It's not as if I forgot about her. I've mentioned her at least twice in my thoughts... It's just...

"Is that so? I'm curious now, Yulia. Show me what you got."

Now that I think about it, what exactly am I going to do about my own situation? Yulia's existence lost relevancy the moment the previous exam came to an end.

The entire purpose of the act was to get on her emotional side and make her cooperate. That worked. We passed the previous exam thanks to her cooperation. I'm undeniably in debt to her for this.

On the other hand, the current problem is...

"It's nothing special, but we gotta do what we can to expose the culprit in one way or another..."

She's avoiding looking at me, but she's clearly doing so.

Allow me to explain.

Yesterday, when Kuzan and I went outside the school and partook the events that took place in their respective environments, I prioritized talking and hanging out with Kuzan while blatantly ignoring Yulia and her request to talk to her parents.

Simply put, she's been texting me like crazy but I haven't replied. I feel like she might accidentally kill me. Should I write my will while I still can?

"A-Aniki...? What's wrong...? Your face looks pale."

"Oh, it's nothing. Don't mind me."

Kuzan's appreciated worries aside, I'm acting on logic right now. I have no reason to bother myself with Yulia right now yet I don't know how to go about this.

But... I went too far. I infiltrated her emotions too deep. It couldn't be helped, alright!? Can anyone truly censure me in this scenario?

"Sorry, Akimiyashika, can I use the sheets?"

"Surely."

Currently, I'm avoiding eye-contact with Yulia and I'm pulling out a Hyunda, which is the equivalent of admiring the outside birds. Regarding the actual scenery, Yulia asked Akimiyashika the sheets that everyone had written the message that was on the board earlier.

Myself included.

Needless to say, this is for the purpose of checking if there is handwriting that matches the one that wrote all of those messages.

"Wow, you put the names of everyone who wrote them? Amazing, that's great because we now know which person wrote in each sheet."

"That's basic, of course. It would create a lot of controversies if they were not well-organized. Use them for your benefit or however you see fit, as long as it helps the situation."

"Yes, thank you, Akimiyashika."

Ahhh, this is so awkward. What if she comes here and just asks me a random question?

Am I a coward for not even being able to look at her in the eye? No, no. That's completely different.

I just don't have a reason to act like that anymore. It makes sense to avoid those who you have no business with. Only an emotional person would argue here. I'm not an emotional person, surely.

"Hmmm... Sensei, could I use my whole group to help me here? It won't take long."

Yuka-sensei allowed Yulia to use the remaining elements of her group to her aid. Susaga, Ryoken, and Gale joined Yulia shortly on Ikkiri's table, to analyze the messages and to further see if there was handwriting that connected with the handwriting that was visible throughout Ikkiri's table and chair.

Ikkiri was depressingly looking down as her table was being analyzed midst all this.

This isn't easy for her. No one likes to be studied this openly.

"Hey... Isn't this..."

Ryoken whispered something to Susaga who was alongside him. The latter nodded silently in response, as they traded glances with one another.

"Yulia, Gale, come here for a second..."

Susaga called out both of them, who were analyzing a portion of the written messages.

It seems that they might've found out something.

"...Are you certain...?"

"There's no mistake here..."

Yulia, being insecure about her own words got countered by Gale's confident yet reluctant words that assured that whatever they were arguing about was truly correct.

They were whispering to each other so low that I'm surprised I can still listen to them.

"Um, based on what the sheets can provide with, we believe that we have found the suspect and the one behind this, by deciphering their handwriting. Handwriting tells a lot. Which is why it was a good idea to do this. Once again, thank you, Akimiyashika."

"No problem."

After that polite trade of words, Yulia went to the same location as Yuka-sensei, in the podium and spoke.

"There is a vast difference in the types of calligraphy and general handwriting that everyone here has, but considering that the messages were written in a very childish and lackluster way, we decided to prioritize the most childish and immature calligraphies. Which is why, the one that had the most childish calligraphy of all, will be blamed, that being..."

She paused there for a second while showing a certain amount of reluctance, but eventually, she delivered her judgment.

"Ikkiri..."

How surprising.

"Are you joking with me?!"

It didn't even take a full second for Akimiyashika to reaction and once again, she was out of her seat ready to argue against Yulia.

