The room was well-organized, with neatly arranged desks and a large window letting in streams of sunlight, illuminating the space with a warm glow. Manabu was already there, seated at the head of the table, poring over a stack of documents. He looked up as I entered, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise.
"Takashiro," he greeted, his tone steady. "You made it."
I nodded, taking a seat across from him. "I told you I would. What did you want to discuss?"
My eyes scanned the room briefly, noting Tachibana's absence, before focusing back on Manabu. His gaze, sharp behind those neatly framed glasses, held an air of scrutiny, as if analyzing every move I made. The tension in the air was palpable; I could sense that whatever he had to say was significant.
"Firstly, I'd like to apologize for the... unorthodox approach last night," Manabu began, his voice measured. "Tachibana advised against it."
"I figured as much," I replied dryly, leaning back in my chair. "So, let's cut to the chase. What's so urgent that it couldn't wait for a more appropriate time?"
Manabu folded his hands on the table, his gaze unwavering. "I assume you're aware of the recent incident involving Ibuki Mio and the allegations against Class 1-C."
"Of course," I said evenly. "It's been the talk of the school."
"The student council is investigating the matter thoroughly," Manabu continued, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "We have reason to believe that the incident was... fabricated."
I raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Fabricated? That's a serious accusation, Horikita-senpai."
"Indeed," he agreed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Which is why we're taking this very seriously. Our investigation has revealed certain... inconsistencies in Class 1-C's records. And more importantly—your records."
I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Takashiro Ren, you have virtually no documented history prior to enrolling in this school. No entrance exam scores, no prior academic records—nothing. It's as if you appeared out of thin air."
I smirked slightly, my confidence unwavering. "And how does that relate to Ibuki's case?"
"It's all connected," Manabu said, his tone level but firm. "Ibuki's accusations, the lack of concrete evidence, the peculiar timing... and then there's you. A student with no past, suddenly leading a class embroiled in controversy. It's all too... convenient."
I leaned back, crossing my arms casually. "Convenient for whom, Horikita-senpai? Are you implying I orchestrated this?"
"I don't deal in implications, only facts," Manabu countered, his demeanor calm but authoritative. "And here's another fact—you're not exactly known for your transparency. You beat your classmate into submission and allow them to fight in school."
'How does he know that?'
"Fake rumors, by the way. I'm a firm believer in nonviolence," I said smoothly, maintaining my cool facade.
"Sure..." Manabu's tone was unreadable, but I could tell he was scrutinizing my every word. "And what about the rumors of you flirting with third-years, second-years... and even sleeping with some of them? Student relationships are one thing, but engaging in outright sexual conduct is against school rules."
"If a woman is hot, why wouldn't I flirt?" I shrugged, a nonchalant grin spreading across my face. "But we both know you didn't call me here to discuss my love life."
Manabu's expression tightened slightly, but he didn't digress. "Very well, let's focus on the matter at hand. The student council has been investigating the allegations and the... peculiar circumstances surrounding Class 1-C. As the class leader, you're in a unique position. We believe you have information that could clarify this situation."
I crossed my arms, feigning a nonchalant attitude. "And why would I have such information? I'm just a student, Horikita-senpai. I don't control what others do."
"True," Manabu admitted, his eyes sharp. "But you're not just a student, are you? You're the leader of Class 1-C. With that title comes influence and knowledge. Leaders often know more than they let on."
I leaned forward, my gaze piercing into his. "The students who attacked Ibuki—aren't they from your class, Class 3-A?"
Manabu was silent for a beat, clearly calculating his response. "Yes. Which is why I want to make a deal with you."
I tilted my head, intrigued. "A deal?"
"I want you to convince Ibuki to drop the case."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what do I get in return, Horikita-senpai? You're not one to make deals without expecting something in return."
Manabu leaned back, a calculating glint in his eyes. "The student council will... overlook certain discrepancies in your and your classmates' profiles. We'll also provide Class 1-C with certain benefits to help in your pursuit of reaching Class A."
"And what kind of benefits are we talking about?" I probed, eager to understand the full extent of his offer.
"Advisory support from the council on how to navigate the school's politics more effectively. Preferential treatment in certain matters. Consider it a... strategic alliance."
I tapped my fingers on the table, contemplating the implications of his words. "Add 3 million points to the deal, and we have an agreement."
Manabu exhaled slightly, his gaze unreadable. "Fine."
I narrowed my eyes, suspicion creeping in. "You agreed too easily. You could've fought this case and won. You had every advantage, and yet you're conceding early. What's the catch?"
Manabu smirked slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching. "You'll owe me three favors."
"Three? That's a lot."
"I'm willing to take a calculated risk on you, Takashiro. I believe having you in my debt could prove... useful. The favors will be revealed at my discretion."
I steepled my fingers together, a contemplative expression on my face. "Fine, but I have one condition—each favor requires a 24-hour notice, and I reserve the right to refuse if it conflicts with my interests or Class 1-C's."
Manabu considered this for a moment before nodding. "Agreed. We have a deal."
I stood up, the finality of our agreement hanging in the air. "By the way, you keep tabs on my financials too?" I asked, amusement lacing my tone. "You seem to know a lot about my 6 million points."
"You're an anomaly, Takashiro. Anomalies are worth studying," Manabu replied coolly. "But what I want to know is—why hoard so many points?"
I smirked, relishing the intrigue. "Guess, and if you're close, I might tell you."
Manabu adjusted his glasses, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Points secure influence, information, and opportunities. Considering your position, you're either consolidating power, investing in future ventures, or planning something much larger."
"Far from it," I said, leaning casually against the doorframe. "But I'll give you a hint—after the midterms, Class D will be out of competition for the most part."
Manabu's eyes sharpened, a glimmer of understanding dawning on him. "Interesting."
As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me. "Takashiro, are you interested in joining the student council?"
"What position?" I asked, intrigued yet cautious.
"Secre—"
"I decline." I interrupted, shaking my head firmly. "Also, prepare a contract for our agreement. Once Ibuki drops the charges, I want it in writing."
Manabu smirked, "Naturally."
With that, I walked out, leaving Horikita Manabu to his thoughts.
As I stepped out of the room, the weight of the conversation lingered in my. mind. Manabu Horikita was not someone who made deals lightly. For him to concede so easily meant he had more to gain from this than he let on.
I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message to Ibuki.
[Me: Drop the case. We're getting compensated.]
Her reply came almost instantly.
[Ibuki: What the hell? We have them cornered.]
[Me: No, we don't. Manabu's offering 3 million points plus benefits. Take the win and move on.]
[Ibuki: You're making deals with the student council now?]
[Me: I do what's best for us. You in or not?]
She took a little longer to respond this time, but eventually, the reply came.
[Ibuki: Fine. But you owe me.]
I smirked, satisfaction settling in. She always acted like she didn't trust me, but at the end of the day, she followed my lead. Smart girl.