Once the results of the Paper Shuffle were announced, the results were as follows: +100 points to Class D for winning over Class C, and +100 to Class A for winning over Class B.

**Sucks Class B couldn't get the win over A, but at least we didn't lose to C in the end.**

I had made my way over to the mall to meet up with some friends. Kei messaged me as I made my way there.

Kei: Hey, I've been watching you from a distance, and you were right. Somebody has been stalking you...

Y/N: I knew it.

Kei: They're not from Class C like you thought, though.

Y/N: What?

Kei: I think they're from Class A.

**Class A? I don't know anybody in Class A except Sakayanagi and Katsuragi. Neither one of them would be able to follow me and go unnoticed. Who is Kei talking about?**

Y/N: Do you think you could give me a physical description?

Kei: I snapped some photos. I'll send them to you now.

Y/N: Thanks. One more thing, though. After you send those pictures, get far away from this mall.

Kei: You make it sound like the mall is going to blow up, or something.

**I don't want anybody to know we're affiliated. Ryuen already has his eyes on you, so I can't let our connection leak. Not until I find a better way to protect you first.**

Y/N: It just might... Kidding! But actually, I do need you to leave.

Kei: Fine, whatever.

She sent the photos through and we left it at that. As I looked at the attached photos, I became confused.

**It's her? Why..?**

I met up with everybody else and made it to their location at the mall.

Akito: There you are.

Y/N: Yo, what's up guys? Sorry, I'm late.

Yukimura: We were talking about the Paper Shuffle results.

Akito: In the end, no one from any class was expelled.

Y/N: Weird, isn't it?

Haruka: Chabashira-sensei said that this exam usually saw a few expulsions every year.

Sakura: Maybe she just said that to scare us?

Y/N: Or maybe this is the most elite class of first-years this school has ever seen.

Yukimura: Not impossible, but I wouldn't indulge in that fantasy...

Some Class C girls walked past us as they went on their way.

Yukimura: I thought Class C would've made a move by now.

**Keisei's being careful of what comes next. Class C's hunt for the mastermind isn't over yet, and as a suspect, he knows that well.**

Haruka: Class C doesn't really look like they're much better than us at studying.

Akito: Considering the results, they might even be worse.

**In Class C's defense, they only really had around 1 day to prepare... We had an entire month.**

Akito: Doesn't Class C feel strange, though?

Haruka: They're always strange. What do you mean, Miyatchi?

Ever since the Paper Shuffle ended, Class C has been keeping a close eye on us. Even right now, one of Ryuen's lackeys, Komiya, was spying on us from a distance.

**I asked Karuizawa to watch my back, but she doesn't need to if they make their spying so blatantly obvious... For her safety, I should tell her to stop.**

Akito: During our study sessions, those Class C guys made contact with us. But now it's a different person this time. Ishizaki and Komiya showed up at the Archery Club and said they were just taking a look, but their eyes were on me the entire time...

**I guess that explains why Komiya is here right now. He followed Akito over.**

Sakura: Isn't it that they're just interested in the club?

Sakura was too innocent to even remotely comprehend the level of scheming that was constantly going through Ryuen's head.

Akito: It would be great if that was the case, but it didn't feel that way.

Yukimura: Did they do anything to interfere with your practice?

Akito: They couldn't do anything with the seniors around. By the time practice ended, they left.

Y/N: Well, as long as they're not messing with you...

I thought about Karuizawa. Suzune was previously Ryuen's biggest lead, but now he knew about Kei. He may not have figured out who "X" was yet, but he was spot on with Kei. I took out my phone and started to message her, but I stopped.

**No... If Komiya is here, it's possible somebody else might be nearby as well. I can't give away any connection I might have to Kei while they're potentially around.**

I was torn about what to do. Ryuen wasn't making any drastic moves yet, but that didn't mean Kei was safe from them. I started to seriously consider cutting ties with Karuizawa for the sake of getting her uninvolved.

Haruka: Look around, everybody. It's almost Christmas.

With our finals wrapped up, we were soon going to be headed into our Christmas Break. The mall was decorated with festive Christmas decor, and the mall was playing Christmas-themed music.

Y/N: I guess it is about that time of year, huh?

Yukimura: It's not like a special day. It's a day just like any other.

Haruka: Maybe not for you, Yukimu, but for girls it's different. It's surprisingly difficult.

