This collar-grabbing posture reminded Kaoru Mitoma of his experiences from the previous world.
Toru Asakura had done something similar, though she was just straightening his tie.
His emotions slightly stirred, his thoughts returning to reality.
The girl's subtle fragrance teased his adolescent body.
Before he could act, Arisu Sakayanagi lowered her voice again.
"Strange, facing a girl who throws herself into your arms, Mitoma-kun heartbeat is quite steady."
"Probably because someone has done this before" Kaoru Mitoma didn't shy away.
Even though it was long ago, facts were facts and he couldn't forget every idol.
"Suddenly, I feel a bit unwilling, but never mind" Arisu Sakayanagi left his embrace, smiling slightly.
"I'm not interested in your past, after all, I know the you of now."
Actually, Kaoru Mitoma didn't care about her past either.
Whether from the recent conversation or previous talks, it was clear that Arisu Sakayanagi had once met Kiyotaka Ayanokouji and there was some relationship between them.
However, upon closer observation of Kiyotaka Ayanokouji's reaction, it seemed that he had no feelings towards Arisu Sakayanagi.
Was it just that Arisu Sakayanagi knew Kiyotaka Ayanokouji?
Moreover, what did "masterpiece" mean?
Kaoru Mitoma was somewhat concerned about the desires surrounding Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, which, unlike others, leaned more towards toying with him.
For example, making Kiyotaka Ayanokouji drop out or forcing him to wear women's clothing.
"Alright, stop being jealous, Kamuro-san."
"I'm not jealous!"
"Don't you want to stay by his side?"
"You talk too much."
As their voices gradually faded away, Kaoru Mitoma was about to take out his phone when another figure appeared before him.
"What was that all about?" Suzune Horikita straightforwardly expressed her confusion.
"The arrogant you in front of me is actually just someone else's pet? If it's a joke, then it's a bit over the top."
This direct and uncompromising questioning style was typical of her, making one wonder if she usually couldn't read the room.
Probably no one would pay her any mind, especially with her high-and-mighty attitude.
"This matter shouldn't concern you, right?" Kaoru Mitoma looked at her, puzzled.
Suzune Horikita coldly replied "It does concern me. I don't want to see my opponent as someone else's dog, it would lower my status."
"Your pride is something else, but you're not yet qualified to be my opponent," Kaoru Mitoma said.
"Is that Ayanokouji-kun over there your helper?"
Suzune Horikita slightly averted her gaze but continued.
"There's no rule that says I can't do that, is there?"
"Of course not, go ahead. But our previous agreement still stands. If you're pinning your hopes on this exam, I suggest you prepare now."
His words made Suzune Horikita frown and she couldn't help but feel a bit irritated, her tone tinged with displeasure.
"Before the exam results are out, whatever you say is meaningless chatter. Or are you annoyed because you think I'm going to break through your trap?"
Kaoru Mitoma fell silent.
It seemed she still didn't understand her current predicament.
However, this couldn't be blamed on Suzune Horikita, as it was hard to imagine that the exam's answer would be so simple.
Her thoughts were clearly still focused on her group members.
Today, she had specifically called out Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, probably to understand the other group.
Being able to do this showed that Suzune Horikita had some awareness, far surpassing most people.
But this still wasn't enough.
Without a doubt, Arisu Sakayanagi would soon know the answer and perhaps even more people would find out.
Suzune Horikita's personality was prone to getting stuck in a rut.
If she were misled during this period, she might never think of the answer.
"You go ahead and work hard with Ayanokouji-kun. I have some other matters to attend to" Kaoru Mitoma said, taking out his phone to contact Kanzaki Ryuuji and also informing Honami Ichinose about the recent events.
Although the two of them were in a fake relationship, it was still necessary to report to avoid any future reckoning from his little girlfriend.
Suzune Horikita pursed her lips, her stubbornness flaring up again.
Since he looked down on her, she would prove herself and see who would be the star then!
Besides, if you can be someone else's dog now, why can't you be my dog?
Having thought this far, Horikita Suzune made up her mind.
She would find the VIP of the Dragon Group within the next few days, and she would do it relying solely on her own abilities!
***
"The VIP of the Rat Group is Ishida, the VIP of the Ox Group is Kobashi from Class B, the VIP of the Tiger Group is Kaneda from Class C, the VIP of the Rabbit Group is Karuizawa from Class D and the VIP of the Dragon Group is..."
Listening to Kaoru Mitoma read out the VIPs from each list, Katsuragi Kohei felt somewhat at a loss.
What exactly was going on?
Could they really end the competition right after it had just begun?
Wasn't that a bit too exaggerated?
For some reason, Katsuragi Kohei's mood became quite complicated.
This dream-like feeling was too strange.
Was this what it felt like to be carried by someone else?
"Ahem, I'm not doubting you, but how can we be sure these names are correct?" Katsuragi Kohei didn't blindly trust Kaoru Mitoma, as Class A could suffer heavy losses if things went wrong.
"Did Ishida tell you about his identity?" Kaoru Mitoma countered.
The Ishida he mentioned was also a member of the Katsuragi faction, so Katsuragi Kohei should be well aware of his subordinates' situations.
"The VIP of the Rat Group is Ishida," Katsuragi Kohei nodded.
"Our class has three VIPs in this exam. Besides Ishida, there's also Morishita from the Rooster Group and Rokkaku from the Boar Group," Kaoru Mitoma paused.
"Rokkaku is from Sakayanagi's faction. If we want to confirm the answer further, we can directly approach Morishita."
Katsuragi Kohei's expression turned complex and then he heard Mitoma continue.
"I know what you're thinking. The rules for the VIPs are quite simple. I'm actually a bit worried that Sakayanagi might beat us to the punch."
Sakayanagi Arisu was definitely no fool.
She just lacked a bit of motivation, but she would probably deduce the answer soon enough.
Soon, Kaoru Mitoma explained the rules of the VIPs to Katsuragi Kohei, then pondered for a moment.
"After the first group discussion, if no group has ended the exam, then we'll proceed with the exam at our own pace. You can also share this information with those you trust."
If Sakayanagi Arisu wanted to compete with him, there was nothing he could do.
After all, he wasn't the leader of the uninhabited island and he couldn't change the VIPs now.
Of course, Kaoru Mitoma also had a unique solution.
That was to inform the entire class about the VIPs in advance, thereby claiming all the credit for himself.
However, this approach also carried some risks.
For example, he had to prevent someone like Totsuka Yahiko from accidentally leaking the information.
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