As a frail beauty who had been on leave from Hakuo Academy for years, Kasumi Aika's poor health was well known throughout the school.
Even during her rare appearances in class, she always looked pale and sickly, her lips devoid of color, and her movements light and unsteady. She gave the impression that she could collapse at any moment, which worried everyone around her.
But today, she gave off a completely different impression.
Her sickly aura had vanished. Her complexion was rosy and healthy, nothing like the fragile look she usually had.
When she heard the comment, Kasumi Aika's lips curved into a bright smile.
If there was anything she was most pleased about over the past two weeks, it was undoubtedly the improvement in her health.
"My body has undergone some adjustments recently. It's a lot better than before."
Miki Hanabishi was surprised. After taking a closer look at her, she nodded in agreement.
"You really do look much better. Otherwise, you wouldn't normally attend a banquet ."
They all knew it wasn't that Kasumi Aika didn't want to attend these events—it was that her body simply couldn't handle it.
Her title of "frail beauty" wasn't because of her long absences, but because her health had been notoriously poor.
"But you really are optimistic about Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki. I thought with your personality, you'd be more on the thief's side."
Izumi Segawa and Risa Asakaze nodded in agreement.
They all knew the vice president of the student council had a mischievous streak—especially her love for watching others make fools of themselves.
Kasumi Aika narrowed her eyes at that comment.
"So, in your eyes, I'm that kind of person?"
The three nodded without thinking. But the moment they did, their bodies trembled.
Kasumi Aika's expression had darkened, and she suddenly pulled out a small notebook and pen from behind her back.
"April 19th, the three student council members thought I was a shady woman. I will remember this clearly."
A chill ran down their spines as they watched her seriously jot down the note.
Isn't this proof that she is a shady woman?
Who keeps a notebook just to record petty slights from classmates?
So this is the infamous "revenge notebook."
Of course, none of them dared say that out loud. If they did, their names would be highlighted, underlined, and probably written in red multiple times.
Miki swallowed nervously and quickly changed the subject.
"Aika, isn't Sakuya here today?"
At the mention of Sakuya, Kasumi Aika paused her writing.
She pointed in a certain direction. Sure enough, a girl in a blue dress was standing there.
"Miss Sakuya and I came together. But she went to greet Miss Nagi and the others first."
Risa's eyes lit up, and she leaned in closer.
"Aika-san, so you already know the secret about that boy?"
Kasumi Aika's smile faded just a little as she gave Risa a sideways glance.
"Risa, I don't mind you digging into other people's secrets, but let me remind you, some things are best left untouched."
A knowing smirk appeared on Risa's face.
She had suspected for a while now that Kasumi Aika was in the loop.
"I do know a little. After all, I've known Sakuya for a long time. She doesn't think I'm the type to gossip, so she doesn't mind sharing a thing or two."
Risa wasn't surprised.
She had already guessed that most people at the birthday party knew the truth, especially those who had transferred out of Hakuo or were particularly close to those involved.
The ones truly in the dark were probably those still attending Hakuo.
Aika definitely hadn't known during the last banquet.
But Kasumi Aika definitely knew now.
"So, it's a secret that you can't tell us?"
Kasumi Aika didn't deny it.
"I can't. Because a secret is only a secret when few people know it."
"Risa, Miki, Izumi—you three aren't exactly known for keeping secrets."
Her eyes locked directly onto Izumi Segawa, whose face twisted in disbelief.
"Eh? Why me? Why not Risa or Miki!?"
Izumi was stunned, and immediately began protesting on behalf of herself while pointing to the others.
But her two so-called friends had already distanced themselves.
"Izumi, please don't lump us in with you."
Risa covered half her face with one hand and pointed at Izumi with the other, as if just being associated with her was shameful.
"That's right. Izumi has the loosest lips. Risa and I only spill the tea when we feel like it. Izumi leaks stuff without even realizing it."
Miki backed her up with no hesitation.
She and Risa at least chose what to leak. Izumi, on the other hand, had no filter.
There was a world of difference between intentional and unintentional leaking.
She and Risa were not idiots like Izumi.
Izumi's eyes widened as if truly hurt by their betrayal.
But neither of them paid her reaction any mind. After all, this was just a typical day for Izumi.
Aika's improved condition… could it be related to that secret?
Miki was beginning to suspect it more and more.
Her guess might not be too far off.
Risa, on the other hand, was more daring. She was already convinced there was a connection.
But they both still remembered Kasumi Aika's warning.
Even with their curiosity, they couldn't just ignore what she said.
The two exchanged a glance, a wordless agreement forming between them.
"Let's ask Hina!" [x2]
They both said it in perfect unison, then laughed aloud.
As expected, when you're unsure of what to do—just ask Hina.
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