Yukimura: How did this become about gender?

Sakura: R-Rumors might crop up.

Haruka: Yeah. Like who's dating who. Who spent the night together, and stuff like that.

Y/N: It's that big of a deal for real?

Haruka: Mhm. You'll see.

Sakura: Y/N... D-Do you have plans for Christmas?

Y/N: Not in particular. Not yet, at least.

Haruka: Look at you, Airi! Is someone issuing an invitation?

Sakura: N-No!

Haruka: How brazen!-

Akito: Eh?

Akito had his attention elsewhere as Haruka teased Sakura. We looked over to see what he was staring at and saw a few students walking together. A strange mixture of students.

**Arisu Sakayanagi of Class A. Honami Ichinose of Class B. And Mika Okura of Class D. What are those 3 doing together?**

Akito: Kind of weird to see the leaders of A Class and B Class hanging out together like friends. Okura-san, too.

Yukimura: Especially after they just fought each other in the finals.

Haruka: Aren't they basically rivals?

Akito: I don't know much about that girl from Class A, but that's fair company. Between Okura and Ichinose, they can get along just fine it seems.

Haruka had her eyes focused on Ichinose.

Haruka: To be honest, she makes me kind of uncomfortable.

Y/N: Ichinose? Why? You don't like her?

Haruka: I wouldn't go that far. But she just seems too perfect at everything she does. It's kinda like, how can she even be real? A person needs a few flaws to be likable, you know?

Y/N: Hypocrite.

Haruka: Come on...

Akito: When someone seems like a total saint, it does ring a few alarm bells.

Sakura: But... I'd like to believe some people like that exist.

Yukimura: If we make it to Class C, Ichinose will be our next target. It's best to keep her at arm's length.

We watched them walk off. For some unexplainable reason, I felt the urge to get between them. I saw both Mika and Ichinose as friends, but Arisu knew about my SalRo past. I didn't like seeing her be buddy-buddy with my allies.

Y/N: Guys... Uh, hey, I'll catch up with you all later.

Akito: What's wrong?

I got up from the table.

Y/N: Just dropping in to say hi...

I didn't have a good reason for approaching them, but I still did. I left the table and made my way over in their direction. They all noticed my presence before I even got close.

Ichinose: Y/N?

Mika: Hey, you.

Y/N: Hey, guys. I'm not intruding, am I?

Ichinose: Not at all. We were just taking a walk.

Y/N: I see.

Mika: Want to tag along?

Y/N: Well-

I looked at Arisu. She had that same smile on her face she always had and I couldn't help but feel like she was up to something. That was just the vibe her smile gave off.

Mika: This is Sakayanagi-san from Class 1-A. Have you two met?

Y/N: I mean-

Arisu: Not personally. I have seen your face around, though.

**Why would she lie about that..? What's she up to?**

Y/N: Yeah... It's nice to meet you.

Arisu: If I'm remembering correctly, you put on quite the show during the sports festival. That was you, right?

Y/N: I had a little race with the former student council president, yeah.

Arisu: Impressive.

Y/N: Thanks. What're you three up to, though?

Ichinose: We all just happened to run into each other not too long ago.

Y/N: Really? What a coincidence.

**A "coincidence" is a lie... Neither Arisu nor Ichinose would've run into each other by coincidence. Were they after each other? How did Mika get involved with these two anyway?**

Mika: We were talking about the results of the Paper Shuffle.

Ichinose: I'm happy for you, Class D. You came out on top against Class C.

Mika: We're scratching the backs of Class C now. We're within 100 points of them now.

Ichinose: I'm glad.

Y/N: Uh, this might be an awkward question, but what about you two? Ichinose and Sakayanagi?

Ichinose: There is no bad blood between us. Besides, the difference between our scores wasn't too large. I like to think that in terms of studying, we're pretty relative to each other.

Arisu: Class A won, but there was no foul play involved. Just a fair 1 on 1 against the classes.

**What does she mean by that? Is she implying that Class D VS Class C wasn't a fair match? How much does she know?**

I figured I must've just been overthinking how much Arisu actually knew. Her knowledge about SalRo's existence made me paranoid about everything she did.

Y/N: Well, I'm glad that your classes are both being good sports about the results. It was nice seeing you guys, though. I'll get out of your hair now.

Ichinose: Actually, you can stick around, if you want to.

