After Sakura Airi fully revealed her hidden side to Hashima Hikaru, the dynamic between them grew much closer. She began actively discussing photography-related topics with him and even shared bits of her daily life.
Hashima , of course, welcomed this change. Now that they had established trust, he could use Sakura as an informant within Class C to keep tabs on their movements.
Unlike Horikita Suzune or Kushida Kikyō, Sakura was a figure who wouldn't interfere with class strategies, making interactions with her far less complicated.
The Student Council hearing regarding Sudō was scheduled for this week. Whether or not it would be resolved smoothly still weighed on his mind.
---
By Friday morning, Class A's atmosphere remained as peaceful as ever. Aside from Hashima 's initial efforts to gather witness information when the fight first came to light, there had been no further developments. As a result, most students paid little attention to the hearing—it had nothing to do with them, after all.
But within Class A, there was one other person who cared just as much as Hashima .
"Good morning, Hashima -kun."
The pink-haired girl greeted him the moment he entered the classroom.
"Morning, Ichinose. Did you have breakfast?"
"Blueberry bread and milk. I feel like I'll be full of energy this morning." A faint, satisfied smile graced Ichinose Honami's face.
"That's good. Remember to eat breakfast every day."
Just as Hashima pulled out his textbook, the girl's voice sounded beside him again.
"The Student Council hearing is today. The outcome of the fight should be decided soon. Do you think they'll win, Hashima -kun?"
"Hmm, hard to say."
After setting his book down, Hashima glanced at her expression and realized she might be genuinely concerned about the result.
"I think it'll come down to how well they perform on the spot. After all, a hearing isn't just about reviewing accusations—the debate between both sides is the most important part."
"If they can convince the Student Council, they'll win for their class."
"That's true. I hope everything goes well for Kushida-san."
"Yeah. Let's wait and see."
Hashima smiled. Knowing that Sakura Airi would appear as the key witness, he had even discussed strategies with the timid girl a few times, helping her organize her thoughts.
Now that she's made up her mind, let's see how this plays out.
---
Meanwhile, inside the Student Council room, all relevant parties had gathered.
Seated at the head of the table, arms resting on its surface, was Horikita Manabu. Beside him stood the Student Council secretary, Tachibana Akane, her ever-present notebook in hand as she scanned the faces of those present.
To the left sat Class C's homeroom teacher, Chabashira Sae, along with the main subject of the hearing—Sudō Ken—and their appointed spokesperson, Horikita Suzune. Also present was Hirata Yōsuke, his expression grave.
As Class C's current leader, though he hadn't been chosen as the spokesperson, he still wanted to contribute to the hearing.
Opposite them sat Class D's teacher, Sakagami Kazuma, followed by the two accusers—Ishizaki Daichi and Komiya Hagumi, their faces still bandaged, making their injuries appear severe.
The last person present wasn't Ryūen Kakeru, but their class leader, Ibuki Mio. Her expression was unreadable, as if deliberately concealing her thoughts.
Earlier that morning, Ryūen had explained the situation to her. This fight had been their first strike against Class C—an attempt to get Sudō expelled and lower their class evaluation points, thereby restoring Class D's ranking next month.
Though Ibuki disliked Ryūen, what was done was done. She wouldn't back down now. If this plan succeeded, it would benefit their class.
Before leaving, Ryūen hadn't just given her instructions—he had also predicted Class C's possible counterarguments, ensuring the plan would proceed smoothly.
On top of that, he had sent her a video.
"Take this. It's the decisive evidence that'll crush that red-haired idiot," Ryūen had said, grinning. "You know how to use it, right? You're the one who got me suspended this way before."
"I hope your plan works. I know what to do."
Clutching her phone, Ibuki felt her heartbeat quicken slightly—until the Student Council secretary's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Now that everyone is present, we will proceed with the hearing regarding the violent incident that occurred last week. I, Student Council Secretary Tachibana, will preside over the meeting, while the president will listen to all arguments before delivering a fair judgment."
"It is our hope that this hearing will determine which side's claims reflect the truth."
"With that, I will now read the formal accusations."
Tachibana opened her notebook and recited sternly:
"Class D's Ishizaki and Komiya allege that they were called to the special building by Class C's Sudō, where he proceeded to assault them."
"However, Sudō denies this, claiming that they were the ones who called him there, and that they threw the first punch—making his actions self-defense."
