Saiki Kusuo's gaze shifted to Ayanokōji Kiyotaka's side, where the target of his current task stood.
Horikita Suzune.
Her beauty was on par with Kushida Kikyō and Ichinose Honami, though she lacked Kushida's cuteness and Ichinose's energy. Instead, she exuded an air of cold indifference, her face practically screaming "keep out." She wore the school's white skirt uniform and dark black over-the-knee socks, her pale thighs faintly visible between the hem of her skirt and the top of her socks.
"Is that Saiki? I think we're in the same class, but there's no need for much interaction."
'Her attitude is annoying, but it works in my favor,' Saiki thought.
Earlier, he'd used his telepathic abilities to learn the school's class assignment rules.
Here, academic performance wasn't the only factor. Adaptability, decision-making, and leadership skills were equally important.
Students in Class D clearly had flaws, and Horikita Suzune's was her lack of leadership. She saw others as burdens, which explained why she was in Class D despite her excellent grades.
Saiki seized the opportunity to relay Kushida Kikyō's message to Horikita. Her reaction was exactly as he'd predicted: immediate rejection.
"Tell Kushida I'm not interested in something as childish as making friends."
With that, Horikita turned and walked away.
Saiki wasn't surprised. He'd simply asked on Kushida's behalf; the outcome didn't matter to him. All he cared about was the coffee pudding he'd be rewarded with.
'I only came to buy supplies and help Kushida to avoid suspicion. It's not like I did it for the coffee pudding.'
Saiki muttered to himself before leaving the supermarket.
Night had fallen by the time Saiki returned to his dorm room.
Using his student ID, he unlocked the door. For a school dorm, the room was luxurious.
It wasn't large, but it was more than enough for one person. Aside from the bed and desk, there was ample space, along with an en-suite bathroom, shoe cabinet, wardrobe, and a student computer—everything one could need.
To Saiki, though, it made no difference. He had no plans to sleep here; home was better.
First, he used his X-ray vision to scan the room, confirming there were no surveillance devices. This ensured he could freely use his abilities in his private space without being detected.
Satisfied, Saiki messaged Kushida about his unsuccessful interaction with Horikita.
Kushida: I see... But thank you so much, Saiki! Let me treat you to a meal tomorrow! (￣︶￣)*
From any angle, Kushida Kikyō was an adorable girl, the type who'd easily charm most boys.
But Saiki had known her true nature from the moment they met—or even before.
Not just her; most of their classmates were oddballs.
It didn't matter to Saiki, though. As long as he got his daily coffee pudding, he was fine.
'Speaking of coffee pudding, now's a good time to test that jelly maker I just bought... Wait, is someone here?'
Saiki turned toward the door, which was knocked on seconds later.
Opening it, he saw a handsome boy.
"Hey, Saiki, it's Hirata. Remember me?"
Saiki recognized him as Hirata Yōsuke, another Class D member. Through telepathy, he already knew why Hirata was here.
"I made a class group chat and wanted to add you. Is that okay?"
Hirata held up his school-issued terminal, smiling.
'Finally, someone halfway normal,' Saiki thought.
'A class group chat? It'd be convenient, even if I don't need it. Not joining might make me seem antisocial, though.'
He nodded and joined the group.
Glancing at his terminal, Saiki saw nearly all of Class D had already joined, even someone like Horikita.
"Thanks, Saiki. I'll leave you to rest now!"
Hirata smiled, nodded, and left.
Saiki checked the group chat. His classmates were already chatting excitedly.
Karuizawa Kei: I can't believe this school has such perks! Amazing! There's even a clothing store with so many cute outfits! Anyone want to check it out tomorrow?
Shinohara Satsuki: I'm in! Let's go!
Kushida Kikyō: Sounds great!
Though it was only the first day, the class was already bonding, clearly thrilled by their new school life.
A school that provided food, housing, and even money—it was beyond their expectations.
Only Saiki knew that everything here came at a cost.
Scanning the chat, he found it uninteresting. Only a few people were actively talking, and many hadn't said a word.
"No one else should bother me now."
Saiki teleported home.
Isolation? For him, it didn't exist.