Light Novel 2nd Year Volume 8/Summary

Prologue
Kanzaki Ryuuji monologues about how he has been keeping his distance from people since he was little. It was easier to maintain neutral relationships than by making friends or enemies. One day, he was a spectator to a bullying dispute whereby the victim had told a flimsy lie. He felt no obligation to help him and even wished for him to suffer a bit to learn his lesson. Another person came and saved the victim. Kanzaki was perplexed at why the victim was saved when he had lied, thinking that justice was not served. The conundrum he faced was determining who was right, the ones that told no lie but used violence, the one that lied or the person that saved the liar.

An adult nearby patted his head and told him that its fine to run if you have no strength. However, if you have the strength and does not use it, that’s the most fully choice. He finally understood his words back then. As long as anyone could dominate the scenario, no point of view matters as long as the result was what he wanted. He reflects on how he had socialised more after coming to school. He uncharacteristically began helping people. Although, all his motivation had dissipated and he had lost hope in continuing with Ichinose's class. That was until Kiyotaka words 'saved' him. He finds destiny to be very strange after crossing paths with him.

Chapter 1
November was ending as everyone was waiting for the school trip to happen. Kiyotaka saw his old group but now with three members walking ahead of him to school. Kei asks if he will call out to them but he rejects that. Kei embraced his answer and says she now has him all to himself. Kiyotaka remains stalwart in wanting to go Kyoto but Kei hates that place as it was devoid of fun and is full of temples. Kei then nonchalantly glosses over the end of year exam, arguing that nothing would change if she fret over it now.

He finds that overconfidence to be concerning but her statement was true as her bottom level is slowly rising. Kei wonders if she should study more like Sudo, but the main issue wasn’t duration, but quality of teachers and dedication. Horikita had that skill over Keisei. Personally, Kiyotaka could fulfil that role, but he knew it wasn’t his role. His remaining role is to ensure that the bare minimum is done and getting everyone to study on their own, so that someone else in the class can take over him at some point.

In class, Chabashira announces the result of the EOY tests. The highest average for every class will be ranked and given points appropriately. The failing mark was an average of 39 for all subjects. The lowest average score for Horikita's class was expectedly Hondou at 53 points, Kei being slightly higher at 56. Kiyotaka began formulating a plan for her with Keisei and even Hirata in mind, as soon, she will fall behind the others in potential, the bare minimum no longer being enough. He was in 12th place while Sudo entered the Top 10. First place was tied between Horikita and Keisei at 93.5 each.

Regarding the classes average, Sakayanagi's Class A was 1st and earned +50 points, Horikita's Class B being 2nd with +25, Ichinose's Class D was 3rd with -25 points, Ryuen's Class C in last with -50 points. The gap to Class A lowest students was still very evident but visible progress was still made. With that settled, Chabashira asks the class to fill in their personal particulars and begin ranking their classmates from 1 to 38. Rankings can be based on personal relationships, talents or any of the likes based on subjective feelings. Other classes students were also included and everything would remain confidential even to teachers.

Kiyotaka began assessing Class A first, and placed Arisu at the top spot based on talent, knowing many students would do the same. It was unexpectedly difficult but after 20 minutes, he finished Class A's ranking. For his own class, he placed Hirata first based on potential, communication and development. Second was Kouenji due to his untapped potential as well as past accomplishments. Sudou was ninth, but if it was only from second year onwards, he undoubtedly would had been third or fourth. After 40 minutes, he was the second to finish after Kouenji.

Next, Hokkaidou was revealed to be their trip destination. Disappointed, Kiyotaka checked those like himself in the Kyoto faction like Horikita, Keisei and some others as well as Sudou and friends that chose Okinawa but all of them were not as disappointed as him. Chabashira warns them that the trip is purely for academic purposes and reassured them that no exams would be conducted throughout the event. There were many rules and a schedule for the five days four nights were given to them.

Day 1 involves travelling to the Ski resort and learning how to Ski. Day 2 is a free day while Day 3 consists of visiting major places in Sapporo City. Day 4 is another free day but with more limitations while Day 5 is their return trip. Many students were elated that a sense of normalcy was finally given to them. The theme of the trip was a quote by Sun Tzu "If you know your enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles". Sudo modestly explains that if they’re able to find their real strength and know the circumstances of their enemies, they won’t lose any battles which causes many to have a good impression of him.