Yulia's opinion caused a strange amount of controversy as the groups started to talk between their respective members. However, my group is apparently going with the same choice, so we didn't argue at all.

"Calm down, Akimiyashika. I know that the chances of Ikkiri being the real culprit are low. I know, which is why I think it's more versatile to take into consideration the second person who had the most childish calligraphy."

It's gradually pissing me off how Ikkiri refuses to stand up for herself. What is this?

Argue.

Fight.

Stand up.

She's not doing any one of those.

Why?

"And who is that?"

"Well, Kuzan."

Kuzan's chin fell down massively as soon as he heard his name be declared.

It completely obstructs me how Kuzan could be the real culprit here, but I suppose nothing is confirmed.

He argued earlier that he was with Kawahara, but there is really no clear evidence of that.

With everyone's eyes on him, the pressure got him quickly.

"Wait, everyone! I didn't do it! I wouldn't harm Ikkiri! I think that this is a really insensitive thing to do to anyone!"

"But your calligraphy is the one that matches the most. If we count Ikkiri out that is."

Kuzan should just argue that it's complete bullshit that they are excluding Ikkiri.

Come on, Kuzan. Just do it. It's not your problem. Put the blame onto Ikkiri. We are going to blame her regardless.

"So what?! Ikkiri's a friend! It doesn't make any sense for me to do all these pathetic actions!"

..............

This idiot...

"The argument here isn't why you supposedly wrote the messages but that your calligraphy is the one that matches the most out of everyone. We four agreed with this. If you want, we can take every person in this room to check out for... you..."

In the middle of this, I whispered something to my table partner's ear.

"This is bad, Kuzan is going to get blamed at this rate."

"I know. Can't you just convince him to blame Ikkiri? We will gain lead if he decides to do so."

"Is this really that important?"

"Yes. Having two votes against Ikkiri would be authentically perfect. You are close to him, so speak to him."

My option to blame Tatsu won't be chosen from this group. Plus, Yulia's group is not making an argument that's against Tatsu, but mainly against Ikkiri and Kuzan.

The trajectory of this argument doesn't favor us right now.

"It's not my fault that my calligraphy is like this! I developed it over the years! Plus, the ----!"

"Sensei, can we have a minute for group discussion?"

I'm not sure if this will work or not, but I interrupted Kuzan before he could say something far too unnecessary.

Kuzan needs to realize that the group's goal is to put the blame onto Ikkiri. Originally, I wasn't going to help anyone here and that would be my usual stance, but it's pissing me off how much of a coward Ikkiri is being.

"Excuse me, but I was speaking!"

I ignored Yulia and forced my vision onto the model-like figure that was just a few centimeters beside Yulia.

"How rare, Daniel. You usually don't speak much. What's the occasion? You interrupted both Yulia and Kuzan. Why?"

"I don't believe Kuzan is speaking the words that he should be speaking and that it would be best if he could change his words for the sake of the overall progression of this."

"Oh, I see. But, you know, if I grant you this option now, it will be unfair for the rest."

No logic.

"The others didn't ask, therefore I did. You also didn't mention anything about this. Am I wrong to assume this was an option in the first place?"

Usually, this wouldn't be such a great move, but since someone from my group is involved, it turned out to be beneficial for my argument here.

I should not surrender myself to expectations just because the rest already has.

"Certainly... That usually wouldn't be the case, but if it's just a minute then I can make an exception. As long as it's for the contribution of the current case."

"It will be. Thank you very much."

I think I caught a glimpse of Yulia's angry expression but decided to wholely ignore it.

Without waiting around, I wrapped my right arm around Kuzan's neck and pulled him closer to me.

"Kuzan. Stop. Don't defend yourself."

"What?! Aniki, if I don't defend myself then---"

"Go for Ikkiri. That's our choice as a group. Are you going to go against our decision?"

"You can't be serious! She's not to blame!"

30 or so seconds left. I'm not going to be able to convince him.

Which means...

"Kanawari, can you knock some sense into his head, please? Quick, preferably."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

Kuzan has a weird attachment to morals, honestly. He steals, but I'm getting the feeling that is necessarily evil and not naturally evil.

If that's the case, then I'm not the correct person to argue here. Someone that might meet his personality criteria, on the other hand, might be.

