Light Novel Volume 11.5/Summary

Prologue
Suzune is depressed about her brother leaving the school soon. She is wavering about whether or not to see him off. She thinks it might be better if she doesn't let him see his useless sister. At the end she comes to a realisation that her entire life, she had made decisions for the sake of her brother's recognition. She decides to show her brother her 'real self' before he leaves the school.

Chapter 1
Kiyotaka is interested in the graduation ceremony since he has never attended one before. Additionally, he is also curious about how the final exam for the 3rd years turned out and whether or not Manabu's class graduated as Class A. He recounts the point totals of the first years after the final special exam:


 * Class A: 1131 points
 * Class B: 550 points
 * Class C: 347 points
 * Class D: 508 points

As a result, Class C will be dropping back to Class D on April 1. But at the same time, considering that they lost all their class points one month after the school year started, Class D was also the class which had gained the most class points over the past year. Yukimura spoke to Kiyotaka, saying that almost no one in the class blamed him for the defeat. When Kiyotaka asked him about the 'almost' part, Yukimura said that there were some people who felt that if the Leader was a more prominent person, they could defeat Class A. But that was an absurd statement given the risk of being expelled.

Afterwards, Yukimura apologises for the negotiations with Katsuragi breaking down. He asks why Kiyotaka didn't tell Suzune about it even though it could have compromised Class C's strategy and chances of success. Kiyotaka merely says that he forgot about it because of how stressed he was about the command tower role. Yukimura explains that he told Suzune about everything and that she forgave them but told them to consult her on everything in the future. Kiyotaka mentally notes that Suzune has grown a lot as a leader over the past year.

In the graduation ceremony, all the students and teachers are lined up. Manabu Horikita is the graduating Class A representative who goes up to give a speech. After the graduation ceremony, all the students except the 3rd years leave the gymnasium. Chabashira praises the class for their growth over the past year. She says that they are better than previous years' D class students but that whether or not they can continue moving up will depend on their efforts moving forwards. Kiyotaka asks Suzune whether she is going to see her brother after the closing ceremony. She says that she won't be doing that. He tries to convince her by saying it will be her last chance. He invites her to see Manabu off together with him. She says that she will think about it. Afterwards Kiyotaka considers that there are still 90 minutes until the closing ceremony finishes. There is something he must do within that time.

Kiyotaka recalls what happened at 11 o'clock the night before. He called Chairman Sakayanagi, who was shocked and questioned where Kiyotaka got his number. He answered that Arisu gave it. This again shocked Chairman Sakayanagi because he did not give his telephone number to his daughter. Kiyotaka deduced that she must have gotten it off a teacher or something along those lines.

Sakayanagi says he is on the verge of ending the phone call, and asks about why Kiyotaka decided to call him. Kiyotaka questioned the truth about the suspension Chairman Sakayanagi received but the question got brushed off

Kiyotaka proceeded to explain the foul play done by caretaker Director Tsukishiro in the end of year exams. This attracted the interest of Chairman Sakayanagi. Kiyotaka told him that he did not plan to attract attention and only wanted to lie low during his 3 years in this school but now that the presence of Tsukishiro will not allow him to. That was the first thing he wanted to do, so he would do everything to achieve that. Chairman Sakayanagi said he knew and that was why he brought Kiyotaka to this school.

Kiyotaka wanted help from school staff. Chairman Sakayanagi mentioned that Chabashira and Mashima might be able to help him. He would arrange a meeting for them during the graduation ceremony because Tsukishiro would have to be present at the ceremony, and the two teachers could go unnoticed. The reception room is not equipped with surveillance cameras so Kiyotaka can use it. Chairman Sakayanagi wondered about Kiyotaka's future plans after graduation. He answered that maybe he would return to the White Room and help them develop it as one of its leaders because his father would chase him no matter how far away. That's why Kiyotaka wants to protect his 3 years here by all means. Chairman Sakayanagi hopes that Kiyotaka's school life here will be a good memory that he will never forget. Kiyotaka thanked him.