Chabashira tells that the their groupings will likely be with those they never interacted with before due to the nature of the trip. Thus, they have to see them as more of rivals than friends since the most important part is graduating as Class A. How they handle wanting friends from other Classes to graduate in Class A will also be tested in this trip by how their bonds developed. Everyone but Hirata began protesting such a mentality. Much hostility was turned against him as for someone popular like him, it’s seemed like a boast. He argues that the school stands to be more united and so, this trip would serve that purpose. To him, possible friendships across classes transcends all detriments that make arise from it.

There will be much push back from students but it was still possible. Each day, some groups will change members. Chabashira explains that it incentivises people to lay themselves bare to others so as to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Those that are unable to make friends even though they want to can use this to improve whilst those that found friendships to be unimportant will definitely have a bothersome time. They can still carry phones with rules being no contact with the outside world unless in emergency situations. The only rule is to always stay in a group, failure to do so will have privileges be taken away. Everyone looked at Koenji who took it as them fawning over him.

During lunch, Satou and Hirata joins Kei and Kiyotaka as she flirtatiously told the latter that it was like a double date. Hirata shares his fear that getting too attached to others will be a burden. Kei disagrees as she shares the majority's opinion that as long as one manages to reach Class A, it doesn’t matter the cost. Knowing one's enemy can become a disadvantage, and the school may be intending to exploit that in future special exams, likely in the end of year. That morbid reality changes everyone's mood as expulsion once again is brought up.

After school, Ichika texts Kiyotaka to meet at Keyaki mall. Nanase was surprised to see him when following Ichika. The reason for her tardiness was due to Nanase insistence of following her. Kiyotaka asks about her break from school as Ichika jokes that she's fine if he became her stalker. Turns out, Nanase was the one giving out the information as Ichika acts surprised that an acquaintance was her stalker. The fact that Ichika left and came back after Yagami's expulsion pointed at a mental effect. Nanase knew she would moved eventually but as for her mental state, she fears what Ichika could do.

Ichika changes her bubbly persona to a depressed one as she asks why Kiyotaka didn’t have her expelled when he could easily do so. He answers that he recognises how she places greater importance in enjoying her time in high school than expelling him, thus, he had no reason to force her out. Thinking for her, Kiyotaka states being here will save her from the reality of returning to the white room or being sent to the outside world whereby she is unaware of her parents location and would be forced to live day by day working part time. Kiyotaka deduced that her parents should be wealthy celebrities with much power, hence, the white room would be forced to treat her well if this comes to be known.

Ichika asks for permission to stay in school from Kiyotaka, and answers that she would drop out if he tells her to. Her quest to cause trouble was over. She answers Nanase that this was a luxury afforded only to her beloved senior when she inquired whether she let go of Yagami's expulsion so easily. Kiyotaka tells her to do as she pleases and voiced his wish to support her endeavours since they were of the same kind and intention. Hearing that, Nanase also voiced her support on the condition that Ichika was genuine about what she said.

Ichika was moved but put it off as an act to gain sympathy from them. She briefly answer how Yagami was afraid of Kiyotaka, but his hatred towards him eclipses even that fear. He gave himself numerous detours, hoping to not have to engage directly, but in the end, it only served to cut off his route. Seeing as she said too much, she apologised and left soon after, allowing Nanase to borrow her senpai as another act to put on a brave face.

Nanase still had a deep seated fear of Ichika, and cautioned them to not lose their guard. He replies that he's not one to be careless or more accurately, nothing has changed since the start. She cautions again at having an open mind pertaining to Ichika's reform. Knowing she's from the whiteroom, her numerous methods are unquestionably abnormal, thus, her wish of wanting him to graduate requires him to be watchful.

They went on to discuss about the upcoming school trip, with him finding it suspicious that she already knew about it and did not report to him. Moreover, he points out that she was strangely nonchalant about it when this trip will be more risky than a serious Ichika and when Tsukishiro tried to expel him. Nanase tries to play it off that he is not one to be worried for but he reminds her that she wouldn’t had stalked Ichika in that case. He asks whether he can think of any other excuses as she tries to calm herself.

In reality, he has been most suspicious of Nanase ever since meeting her. Her relation to the White Room and Tsukishiro despite being an outsider. Additionally, she had never given him concrete information Tsukishiro had told her about. He opines how he knows that that is another reason she is so cautious of Ichika, and it's not as righteous she makes it out to be. The reason she is not concern of the trip is because she knows nothing will come of it from the white room. He hypothesises that Tsukishiro had never intended to actually expel him, otherwise, he would no longer be in school.

He points out her hypocrisy as she was also missing during the Cultural Festival when someone from the white room approached him. With so many chances, they never forcefully expelled him, which leads him to find her presence to be abnormal. He asks if Matsuo really died, or whether it was a cover up story that she helped orchestrated all this time. This was done to drop his guard down so she could support him if he ever were close to being expelled by the students. She was tasked to begin as his enemy but switched to becoming an ally. Nonetheless, whether his hypothesis rings true or not, whether she's still an ally or enemy, or whether she still wants him expelled, she was still once his ally.

