Seeing that Amane had understood her, Ichinose's expression softened slightly.
"You should take these points; consider it compensation from Class B to you, Amane. Class B will also help with the follow-up matters..."
Ichinose's words were interrupted by Amane raising her hand.
"Wait a moment, please allow me to ask one more question."
Amane's expression was serious and earnest.
Ichinose's heart immediately tightened again.
"Amane, you go ahead and ask."
"Class B chose to accept the proposal of receiving a hundred class points to change their stance. What is your attitude towards this, Ichinose?"
Amane's surgical precision in questioning immediately cut to the place Ichinose least wanted to answer directly.
"This... the matter has already happened, so my attitude is no longer important, right? I certainly don't want you, Amane, to fight alone... but..."
Ichinose's stammering words and evasive gaze all told Amane that the truth was exactly as Amane had imagined.
"Who am I speaking to, Ichinose Honami, or Ichinose Honami of First Year Class B?"
Amane once again posed a seemingly incomprehensible question. They were both Ichinose Honami, so what was the difference in adding the class prefix?
The intelligent Ichinose, however, understood.
She hesitated but still chose to answer Amane.
"I am Ichinose Honami of First Year Class B. Amane, you should understand that since I was chosen by everyone to lead Class B, it's impossible for me to act solely on my personal will."
Ichinose explained sincerely.
But did Amane truly not understand?
Amane had been exposed to these things since childhood and understood them far better than Ichinose. Amane's repeated confirmation had only one purpose.
"So, it was Ichinose Honami of Class B who supported doing this, then."
Amane's gaze became somewhat profound. Although Amane stood there without moving or any change in expression, it was as if in an instant, Ichinose felt that the Amane in front of her seemed to possess a heavy feeling of having experienced and carried many things.
"That's right, I admit, I was swayed. As the leader of the class, I must strive for the greatest collective interest for Class B... In fact, if I wanted to refuse, it would have been quite simple."
"As long as I opposed it, even if the entire Class B supported it, I would have a way to reverse everyone's thoughts and make them make the same decision as me. However, this time I chose to support the transaction. As a friend, I don't want you, Amane, to be abandoned, but as a leader... I also have no right to regret. Agreements signed in the name of the class must be absolutely fulfilled. I hope you can accept my selfish reasoning. If you can't accept it... I can only apologize to you, Amane, and do my best to compensate you. Besides that, I have no other way."
For a class leader to speak so clearly and thoroughly with Amane showed that Ichinose had indeed opened her heart to her.
However, Amane was actually never a sentimental person.
To put it nicely, she was carefree.
To put it harshly, she was stone-hearted.
No matter how emotional the words, in Amane's ears, they were nothing more than an equal exchange of interests.
In the choice between known immediate benefits, uncertain future benefits, and the unknowable value of friendship, Ichinose chose the most direct immediate benefits.
Would Amane feel sad about such a decision?
No, she wouldn't.
What bothered Amane was being stabbed in the back by a friend.
The title she cherished so dearly was merely a disposable bargaining chip in others' eyes. This was what displeased Amane.
But what was interesting was that Amane believed that even if she were in Ichinose's position, she would not hesitate to abandon a friend for immediate gain when making a choice.
The future?
God knows what the future holds. Sometimes, people just have to live in the present.
So Amane's current mood was a complex one: she could understand and empathize with Ichinose's actions, but she was also angry about Ichinose's betrayal.
The compensation for Amane was probably requested by Ichinose herself; otherwise, she wouldn't believe that the guys in Class B would be kind enough to give her such generous compensation.
But the betrayal had indeed happened.
Ichinose Honami had admitted that she played a huge role in it.
It was truly difficult.
However, no matter what the final outcome of the matter was.
Amane would not easily let go of those who betrayed her.
Understanding is understanding, but understanding cannot be eaten.
"Honami, did you ever consider that I might do something excessive to your Class B by doing this?"
Amane asked in a joking tone.
"Of course we did, but our Class B is still relatively united."
Ichinose smiled reservedly.
She said nothing, yet it was as if she had said everything.
The implication was clear.
Ichinose had never seen Amane's true methods; she had only seen Amane take advantage of a loophole in words to trick Ryuuen once.
That was all.
Ichinose obviously didn't think that Amane, a mere individual, could pose any threat to a unified Class B.
This was Ichinose Honami's confidence.
Coincidentally.
Amane loved to trample on the dignity of those who were confident.
"You all take care of yourselves."
Amane casually threw the card Ichinose gave her onto the ground.
Was fifty thousand points a lot? Not a small amount, but to Amane, it was like charity.
"You hit someone with a slap and then try to settle it with money? I'm not that worthless."
Amane finished speaking and turned to leave the school building.
Only Ichinose remained, staring blankly at the card on the ground, letting out a deep sigh.
Was sacrificing a friend for a hundred class points really worth it?
The answer was yes, it was worth it.
If sacrificing a friend could truly exchange for a hundred class points, Ichinose might exchange all her friends outside her own class for class points.
This was human nature.
Was her judgment wrong? Ichinose's actions were, surprisingly, the most normal and rational ones.
"Where are we going next?"
Horikita Suzune saw Amane stop walking and, realizing that Amane didn't intend to go back, turned to ask Amane for her thoughts.
"Suzune, you go back first. I'm going to chat with a few people."
"Chat?"
Horikita narrowed her eyes.
"I'm going to see boys! Suzune, you don't believe me!"
Amane puffed out her cheeks, an expression that said, 'I'm very angry, what are you going to do about it?'
"Ahem, I wasn't worried you'd do something rash... Just remember to come back tonight."
Horikita pinched Amane's cheek.
The two said goodbye downstairs in the dormitory building.
After watching Horikita Suzune get into the elevator.
Amane went to the stairwell.
She didn't want Horikita Suzune to get involved in her plans either.
Just as Kushida Kikyo didn't want others to see her true self.
Amane also didn't want Horikita to see her other side.
Upon reaching the floor where the other party was located.
After confirming there were no passersby in the hallway, Amane arrived outside a dormitory room and, without any hesitation, knocked on the door.
A voice quickly came from inside.
"Who is it?"
"Miyako Amane. Ayanokoji-kun, please open the door quickly. It would be very troublesome if someone saw us."
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