Back to the present time, Kiyotaka heads to the reception room and knocks on the door. Chabashira is already there and asks why he set up this meeting with her and Mashima. She says that he sure is terribly rude for someone supposedly asking for help. She says that if his abilities were there, his rudeness could be excused but since he lost to Sakayanagi, he no longer has the right to be so rude to her. To her surprise, Kiyotaka switches to addressing her with polite language. He says that starting from next semester, he will genuinely aim at Class A. Chabashira questions the change in attitude, since even though such a thing would be common sense, it goes completely against Kiyotaka's principles up until now. Furthermore, she questions whether he even has the ability to aim for Class A. Kiyotaka tells her that after this meeting, she will be able to see his abilities for herself and tells her to reach a decision at that time. Mashima knocks on the door and enters along with Arisu who tagged along. Mashima asks if the two of them know each other and Arisu replies that she is childhood friends with Kiyotaka. Kiyotaka invites the two teachers to take a seat, but since Arisu is crippled, Mashima offers his seat to her.

Kiyotaka starts talking and says that the topic is on Director Tsukishiro. This shocks Chabashira and Mashima since it isn't a topic a student should be talking about. Arisu is the only one who stays calm. Mashima asks her whether or not she already knew about this, and she replies that she probably knows more than the teachers. She volunteers to tell the rest of the story and Kiyotaka gives her permission. Arisu explains that she should have lost the chess match against Kiyotaka but Tsukishiro changed the outcome. Chabashira interrupts that she has checked both the results and the process and there were no signs of interference. Arisu explains that all chess steps passed the school system first before sending it to participants. Arisu says that Kiyotaka's father suspended Chairman Sakayanagi and sent Tsukishiro in order to expel Kiyotaka from school. Mashima states that this does not make sense and there are many easier ways to do this. He questions what kind of background Kiyotaka's father had if he had the power to do the things Arisu explained. Chabashira confirms that Kiyotaka's father had previously come to this school to try to convince him to drop out of school but Chairman Sakayanagi respected his student's desire to remain in school. "Who are you really?", Mashima asks. Kiyotaka has difficulty answering but Arisu jumps in and said that he is a very special student who was far more skilled than all boys of his age. In the end, Mashima admits that it is impossible for the two of them to distort such a complicated lie and that it may be true. But there is no evidence that what they said was true and therefore he can not cooperate with the plan to expel Tsukishiro. However, he will try his best to limit opportunities for schools to interfere in future examinations to ensure that such things do not happen again.

Chabashira understands that Arisu was sympathetic to Kiyotaka's situation, but that would be a problem if she treated him in a special way. Arisu laughs and says that even in this school, there are many friends and lovers from different classes who prioritise each other over their own classes. She says that she will be Kiyotaka's ally. However, she says that this favouritism exists for Kiyotaka only. She will not hesitate to crush his class. Mashima considers that an acceptable compromise. Arisu tells Kiyotaka that he can rely on her help in removing Tsukishiro. Kiyotaka nods and said that he will do that. When they are alone, Mashima asks for Chabashira's opinion and she answers that although Kiyotaka looks like a lazy and inconspicuous student, his eyes seem to have seen everything.

After this, Kiyotaka meets up with Suzune. They see a bunch of 3rd year students crowded around Manabu and bide their time. Nagumo shows up and congratulates Manabu on graduating in Class A. Nagumo rues the fact that he and Manabu were in different grades so the ways in which he could interfere in the exams were extremely limited since he couldn't participate in them himself. Manabu offers a handshake and Nagumo takes it, saying there is no reason to refuse. The two share a pleasant handshake between two student council presidents. Nagumo says that in this one year that Manabu is gone, he will change this school into a true "school that evaluates ability". Manabu says that he likewise also rues being in the grade above since he won't be able to see the kind of school that Nagumo will create. Nagumo approaches Suzune and asks whether or not she heard the conversation. He says that she can look forward to next year. Nagumo says that Suzune's brother was an amazing person and that she can be proud of being his sister. Nagumo says that since he's in a good mood, he'll allow her to ask him anything she wants. Suzune asks if he has any regrets over Manabu graduating from Class A. Asahina who is standing next to him, says that Nagumo lost which is something which he denies. He says that he himself is still in Class A and that whether or not Manabu fell to Class B had nothing to do with his personal ability level and wouldn't hurt his evaluation. After all, there can be no decent competition between 2nd and 3rd years. Nagumo says that he has no more enemies amongst the 2nd years and that Manabu is now graduating. There is only one more thing left for him to do at this school. He says that come April, this school will become a true meritocracy.

