January arrived, bringing even harsher cold after the bustle of December and the peaceful New Year holidays.
At last, winter break ended, and the third sester at Advanced Nurturing High School began.
After the opening ceremony, horoom started as usual in Class 1-A. Their horoom teacher, Chie Hoshinomiya, stood at the podium with her usual laid-back aura, though there was a faintly excited look on her face as she delivered an important announcent.
"Happy New Year, everyone~! Did you all get plenty of rest over winter break? Let's give it our all this sester too! Aaand, right off the bat… starting at the end of this month, there'll be a special exam held at an off-campus facility!"
The atmosphere in the classroom instantly tightened.
"And this ti, all first-, second-, and third-year students will be participating together in a 'three-year joint' training camp format~! The detailed rules and group assignnts will be explained on-site that day, so make sure you're all in perfect condition physically!"
The shocking announcent left the class silent for a mont before the room exploded into uproar.
"A-all three grades together!? Seriously!? We're taking an exam with upperclassn!?"
"If it's a training camp, does that an we'll be staying overnight for several days…? Are we gonna end up sharing rooms with seniors…?"
"So it's not like the Paper Shuffle written exam? What the hell are they gonna make us do…?"
The unfamiliar format—and the fact that they would be competing alongside upperclassn they had never interacted with—filled the students with anxiety and confusion.
That was only natural. Up until now, every special exam had been a battle among first-years alone. But this ti, they would be thrown onto the sa battlefield as seasoned veterans who fully understood the harsh realities of the school.
However, just as unease threatened to swallow the classroom, a clear and dignified voice cut straight through it.
"Everyone, listen!"
Honami Ichinose stood up smoothly and clapped her hands loudly, drawing everyone's attention.
"It's true that this is the first ti we've had a three-year joint exam, and I totally understand why everyone's nervous. But through all the special exams so far, we've learned how important it is for the whole class to work together, right? And I believe Class A has the strongest unity out of all the first-years!"
With a bright smile like the sun itself, Ichinose looked at each of her classmates one by one.
"No matter what kind of exam it is, we'll be okay. We've got reliable people like Aizen-kun and Kanzaki-kun, but we've all grown too. If we support each other, I know we can overco any obstacle together! Let's all get through this training camp smiling as Class A!"
"...Yeah! She's right! Let's all do everything we can!"
"Yeah! Let's do our best together as Class A!"
Responding to Ichinose's words, Shibata clenched his fist firmly, and the other students began voicing their determination as well. It was obvious that the class had recovered from the setbacks of the second sester and grown significantly stronger ntally.
(Whoa…! Everyone's so positive! Ichinose's charisma is as strong as ever, and the class atmosphere is at its peak!)
Watching his dependable classmates, I was deeply moved inside while quietly wearing a fearless smile.
After school.
Ichinose, Kanzaki, Hiyori, and I gathered at the café Palette in Keyaki Mall to discuss preparations for the upcoming exam.
Drinks sat on the table before us. I took a sip of my favorite black coffee, savoring the aroma as I calmly wet my throat.
"Still, without knowing the official rules, there's not much we can do to prepare specifically," Ichinose said, stirring her iced tea with a troubled smile.
Ichinose and I had already learned through student council duties that a three-grade joint special exam would be held in the third sester. However, strict confidentiality rules prevented us from revealing that information.
"You're right… The best we can do for now is probably hold study sessions to improve the class's overall academic ability, and maybe learn more about the upperclassn through club activities and such," Hiyori suggested gently while holding her cup with both hands.
"Indeed. Since the exam contents remain a black box, strengthening our own foundation and preparing for unforeseen circumstances shall beco our ultimate 'absolute defense wall'... No, I an, building a strong foundation is the best strategy. Sorry."
Kanzaki nodded seriously before suddenly snapping back to reality and coughing awkwardly.
"Kanzaki-kun!? You mixed weird phrases in again! Please, I'm begging you, just talk normally!?"
