The students of Css B looked on with puzzled expressions as the members of the Uesugi Group returned to the cssroom.

  Did… something happen?

  They had left perfectly fine just a few hours ago. So why did they return looking so grave?

  And then there was Ichinose. Normally, she would have immediately sensed that something was off with her cssmates and asked about it. That was just the kind of person she was.

  Yet now, she was casually chatting with her friends as if nothing had happened.

  Which meant…

  The students of Css B instinctively turned their eyes toward the one walking at the back—Uesugi Gen.

  It was you, wasn’t it?!

  Their conclusion was the same as Kanzaki Ryuji’s.

  If Ichinose was acting strangely, there was only one possible culprit—Uesugi Gen.

  But then, a phone notification broke the silence.

  One by one, students’ phones chimed as they received messages.

  And in an instant, their suspicions were overturned.

  Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the school day had ended.

  A strange atmosphere lingered in Css B’s room.

  On the surface, everything seemed normal—students were happily chatting about their own affairs.

  But their eyes occasionally drifted toward Ichinose as she prepared to leave.

  "Well then, see you all tomorrow!"

  Ichinose waved with a bright smile.

  "See you tomorrow!"

  The entire css responded in unison, their tone oddly formal—like children politely bidding farewell to a parent.

  "See you tomorrow, Uesugi-kun."

  Ichinose turned to Uesugi, still smiling.

  Uesugi returned the smile.

  "See you tomorrow."

  Yeah, right!

  The moment Ichinose stepped out of the room, Uesugi’s expression dropped.

  You’re in for a surprise soon enough.

  As she walked away, Uesugi subtly signaled to Andō Saya.

  It’s time.

  The Uesugi Group immediately snapped to attention, preparing for action.

  First, Andō Saya would follow Ichinose, pretending to need her help with something to stall for time.

  While Ichinose was distracted, the rest of the Uesugi Group would spread out and position themselves at different angles, ensuring she was monitored from every direction.

  Once her exact destination was determined, the members in other positions would move ahead and wait for her arrival.

  And finally, Uesugi’s role—keeping Ichinose occupied through text messages to divert her attention.

  What a childish way to say goodbye.

  Kanzaki shook his head, recalling Ichinose’s friendly farewell earlier.

  …Wait.

  Something wasn’t right.

  Why are there still so many people in the cssroom?

  By now, most students would have left. But today, at least thirty people were still here.

  Before Kanzaki could voice his thoughts, a timid voice spoke up:

  "Um… Uesugi-kun, is it really true that someone confessed to Ichinose?"

  The moment those words were spoken, the Uesugi Group immediately realized—

  The pn had changed.

  We’ve got a leak!

  Kanzaki instantly scanned the room, narrowing his eyes at each Uesugi Group member.

  And then—

  He saw Shibata Sō, shifting uneasily in his seat.

  Unbelievable!

  Kanzaki’s blood boiled.

  He knew full well that if Css B had gotten wind of this, it had to be someone from their group who spilled the beans.

  And yet, despite knowing this, Shibata still went ahead and leaked the information. That took some serious guts.

  If Kanzaki had noticed, there was no way Uesugi wouldn’t have.

  Sure enough, Uesugi slowly turned his head toward Shibata, giving him an eerily knowing smile before walking toward the front of the room.

  Shibata broke into a cold sweat.

  Uesugi stood at the podium and calmly addressed the css.

  "So… you all stayed behind for this?"

  Nods.

  A wave of fervent nods spread through the room, like baby birds eagerly pecking at the ground.

  "Go back to your own business. I’ll handle it."

  His firm rejection made it clear—this was not up for discussion.

  "Uesugi-kun, we’re worried about Ichinose too. Just sitting back and waiting for news… we can’t do that."

  The one who spoke was Amikura Mako, one of Ichinose’s close friends.

  "And what exactly do you all pn to do?"

  Uesugi’s sharp gaze swept across the room.

  "We don’t know if this person is friend or foe. We don’t even know their identity. That love letter was clearly targeting Ichinose, and other csses won’t be as soft-hearted as us. What if this is a setup? What if someone intends to harm her?"

  He paused, letting the words sink in before delivering his final blow:

  "Can you… bring yourself to fight if it comes down to it?"

  His words hit like a hammer.

  Amikura Mako’s face went bnk.

  Can we… really fight if necessary?

  But then, she looked around the room.

  Almost all of Css B’s male students were still present.

  Which meant—just as Uesugi suggested—the person in question was most likely from another css.

  Possibly even part of a rger scheme.

  If they let their hesitation put Ichinose in danger…

  No. That could not happen.

  Amikura Mako suddenly stood up, bowed deeply, and pleaded,

  "I don’t know if I can, but I’ll try. So please, Uesugi-kun—let me come with you!"

  Uesugi studied her for a long moment before speaking.

  "You get one chance. If you hold us back, I won’t bring you next time."

  "I understand. I won’t let you down!"

  With Amikura leading the charge, others quickly followed.

  "Uesugi-kun, can I join too? I’m worried about Ichinose."

  "Me too! Please, let me come!"

  "I… I want to help as well."

  Before long, nearly the entire Css B had signed up.

  Uesugi smirked.

  Of course, he was the one who had leaked the information.

  By uniting the entire css under a common goal, they were now determined to take action.

  It was a rare opportunity—one Uesugi wasn’t about to waste.

  His real objective was to correct their overly soft hearts.

  Even if they weren’t ready today, this experience would pnt a seed.

  One that would eventually grow into something much stronger.

  So no, it wasn’t Shibata who had tipped them off.

  It was me—Uesugi Gen!

  Heh. Shibata, you backstab me time and time again. Let’s see how you like a little payback.

  Once the css settled down, Uesugi cleared his throat.

  "Listen up. I’m ying out the operation pn now."

  And so, for the first time—

  Css B embarked on a massive joint operation.

  Would it go smoothly?

  Well… that remained to be seen.