Volume 1: C3 For a record

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With introductions complete, students quickly formed new groups or joined those already established. Some headed to the dormitories, others made their way to the café, and a few planned to go to karaoke—each eager to explore the facilities offered by the school.

Meanwhile, Ichinose was hounding Mamoru, pressing him for details about his earlier interaction with Hoshinomiya Chie.

"Hazama-kun, about your questions earlier..."

"Ah, that... Honestly, I just asked whatever came to mind at the time," he replied, brushing off her curiosity.

I quickly interjected at his poor excuse. "Really? Sounded like some well-thought-out questions to me."

Mamoru only stared at me.

"But I'm curious about what we can actually buy in this school," I added, purposely hinting at them. "Hoshinomiya essentially said we can buy anything here."

"Maybe we could buy information on how the school system works?" Ichinose suggested.

"I would advise against that," he responded gently.

"Huh? Why, Hazama-kun?"

"When I tried to press Hoshinomiya-sensei on how our worth relates to us, she deliberately avoided answering. It feels as though she's been instructed not to respond to certain questions—though not all of them, like when I asked what the camera was for."

"Then why are you against us buying the information?"

"If sensei refused to answer, it means the question was sensitive enough that answering it could lead to significant consequences," he quickly added. "I'm just saying that if we're trying to buy an answer or information, it will probably cost more than our private points."

Yeah, bro, totally questions I just made up on the spot, he said. It's clearly a well-thought-out question, he even gave it good reasoning.

I didn't realize you were already this impressive, Mamoru. I wonder where you learned all this from.

"What makes you so sure about that, Hazama-kun?"

Mamoru was quiet for a moment, his face expressing displeasure before he looked sideways.

"Personal experience." He said, refusing to elaborate.

Pfft.

I can't help but stifle a laugh.

"Hey, don't laugh."

"Sorry, Mamoru. Looks like Uncle Akihito and I taught you well."

Ichinose tilted her head at me, wearing a questioning expression.

"Ah, Akihito is Mamoru's father. He's a police officer, and we often mess around with Mamoru, it's really entertaining."

Mamoru just sighed.

"I wonder how you get along with adults easily."

"What can I say, Mamoru? I'm just that charming." I answered confidently.

"Anyway, Ichinose, there's something I need to say to you. Or, if you can, you might want to pass it on to everyone in the class."

Ichinose raised an eyebrow, looking at him curiously. "What is it, Hazama-kun?"

Hazama leaned in slightly, his expression serious. "Save your points. Don't spend it needlessly."

Ichinose paused for a moment, then nodded, taking his words to heart. Her eyes said everything to me.

**

It's been a while since our fruitful discussion ended. I grab my bag and head out of the classroom—until someone stops me.

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