The break ended, and classes resumed until 3:30 p.m.
The class was even more disciplined than before. In a serious atmosphere, we went through the remaining lessons. Finally, the school day came to a close.
But before everyone scattered to their activities, I stood at the podium again, facing the class.
"I won't take long."
I said before continuing. Everyone sat back down without protest.
"As you know, we're now the top class in our year. As Chabashira-sensei said, only Class A students will enjoy the school's privileges after graduation. That makes us the target for other classes. So, I urge everyone to avoid any confrontations with them. I'm not saying to dodge them—no, I'd say…"
I pause, pretending to ponder my next words, my right index finger on my forehead. After a few seconds, I resume with a smile.
"Let's start acting like stars. A star minds their conduct because they're always in the spotlight. A star walks with confidence, never feeling inferior. A star, as the name implies, shines and must have the skills to justify that status. If you think that's over the top, rest assured other classes will happily intimidate you and make you slip up. I urge you now, if you want to stay on top, adopt this star mindset. That's all I wanted to say, and sorry for taking your time."
Finished, I return to my seat to pack up.
Those in clubs headed off, while the rest of the class spread out across campus.
Hasebe and I are on our way to the cafeteria.
I canceled today's study session, much to Hasebe's disappointment, who secretly hoped Yukimura would do the same. But when I informed my group via chat, they surprisingly pushed back—Yamauchi being the most vocal. So, I gave in and confirmed today's study session. Hasebe hasn't stopped calling my group idiots.
As we neared the cafeteria, I got a message.
I check my phone.
'So, you guys made your move, huh?'
The next day, classes resumed.
The mindset of the new Class A students had completely shifted. Without being told, everyone adopted an exemplary attitude. This showed in how we no longer just verbally greeted teachers' arrivals but stood solemnly as a class. While class participation was already strong, those who previously held back now joined in.
The bell rang, marking the end of the first period.
As we awaited the next class, the classroom speaker came to life with a soothing chime, followed by a robotic voice.
[Student Kōenji-san, please report to the faculty office. I repeat, student…]
"Looks like Chabashira-sensei wants to see you."
"Seems like it."
I stand, excuse myself to my classmates, and leave.
The faculty office, aka the teachers' room, is where the school's instructors have their desks. Each year has its own faculty office, and ours is on the first floor's east side, in the main hall.
Since first-year classrooms are on the second floor, I take the stairs to my destination. After a quick scan, I find the faculty office easily.
Without hesitation, I enter.
No need for prep—I already know why I've been summoned.
As expected during class hours, the room is empty, save for one person.
Sitting at a desk, sorting papers, is the one who called me. She's the only one here.
When I arrive, she turns, gesturing for me to come closer.
I would've done so anyway, right?
Following her cue, I approach and stand before her.
"Sorry for calling you during class, Kōenji-san."
"No need to apologize, sensei. As a student, it's only natural to answer a teacher's call anytime."
She stares at me briefly, then puts the papers away and stands.
"Follow me."
With that, she asks me to follow, and I do so silently.
Our destination is a room within the faculty office. The door's sign reads: *CHABASHIRA Sae*. She opens it, inviting me to enter first. She follows, closing the door behind her.
Passing me, she moves to the desk and sits in the main chair.
"Sit."
Chabashira says.
I take a seat across from her.
She stares at me without speaking. Silence fills the room for several minutes. I just stare back.
I don't know if she's trying to build tension, but I'm not fazed in the least.
'If she wants to waste time, fine. Moments like this make me want to pull out my pocket mirror and admire myself… No, I can't—I need to stay focused.'
After a while, she suddenly smiles. It's odd seeing a smile on such a stern face—it feels more hostile than friendly.
"Do you know why I called you?"
"I have no idea, sensei."
"Well, first, I need to thank you."
"Thank me?"
I play dumb.
"I know it's because of you that the class reached Class A—an unprecedented feat in this school. As your homeroom teacher, I'm grateful."
Her words carry genuine appreciation.
"If it's about that, sensei, I think the whole class deserves the thanks. I'm just the representative. This achievement, as you call it, is the collective effort of the class, not just me."
"True. Then consider this my thanks to the class through you as their representative."
I nod slightly.
"On behalf of the class, I gladly accept your thanks, sensei."
I lift my head.
Chabashira's expression shifts to slight curiosity.
"You're not the Kōenji who enrolled here."
She throws out.
"What do you mean, sensei?"
"Your attitude doesn't match your file."
"Oh? May I know what's in—"
"Stop playing coy, Kōenji-san."
Her tone turns sharp, her expression cutting.
She tired of the game faster than I expected.
I nod again.
"Please forgive me, sensei, if my words were out of line in any way. That was never my intent."
"I see. You want to keep this up, huh? Fine, it's your business. As long as you lead the class as you have, I'm good with it."
"Should I take it that sensei wants our class to succeed?"
I ask, head still bowed.
"Is that strange?"
"Not at all, sensei."
At my flat reply, Chabashira frowns.
"In case you didn't know, teachers weren't allowed to interfere in that special exam. It was up to you to handle things."
I lift my head.
"Yes, I know, sensei. If teachers could interfere, the scores wouldn't have varied so much. Plus, if you didn't want our success, you wouldn't have warned us about the elimination threshold."
Chabashira eyes me for a moment before leaning back in her chair.
"What's the class's state right now?"
Though vague, I know what she's getting at.
"We've processed the information you shared yesterday. We're aware of our new position and are committed to proving we deserve it."
"Good. That's the right mindset. Resting on your laurels would be a mistake."
"Exactly. That's my view and the class's as well."
Chabashira nods, satisfied, then opens a desk drawer. After sifting through papers, she hands me a form.
"Here."
Without asking questions, I take it and scan the contents.
As expected, it's a certain person's entrance exam results.
After reviewing it, I look back at Chabashira.
"Intriguing, isn't it?"
She asks with a smile.
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