She knew nothing she say would change how he feels now, but with time, it may change. Kiyotaka disagrees but says he rather her associate do what they have been doing, though Nanase rejects that and left soon after. She wasn’t as fit as a white room student, and she was a step behind in thinking compared to the rest. The only thing he knew for sure was that there was still something unknown she's still hiding.

Sudou barged into Kiyotaka's room during dinner and saw Kei as well, making him perplexed as to why they had to spend so much time together. He dejectedly mention how he has no girlfriend and only had basketball. He went on to ask whether he did 'that' with Kei, only to be told to leave it to imagination. He decided to voice his concern about Onodera and how he has been more conscious around her, even finding her cute. However, if she had confessed, he would reject her, causing Kiyotaka to realise he will destroy his happiness. He doesn’t hate that she might be his first girlfriend since Suzune has shown no interest, yet he was still uncertain. Thus, Sudou wanted to show his resolve and confess to Suzune in the trip. He wants Kiyotaka to witness it so as to cut off his escape route.

Sudou thanks him for acquiescing to his request and apologies for disturbing as he left. Kei returned and asked if Kiyotaka could tell her the secret. Kiyotaka agrees but went on to take the cushion from underneath her, noticing its cold and not warm, showing that she already eavesdropped. He went on to point out many of her shortcomings, but she brushed them off as she was more interested in the trip as she prays for them to be in the same group. Kiyotaka finds that to be a waste as he wants to know more about other students. Seeing her unsatisfied from his response, he orders her to gather information of the other classes no matter which groups she's in.

Moving back, Kei is certain Horikita would reject Sudou. They hedged a bet on the outcome, Kei betted on outright rejection while Kiyotaka betted on a relationship above a friendship. If Kei wins, he'll give her an expensive gift while she will do anything he wants if he wins. It's less of Sudou being a bad candidate but more of Horikita being uninterested in romance. She is not at the stage like him who had dived into this topic, and she would be suspicious if asked about romance. They each began fantasying what they will have the other do, with Kei imagining it'll be something lewd.

Chapter 2
On the day of the trip, four buses assembled as each class departed starting from Class A and ending with D. The temperature was decreasing as they approached their location. Kiyotaka checks the identity of his groupmates on his phone, noticing Ryuen and Kushida was in the same group as him. Kiyotaka did not know 5 out of 7 of his groupmates and ranked them purely based on OAA scores.

Kei naturally wanted to sit beside Kiyotaka, however, Hirata asked for permission to be the one instead, to which Kei allowed only if Kiyotaka sat on the aisle seat. Hirata could finally relaxed after escaping from the girls who hounded to sit with him. Funny banter continued throughout the trip as someone asked about the couple's relationship progress.

Each teachers were assigned 5 groups, starting with Mashima and ending with Hoshinomiya. As the groups began forming, Kushida greets Kiyotaka as two energetic Class D students called out to her. Their group 6 was headed by Chabashira. Ryuen arrives and was very hands off in leading the group, choosing instead to let everyone do as they pleased. Ryuen initiated conversation with Kiyotaka as he asked for the identity of Yagami. With him expelled, Ryuen's eyes are now on Ichika. Kiyotaka was sure that she wouldn’t lose to him at any rate, but with her mental state now, there was no telling what would happen if Ryuen persistently pursues her despite being knocked down.

Knowing what Kiyotaka is thinking about, Ryuen shrugs it off as he cares more about Sakayanagi's class now, rather than be weakened by Ichika and left waiting for Horikita's class to be ready for a fight. Next, Kiyotaka decides to question him on his awareness about a black plastic bag he took out from his pocket. Ryuen laughs as it was a puking bag which he prepared for a long bus ride. He wonders if Kiyotaka was a rich kid who had never rode a bus before.

After lunch, students started preparing to ski. Surprisingly 40% of students were already intermediate or higher. Kiyotaka joined the beginner course and fell immediately after taking a step, which caused much laughter. After completing the training, Ryuen tells him to stay on the beginners course as the place they were at was only for advanced people. Kushida was also with him as she cautions for them to be careful. They saw Yamamura unknowingly enter the advance course using a ski lift and followed behind her.

