When it was time for our lunch break, Yousuke stood up right away and headed to the podium.

Can we do this before lunch? I wanna hear what everyone thinks. Is that okay?

After he asked that, Kushida raised her hand and replied as if to continue.

Um, its about how well have fights over the choices in this test being different right?

Of course we will. If we could all agree without even fighting then there would be no reason to have a special exam like this, would there.

If thats the case, wouldnt it be better to clearly decide a leader in advance in case we cant agree? If we ultimately follow the leaders choice then I think we can clear this special exam with no problems.

Yeah. I agree with Kushida-sans opinion. But the leader will bear a serious responsibility.

If there are many different opinions about the choices, then the students supporting the unchosen choices will criticize them just because of that. It has to be a leader who can skillfully settle the class.

If its alright with you could I ask you to do it, Horikita-san?

Me?

Yes. Youve served as our leader for many times until now, and more than anything I think that you can unify everyone well. Of course as Hirata-kun said its a huge responsibility, so only if its okay with you.

Youre right. The other classes may be employing strategies similar to this, and it will likely be necessary when our opinions diverge. Can those who would oppose my instructions when the time comes show themselves to me now?

After hearing that the responsibility will be heavy, no students put themselves forward as candidates or said anything against it. They smoothly accepted Kushidas proposal and unanimously agreed on Horikitas guidance in case of emergency.

After that they discussed various opinions, but they didnt decide any major elements about the special exam. After some time they started eating.

Lets get some grub. Youre coming too right, Yukimu, Miyacchi?

Haruka turned around and asked, to which the two usual men agreed and stood up.

The members of the Ayanokouji group. A small group that numbered five, including me.

As us five started to gather, one student jogged towards us.

He spoke when I met his eyes.

Kiyotaka. Lets have lunch.

Without waiting and despite looking at me nervously, he said to me.

There were no students who stared at Kei and I, nor students who tried to hear our conversation. But aside from Kouenji, all 36 students looked at us.

Sorry everyone, Ill eat with Kei today.

Before everyone around us understood what was going on, I pulled my seat and stood up.

Id like to go to a cafe. Okay?

Wh eh? Wa, wait. Why are you cutting in all of a sudden? Karuizawa-san.

Im not really barging in am I? Did you hear Kiyotaka say no?

I, I heard but what is this? Did he promise you in advance? Eh, Kei?

Haruka understood a bit late that we had been calling each other by our first names.

No, maybe she cant really understand.

Sorry but as his girlfriend I come first. Right-?

-Ha?

G, irlfriend?

Haruka and Airi showed completely different reactions but whispered at the same time.

That said, Kiyotaka might not get as many chances to meet with your group but lets get along okay?

Kei grabbed my arm saying hey, lets go, and we left the room.

From her face that started turning deep red, I understood that she was feeling considerably embarrassed. I didnt expect that we would break it to them like this either

As Haruka, Airi and other students were dumbfounded, it seemed that they couldnt come after us.