"Kuzan! You said one for all and all for one, right?! Don't we have to support our group's decision the most?! If we can manipulate the score right here and now then our guess is as good as guaranteed! Kuzan... don't you wanna win?!"

".....Win?"

Despite his rage showing trails in his words, Kanawari managed to slightly calm him down with her reasoning.

"Yes, win. Don't you think this is a competition, Kuzan!?"

20 seconds...

"But aren't we trying to find the one who did all this?! Isn't that why we were in this together, Kanawari?!"

"Initially, yes! But, we are more than 2 right now! We are four! Shouldn't we take into consideration what we all want and not what we individually want instead?!"

15...

"Even so... Should we really---"

"Kuzan! Don't be so spineless! That's so unlike you! Aren't you always positive and enthusiastic!?"

"Yeah, but Kanawari, this isn't right! This is wrong! I can't just blame Ikkiri in order to save myself!"

He's missing the point.

10 seconds.

"It's not about being wrong or right, it's about the group's decision! We will stand for each other! Because that's what groups do, they stand for each other while supporting a collective idea. Do you... want to bring our idea down...?"

"No! No, I... Does it really have to be... like this?"

"Yes...! Choices have to be made! Someone is going to be the culprit today! And think about yourself and the group collectively! Project our idea!"

5 seconds...

"Our idea...? But... Our idea involves me protecting my own position and blaming Ikkiri in the process. I get that it's our idea, but I still can't support it. I refuse to let someone take the blame for me."

You stupid idiot. You still don't get it.

Since Kanawari isn't going to the point, I will.

"Kuzan, you can't save everyone. Choose, Ikkiri or the group."

"But, Aniki---!"

"A minute passed!"

His argument was full of flaws. Morality itself is based on fancy ideals and unrealistic self-beliefs.

Whether you can apply that morality depends on the time, place and most importantly, the people you want to portray your beliefs to.

Kuzan is an oddball here, that's for sure. Self-sacrificing retards like him just like the idea and feeling that they get once they feel relevant.

He can't be allowed to feel this way, not now.

"Kuzan? What's wrong? Are you not going to speak?"

But he's still questioning whether or not he should do this.

I'll add some words of security, then.

"Your choice. No one's going to blame you for it."

I looked into his eyes and gazed upon his doubtful expression. Whatever brought Kuzan into this program is an action that deems to be morally evil.

However, must you be truly evil to commit an action that is considered morally evil?

I get the feeling that this ideology applies to Kuzan.

That's why he needs some freedom in his mind.

Whatever he chooses, it's his own choice.

The pressure is there, nonetheless. Because it's his choice.

"Yulia... Why exactly aren't you acting according to the logic that you have presented?"

Alas, Kuzan spoke. His words shocked everyone present, even Kanawari, and my table partner.

Ultimately, I was just proud, as I let out a small smirk when I noticed Kuzan's trajectory.

"...What?"

Yulia, who didn't quite get what Kuzan said, questioned him. Despite that, Kuzan improved and fixed his crooked posture and solidified his upcoming words precisely.

"Who did you say it was that had the most similar calligraphy? Was it not Ikkiri? Why are you going with the second choice then? Do you have some sort of grudge against me?"

"No... That's not the case."

"Then, what's the case here? Are you going to tell me that it's reasonable to not go with your primary decision just because it's Ikkiri? Why are you giving Ikkiri special treatment?"

Under pressure, Kuzan is performing better. His thoughts seem clear and not scattered anymore. His words aren't impulsive but formed from a solid selection that he himself made just for this moment alone.

"It's extremely unlikely that Ikkiri did this. There's no reason behind it..."

"That's illogical then. Just because there isn't any visible reason for Ikkiri to do this, suddenly, I become the target? Man, what are you thinking exactly? Ikkiri and I are in the same position. Explain yourself already, you're not making any damn sense."

His unspoken and hidden aggressive cold traits are starting to show. Just from the tone of his words alone, they are falling down from being enthusiastic to sheer cold.

Yulia doesn't deal well with people that barely show any emotion at all.

"...Not making any sense? Aren't you trying to justify yourself a little bit too much, Kuzan? What, are you afraid that your actions might be found out?"