Kiyotaka finds Manabu and talks with him since this will be his last opportunity to do so. Manabu says he'll be leaving the school on the 31st. Kiyotaka asks him to wait at the gate at noon of that day to talk to Suzune. Manabu says that there's still time right now but Kiyotaka says it's still too early for her. Manabu tells him to come on the 31st and says that he won't invite anyone other than Kiyotaka and Suzune. Kiyotaka agrees by giving a small nod.

Hirata talks about how Mii-chan confessed to him. Kiyotaka asks him what his answer would be and Hirata says he wants to turn her down but doesn't want to hurt her. Kiyotaka tells him that the longer he puts it off, the more he'll hurt her when he eventually breaks the news to her. This gives Hirata his resolve and he thanks Kiyotaka. Hirata blushes as he asks Kiyotaka if they can call each other by a first-name basis. Kiyotaka mentally notes that he feels something weird from all this but says that he has no reason to refuse.

Chapter 2
Kiyotaka meets Hiyori at a cafe. They notice Ike and Shinohara next to them. Kiyotaka is silently encouraging Ike whom is about to confess, but Ike and Shinohara notice Kiyotaka at the last minute. They asks if Kiyotaka and Hiyori are going out to which Hiyori denies in a flustered manner. Ike and Shinohara start an argument as usual and the confession breaks down. Hiyori asks Kiyotaka if he was the one who caused Ryuuen to change. Kiyotaka asks for her reasoning, to which Hiyori replied that Ryuuen changed shortly after he was hunting someone in Kiyotaka's class. And also that Ishizaki, Ibuki and Albert have been looking at him differently ever since. Hiyori says that she feels Ryuuen's tactics in the most recent exam were too reckless since it was possible that the school could have investigated him for foul play. Kiyotaka neither affirms nor denies anything but tells her to tell Ryuuen that if it were him, he could have gotten 6 wins instead of 5.

At that time, Kei comes in at the end and sees Hiyori and Kiyotaka on a date. She glares at the two of them as if they were trash.

Afterwards, Kiyotaka runs into Ibuki on an elevator. They muse about how they got stuck the last time they were together on an elevator. Ishizaki comes across them and asks whether or not they're on a date. A very angry Ibuki rebukes him for that comment. Ishizaki tells Ayanokouji he has a grand idea for how to get to Class A. He says that Kiyotaka should go to their class and with Ryuuen and Kiyotaka, their class would be invincible. He says that he feels like Kiyotaka has good compatibility with Ryuuen and that both he and Albert have grown fond of him. Ibuki calls him an idiot and asks where he plans to get the 20 million from. Ayanokouji apologises, saying that it'd be more fun to be enemies than to team up.

Chapter 3
Kiyotaka receives a text message at around 8 in the morning from Honami asking whether he and Suzune could meet up with her sometime during spring break.

They meet up at a cafe and Honami offers to pay for them. Suzune doesn't hold back and orders something immediately. Kiyotaka whispers to Honami asking if her class' finances are alright but Honami says that it's okay since it's only about a month until April. They share information about the end of year exam, in particular the details of what Ryuuen did to Class B. In return, Suzune reveals everything about their fight with Class A. Pre-empting a potential screw up, Kiyotaka mentions the whole thing about Suzune requesting that they fight Class A. This is new information to Suzune who thought that they only fought Class A because they were forced to. Suzune glares at him but doesn't say anything. Kiyotaka notes that if it were the old Suzune, she would have instantly said something like "Huh? I never said anything like that!".

Towards the end, Suzune says that in addition, from the 2nd year onwards, she would like to nullify the alliance with Class B. She says that the reason it was able to work was because the point differential between the classes was too big. But looking at the results, Class D gained the most class points in this year, and hence their classes would actually be competing with each other now in the rankings. Honami feels slightly reluctant but closes her eyes. When she opens them again, she acknowledges Suzune and Kiyotaka as her opponents.

Afterwards, Kiyotaka and Suzune leave first whilst Honami stays behind at the cafe for a while longer. Just as Kiyotaka is going down the staircase of Keyaki Mall's cafe, Suzune calls out to him from behind. She demands an explanation for why he wanted to fight Class A. Kiyotaka replies that he had a hunch that Ryūen would return and since they can't pick Class B because of the alliance, Class A was the best option. She says that there was no way of knowing that Ryūen would come back even for him. She also points out that it's fishy how he got the protection point from Arisu. But she says that doesn't matter any more and she wants to know whether or not he'll actually cooperate to reach A Class. She says that whilst the class has improved a lot over the past year, she still requires his cooperation if they actually want to get there. She demands that he remove the restrictions that he placed on himself and wants him to show his true abilities.

Kiyotaka says that he will try from next semester onwards but would be drawing to much attention to himself if all his grades skyrocketed immediately. She questions whether or not his abilities are really worth hiding, since he lost to Arisu. She says that whilst she acknowledges that he's smart, there's many excellent students at this school such as Yukimura, Arisu and herself. She says that whilst it would be temporarily surprising for him to suddenly become a top 10/20% student in the grade, it wouldn't be too unusual for a student to improve drastically in a short amount of time.

"Sorry Horikita, but I don't think there's anyone in our grade who is on the same level as me", Kiyotaka replies.

She replies that even though he is acknowledged by her brother, he hasn't shown any evidence to her of his abilities being like what he says they are like. She says that even though it was an incredibly high level chess match, he still lost to Sakayanagi and a loss is a loss. In order to back up the words that he just spoke, he should be able to win against anyone at anything. Kiyotaka replies that she is free to perceive that loss however she likes. Suzune demands that he have a competition with her so she can use herself as a yardstick to measure Kiyotaka's abilities. She says that at the very least, she's confident that she'll be able to score a higher mark than him on a written test as well as beat him in a physical fight.

Kiyotaka then proposes a bet in the next written exams. Suzune will get to choose one subject of her liking and tell him the chosen subject on the day of the exam, preventing him from focus studying it. They will then compete for the higher mark. This way, even if he scores 100%, he can just pass it off as only studying for one subject. if Suzune wins, she demands that Kiyotaka stop hiding his abilities (since it would mean they weren't worth hiding) and pour 100% of his effort into reaching Class A. If Kiyotaka wins, she would have to grant him any one wish. Afterwards, Kiyotaka sees Ryuuen who calls him out.

A few hours before, Hashimoto meets Ryūen in the toilet and asks stuff like why he's decided to compete again. Ryūen says it's only a one-time whim and Hashimoto says that it sure is a scary whim. He calls someone on his phone to "come to the location I said earlier" and then tries to bait a reaction out of Ryūen by saying that he was calling Ayanokōji. But Ryūen stays calm and receives all his baits without revealing anything. Kanzaki then comes and warns Ryūen that he won't allow Ryūen to pull a dirty trick like that on Class B ever again. Ryūen jokingly asks "What are you going to do? Call the school on me?" to which Kanzaki concedes that they likely wouldn't take any action. But Kanzaki says that if he tries it again, Kanzaki will personally deal with it. Hashimoto meanwhile just kind of edges them on.

Ryūen confronts Kiyotaka, having received Hiyori's message. He demands Kiyotaka to explain what he meant. Kiyotaka says that Ryūen's method was too risky and left too much evidence that the school could have potentially used against him. Ryūen says he is not his teacher. He attempts an eye stab + roundhouse kick surprise attack at Kiyotaka but all three attempts are dodged. Ryūen calls him a "monster". Ryūen also states that since Kiyotaka defeated him, there's no way that he's below Arisu. Afterwards, in private, Ryūen admits to his own shortcomings and decides to hear Kiyotaka's advice if he ever wants to get closer to his level.

On the way back to the dorms, Kiyotaka saw Honami standing alone in the rain. He asked her what she was doing and warned her that she would catch a cold. Honami answered that at this rate, she might be better off catching a cold. To her surprise, Kiyotaka folded his umbrella and stood next to her in the rain. He said that he would not leave until she does. Because Kiyotaka had no intention of returning if Honami was still there, she decided to return and they thought an umbrella was not needed so they returned together without one.

Both of them went to Kiyotaka's dorm room where he handed over a towel to wipe it off and then asked her to explain the matter.

Honami reveals that the morale of Class B has fallen after their defeat from Class D and feels that while all the other leaders (Arisu, Suzune and Ryūen) haz grown up a lot during the past year, she personally has not changed. She is worried about whether she was a good leader for her class or not, thenasks Kiyotaka about how he views her class' future. He tells her to come back in one year's time on this day and he will honestly tell her his opinion

Kiyotaka then helps wiping her off because she was wet from the rain. He strokes her hair and cheeks and touches her lips with his thumb while doing it. Honami thanks him for always saving her in the times of trouble and he says that it's all merely coincidence. Kiyotaka mentally notes that he will be the one to personally finish off her class.

Honami wants to meet Kiyotaka like today in the next year. She wants to meet with him alone and this has nothing to do with the classes, just to make sure the two of them will survive and keep their promise to meet a year later.

Chapter 4
Suzune cuts her hair short, finally realising that her brother wanted her to stop following in his footsteps. The reason why Suzune's hair was long is because her brother once said that he liked her long hair.

She greets him at the school gate together with Kiyotaka. Her brother smiles at her for the first time in years. Afterwards, she's walking back with Kiyotaka but Kiyotaka tells her that she doesn't need to hold it in. She bursts into full crying mode, anguishing over how she finally realised what her brother was trying to tell her, but now she wouldn't be able to see him again for two whole years. Kiyotaka then tells her, that if he wins their competition, he wants her to join the student council. He also tells her about the private points contract with Kushida whilst hiding the real reason for it (he tells her it was only so Kushida would stop targeting him for expulsion), to which she says that sometimes she can't tell if he's actually an idiot. To her shock, he tells her that he originally determined that it wouldn't be a large burden since the contract would be nullified if he got Kushida expelled. But he's since changed his mind, although he will still ruthlessly get rid of her if he determines her existence to be detrimental to the class.

Kiyotaka then went back and saw Manabu. They talked about Manabu's role as student council president, what Nagumo would do from now on and how Kiyotaka wanted to see the change. Manabu then said that Kiyotaka would go far beyond him. ️ Kiyotaka asked why he thought so as he thought he was not as good as Manabu and he also asked why he rated him that high and Manabu said that it was part of intuition. Kiyotaka considered whether that could be said as a parting gift. Manabu gave him two telephone numbers, one for him and one for Tachibana and told Kiyotaka that he could ask at any time. Kiyotaka wanted to ask him what he would do after graduation. Manabu checked his watch and says that they can talk about it after Kiyotaka graduated. Manabu wanted to ask Kiyotaka the last question before he left. He asked why he was hiding his true strength and Kiyotaka answered that he did not want to stand out and wanted to live as a normal student and sometimes make efforts from time to time. But recently, he had attracted more attention and most likely he has to put more effort. Manabu said he had thought about what he himself did and what he could do all the time. He asked if Kiyotaka thought it was meaningful to spend his school life like that and Kiyotaka said that a relaxed school life wasn't wrong either. ️Manabu doesn't deny that, but he wondered if Kiyotaka also came to this school because he wanted to leave something. He suggested that Kiyotaka would do something and try hard to do it. Kiyotaka tried to reject the idea, but he wasn't sure. Manabu suggests that if Kiyotaka cannot leave something at school, then leave something inside the students. Students who have memories of Kiyotaka and won't forget it. Kiyotaka never thought about carving himself into someone's heart. Manabu is grateful that Kiyotaka helped Suzune grow, but according to him Kiyotaka was not a man who would only be satisfied with it. Manabu realized that and knew Kiyotaka was hiding enormous power, so he hoped for it.

According to Manabu, proving himself in 2nd and 3rd year will make him an existence that people will remember. Kiyotaka asked what if he was expelled before 3rd year. Manabu answered that even if that happens, people will still remember him. If he can make even only one person thinks that they are happy to meet him, he will achieve it, Manabu believes. Kiyotaka felt Manabu's words seep into him.

Kiyotaka said he will try to think about it. He thought there is a lot to be learned everywhere like when talking to Manabu. He also wanted to leave at least something if he continues to live a relaxed school life. He thought he would be satisfied with that, but it might not be the answer. He thought there must be meaning why he came to this school. Manabu said he was sorry for his remarks at the end, but Kiyotaka said those were the best words said by a senior to him. In the end Manabu asked him to take care of Suzune for him and reached out and asked for a handshake. Kiyotaka felt the strength in the handshake. When Manabu said goodbye to Kiyotaka, he thought he would spend at least 2 years for them to meet again, or maybe Kiyotaka would be expelled before that. However, he would never see Manabu again.

Chapter 5
Chiaki Matsushita is a person who hides her abilities but she has the confidence to be part of the top 10% of her class if she is truly serious. In the beginning of the school year, Chiaki thought that it was impossible for her class to reach Class A. There were too many shortcomings. Although there are some intelligent individuals, about half the students in their class are ordinary students. However she thinks that the situation will change if there are some smarter students in the class. Chiaki suspects Kiyotaka who is hiding his abilities like her. Leaders in classes like Hirata and Suzune are always seen around Kiyotaka. In addition, Chiaki noticed that Kei often looked at Kiyotaka. Previously she ignored this because Kei had a boyfriend but then she broke up with Hirata. Because Chiaki sees Kei as someone with high standards, this doesn't make sense unless Kei considers Kiyotaka to be above Hirata. In addition, in the mental arithmetic section of the last special exam, he completed the same answer to the last question which was very difficult as quick as Kōenji did. That's not a question someone can answer by just being a little smart. She was also doubtful about the protection points Arisu gave from class A to him.

On that day, Chiaki met with Satō and Shinohara at a cafe. They teased Shinohara about how her relationship with Ike. She denied it and said that if she was going out with someone, she would prefer someone taller and smarter. The topic turned to Satō, where she told them to promise to keep it a secret. She later revealed that at Christmas, she confessed to Kiyotaka and got rejected. Shinohara was angry about the reason Kiyotaka refused. Chiaki normally wouldn't care about topics like that, but because she also wanted to know more about Kiyotaka, she deliberately continued to press Satō to speak. Satō revealed that even now she still loves Kiyotaka and because of that, she paid attention to some things that nobody else has. Specifically, she felt like Kiyotaka liked Kei and thought that Kei might have abandoned Hirata to be with him. Shinohara dismissed the statement and said there was no way a girl would dump Hirata for Kiyotaka, but Chiaki felt that her opinion was also compatible with the opinion of someone who had fallen in love with Kiyotaka.

Chiaki saw Kiyotaka walking outside and then asked for permission, telling them that she must take a call. Chiaki followed Kiyotaka but quickly hid when she saw Tsukishiro approached Kiyotaka.

Tsukishiro gave Kiyotaka some information about the White Room. He told Kiyotaka that he actually did not care about children like Kiyotaka, but in his work, it was impossible to fight Kiyotaka's father. Tsukishiro told him that next year, a 1st year student would come from the White Room. He told Kiyotaka that he was willing to play the game with the opportunity to fully favor Kiyotaka. If Kiyotaka can determine the identity of this student, Tsukishiro will be willing to withdraw from school. Kiyotaka asked if there was only one person and Tsukishiro asked whether Kiyotaka really thought Tsukishiro had the power to bring a group of people from the White Room. Kiyotaka doubted Tsukishiro's words in his own mind. He said that there are 7 billion people on this planet so he has no doubt that there are people who are better than him. But he had absolute belief that no one from the White Room could defeat him.

Before separating, Tsukishiro warned that Chiaki had been following Kiyotaka. Kiyotaka confirmed that he already knew that. Kiyotaka walked down a few more roads and then turned a corner. When Chiaki followed him, she found Kiyotaka already waiting there for her. Chiaki was surprised that Kiyotaka knew and became panic. He asked her what her business was and she said that she was surprised to see Tsukishiro talking to Kiyotaka.

Chiaki thought even though she's bad at this, she wondered if Kiyotaka shouldn't have noticed someone following him. This made Chiaki more convinced that Kiyotaka was not an ordinary person and became more aware of him. Since it's already like this Chiaki wanted to be sure and thought that as long as it's a mind game, she didn't think she would lose.

Chiaki tried to direct him with a question to extract information to what extent Kiyotaka was paying attention. But Kiyotaka instead questioned her. Chiaki asked why Tsukishiro talked to him, to which Kiyotaka answered that he planned to overhaul Keyaki Mall and happened to look at him for advice, like what facilities students like, and such (which is of course a lie). Chiaki believed because there were other adults there when they were talking so it was only a coincidence and thought his meeting with Tsukishiro had nothing to do with his true abilities.

Chiaki threw in another question on why Kiyotaka hid his abilities in mental arithmetic. According to her the problem that Kiyotaka answered was not a mathematical problem that could be solved by chance. Kiyotaka answered that he had learned arithmetic mentality since middle school so he was relatively good at it. But Chiaki was the same and to her, Kiyotaka's level is at the national level. Kiyotaka explained that it was because arithmetic mentality was something that he mastered. Kiyotaka also said that he had in fact participated in national competitions. Chiaki didn't think that Kiyotaka would easily admit it so she thought it was natural that there were people who were only proficient in mental arithmetic. But unless he's smart enough, he wouldn't be able to solve problems like that. And there is also the fact that Kiyotaka did not reveal he was an expert at it. Kiyotaka brushed it off again, and said that he was the leader so he could not take the initiative and tell the class about it (Note: the leader in the previous special examination was not allowed to take part in the exam even though he was still able to intervene but in a minimum limit). Besides that even though Kiyotaka told the class, there was no guarantee they would believe it. Kiyotaka easily answered those questions as if it is the most natural thing to do. He also didn't try to make excuses in a confusing way.

She again asked questions about his relationship with Kei but he answered vaguely. In the last question Chiaki asked for Kiyotaka's opinion about his class and whether they could reach Class A, to which Kiyotaka confirmed.

Epilogue
Kiyotaka said he had not changed much until that day. He thought about how to plan his confession to maximize good reply since he doesn't know how people move from liking someone to confessing. Everything he had done up to that day is for this purpose. He was expecting a call from Kei. The telephone he was holding rang. Kiyotaka picked up the call after several rings. He had tried to call her 30 minutes earlier, but Kei didn't pick up.

Kiyotaka asked her if he could meet her in person. Kei said it's fine but she wouldn't take responsibility if others see them. They arranged a meeting. Kiyotaka looked around his room and saw himself and his face in the mirror and looked away.

Kei came to his room in a bad mood. She asked if there was anything and said he had to hurry because she had plans with other girls and had only a little time. She also wanted to say something to Kiyotaka, that Satō had suspected their relationship. Kei explained that she had been asked by Satō whether she broke up with Hirata to date Kiyotaka. Kei had denied it, but she was not sure how much Satō believed her. Kiyotaka also said that he had been asked the same thing by Chiaki. Kei turned pale and thought Kiyotaka was joking. Kiyotaka explained that Chiaki had been hiding her abilities and became suspicious of Kei and himself. After a while she wondered if Kiyotaka had a plan to deny it and Kiyotaka said he would just let it go but Kei assumed it wouldn't work and their relationship meant nothing. Kiyotaka suggested that even if Chiaki leaked the rumor, they should just let her. But Kei wanted Kiyotaka to tell Chiaki that there was nothing between them and Kiyotaka answered that it would have the opposite effect. Kei said that he should have known that beforehand and wondered if he lied. He said that it would not change the situation because Chiaki was friends with Satō and could hear about Kei and Kiyotaka from her. Kei reluctantly agreed.

Kiyotaka thought that the more they denied it, the more it became a conviction so he decided to make the first move. Kei was more worried about the rumor that she was ditching Hirata for Kiyotaka would spread throughout the school. Kiyotaka asked why Kei was bothered by that and she answered that it would have an impact on her. She stood up and said that if there was someone of the opposite sex behind someone, people tend to find it difficult to approach them.

Kiyotaka asked if he was in the way of her new love. Kei answered yes. Kiyotaka understood because after Sudō expressed his love for Suzune, it had been more difficult to approach her. Because Kei wasn't sure Kiyotaka understood, she mentioned Shiina and how Kiyotaka had a good relationship with her. Kiyotaka wondering who Shiina was and she said her first name is Hiyori. Kiyo only calls Hiyori, Kei, Haruka and Airi by their first names. He said they were good friends and they both liked reading books then asked if there was anything wrong with that. Kei became jealous because Kiyotaka has the same hobby as Hiyori, a very different reason compared to Kei's relationship with him. Kei wanted to say something but she was frustrated with herself for forgetting what to say next. She folded her arms and looked the other way. Then Kei stated that if the rumors of Kiyotaka and her spread, it would be more difficult for Kiyotaka to get closer to Hiyori. Kiyo agreed. Kei said she had no say in who he wanted to get closer to and turned her back at him.

Kei paused and asked if she could talk about it later because she had to get ready, and maybe she shouldn't have come because there might be other boys coming and she didn't have time to mind about him any longer.

Kiyotaka asked what her motivation was. Kei said she wanted to find a new boyfriend and asked if that was a problem, but he immediately answered no, making her wanted to leave immediately.

Kiyotaka thought he's teasing her way too much. He stood up and Kei thought she would lead her away and said that it was okay. Kiyotaka said that if he didn't like this rumor, he would just ignore it, which confused Kei.

Kiyotaka asked her if Kei wanted to go out with him. Kei said she didn't understand what he was saying. Kiyotaka repeated his question but Kei said she did not understand the meaning of his words. They looked into each others eyes and both seemed to communicate without saying a word.

Kei got flustered and considered it to be a bad joke but Kiyotaka denied it. Kei couldn't understand because he had just talked about himself getting closer to Hiyori and he said it was just a joke. Kiyotaka explained that it was only a little test from him to see if Kei would be jealous. Kiyotaka had deliberately called Kei to the cafe to let her see his closeness with Hiyori, and even though it was not really necessary, that was his way of showing how he is not skilled in love.

Kei said that if he's joking, she would end their relationship right there, and that was his last chance to retract the words if it was just a joke. Kiyotaka said that it was not a joke and wanted to hear the answer. Kei said she couldn't say such a thing now. He said that if he did not like the gossip, he would have ignored it. Kei got flustered and asked why.

Kiyotaka wondered why, he couldn't explain it well but he wanted to stop anyone from claiming Kei as their girlfriend. Kei asked if Kiyotaka really liked her with stuttering words. Kiyotaka felt her strong emotions behind those words, his heart fluttering and that he could say the next words with confidence.

"That's right, I love Karuizawa Kei."

Kiyotaka then asked what Kei's answer was. Her mind seemed to be in chaos before she gathered herself and finally looked directly at him and answered that she could go out with him for his sake.

Kiyotaka wondered if that meant Kei liked him too. Kiyotaka wanted to hear the answer and waited for Kei to say it. There was no third party, no contract, only the two of them, their own conversation, their own promise.

Kiyotaka asked again whether Kei could not answer. Kei said to give her time to calm down and she put her hands in front of him to stop him. Kiyotaka waited a few seconds for her to turn her gaze on him. Kei stuttered and struggled to say it and he thought it was strangely adorable so he waited longer. Kiyotaka saw that Kei mustered all her courage and told himself not to look away. Kei answered that she also loves him and even though it was annoying but she admitted it.

Kiyotaka wondered why Kei looked angry in the end. Kiyotaka stretch his arms on both sides of her and Kei panicked, thinking he would kiss her. Kiyotaka thought Kei wouldn't dislike it, but he wouldn't do it there. He said that he would not do it, yet. Kei repeated his words stammeringly and Kiyotaka literally said that he might do it in the future and Kei was frozen. Kiyotaka gently embraced her, a proof of their relationship. He asked if that’s okay if it’s only just that. She said it is. He knew without seeing her face that she was bewildered, nervous and full of joy, a smile. Kei said that he had grown a bit.

He thought he has grown, everyone has grown. Humans are creatures that learn. To ride the bike, swimming, using chopsticks, using a straw, he is learning love through her. Something he has never learned. Something he couldn’t have learned in the White Room, and one more important meaning why it was Kei. That this romance is necessary for her own growth. She felt her relationship with him was necessary this last year. She can’t stay as a parasite, living on her host. He needed to take this step to stop that.

Kiyotaka wondered what face he was making now. Was he smiling? Was he embarrassed? Or bewildered or smiling? He did not know. He didn't know the face he was making.

But, he knew deep inside himself. What face he's making, what he's thinking, what he's wanting to do. People found pleasure in learning. Whether it's academic, sports, or games. Romance is the same. He did not know romantic love, nor did he know family love. Not shame, or pleasure. He was sure he would experience it in the future. But nothing has changed. It is only learning. Growing and moving forward. It could be said that Kei was just the name of a study book about the opposite sex. After he finished reading it, her role was over.

Or maybe, he thought, she would become an existence he could not leave behind.

Kiyotaka himself did not understand.

There is a part of him that was wishing and another part of him that knew that it's impossible.

Kiyotaka wished for it, that at the moment, that he was smiling while hugging the person he loves.

Kiyotaka promised to cherish his girlfriend, as a young student, he prayed for himself. He silently wished as he gently embraced Kei.