"Guh… Sorry, Ichinose. I still can't shake the habit of unconsciously trying to connect to Aizen's abyssal thought process…"
(Ichinose! Kanzaki! Please stop having these conversations in front of !! My ntal HP is getting shredded!!)
Though Kanzaki had mostly recovered from his severe "stylish syndro" after repeated warnings from Ichinose, he still suffered occasional relapses where chuuni phrases slipped out unintentionally.
Ichinose gave a small wry smile at his behavior before imdiately returning to her serious leader-like expression.
"No matter what kind of exam it is… the most important thing is making sure nobody gets expelled."
At her serious words, Hiyori nodded softly.
"Yes, I feel the sa way, Honami-chan."
I cleared my throat, placed my cup back on its saucer, and slowly spoke.
"—The road we walk is one shrouded in thorns and darkness. Yet we shall cross this false garden without losing a single soul. We will never allow those who follow behind us to fall into the abyss."
(Translation: No matter what kind of exam cos, let's all overco it together without losing anyone!)
As I spoke, Hiyori smiled gently and translated.
"He says, 'No matter how unreasonable the exam is, we'll absolutely overco it together as a class without losing anyone.'"
"Yeah! With Aizen-kun around, it feels like we've got the strength of a hundred people. Let's all work together and get through this!"
Ichinose nodded brightly.
"As expected of Aizen. Even before seeing the battlefield, your resolve to protect the entire class is already unwavering. I'll support you with everything I've got as well."
And so, after sharing our basic resolve and mindset for the unknown special exam, we left the café together.
That weekend evening.
Hiyori and I invited forr student council president Manabu Horikita to my dorm room.
"As always, your cooking skills are exceptional. This goes far beyond the level of ordinary student cooking."
After tasting the al I prepared, Horikita-senpai widened his eyes slightly behind his glasses in admiration.
"Hehe, right? I think Sousuke-kun's cooking is the most delicious in the world too."
Seated beside , Hiyori smiled proudly as though the complint were directed at herself.
"—Then I'm glad if I could ease even a fraction of the fatigue of a forr king."
(Translation: I'm glad it suited your tastes. Thank you for your hard work every day!)
Once the al ended and I finished brewing black tea, I quietly lowered my tone.
"—Now then. Shall we move on to the main topic, Manabu?"
At my words, Horikita-senpai placed down his teacup and straightened his posture.
"Ah. Since you went out of your way to call here, this must concern the student council. Or perhaps the upcoming special exam?"
"—The man who now sits upon the new throne lacks the courage to strike directly at the forr king's neck. Instead, he will target the sturdy foundation supporting the king… or perhaps the beautiful 'sheath' standing beside him."
As I issued my stylish warning, Hiyori imdiately translated with a serious expression.
"He says, 'There's a high chance Nagumo-senpai will try sothing in the next exam to bring down Horikita-senpai. Not necessarily targeting you directly, but possibly your classmates—especially Tachibana-senpai.'"
Hearing Hiyori's straightforward words, Horikita-senpai quietly closed his eyes and exhaled.
"...I see. Given the timing, this special exam involving other grades will probably be the last one of its kind. Nagumo, obsessed as he is with , would never let this opportunity pass. However…"
He paused briefly before continuing with a tone that still carried a degree of trust toward Nagumo.
"When it cos to competition, that man never lies. If he intends to challenge head-on, then I'll accept."
(Senpai really is too stoic… He evaluates Nagumo too honestly.)
I sighed inwardly.
(He may not lie in competitions. But that doesn't an he fights fairly. The mont he proposed that 'collateral expulsion' rule in the student council, his intentions beca obvious. Behind the competition itself, he's absolutely trying to expel Horikita-senpai's classmates—especially Tachibana-senpai—as harassnt. But…!)
I gritted my teeth.
(As a student council mber, I'm bound by confidentiality. I absolutely cannot reveal the specific penalties of the exam right now. Damn it, this is frustrating!)
Unable to reveal the rules directly, I gave him the strongest warning I could.