"I have to defend myself. You targetted me. You left me with no choice, so I'll do what I have to do. It's up to you if you want to blame me. However, your claim lost any logic. No... It never had any logic in the first place."

Ikkiri is the superior choice here. No one can deny this. Yulia herself said it.

"And Ikkiri is the better target?! Tell me, what sense does it make to choose her?!"

"Chill. You're not being yourself right now. Have you lost your head? You said that Ikkiri was the better choice. You most likely just didn't want to blame her because she is already going through so much. But, if that's all there is, then I don't see why you have to blame me. Isn't Ikkiri truly the best choice according to your own logic? I'm not and you know it."

This is a new sight. Kuzan has never spoken with this much confidence and stability previously.

Everyone's eyes are bathing in Kuzan's imperial speech. That's right, Kuzan. Stand up and fight.

No one else will.

"This is odd, Kuzan. You stood up for Ikkiri, but now you are blaming her? What changed your mind?"

Instead of Yulia asking that, Yuka-sensei intervened.

I know why Yulia is showing visible frustration. It's not Kuzan's fault. It's mine.

"I didn't realize the contradiction in my own words. Also, there's also the fact that my group will be targeting Ikkiri too."

"What?"

Kuzan's sudden annunciation was unexpected to all of us, even to my supremely confident table partner.

Despite everyone's quick shock, Kuzan continued, not caring how his words could endanger Ikkiri's mentality.

"What? Why is everyone shocked? Did no one really consider the possibility of this being created just for her? Look, she's not standing up for herself. I don't view that as a coincidence. Well, Yulia, I would appreciate it if you target the one who you think actually deserves to be blamed. That's all I'm going to say."

Saying what he thought was enough, Kuzan returned back to us.

However, when he did...

"W-W-W-W-What did I just do!!!! I'm such an idiot, waaaahh!!!!"

He immediately sunk deep onto his slender arms and covered his face.

Regardless of how he feels about this, this worked out well.

It was worth the effort, it seems.

"That was good, Kuzan! You did it! I knew we could count on you!"

"Yeah, Kuzan! Amazing!"

"Not bad, Kuzan!"

Our mindless praises were with the intention to ease his mind, but realistically speaking, the result would be the opposite.

Kuzan is too self-conscious.

"So, Yulia, what's your group's choice exactly?"

This time around, I looked at Yulia, who was coincidentally looking at me.

What? Don't tell me you're feeling insecure right now? It's normal, though. I haven't been there for you. So, it's quite understandable that you'd feel this insecure about your own choices when your source of security isn't there.

But I am now.

Blame Ikkiri, Yulia.

"Sorry, Ikkiri..."

Ikkiri, motionless as always, didn't bother to stand up for herself. No arguments came from her. She is always looking downcast, with a gloomy sad look on her face.

I can't stand people like her. Victims and I don't exactly go well together.

I want to get rid of this as quickly as possible. This whole situation makes me want to vomit.

Weakness is being scattered throughout this hollow malicious classroom.

The source of this weakness is Ikkiri herself.

"Group 3 claims that Ikkiri is the culprit herself due to the calligraphy seemingly seem the exact same as Ikkiri's. Thus far, there has been one vote for Tateyana, one for Tatsu and one for Ikkiri."

Already three different opinions. I thought everyone would just go with Tatsu, but apparently not.

And as for group 4...

"Although I'm technically part of group 4, I will not partake in this. Furthermore, I did not mention anything in those 15 minutes that passed a long time ago. Therefore, group 4's decision is based on Akimiyashika and Hinagiku's logic alone and not mine. However, their choice is my choice."

Hinagiku has been silent throughout all of this. I can't say the same for Akimiyashika.

What I can say is that I have 100% certainty that they will not target Ikkiri whatsoever.

In the end, Yuka-sensei's words went undisputed as she passed the torch to Akimiyashika, who, instead of speaking while seating down, took Yulia's previous place which was at the podium and spoke with a fearless voice tone to the rest of the class.

"I'll cut to the chase without prolonging this unnecessarily. Yukishiro did it!"

"Wooooooooow, talk about biased. Watch out everyone, if you want to eat like a normal human being, you are going to get censured for it! As a precaution, you should all eat and do your stuff and not act like a human being or else mighty lord of sass Akimiyashika is going to blame you for it!"

