In practice, I can issue tasks to my master.

"Snapped!"

The hand and mouth completed a synchronized operation.

Honami Ichinose... held her nerve.

Then, she did something that surprised Nangong Cheng again—she wrapped her legs around his waist, hugging him like a sloth.

"Keep going, don't stop."

"..."

Nangong Cheng hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he decided to grant the girl's capricious request.

About half an hour later.

He supported Ichinose Honami, whose legs were weak, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested on his chest.

Finally, it's time for normal chatting.

"Chengjun~"

Honami Ichinose's voice was as soft and gentle as her body, like a kitten basking in the afternoon sun.

"There are students from Class C in Class D?"

"Ah."

Nangong Cheng played with the girl's carefully cared-for hair and said, "It's Shiina-kun."

"Ok?"

The girl's voice carried a hint of wariness, and she tightened her grip on the man's neck.

Will there be any in Class A as well?

Nangong Cheng shook his head: "No, because Longyuan has partnered with Class A."

"Huh? Really?"

"It's highly likely. After all, although Long Yuan likes to make high-risk decisions, he's not stupid enough to leave himself no way out."

Honami Ichinose's expression became more serious.

But not many.

She had no attachment to Class A, and the reason she was willing to continue leading Class B was to live up to the trust of her classmates.

However, if she can secure a spot in Class A, she certainly won't give up this opportunity easily.

"So, what should we do?"

"Hmm... but if it goes according to my plan, this time it might be a bit of a hardship for Ichinose... Honami and your class."

Honami Ichinose lightly touched Makoto Nanami's cheek with her finger, then said lazily, "It's okay, I'll do whatever Makoto-kun says."

"Just come to me when you need me, and I'll cooperate with you."

Nangong Cheng nodded and said nothing more.

The two enjoyed a leisurely time for a while longer before returning to Class B's camp.

"Ah~"

Lunchtime.

Honami Ichinose openly fed the animals, and Makoto Nanami readily accepted.

However, the gaze from Netkura Mako was so intense that even if she were to suddenly stab someone with a knife the next second, it wouldn't surprise Nangong Cheng.

As for Ibuki Mio, she remained silent, but the way she looked at Nangong Cheng was quite subtle.

Perhaps they are worried about Hiyori Shiina.

After lunch.

Since Nangong Cheng didn't really intend to freeload in Class B, he helped out a little to win over these little angels.

But the way Netkura Mako looked at him remained the same...

Hmm, it's hard to say.

"Cheng-kun, you've worked hard~"

Honami Ichinose naturally followed along closely the entire time, displaying a remarkably obedient and devoted demeanor.

She handed him a bottle of water she had just drunk from, and after watching Nangong Cheng drink it, she reminded him, "Cheng-jun, the time for the stronghold to refresh is almost here."

"Okay, I'll be going now. I should come around the same time tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll wait for you, Chengjun."

Ichinose Honami watched Nangong Cheng leave like a steadfast statue before turning around.

Seeing the pitiful look on Wang Cang Ma Zi's face, she couldn't help but pat her head and coax her like a child, "Okay, Ma Zi~ don't be angry~"

"I……"

Asako Amakura opened her mouth, wanting to say that she wasn't angry, but seeing how Ichinose Honami was trying to please Nangong Cheng, she did feel very uncomfortable.

Whether her best friend was truly committed to Nangong Cheng or was doing this for the sake of the class, she felt it was too humiliating.

Do you remember what I told you?

Just as Amakura Asako understands herself, Ichinose Honami also understands her best friend very well.

After all, a girl's thoughts are always written on her face.

It's too easy to understand.

"Fanbo... I really don't understand."

Asako Amakura grabbed Honami Ichinose's hand and pulled her out of the base until she was sure no one would hear their conversation.

“If it’s just about getting a spot in the student council, you’ve already done more than enough.”

“You don’t owe Nangong Jun anything.”

No, that's not it.

She owes Nangong Cheng a lot.

Honami Ichinose smiled and patted Asako Amakura's head, then patiently explained, "Asako, I know you care about me, but I also know what I'm doing."