Arisu: That's right. We don't mind at all.

I glared at Arisu, but didn't want to instigate anything right now. I didn't trust a word that ever came out of her mouth, but I knew starting anything with her was a bad idea right now. I already had Class C to worry about.

Y/N: I appreciate the offer, but I have somewhere to go.

Mika: I see. It was nice seeing you, then.

Y/N: Likewise. And Happy Holidays to you all, just in case we don't see each other again before Christmas.

Ichinose: Merry Christmas to you as well!

I waved and made my exit. I failed to build a divide between Arisu and the other two, but I couldn't find an opening to do so. Either Arisu was just that good, or I was being way too skeptical of her.

**Maybe I don't need to break them apart after all... Arisu said she wouldn't bother me until I handled Ryuen first, and she has stayed true to her word so far. For the most part...**

I looked around as I left. There was somebody specific I was searching for. After a little bit, I found her. I approached the girl sitting by herself using her phone.

Y/N: Hey.

She didn't move or acknowledge me.

Y/N: I'm talking to you...

She finally looked up as if she had only just now realized I was here.

???: Me..? What?

I sat down on a chair across from her. I didn't remember her name at first, but I did now. It was Masumi Kamuro from Class 1-A. The girl who originally brought me to Arisu in the first place.

Y/N: You've been trailing me. Why?

Masumi: What the hell are you saying?

Y/N: Snappy, aren't you? I was just wondering if you had business with me or something...

I opened up my phone and showed her the photos Kei had taken. They were of Masumi, the girl who had been stalking me.

Masumi: What? But when..?

Y/N: Unimportant.

Masumi: So what if I'm tailing you? Got a problem with that?

**She's a feisty one.**

Y/N: I'm not upset with you. I just want to know what's going on. Not like I'm being harmed or anything.

Masumi: Exactly, right. It's just a coincidence after all.

Y/N: I wonder what your boss would think about that.

Masumi: Boss? Been watching too many movies..?

Y/N: Then I guess I should report to Sakayanagi that you're not fit to be a tail.

I started to get up, but she stuck out her leg to stop me.

Masumi: Hold on a minute...

Y/N: You're pretty devoted to Sakayanagi. You've been trailing me for days, haven't you? This isn't our first interaction, either. You two must be close.

Masumi: You joking? There's no way I'd want to obey that kind of person.

Y/N: Liar, liar, pants on- Okay, you're spending your precious student life doing something as boring as trailing me. You must really trust and respect her, huh?

Masumi: Absolutely not. I'd cut all ties with her right now if I could.

There was no deception in her voice. She was being serious.

Y/N: Why do you obey her, then?

Masumi: Doesn't matter, right?

Y/N: If you dislike her, but you're still obeying her, then she must have some dirt on you. She's got you by your weakness.

**The same way I initially got Kei to cooperate with me.**

Masumi: What are you trying to say..?

Y/N: Nothing. Just that if I were to turn you in to her right now, don't you think she'd no longer have a use for you? That dirt she has on you might come into the light.

Masumi: So you're threatening me too?

Y/N: "Too"?

Masumi: What's wrong with you? Don't you find it weird Sakayanagi's targeting you?

**Not at all. She already made it clear why she's interested in me.**

Y/N: I don't know.

She stared at me closely and then squinted.

Masumi: You're the one Ryuen's looking for, aren't you? That's the only thing that comes to mind.

**First Hirata, and now this girl who I've only ever spoken to twice. Is it that obvious..?**

Y/N: What'll you do if I was?

Masumi: You didn't outright deny it.

Y/N: So?

Masumi: If you're threatening me, then I'll just tip off Ryuen.

Y/N: Now you're threatening me? Well played, I guess. But you know, I wasn't completely serious about turning you in to Sakayanagi. Let's make a deal.

Masumi: Being what?

Y/N: You can trail me for as long as Sakayanagi makes you. I won't tell her about this, and it'll be like you never got caught. In exchange, don't tell anybody about me except Sakayanagi.

**It doesn't matter what Kamuro reports back to Arisu. Arisu already knows too much.**

Masumi: A give-and-take exchange?

Y/N: Sounds like a fair trade to me. Both of our secrets are protected. No downside.

Masumi: That's for sure... I'm not interested in Ryuen anyway.

She got up.

Masumi: I'm going back now. I'm tired.

Y/N: Bye.