She's salty.

How interesting.

"Already mad? As expected. Your temper is immature as you are. Mirrors only reflect the truth. But you'd know that the best, wouldn't you?"

Yooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Should I honestly record this? Yuka-sensei is focused on their banter right now, what are the odds of me being caught?

"Trash talking, Akimiyashika? Really? Can't say I expected better, honestly."

"Normally I would assume it's your special day but then I realized that it's every day for you."

Ohhhhhhhh period roasts!!! Yes, this is the shit I signed up for!

"Creep..."

For some reason, my table partner uttered those words. Is my sudden happiness this bad for you?

I bet you're so full of yourself that you think it's the oxygen that breathes you and not the other way around.

"Girls. Please."

Not only did Yuka-sensei told them to shut their mouths in a subtle manner, but she slammed her notebook on her table.

Every time she does that, I remind myself of the first person I met in this school block.

That iconic encounter with the debonair figure of Basara-sensei still runs deep within me.

"She started it! She made baseless claims and proceeded to insult me in the process!"

"Those were not insults; but facts. Please don't make such an obvious blunter, Yukishiro."

I honestly can't tell if Akimiyashika just wants to insult Yukishiro until she caves or if she is honestly attempting to argue here.

"See this?! How is this allowed!? Do something, sensei!"

"Already asking for help? So helpless. You're a phony, Yukishiro. And you are trying to drag Ikkiri along with you. It baffles me how people are saying that Ikkiri has done all of this. I know Ikkiri better than all of you! That's why you should all shut up! What would you all know?!"

This isn't just about Yukishiro anymore. She declared open war.

In contrast to Yukishiro's request, Yuka-sensei simply observed the situation without interfering.

"A-Akimiyashika is right...! We shouldn't blame Ikkiri for this! She's already suffering so much..."

Yet Ikkiri herself is not showing any emotion. Despite being the center of attention today, Ikkiri demonstrates to will to fight.

It makes me wonder why Arkalee is defending her in the first place. I can understand Akimiyashika, but Arkalee?

Well... Arkalee is your typical sweet girl. It's fair to assume that she just genuinely cares for Ikkiri. Plus, she's sensitive.

"Aki. You have to present your reasoning as to why you think Yukishiro's the target."

"Certainly, sensei. Yukishiro's spiteful, full of anger and fakes reactions very often. Rayazaki, why did you fail the previous exam?"

At last, Rayazaki was given a chance to speak. He has been silently observing this situation.

Under my own assumption, this is Kawahara's orders.

"I was not enough."

"Yes, corr-- What?"

That was not the answer I was expecting.

"The exam itself didn't allow me to take full control of it. It was only natural that I couldn't succeed. That's why I didn't succeed."

What is this...? He's too relaxed. He's so lax even though Yukishiro is right on his side.

He showed great hatred for Yukishiro yet now he's...

"I'm not good at anything besides individual matches or any individual competitions in general. Do you even have to ask why I lost? Hey, Kyoko, tell her."

"K-Kyoko!? Who the hell do you think you are talking to?!"

I can't tell exactly what's happening, but Rayazaki is resembling his previous self quite a lot before the brachial stun. However, he's less impulsive and far more collected.

"So you won't tell her? I will then. She's the reason why I lost. If you accumulate trash for days, then everything around it will rot. Thus, my chances of winning the past exam slowly rotted as well. Because the trash was always there."

Bam. A quick slap flew from Yukishiro to Rayazaki. A sound so crisp that even Yuka-sensei couldn't ignore any longer.

"Rayazaki! Are you alright--"

"I'm good. Gonna take a walk. I might do something I regret if I stay here any longer. Have a nice debate, ladies and gentlemen."

Although Yukishiro was fuming, none of us could actually believe that Rayazaki was taking such a peaceful approach to this.

Eventually passing through me, as soon as our eyes crossed transiently, I glanced down upon the firm rage that Rayazaki was attempting to hide.

"S-Sorry, it was just an accident, I..."

"That was not an accident!"

Hinagiku, not surrendering to Yukishiro's victim act attempt, immediately argued back.

I was still not sure if this actually had happened or not, but, without a doubt, those doubts were starting to decrease.

"It was an accident! It just happened, okay?!"