Kushida asks if he still intends to expel her which he rejects. It was the first time she couldn’t read a person. He affirms her choice to leave the class if she wishes via transfer tickets or private points, commenting that it is not treachery but rather personal benefit. She was annoyed at being unable to read him, and finds it con-fuddling that she is having fun skiing instead of being bitter. She then asks about Yagami and Ichika, particularly the former's expulsion. He explains that they were not close but changes the topic that it was interesting that he was Kushida's junior. She clarifies that only the Horikita siblings were from the same middle soon as her, as she's perplexed at how Yagami knew of her secret. By process of elimination, it only led her to Kiyotaka being the revealer.

She wants to know the truth and reconfirm how he is an advisory far beyond her if he's connected to Yagami and Ichika. Kiyotaka covers for them both by saying they were from the same old school and lived close by. Kushida like Ryuen, Horikita and Nagumo now knows he was responsible for Yagami's expulsion, to 'save' her school life. As her hat was about to fall, Kiyotaka caught it with her hands clasping his on top. She looked deeply enchanted in his eyes but soon asked for them to move ahead. They discussed about Yamamura and how faint her presence in school was, similar to him in the past. It's likely she was assigned by Arisu to watch over Ryuen. Knowing what he wantwd, Kushida went to get closer with her as Kiyotaka attempts the advanced course.

At 5pm, everyone prepared to go to their room. Watanabe voices his sadness at having to share a room with strangers. Ryuen throws his bag and told him to take care of it. He was rather submissive as Kitou tries to help him carry it. Kiyotaka tells him to leave the bag and tell Ryuen about it, if not, he'll be doing it every time. It's conceivable if it's from someone of the same class, but using Ichinose's classmate was unacceptable. He gives his word that he'll stop Ryuen if he does not listen. Kitou was discontented but told Kiyotaka to do as he pleases.

Kushida arrives with the keys and says the girls should all go to the boys room tonight. Many were already attracted to her face and fake persona. Kiyotaka was grateful for her effort and initiatives to lead the group, with the only problem lying on Ryuen and Kitou who is out to destroy one another. Still being uncomfortable with sleeping with other people as he always slept alone since childhood, Kiyotaka wonders if that'll change through this 4 nights.

Watanabe finds him easy to talk to and understood how Ichinose fell deeply in love with him. His expression remained unchanged as he heard it from other girls before, but, Kiyotaka knew how those that liked Ichinose was happy he was already dating Kei. Observing him closer, Watanabe had no special feelings for Ichinose but voiced out that there may a few confessions incoming during the trip. After a day, Kiyotaka finds Watanabe to be a good person with no bad impressions, however, he is easily swept up and has slightly above average grades. Despite Watanabe saying otherwise, Kiyotaka thinks he'll be able to get a relationship eventually.

Switching to Horikita's view, she was preparing to go to the large bathhouse after dinner. She ran into Kushida and Rokkaku who welcomed her. Ignoring them for 10 minutes, she was eventually left alone with Kushida. Horikita was scolded for asking an obnoxious question to Kushida who returned with trenchant words. With some regret, she complimented her expansive friendships, but Kushida waved it off, saying Rokkaku body was too shameful and did not had the guts to go alone.

Horikita welcomes her disdain for her as long as she continues contributing. Moving to Kiyotaka, Kushida says Horikita was lucky that Kiyotaka sat next to her since enrolment and received much help from him. If not for him, she would had been expelled by her. Horikita would had objected but she could see things more clearly now. She didn’t reject her statement but mentions Kushida is indebted to him as well. This was to remove suspicions from anyone if they came in suddenly. Kushida agrees as she praises Horikita's body, mentioning it's not too impressive though as she moved closer to her. Ibuki suddenly opens the door and challenges Horikita to swim from one end to the other. She left after being rejected, with Kushida calling her an idiot.

Ichinose excuses herself and entered the bath, both of them noticing the rare sight of her being alone. Horikita flames grew hotter as she wanted to test Ichinose before they talk about trifling matters. Ichinose was uneasy that she interrupted something when Horikita wanted to leave, but Kushida forced her to stay. She went on to ask Ichinose who became greatly panicked if she was dating anything. She rejects that notion as well as rejecting that she likes anyone. Kushida already knew but wanted to know why she liked Kiyotaka. Switching to Horikita, she asked the same question who quickly and flatly rejected, even when Sudou's name was brought up.

When asked herself, Kushida says that high school romance is fleeting and will be a waste, and so, she takes great care not to develop feelings. She said this to indirectly use Ichinose who had more friends, to reject them on her behalf, saying she doesn’t wished to be hurt. Horikita attempts to leave again, but Ichinose also wished to talk to her more. Coupled with Kushida's words, she was forced to stay, but even Ichinose could see that those two had clashes. The romance talk soon began to turn into idle chatter.

