Chapter 29: Price Of Betrayal

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Ichinose was back to her cheerful self, leading her class with renewed spirit. Seeing her resilience brought a smile to my face, but that moment of peace didn’t last long. Three days later, the school announced a new exam: an expulsion vote. Each student would cast negative votes for one person to be expelled and positive votes for someone to receive a protection point.

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Rumors began to swirl, and soon enough, Yamauchi, under Sakayanagi’s influence, started pushing for the class to use their negative votes against Ayanokoji. Later that evening, Kei and Kushida asked to meet Ayanokoji and me at a secluded park.

Kei's voice was filled with concern. “Ayanokoji, there’s talk that Yamauchi is trying to get everyone to vote against you. He’s following Sakayanagi’s orders.”

Kushida added, “We’re worried. If the class turns on you...”

Ayanokoji, with his usual calm demeanor, replied, “I expected this. Don’t worry, we know how to handle it.”

I nodded, understanding what was about to unfold. “We’ll make sure this doesn’t affect us.”

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The next day, I stood before the class and exposed Yamauchi’s betrayal, leaving him visibly shocked. “Yamauchi Haruki you have been colluding with Sakayanagi to expel Ayanokoji. Am i right?” I said firmly. Silence filled the room as everyone processed my words. Then I proposed an idea of giving most negative votes to Yamauchi. Hirata shifted uncomfortably, his disapproval clear.

“This isn’t right. We can't just expel a classmate of us.” Hirata started, but I stepped in quickly.

“Hirata, trust me. We need to protect the class as a whole.”

Reluctantly, he nodded, staying silent.

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The day of the vote arrived, and Yamauchi sat in his seat, nervously glancing around. But he also confident that Sakayanagi would back him, but as Chabashira-sensei announced the results, his expression changed from anxious to sheer disbelief.

“Yamauchi Haruki, you have been expelled due to receiving the most negative votes.”

“No... this can’t be happening! Sakayanagi was supposed to save me!” Yamauchi shouted, eyes wide with panic.

The room remained silent, some with regretful faces, others indifferent. And Chabashira sensei took him out of class. Ayanokoji, meanwhile, received the most praise votes, earning a protection point just like in original story. I allowed myself a subtle smirk, knowing things had played out as expected.

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Later, Ishizaki and Ibuki thanked us, because last night they asked me and Ayanokoji for help to save Ryuen from getting most negative votes. So with Ichinose’s help, we ensured he stayed in school, just as in the original story. After everything settled, I lay in bed, thinking over the day’s events. Doubt flickered in my mind—was it right to expel a classmate? But Yamauchi’s betrayal couldn’t be overlooked. Convincing myself, I sighed and let sleep take over, ending a long, eventful day.

--Chapter 29 ends--

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