"The accounts provided by both sides conflict. However, given that Komiya and Ishizaki sustained significant injuries, we cannot rule out the possibility that Sudō initiated the violence."
"With the facts established, you may now begin your debate."
Tachibana closed her notebook.
The next second, Sudō shot up from his seat on Class C's side and shouted:
"Okay, fine, I did hit them! But they provoked me first! They were jealous I made the starting lineup and kept interfering with my practice! You guys—"
"Silence. Your statement is merely an unsupported claim. Whether it will be accepted as testimony remains to be seen." Tachibana turned to Class C's side. "The accused party has the right to question first. Is your spokesperson ready?"
"Ready."
Without hesitation, Horikita Suzune stood up. Glancing at her brother's impassive face, she recalled her café conversation with Hashima .
This is my chance. I'll prove myself to him.
"Then I'll begin the questioning."
After taking a steadying breath, Horikita fixed her gaze on the two Class D boys across from her.
"First question: You claim Sudō was the one who called you out. What was his reason for doing so? Please explain in detail—this is crucial for us."
Komiya Hagumi met the black-haired girl's eyes. Having rehearsed this, he didn't falter.
"Sudō said he had something to discuss with me and asked to meet at the special building. So I went."
"Then why did your classmate Ishizaki accompany you? He isn't a member of the basketball team."
"You'd have to ask Sudō that."
Komiya's voice turned resentful.
"I was in the running for the starting position too, but the seniors gave it to him instead."
"We argued about it during practice. Not only was he rude, but he outright threatened me, saying I should just give up—that I'd only embarrass the team if I became a starter."
"And then he called me out privately. I was afraid he'd try to force me to drop the competition, so I asked Ishizaki to come with me."
"Exactly." Ishizaki Daichi's expression twisted in anger. "This guy's always had a short fuse. It wouldn't be surprising if he did try to threaten someone. So I agreed to go with Komiya."
"And then he beat us up like this. He has to be expelled. If he stays, he'll just cause more violence!"
"That's a lie! I never said any of that!"
Sudō exploded at their claims. None of it was true—he had earned his starting position through skill alone. There had been no such argument with Komiya during practice.
"Please remain calm, Sudō-kun. This hearing is about reasoning, not volume." Tachibana reminded him once again.
"Sudō-kun, just stay quiet for now. Let's trust Horikita-san." Hirata tugged at Sudō's sleeve, urging him to sit back down.
Meanwhile, Horikita felt the pressure mounting. Their responses were too smooth—clearly rehearsed.
After a brief pause, she pressed on.
"I see. So your purpose in bringing Ishizaki was to act as a bodyguard, in case Sudō tried to bully you. Is that correct?"
"Obviously. Sudō's way stronger than me. Of course I'd be worried."
"Then my second question concerns the fight itself." Horikita's gaze sharpened. "I have some experience in martial arts. When facing multiple opponents, combat becomes more chaotic."
"Even if Sudō is stronger than you, the two of you are perfectly capable boys. How is it that, against just Sudō alone, you failed to land a single hit on him?"
"That's the strange part. You're both seriously injured, yet Sudō is completely unharmed."
"Because we weren't there to fight! The student handbook makes it clear—fighting leads to suspension or even expulsion!" Ishizaki touched his bandaged face as he answered smoothly.
"Fine. Let's assume you chose not to fight back."
Horikita nodded before continuing.
"If you willingly gave up resisting, Sudō should have stopped. So how did you end up so badly hurt?"
"Tch. Didn't I already explain this?"
Komiya scoffed, his tone mocking.
"This guy called me out for exactly the reason I thought—to force me to give up competing for the starting position and just be a water boy."
"I refused, so he started beating me. Ishizaki tried to stop him, and Sudō punched him in the face and chest."
"We weren't there to fight. We just wanted to leave, but he wouldn't let us."
Ishizaki cut in:
"And this guy's naturally violent. Even after we stopped resisting, he kept hitting us in the face and chest. Doesn't that prove he doesn't belong in this school?"
"..."
Horikita fell silent. She glanced at Horikita Manabu, but his expression remained unreadable.
"Then… let's call in the key witness. She'll reveal the truth."
Taking a deep breath, Horikita turned toward the door and announced:
"Sakura-san, please come in."