, she wondered if this was what it felt like to watch someone she cared about walk away.

Just when everyone thought Kotomi’s transfer to Class 1-A was a done deal, she spoke up.

“Huh? Only 100,000 yen a month? That’s too little. I’m not interested,” Kotomi said nonchalantly.

“I knew you’d agree…” Yachiyo began but trailed off, snapping to attention as Kotomi’s words sank in. “What?! You don’t want to join Class 1-A? Why not? Tell me!”

Yachiyo had imagined a hundred possible responses but hadn’t anticipated that Kotomi might actually refuse to join Class 1-A—the very place that everyone aspired to enter!

Caught completely off guard, Yachiyo, the Ivy League-educated Class 1-A homeroom teacher, could only stare blankly at Kotomi, half-convinced she must have misheard.

“Why not?” Kotomi replied as if it were obvious. “Like I said, it’s just too little money.”

Sorry, but to me, 100,000 yen is nothing.

They’d have to pay more.

And if they won’t let me take days off? Then no amount will do!

Watching Kotomi reject Yachiyo’s offer, Shizuka felt strangely captivated.

She couldn’t help thinking that this little witch only became more and more endearing the longer she looked.

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep