Light Novel Volume 11.5/Summary

Prologue
Suzune felt pressured about her brother leaving school. she wondered whether to meet him or not. she thought it would be better if ahe didn't meet with her brother because she felt herself useless. In the end she realized that all her life, he had made the decision to get recognition from her brother. she decided to show her brother her "true self" before he left school.

Chapter 1
Kiyotaka was interested in the graduation ceremony because he had never attended before. In addition, he also wanted to know about how the last exam of class 3 and whether Manabu passed as Class A.

Current 1st year class points:
 * Class A: 1131 points
 * Class B: 550 points
 * Class C: 347 points
 * Class D: 508 points

With this class C returns to class D on April 1. 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.

After that, Yukimura apologized for his negotiations with Katsuragi. He asked why Kiyotaka hadn't told Suzune about it even though it might jeopardize the strategy and chances of Class C success. Kiyotaka only said that he had forgotten about it. Yukimura explained that he told Suzune about everything and Suzune forgave him but he told her to consult with him about everything in the future. IseKeisei considers Suzune to have grown rapidly as a leader over the past year.

After the graduation ceremony, all students except the 3rd years left the gym. Chabashira-sensei praised his class for their development over the past year. She said that they were better than the previous year's Class D students but whether they could continue to rise or not depended on their efforts to progress. Kiyotaka asked Suzune if she would see her brother after the graduation ceremony, to which she replied that she did not want to do it. He tried to convince her by saying it would be her last chance. Kiyo invited him to see Manabu with him. She said that she would think about it. After that Kiyotaka assumed that there were still 90 minutes until the graduation ceremony was over. There was something he had to do in that time span.

Kiyotaka recalled 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 concluded that she must have gotten it from a teacher or something.

Kiyotaka questioned the truth about the suspension Chairman Sakayanagi received but the question was ignored.

Kiyotaka told about the interference committed by the caretaker chairman Tsukishiro in the last exam. This attracted the interest of Chairman Sakayanagi. Kiyotaka told him that he did not plan to attract attention and only wanted to spent 3 years of his school in normal circumstances. 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 said that as time went by, Tsukishiro would stop him and he could do something for him or other students later and Kiyotaka would not let adults interfere with student competition.

Kiyotaka wants 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 should 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.

Kiyotaka headed to the reception room and knocked on the door. Chabashira was already there and asked why he had arranged this meeting with her and Mashima. She reacted to Kiyotaka's harsh way of speaking despite asking for help. She said that if Kiyotaka had the ability, his actions could be forgiven but because he lost to Arisu, he had no right to be rude to her. Kiyotaka then turned to greet her in polite language. That surprised Chabashira. Kiyotaka said that starting next semester, he would really be aiming for Class A. Chabashira questioned the change in his attitude, because even though such a thing made sense, it was completely contrary to the Kiyotaka principle until now. Next, she asked if Kiyotaka had the ability to aim at Class A. He replied that after this meeting, Chabashira could see his abilities and told her to reach a decision at that time. Mashima knocked on the door and entered along with Arisu who was also joining. Mashima asked if the two of them knew each other and Arisu answered that Kiyotaka was her childhood friend. Kiyotaka invited the two teachers to sit, but because of Arisu's disability, Mashima offered her a seat. Kiyotaka began to speak and said that the topic was about the caretaker chairman Tsukishiro. This surprised Chabashira and Mashima because it was not a topic students should discuss. Arisu was the only one who stayed calm. Mashima asked him if he already knew about this, and he answered that he might know more than the teachers. Arisu wanted to continue her story and Kiyotaka gave her permission. Arisu explained that she should have lost the chess match against Kiyotaka but Tsukishiro had changed the outcome. Chabashira interrupted that she had checked both the results and the process and there were no signs of interference. Arisu explained that all chess steps passed the school system first before sending it to participants. Arisu said 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 questioned what kind of background Kiyotaka's father had if he had the power to do the things Arisu explained. Chabashira confirmed 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 asked. Kiyotaka had difficulty answering but Arisu jumped in and said that he was a very special student who was far more skilled than all boys of his age. In the end, Mashima admitted that it was impossible for the two of them to distort such a complicated lie and that it might be true. But there is no evidence that what they said was true and therefore he could 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 understood that Arisu was sympathetic to Kiyotaka's situation, but that would be a problem if he treated her in a special way. Arisu laughed, she said that even in this school, there are many friends and lovers from different classes who are ready to stab their class to prioritize each other. Arisu stressed that everyone at least has the right to treat others specifically. According to Arisu a teacher had no reason to blame her even if she only helped Kiyotaka when his class slumped. Even though his classmates have the right to hate him when that happens. Arisu told Kiyotaka that she could count on him to fight Tsukishiro. Kiyotaka nodded and said that he would do that. When they were alone, Mashima asked for Chabashira's opinion and she answered that although Kiyotaka looked like a lazy and inconspicuous student, his eyes seemed to have seen everything.

After that, Kiyotaka met with Suzune. They see a group of grade 3 students huddling around Manabu and waiting for their chance. Nagumo appeared and congratulated Manabu for graduating as Class A. Nagumo revealed the fact that he and Manabu were in a different force so that the way he could interfere in the exam was very limited because he could not participate in it himself. Manabu offered a handshake and Nagumo took it, saying there was no reason to refuse. Both of them shake hands. Nagumo said that in one year after Manabu left, he would change this school to "a school that truly evaluates abilities".

Nagumo then saw Suzune approaching him and asked if she had heard the conversation or not. He said that Manabu was an extraordinary person and Suzune should be proud for being his sister. Because he was in a good mood, he would let her ask whatever she wanted. Suzune asked if he had regrets because her brother graduated as Class A. Asahina who was standing next to him, said that losing to Manabu was something that he denied. Nagumo said that he himself was still in Class A and whether Manabu fell into Class B or not, it had nothing to do with his personal ability level and would not interfere with his evaluation. However, there is no proper competition between 2nd and 3rd year. Nagumo said that he had no more enemies because Manabu had now graduated. There was only one more thing he had to do in this school. He said that in April, this school would become a true meritocracy.

Kiyotaka returned to the dormitory, he was greeted by Hirata, who vented about how Mii-chan confessed to him. Kiyotaka asked him what the answer was and Hirata said he wanted to reject it but didn't want to hurt her. Kiyotaka told him that the longer he delayed, the more he would hurt her when he finally told her. This gave Hirata determination and he thanked Kiyotaka. Hirata blushed when he asked Kiyotaka if they could call each other by first names. Kiyotaka mentally felt something strange from all this but thought that he had no reason to refuse.

Chapter 2
Kiyotaka met Hiyori in a cafe. When going there they inadvertently saw Ike and Shinohara. Ike intended to confess, but he and Shinohara saw Kiyotaka at the last moment. They ask if Kiyotaka and Hiyori are dating which Hiyori denied in confusion. Ike and Shinohara started arguing as usual and their confession became chaotic.

Hiyori asked Kiyotaka whether he had caused Ryūen to change. Kiyotaka asked for the reason, and Hiyori replied that Ryūen changed shortly after he hunted down someone in the Kiyotaka class. In addition Ishizaki, Ibuki and Albert have looked at Kiyotaka differently ever since. Hiyori said that she felt that Ryūen's tactics in the last special exam were too rash because the school might investigate him for cheating. Kiyotaka did not confirm or deny anything but told her to tell Ryūen that if it were him, he could get 6 wins, not 5.

At that time, Kei came to see Hiyori and Kiyotaka on a date. She glared at the two of them as if they were rubbish.

After that, Kiyotaka approached Ibuki in the elevator. They pondered how they were trapped the last time they were together in the elevator.

Ishizaki found them and asked if they were dating. Angry Ibuki rebuked him for the comment. Ishizaki told Kiyotaka that he had a big idea about how to get to Class A. He said that Kiyotaka had to go to their class, if Ryūen and Kiyotaka were together, their class would be invincible. He said that he felt Kiyotaka had good compatibility with Ryūen, he and Albert also liked it (not in the sense of romance but more like respect). Ibuki called him an idiot and asked where Ishizaki planned to get 20 million points. Kiyotaka apologized and refused, saying that it would be more fun being an enemy than joining.

Chapter 3
Kiyotaka received a text message around 8am from Honami asking if he and Suzune could meet her later during spring break.

They met at a cafe and Ichinose offered to treat them. Suzune did not hold back and immediately ordered something. Kiyotaka whispered to Honami and asked if the class finances were okay but Honami said that was okay because it would be very soon until April, where students would get their personal points.

They shared information about the last special exam, specifically the details of what Ryūen did to Class B. In return, Suzune revealed everything about their fight with Class A. Here, Kiyotaka talked all about Suzune who asked him to fight with Class A. The truth is the person who wants to fight Class A is Kiyotaka himself not Suzune. He said it there so Honami did not suspect him if she suddenly discusses the topic of his class wanting to fight Class A. This caught out Suzune who thought that her class was fighting with Class A because they had to. Suzune glared at him but said nothing. Kiyotaka thought that if it was the old Suzune, she would have immediately said something like "Huh? I never said anything like that!"

Towards the end of the conversation, Suzune said from 2nd year onwards, she wanted to end the alliance with Class B. She said that the reason it could work was because the difference in points between them were too large. But looking at the results now, Class D gained the most class points this year, and hence their class will compete with each other in the ranking. Honami felt a little reluctant but she finally accepted it.

After that, Kiyotaka and Suzune left first while Honami stayed in the cafe longer. As Kiyotaka descended the stairs of the Keyaki Mall, Suzune called out from behind. she demanded an explanation on why he wanted to fight with Class A. Kiyotaka replied that he had a hunch that Ryūen would return and because they could not choose Class B as an opponent because of the alliance, so Class A was the best choice.

Suzune said that there was no way to know that Ryūen would return even for Kiyotaka. She also suspects Kiyotaka about how he got protection points from Arisu, but he said it didn't matter anymore and she wanted to know whether Kiyotaka would really work together to achieve Class A or not. She said that although for a while the class had improved greatly over the past year, she still needed his cooperation if they really wanted to go there. Suzune demanded that Kiyotaka remove the limitations he placed on himself and wanted him to show his true abilities. Kiyotaka said that he would try it from next semester but would attract a lot of attention to himself if all of his grades skyrocketed quickly. Suzune questioned whether his ability was really worth hiding, because Kiyotaka lost to Arisu. For a while she admitted that while she was smart, there were many very good students in this school such as Yukimura, Arisu and herself. She said that while it would be surprising for him to suddenly become 10 or 20% of the best students in the class, it would not be too extraordinary for students to improve dramatically in such a short amount of time.

"Sorry Horikita, but I don't think anyone in our class is at my level.", Kiyotaka answered.

Suzune replied that although Kiyotaka was recognized by her brother, he had not yet shown evidence that his abilities were what he said. She said that even though it was a high level chess match, he still lost to Arisu and a lost is still a lost. To support the words Kiyotaka just said, he must be able to win against anyone in any case. Kiyotaka answered that he was free to feel the defeat however he liked.

Suzune demanded that Kiyotaka compete with her so that she could use herself as a yardstick to measure his abilities. Kiyotaka said that at the very least, he was sure that he would be able to score higher than Suzune on the written exam and defeat her in physical combat. Suzune then proposed a bet in the next written exam. She is free to choose one subject she likes and will tell him what subjects to choose on the day of the exam, to prevent Kiyotaka from focusing on studying it. They will then compete for higher scores. In this way, even if he gets 100%, he can just think of it as learning for one subject. if Suzune wins, she demands that Kiyotaka stop hiding his abilities because it means that it is not worth hiding and Kiyotaka must make 100% of his efforts to reach Class A. If Kiyotaka wins, she must grant him one request.

A few hours before, Hashimoto met Ryūen in the male toilet and asked things like why he decided to compete again. Ryūen said that only once and Hashimoto answered that it was a scary one. He called someone on his phone to "come to the location he said before" and then tried to provoke a reaction from Ryūen by saying that he was calling Kiyotaka. But Ryūen remained calm and accepted all his bait without revealing anything.

Kanzaki then came and warned Ryūen that he would not let him do such dirty tricks to Class B again. Ryūen asked what would Kanzaki do, even though Kanzaki understood that they would likely not take any action. But he said that if Ryūen tried to do it again, he would personally face it. Hashimoto only watched them.

After that, Kiyotaka met Ryūen who called out to him. Ryūen faced Kiyotaka, after receiving the message Hiyori delivered from Kiyotaka (the message alluded to Ryūen who could only get 5 wins from class B). Ryūen demanded that Kiyotaka explain what he meant. He said that Ryūen's method was too risky and left too much evidence and that it could potentially be used against him. Ryūen said Kiyotaka is not his teacher. He tried to beat Kiyotaka with successive attacks but the effort was all successfully avoided. Ryūen called him "damn monster". Ryūen also stated that since Kiyotaka defeated him, there was no way he could be under Sakayanagi. After that, Ryūen acknowledged his own shortcomings and decided to reject Kiyotaka's advice if he wanted 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 revealed that the morale of Class B had fallen after their defeat from Class D and felt that while all the other leaders (Sakayanagi, Suzune and Ryūen) had grown up a lot during the past year, she personally had not changed. She was worried about whether she was a good leader for her class or not, then asked Kiyotaka about his look at the future of her class. He could not answer her question about how Class B would look now, but if she visited his room one year from now on the same day he would definitely answer her.

Kiyotaka then helped wiping her because she was wet from the rain. He stroked her hair and cheeks and touched her lips with his thumb while doing it. Honami thanked him for always saving her in difficult times and he said that it was all just a coincidence. Kiyotaka thought that he would be the one to personally finish her class.

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

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

Suzune bid farewell to her brother at the school gate together with Kiyotaka. Manabu smiled at her for the first time in years. After that, she walked back with Kiyotaka but Kiyotaka told her she doesn't need to hold back. Suzune overcame her emotions and cried, together with sadness because she finally realized what her brother was trying to say, but now she didn't want to.

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. And then, he would never see Manabu again.

After leaving, Kiyotaka then told Suzune that if he won the competition between them, he wanted Suzune to join the Student Council. He also told her about his personal points contract with Kushida while hiding the real reason for it (he told her it was only for Kushida to stop targeting him for expulsion and did not say that he did it to save Honami). Kiyotaka told Suzune that he initially thought that it would not be a big burden because the contract would be cancelled if he got Kushida expelled. But since then he changed his mind and he did not want to expel Kushida, but he would still expel her if Kushida harmed the class.

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 she 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.