**With her silence, I don't need to worry about her leaking my identity to Ryuen. Still, though, those Class C goons won't give it a rest... They're targeting all of Class D in an attempt to force the mastermind out of hiding. Class A isn't making this any easier, either. At least with Masumi keeping up with the charade, I can temporarily pacify Class A.**

I got a text on my phone. It was from Kei, but I made sure nobody was around before checking it.

Kei: Y/N, I need to talk to you.

Y/N: What's wrong?

Kei: I will call you about it later today.

Y/N: Is it an emergency? Call me now if it is.

Kei: Now doesn't really work... I'll call later.

Y/N: Alright.

{Later}

As promised, Kei called me about what was on her mind.

Y/N: You okay?

Kei: I am, but... Someone from Class C was following me today. Any advice?

Y/N: Karuizawa... You said it wasn't an emergency. Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Kei: I couldn't. They were hot on my trail.

Y/N: Did they do anything to you?

Kei: No, they were just following me and Satou.

I sighed.

Y/N: Next time that happens then let me know at that moment. And I apologize, you were right.

Kei: About what?

Y/N: Not telling me immediately was the right call.

**If I did something about it, then my identity would've been compromised. Kei made the right choice.**

Y/N: I think you should be okay to just ignore them. There isn't really anything else we can do right now.

Kei: Are you sure?

Y/N: Yeah, for now. Goodnight, Karuizawa.

{Tomorrow}

Sudo barged into class fuming. He was so angry that he had steam coming out of his ears like a cartoon bull.

Sudo: Damn those guys... Who the hell do they think they are?

Ike: Sudo-kun?

Sudo: Those Class C guys have been picking fights with me in the halls all morning. They even blocked my path in the corridor. I'm getting pissed off.

Hirata: You didn't get physical with them, did you?

Sudo: No, I ignored the cancer and came here...

Suzune: Good. It seems you followed the instructions well.

Y/N: Instructions?

Sudo: Suzune told me to just ignore it if I know I can't handle it properly.

**Sudo's maturing-**

Sudo: Maybe I bumped into their shoulders on my way through. The guys in the other classes saw it, though, so it should be fine.

**-slowly, but surely...**

Sudo went away to blow off some steam. Suzune started to think to herself.

Suzune: I wonder what Ryuen's after this time.

Y/N: Really? Are you messing around, or do you really not know?

Suzune: Is it something I should know?

Y/N: Yes... It's kind of impacting everybody in Class D right now. He's looking for the mastermind controlling Class D from the shadows. In other words, he's looking for you.

She squinted at me.

Suzune: Using me as your invisibility cloak won't work anymore it seems. Is that what had you so stressed out the other day?

Y/N: Not exactly.

Suzune: Still, if Ryuen considered that the mastermind could be me, he would have acted by now. But he hasn't done anything to me.

Y/N: Maybe he's just being careful about his attack this time. You did get him good during the Paper Shuffle after all.

Suzune: I wonder about that. I don't think about it that way, though. Rather, I think he has just lost interest in me.

Y/N: You say that like you're unhappy about losing his interest. If all you want is attention, then I'm all you need, Suzune.

Suzune: That's not what I mean... Do you want me to kick you?

Y/N: Don't kick me... You know I'll have to get even.

Suzune: Do you have a plan to fight him?

Y/N: Nope.

She took that personally and started acting like a brat.

Suzune: Leaving me out of the loop, as usual, I see.

Y/N: Don't be like that, Suzune... I'm serious this time. I don't know what to do about him yet. I'm waiting to see what Class C does first.

Suzune: Okay... But you will help me, right,

Y/N: With?

Suzune: Reaching Class A.

Y/N: As long as that's what you want, and as long as it doesn't become something I literally can't do. Yeah, I'll help you.

She got up and walked over to my desk before putting a book down on it.

Y/N: What's this?

Suzune: It's due back today.

Y/N: Okay? Take it back, then. Or is this some cryptic message that I'm not getting?

I inspected the book, but there was nothing peculiar about it.

Suzune: Will you return it for me?

Y/N: You lazy little- Ugh, you're lucky I can't say no to that face... I'll return it after school today.

Suzune: Please do. If it ends up overdue, I'll-

Y/N: I got it, Suzune, chill.

After class, I made my way over to the library to return the book. When returning the book, I spotted a lone girl trying to reach for a book.