"—Even if one withstands the blade from the front, one must not underestimate the poison fangs approaching from behind. What disrupts the board is always malice lurking beyond it… Do not beco so blinded by the crown's brilliance that you fail to notice the mud beneath your feet. Remain vigilant regarding him and those around him."
(Translation: Nagumo-senpai will definitely use dirty tactics. Please be extrely careful—not just yourself, but also Tachibana-senpai and everyone around you.)
After hearing Hiyori's flawless translation, Horikita-senpai nodded deeply.
"...Understood. Thank you for the warning, Aizen. And you as well, Shiina. I'll keep a close eye on Nagumo's movents."
Thus, as the unknown special exam approached, everyone's sches and caution quietly intertwined.
To strengthen the class overall before the exam, starting the next day we opened the classroom after school and began voluntary study sessions.
Whenever student council work allowed, Ichinose and I participated as tutors alongside Hiyori and Kanzaki, helping improve our classmates' academic abilities.
"—This formula is the key to unraveling the truth of the universe. Cast aside foolish thoughts and simply follow the future guided by the equation."
"U-um… So basically, we just plug the numbers into the formula?"
"Sousuke-kun ans, 'This formula is extrely important, so make sure to morize it properly and apply it directly.'"
"Ohhh, I get it! Thanks, Aizen-kun! Hiyori-chan!"
Hiyori instantly transford my overly dramatic explanations into gentle, understandable words, allowing our classmates to learn with smiles. Through the study sessions, both the class's unity and academic ability steadily improved.
(Yeah, yeah, everyone's doing great! This peaceful, cooperative atmosphere feels amazing…)
While maintaining a dignified stance in front of the blackboard, inwardly I simply wished this peaceful school life could continue forever.
Then, January 21st—the day before the special exam.
For … no, perhaps for the world itself, this was the most important day imaginable.
It was the birthday of my beloved girlfriend, Shiina Hiyori.
For this day, I had spent weeks carefully planning schedules, reserving restaurants, and selecting gifts.
That holiday afternoon, while waiting at the entrance of Keyaki Mall, I spotted a familiar figure hurrying toward through the crowd.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sousuke-kun!"
The mont I saw Hiyori smiling slightly out of breath, my thoughts completely froze.
She wore a pale blue duffle coat with fluffy white fur around the collar and a cute white beret perched atop her head. She looked overwhelmingly adorable—like a fairy of snow itself.
(C-cuteeeeeeeeeee!!! What is this, a winter angel descending from heaven!? The fingertips peeking out from her sleeves, the cheeks slightly red from the cold—every detail is perfectly adorable! The destructive power is too high to look at directly!!)
I scread internally, nearly letting my face lt into a lovestruck grin, but at the last second I mobilized the full ntal strength of my "Aizen Specs" and shifted into my usual stylish mode with a composed smile.
"—Even the frozen winter sky seems capable of turning into spring with a single smile from you. …It suits you beautifully, Hiyori."
"Hehe… Thank you. Hearing you say that makes really happy, Sousuke-kun."
Hiyori's cheeks turned cherry pink as she smiled shyly.
(Damn…! For the sake of protecting this smile, I feel like I could cast Black Coffin even without spiritual pressure…!)
Naturally holding hands, we first headed to the large bookstore inside Keyaki Mall.
For soone who loved books as much as Hiyori, a bookstore was practically a the park. We leisurely browsed shelves together, discussing mystery novel tricks we had recently read and recomnding books to each other.
"Sousuke-kun, this author's new work was really amazing. The narrative trick was brilliantly done…"
"Oh? If you praise it that highly, then I absolutely must read it."
Just watching her happy expression was enough to fill my heart.
After shopping, I escorted her to a luxurious Italian restaurant I had reserved—one of the fanciest places in the mall.
The dim indirect lighting and quiet classical music created a refined atmosphere as we were guided to a window seat overlooking the nightscape.
"Wow… This place is so wonderful…!"
Hiyori looked around with sparkling eyes.
