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The first week of school slipped away like sand through fingers.
The campus of Koudo Ikusei High School, after the initial hustle and tentative explorations, gradually settled into a new, competitive daily rhythm.
The First Year classes, like stones thrown into water, saw their ripples gradually subside, each finding their initial positioning and survival methods under the 'merit-based' rule.
In Class 1-A, the changes were particularly noticeable.
Sakamoto's presence had gradually integrated into the class's daily background from its initial 'shock' and 'peculiarity.'
His unique elegance and composure no longer made everyone feel abrupt or uncomfortable; instead, it became a matter of course.
The elites of Class A began to get used to the black-haired young man who always arrived just in time to take his seat, maintained a straight posture, and moved with a strange sense of rhythm.
But this did not mean that Sakamoto's brilliance had faded.
On the contrary, when he precisely answered the professor's tricky questions in class, when he incisively pointed out logical flaws in group discussions, and when the results of several quizzes from the first week of school were announced—Sakamoto's name hung high at the top of the list, with 'perfect score' etched like a brand on every test paper.
That shock, stemming from his absolute ability, still clearly resonated in the hearts of every Class A student.
He did not need to deliberately show off; his unfathomable knowledge and control were, in themselves, the most dazzling halo.
Katsuragi Kohei sat in his seat, his burly frame still steady, but the sharp edge of 'leadership' in his brows had significantly softened.
He watched Sakamoto calmly receive yet another perfect test paper, his gaze complex, finally dissolving into an almost inaudible sigh.
He realized that in the face of Sakamoto's absolute ability, vying for so-called 'leadership position' was meaningless.
The cohesion of Class A should perhaps be built around Sakamoto as its core.
He silently adjusted his own positioning—to become a supporter behind Sakamoto, assisting him in uniting the class and safeguarding the honor of Class A. This seemed to be the optimal solution.
Totsuka Yahiko, who had initially scoffed at Sakamoto's 'pretentiousness,' now also put away his disdain.
He looked at Sakamoto's consistently elegant and sincere demeanor, at his impeccable report card, and the little awkwardness and resentment in his heart were eventually replaced by an indescribable sense of admiration.
This guy... is truly outstanding.
So outstanding that it left people speechless.
He pouted, no longer trying to look at Sakamoto with critical eyes, but simply silently regarded him as a goal to look up to and strive for.
The initial worry and anxiety deep in Kamuro Masumi's purple eyes also gradually dissipated in the calm of this week.
Sakayanagi Arisu... that silver-haired young lady, played the role of an active organizer in the class, handling some trivial class affairs, demonstrating the ability and sense of responsibility expected of a Class A elite.
She was truly just fulfilling the duties of a Class A student.
From Ryuuen Kakeru's side, it was like a stone sinking into the sea; no 'tests' or 'actions' targeting Sakamoto were reported.
Was Sakayanagi and Ryuuen's conspiracy just a lot of thunder but little rain?
Or did Sakamoto's unfathomable ability and aura temporarily make them cease their activities?
The 'sense of security' that grew in Kamuro's heart due to Sakamoto's powerful ability seemed to have strengthened a bit.
Perhaps... her worries were truly a bit excessive.
However, Kamuro also clearly knew that the potential, true core of Class A was not Sakayanagi, who was busy with trivial matters, but Sakamoto, who seemed to be uninvolved yet subtly influenced the class atmosphere everywhere.
Sakayanagi's brilliance, in the face of Sakamoto's star-like existence, ultimately seemed a bit dim.
Some of Sakamoto's unique words and actions, after being spread, gradually accumulated some 'reputation' among a portion of well-informed or curious First Year students.
No longer just a character like a god descended from heaven in rumors, Sakamoto's image also seemed to gradually become more comprehensive; his dashing actions were mentioned in private conversations, making Sakamoto a 'somewhat special' existence in the eyes of students.
And the news of Sakamoto working part-time at the shopping center cafe also quietly spread over the weekend, arousing the curiosity of some observers.
"Sakamoto works at a cafe?"
"Aren't school rules against part-time jobs? How did he do it?"
"How about we go check it out this weekend?"
These questions and discussions circulated among some students.
Some people who were curious about Sakamoto, or students who had heard about those 'special incidents,' came to the cafe over the weekend with the mindset of 'seeing is believing.'
The cafe on the weekend was a bit livelier than usual, but not completely packed.
Most of them were First Year students, along with some older students from higher grades, their faces showing curiosity and an investigative look.
Inside the cafe, the atmosphere was relatively relaxed. Sunlight streamed through the windows, and the air was filled with the aroma of coffee.
Sakamoto, wearing a neatly pressed black Waiter's apron, moved with a straight posture and composed steps, shuttling between several tables.
He looked calm, his movements fluid, serving coffee or pastries to guests with elegant and natural composure, blending into the cafe's atmosphere.
"Ten lattes, three americanos, two cappuccinos, to the third table by the window."
The order came from the counter.
Sakamoto held a round tray with one hand, on which ten steaming cups of coffee were steadily placed.
The liquid in the cups swayed slightly with his steps, but always remained below the rim, not a single drop spilling.
He walked steadily towards the table by the window, precisely placing the coffees one by one in front of the guests.
The entire process was smooth and fluid, without any delay, and that control over balance and strength made the students at nearby tables who noticed this scene show surprise and admiration.
"Wow... it really didn't spill..."
"His movements are so steady..."
"Is that the Sakamoto?"
Low whispers arose among several tables.
Sakamoto's performance undoubtedly confirmed that those rumors were not groundless.
The cafe owner stood behind the counter, a satisfied smile on his face, looking at the slightly increased customer flow.
This student Waiter, Sakamoto, indeed brought him good profits, and his work ability was impeccable.
He even bought this position using points himself; it was truly like finding a treasure.
Sakamoto's name, like a quietly rising star, emanated a unique light.
Sunlight streamed through the cafe's large floor-to-ceiling windows, falling on Sakamoto's tall figure.
He was steadily placing a cup of coffee in front of a lady sitting alone in a corner.
This lady had soft, shoulder-length brown curly hair, with slightly curled ends, and an elegant and intellectual demeanor. She wore appropriate casual clothes and did not look like a student.
She slightly raised her head, her gaze calmly looking at Sakamoto, with a hint of subtle scrutiny and interest in her eyes.
Sakamoto gently placed the coffee cup down, bowing slightly with elegant posture:
"Your coffee, please enjoy."
The brown-haired curly-haired lady picked up the coffee cup, gently sniffed its aroma, but her gaze remained on Sakamoto.
A faint curve seemed to form at the corner of her mouth, as if... she had something to say.