"You just imagine me to be too perfect, but in reality I'm just an ordinary girl who makes mistakes and has her own selfish desires."

"So, all I hope for now is that when you finally discover the truth, you won't hate me."

"..."

Net Warehouse Mako's expression was complicated.

Honami Ichinose does indeed have a very perfect image in her mind, perhaps because she subconsciously wants to be a girl like Honami Ichinose.

Therefore, she felt complicated about Ichinose Honami's behavior of being so close to Nangong Makoto, because it did not conform to her understanding and imagination of Ichinose Honami.

Now, Honami Ichinose herself has expressed her hope that Ichinose will not hate the Honami Ichinose who was once so perfect in her eyes.

"I won't hate you, Honami."

"Never..."

Asako Amakura grasped Ichinose Honami's right hand with both of hers, her face pleading, and said, "So, can you tell me, Honami, why did you do this?"

"I'm sorry... no."

Seeing the sudden dimming in Asako Ayakura's eyes, Honami Ichinose couldn't bear it any longer and offered a brief explanation—

"It's not time yet, Pockmarked Man."

"When the time is right, I will tell you everything. I believe that by then, you might be able to understand me."

"..."

Net Warehouse Mako pursed her lips.

When the time is right...

So when exactly was it?

What will happen between you and Nangong Cheng behind her back while you wait?

"Fonami, is there... nothing I can do for you? Is there really nothing?"

Honami Ichinose's eyes flickered.

She tentatively asked, "Ma Zi, how far are you willing to go for me?"

"I'm willing to do anything!"

Amakura Asako thought that Ichinose Honami had finally been moved by her sincerity and was about to give in.

But the girl's next words cooled her excitement once again.

“Ma Zi, I’m really happy to be here at Advanced Incubation, happy to meet you, and happy that we can become good friends.”

Honami Ichinose's smile and voice remained as gentle as ever, as did her gentle touch on his head.

However, what she said was somewhat cruel.

"But we are all just students."

"So saying 'I'm willing to do anything' is too heavy a burden, and you shouldn't say it so casually, even to me."

Netware Mako murmured.

"I just wanted to help you, Fanbo..."

"Would you like to be like me?"

"Like me, do you unconditionally believe in Chengjun and unconditionally give your all for him?"

It felt like a thorn was stuck in my throat.

Netware Mako suddenly lost her voice.

If she didn't want Fanbo to show her disappointment, she only had one answer.

But...why?

Honami Ichinose gently stroked the girl's cheek, her gaze fixed on her trembling pupils that seemed about to burst into tears, and finally sighed.

“Ma Zi, don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

"You can't help me right now."

Volume 1: 84. Wow, there's even outdoor exposure!

It was roughly the same time.

Something is being discussed at Class A's base.

"Yamamura-kun, are you sure there are fewer than ten people in Class D's base?"

Katsuragi Kohei, who was being questioned.

His expression remained as serious as ever, and coupled with his much taller stature than his peers, he could easily frighten timid people.

The reason for this scene is that yesterday, Masumi Kamuro suggested that Miki Yamamura go infiltrate Class D or even several other classes.

The students in Class A are now aware of Miki Yamamura's peculiar presence, so the feasibility of this plan is quite high.

However, everyone knew that Miki Yamamura and Masumi Kamuro were members of Sakayanagi Arisu's faction, so especially those students who supported Katsuragi leading Class A, they worried that this might be a conspiracy by Sakayanagi Arisu, and initially voiced their opposition.

However, Masumi Kamuro only said one sentence.

"Some people shouldn't be so cynical. Even if we really intended to betray the class, you would only find out afterward, understand?"

"So it doesn't matter if you don't want to adopt it. Anyway, I'm just preventing you from having a hindsight opinion after the exam."

Finally, Katsuragi Kohei stepped forward and approved the proposal, but stated that Yamamura Miki must report back to Class A on time every day.

That's why we're in this situation now.

Miki Yamamura clasped her hands tightly in front of her, feeling very nervous under the gaze of so many eyes.

Fortunately, Masumi Kamuro was there to keep her company.