I opened the nu and ordered a premium full-course al. Starting with wagyu carpaccio, followed by rich truffle cream pasta, and finally roasted lobster as the main dish.
"It's delicious…! Really delicious. But… hehe. To , the food you always make is just as delicious and special too, Sousuke-kun."
"—Even the artistry woven by professional skill pales before those words of yours. …I would gladly continue satisfying your palate with my own hands."
(Translation: Hehe, that makes really happy. I'll keep making lots of homade als for you from now on too!)
Watching Hiyori eat happily, I internally pumped my fist.
(An angel who places my homade cooking on the sa level as high-class Italian cuisine!! Sure, my private points are vanishing at terrifying speed, but seeing Hiyori smile like this makes it all worth it!!)
Their conversation never ceased throughout dinner as they talked warmly about class matters, future school life, and each other.
To conclude the evening, I invited her back to my room.
Shielded from the winter cold outside, the room was warm with heating, filled with the rich fragrance of premium Darjeeling tea I had carefully brewed.
"Thank you so much for today, Sousuke-kun. I had an amazing ti. I never imagined I'd have such a wonderful birthday celebration…"
Sitting deeply into the sofa, Hiyori held her teacup with both hands and smiled happily.
"—If I could add even the slightest color to the path you walk, then nothing would please more. …This is proof of my celebration for you. Please accept it."
(Translation: I'm really happy you enjoyed today. This is my birthday present for you—please take it.)
With my stylish phrasing, I placed two small boxes on the table.
Hiyori nervously opened the first long box.
"Ah…!"
Inside was a beautiful silver bookmark with intricate craftsmanship—perfect for a girl who loved books. Delicately carved into the handle was a lily flower motif.
"It's so beautiful… I love collecting bookmarks, so this makes really happy."
"I'm glad to hear that. But there's one more thing."
I opened the second small square box.
Resting atop a velvet cushion was a delicate platinum necklace adorned with a tiny snowflake motif. At its center sparkled a pale purple athyst resembling the color of Hiyori's eyes.
"Sousuke-kun… This…"
"Excuse for a mont."
I stood from the sofa and moved behind her.
Then, carefully, I placed the necklace around Hiyori's slender neck as she stiffened in surprise.
(Whoa whoa whoa!! She's so close!! Hiyori's nape is insanely beautiful!! And the sweet scent of her shampoo is hitting my brain directly!! My heartbeat is definitely over 180 BPM right now!! Calm down, ! If my hands shake here, it'll be a lifelong humiliation!!)
Though in total panic internally, I fastened the clasp with the precision of a surgeon before quietly returning to face her.
The snowflake necklace suited Hiyori's pale skin perfectly.
"Wow…"
Hiyori gently touched the necklace—and then large tears began spilling from her eyes.
"Sousuke-kun… Thank you… This is the happiest birthday I've ever had…"
Seeing her tearful expression tightened my chest painfully.
"—The tears falling from those eyes outshine even the stars themselves. Yet what I wish to see upon your face is not sorrow, but only joyful smiles."
"Hehe… yes. Sorry, I'm just too happy… I'm really glad I t you, Sousuke-kun. I'll treasure this present forever."
Wiping her tears away, Hiyori showed the most beautiful smile in the world—a smile blooming like a flower in full blossom.
(Hiyoriiiiiii!! I'm the one who's grateful we t!!)
After that, we spent more peaceful ti drinking tea before I reluctantly escorted her back to her dorm room.
"Goodnight, Sousuke-kun. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Sweet dreams."
Returning to my own room, I let out a deep breath into the quiet stillness.
(…I'm so happy. Hiyori really seed happy too. It turned into the best birthday possible, didn't it? …Alright!)
I clenched my fist tightly and stared into the darkness outside the window.
(To protect this happy everyday life, I'll absolutely lead Class A to victory in the special exam starting the day after tomorrow!)
As I replayed the image of Hiyori's radiant smile in my mind, I quietly—and fiercely—ignited my fighting spirit for the brutal mixed training camp exam that lood ahead.
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