Four women entered Watanabe's room after their bath. Ryuen was also present with Kushida calling him over. He tells her to know her place though Nishino just pulled him over. All eight were present as Kitou asked why they couldn’t meet virtually. Kushida replies that every other group are also meeting physically and making decisions. Ryuen chose his place to sleep quickly but Kitou objected. Neither back down as they threw vitrolic words, and got ready to fight. They started a pillow fight to decide the winner with Kitou giving up after Nishino said its bothering her. All of them then agrees to go skiing again.

Chapter 3
The morning of the second day, Ryuen challenges Kitou for another match at skiing. Kiyotaka interjects before they started actually fighting with Watanabe admiring his courage to put himself in between them. He explains that he's too minor for them to waste their time on him. Despite watching the television, Kitou turns it off and tells him to go to the bus.

After reaching the ski resort 10 minutes late, Amikura suggests making a snowman with Nishino and Kushida joining her, the latter even calling out to Ryuen. He ignores her as he looked at another direction. Arisu made her way to them but accidentally trips. Tokitou from lass C went over to extend a hand. Contrary to his appearance, he was rather delicate and careful. She initially thought he was scary as she displays many easily misunderstood expressions. Tokitou blushed and shyly turned away as Kiyotaka witnessed her wits on play. Those who knew she may had intentionally fell down was only him and Ryuen who uncaringly stared at the event. When boarding the bus, Tokitou stood behind her to ensure she didn't fall again. Those that had no reason to interact before this had already begun getting closer.

The group began practicing as Kitou and Ryuen once against competed against one another. Kitou was annoyed when Kiyotaka skied in between and interrupted them. Kushida was shocked that he could replicate and execute such an advanced move as Ryuen fumed in the background at his perceived lie at being a beginner. Despite being an expert, Kushida could believe Kiyotaka learnt on the fly after witnessing the battle between white room students.

Returning to eat lunch, Ryuen tells Kiyotaka to follow him as he shares his resolve to defeat Arisu. He reminds him of his goal to get 800 million points as well as how lenient he has been to his class in the sports and cultural festival. Ryuen also helped them survive against Arisu and has not acted against Kushida, which has been a huge relief to them. He wants Kiyotaka to adhere to the verbal promise they made. He rejects that as it was an uneven deal, though he did give him permission to attack in any way he wants. Kiyotaka was not naive enough to follow his deal whereby he would not had used the points for them if they ended up winning. It wasn’t unexpected that he broke the deal as Kiyotaka caution him about engaging Arisu first before their rematch.

Ryuen tells him to go back first as he went to the toilet. Hiyori was nearby with her group and waved towards Kiyotaka. Watanabe and Yamamura were concerned for his safety while Kitou tells Kiyotaka to talk to him if he needs it. Ryuen returns as he exchanged more fiery words with Kitou. Questioning his calmness, Kiyotaka knew that Arisu abilities outclass his, and wonders what else he has in store. At a distance, Nishino and Yamamura were surrounded by five boys from another school. Ryuen, Kitou and Kiyotaka made their way there without a word. The first two took 10 minutes to take them down and forcibly make them apologise to the rest.

The next day, Hashimoto joined Kiyotaka and Sudou in the bath. Kouenji was in his group and has been a hassle as he seeks advice from the both of them. Kiyotaka gave him one solid one to which Hashimoto took to heart. An hour later, Sudou says it's time for him to confess. He calls Horikita who answered immediately and tells her to wait in the lobby. Kiyotaka advised him to hold off for a while and pick a better spot to confess away from prying eyes. He notifies him of a corridor available as Sudou thanks him for being a good friend.

Full of nerves, the two finally meet as Horikita patiently waited for him. He started by asking how far he has changed in her eyes as she gave an objective critique and improvement of him. Misinterpreting it as him asking for advice, Sudou shoots his hand out and asks for her to date him. Bewildered, he asks her to grab his hand if she agrees. Despite expecting an immediate response, Kiyotaka was surprised when she looks as if she was seriously contemplating on the choice. The longer the silence, the faster his heart pounded.

Horikita starts by saying she never expected to receive a confession. She thanks him for liking her but can’t answer his feelings. As someone who had no romantic feelings before, she wants to fall in love with someone out of instinct and not cultivation. Although she may come to love him in that way if she had accepted, that was not the kind of love she wanted, and thus, she's waiting for her first love. Sudou thanks her for answering and did not pursue further. She grabs his hand and thanks him once again as it trembled. Completing his role, Kiyotaka went to the souvenir store as he waited for them to calm down.

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