A Liar's Truth [UNDER FINAL REVISION]

Ch 23: All-out war

Third-person point of view

The atmosphere in Class E was far too intense for a Monday morning.

They were supposed to be finalizing their Kyoto field trip groups—an exciting, harmless task. But right now, the room buzzed with barely restrained tension. Most of them had technically chosen already.. they were just waiting on one person.

And, of course, she had to show up late.

As if summoned by the collective yearning, the sliding door creaked open.

"Morning~!" Ginka sang as she stepped inside, beaming as usual, a large paper bag swinging from her arm.

Every head turned. The air stilled.

She blinked at the sudden wall of attention, smile twitching, "..What?"

Sugino didn't even hesitate. He pointed at her like she'd just walked into a courtroom. "Okay, let's just say it—we all want Asano-san in our group."

"Obviously." The class collectively agrees. She's considered fan favorite for a reason. 

Fuwa struck a pose like she was pitching a business deal. "She's got style, snacks, guts—and that unnerving ability to sweet-talk teachers into deadline extensions."

"And enemies into surrender," Chiba added under his breath.

"Anyway, Karma-kun's group is a no go." Hazama snapped, looking like she'd drawn a battle line in chalk. "They already have Kanzaki."

The redhead, lounging in the back like this didn't concern him, tilted his head with a lazy smirk. "You guys sound jealous."

"Oh?" Ginka strolled up to the teacher's desk, pulling out the chair like a queen claiming her throne. She sat down, laced her fingers, and perched her chin on her hands with a teasing sparkle in her eyes. "Go on. Amuse me~"

Karma barely moved, but his smirk deepened. "Obviously, you should come with us. We've got balance. Efficiency. Natural chemistry. It's a no-brainer."

Ginka smiles back, but the type that says she ain't putting up with his schemes. He's definitely gonna continue with his mind games throughout the entire trip.