"No! No! No! You totally planned on doing that! How horrible of you! Is this how you treat someone who you endangered and made fail in the previous exam!? If you had just tried a little bit, then maybe he could've passed the previous exam, but thanks to you... It's meaningless now!"

How interesting. Originally, when Rayazaki tried to argue to protect Hinagiku's chances of winning the exam, he was firmly shut down but even then, Hinagiku told him that it was fine.

That it was her own decision and fault. However, in this scenario, Hinagiku is straight-up blaming Yukishiro, who is currently facing the pressure of being looked at by every single person in the class right now.

Silent eyes tell many lies.

"W-What?! How was that my fault!? It's his fault!"

"It's not his fault............."

Hm? Why is Hinagiku clenching her fists while looking down?

Wait, don't tell me that she's...

"Huh?! It was totally his fault! He made me do stupid unnecessary training exercises! His reasoning was that it would help me build my core! How laughable! I think I broke some of my ribs while reminiscing that!"

Oh no, this is bad.

Knowing how lackluster this class is when it comes to avoiding physical fights, I crossed a glance with Sagasuga as he did the same with me.

"You're the one at fault......"

"Hina?"

Akimiyashika, who was still at the podium, could not tell what was about to happen.

I started to slowly get up which caught the attention of every single one of my group's members.

"Where are you going?"

My dumb table partner was also clueless.

I expected someone who has killed before to notice what's about to happen.

Nevertheless, I ignored her.

"Oh, now I'm at fault? Look at you! Standing up for your boyfriend, is it? Hahahahaha! Why don't you go chasing after him? Maybe you two could kiss and make out and cry on each other's shoulders and tell how pathetic you both are!"

Why is this teacher so useless?

Can't she tell what's about to happen?!

"You're done for."

In a quick leap, Hinagiku fastened her speed and performed a dashing stride in Yukishiro's direction at sight.

Essentially, since their tables were not so far away, while Yukishiro was laughing maniacally, she did not notice Hinagiku come at her with full speed.

Given that Hinagiku was at the end of the classroom, Yukishiro, who was in the middle was only a few meters away from being absolutely slaughtered.

"W-W-What!?"

Thankfully, before Hinagiku could connect her sidekick onto Yukishiro's head, I stopped her movement by taking ahold of her left leg. Sagasuga, on the other side, was protecting Yukishiro, by forming a human shield around her.

In case I failed, he would cover.

"Sensei, can you send these two to the principal's office, please?"

"Yukishiro, principal's office, now! Hina, you'll stay here. We'll have a talk later, okay?"

Sagasuga's offer put a swift closure to this event which thankfully didn't take place.

What the hell are you thinking...

Our cold eyes were mutually connected and Hinagiku forcefully would try to butcher her leg but I wasn't letting it go.

She has not left that mindset yet. I know for a fact that once I let go if she's still in that mindset, she will try something like that again.

"Oh, great! This is what I get?! Really?! This random shrimp tries to kick me in the face and this is what I get?! A walk into the principal's office?! God, this is so unfair!"

Yet despite that, Yukishiro grabbed her school bag and left the classroom in a rush, leaving trails of anger behind.

And....

...How stubborn.

"She's already gone. You can calm down now."

Why are you looking at me like that?

"You don't tell me what to do."

"That's true. But what you were about to do... Do you have any idea the amount of trouble that would get you in?"

Yukishiro's provocative words did not help at all.

They made the situation worse and worse and since Rayazaki's a sensitive topic to Hinagiku, she exploded.

Regardless of all this, both Akimiyashika and Yuka-sensei secured her swiftly.

After this chaotic sudden turn of events happened, I took my seat.

"A-Amazing Aniki! How did you do that?!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Hinagiku was just about to kick Yukishiro but you caught her kick! How amazing is that?!"

This shouldn't even be considered something that should happen in the first place.

Can Yuka-sensei establish some ground rules already? How come she isn't doing anything regarding this?!

"Arkalee, Sana, and Hinagiku, you three will stay with me. The rest is dismissed. This event and case are suspended until tomorrow. There will be changes in rules starting tomorrow. I'm not going to be nice anymore. I tried to be nice, but my patience has been drained. Dismissed."

And just like that. this event was suspended abruptly.

I can't say I didn't see something like this coming.