Hoshinomiya and kiyo

Maezono seemed to have understood the signal well and left the classroom ahead of me.

"I'm going to the bathroom for a bit."

I casually excused myself to the teacher and stepped out into the hallway of the special building. As I walked down the hallway, another person left the classroom and followed behind me.

"Ayanokoji-kun."

Hoshinomiya-sensei approached me, her voice just loud enough to not disturb the quiet atmosphere of the hallway.

"Are you going to the bathroom? Can I have a moment?" She asked as I stopped and turned around. She moved closer, reducing the distance between us to the point where she could easily touch me.

"It was surprising to see you as a representative today. I didn't expect it at all."

"Is it that surprising? I was also a representative in last year's year-end special exam." I mentioned this as a suitable comparison, and Hoshinomiya-sensei slightly wrinkled her nose.

"My class has no more chances. It's D class, you understand? If Ayanokoji-kun participates, our chances of winning decrease. Do you get the sarcasm?" She spoke her mind openly without sugarcoating it. As a teacher, I felt she might be overstepping her boundaries, but I decided not to touch on that.

"I don't consider your class an easy opponent. Your class is strong. Considering the rules we've been given, ...

"I actually feel at a disadvantage in this situation," I replied.

"Whether it's an advantage or disadvantage doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is the result, victory." It's true that clinging to uncertainties is pointless.

"That may be true. All we can do is strive for mutual success—" I was interrupted by Hoshinomiya-sensei.

"Give us the win. I'd like you to hold back." It was a direct request, much more blunt than what Kanzaki had said before.

"That's quite a demand. As the one entrusted with the leadership, I can't hold back."

"I'm not saying it should be for free. What if I offered you a proper reward in return?"

"There aren't many rewards that would be worth conceding victory. Especially considering that you're a teacher. Interfering in students' battles would be breaking an unspoken rule, wouldn't it?"

As she glanced around to ensure no one was listening, Hoshinomiya-sensei moved half a step closer.

"I can't afford to lose to Sae-chan. I'm willing to do anything for that."

"I see. So you don't care about your position as a teacher."

"Exactly."

"Then, let me ask. What kind of reward are you prepared to offer?"

"Anything within my power. For example, I could provide information about the special exams that will be held for third-year students ahead of time."

I asked, expecting to see just how far she would step out of her role as a teacher, but this surpassed my imagination. Right here and now, she couldn't say such things even as a lie unless she was 100% sure I wasn't carrying any recording devices.

"If you're willing to go that far, why not share the information with the class you’re in charge of?"

"Those kids are no good. They can't be tainted by evil. Even if I made such a proposal, they wouldn't be able to make use of it. They'd probably try to protect me instead."

Even if Ichinose craved victory, she wouldn't easily resort to cheating. She would unhesitatingly stop Hoshinomiya-sensei, knowing it would jeopardize her position as a teacher. It seems she understands that much.

"But you, Ayanokoji-kun, are different, right? I'm sure you could make good use of the information."

"Thank you for the offer, but the risk is too high. I must decline."

Hoshinomiya-sensei probably didn't expect me to accept such a dangerous proposal.

"Then what kind of reward would you want? Can you propose something yourself, Ayanokoji-kun?"

"I don't have anything in particular, so I'm waiting for your proposal."

"Ugh... well, there are other things too. Something only I can do... or something like that," Hoshinomiya-sensei said as she reached out with her right hand and gently touched my ear.

Hoshinomiya-sensei gently worked her hand on my ear.

"Are you going to clean my ears?"

"Don't joke around. You know what I'm getting at, right?"

She showed a willingness to do whatever it took, regardless of the consequences. However, no matter what kind of reward she offered, teaming up with Hoshinomiya-sensei here would only be a risk. It would be easy to dismiss her as a foolish teacher desperate for victory, but things aren't that simple. Her determination to do anything for victory is undoubtedly genuine.

If that's the case, just as she can't take back her words, it's possible she could use what I say against me. I need to consider various risks.

"You're giving me a very unpleasant look, Ayanokoji-kun. It's as if... you can see right through my mind."

"What you can do now, Sensei, is just wish for Ichinose Class's victory."

"You really won't let us win, will you?"

Facing Hoshinomiya-sensei, I took a step back.

"Of course not. Horikita Class and Ichinose Class are in completely opposite positions."

"Then I might resort to any means necessary."

"That's interesting. I'll look forward to it, including that. Excuse me."

Saying that, I turned my back and walked toward the restroom. Hoshinomiya-sensei didn't call out to me anymore, nor did she try to follow me.