u/Ok-Basket-3261

Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/148357131

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2086029658852614320

+ Who She Complimented Directly

**Ayanokoji:** After the rooftop incident, Ryuuen was pissed at Ayanokoji but he recognizes his strength. He believed that violence was the ultimate force and that he could break anyone. But the tables turned and he was dismantled by Ayanokoji. Despite the humiliation, Ryuuen admitted that such experiences help him grow. His goal of defeating Ayanokoji has now become more important than reaching Class A. His interest further piqued when he learns that Arisu, Ichinose, Manabu and Hosen have strong opinion of Ayanokoji. Ryuuen respects Ayanokoji.

**Arisu:** Ryuuen was confident that he could defeat Arisu fair & square. But after the year end exam, he wasn't happy with the results. He recognised her as worthy opponent if it wasn't for Ayanokoji's cryptic message, she could have defeated him. During their conversation before her departure, he felt she would be more suitable to face Ayanokoji than him. When Arisu told him that he couldn't defeat Ayanokoji alone and that he needed to change his approach and flexible his thinking, he listened attentively like a child. Ryuuen respects Arisu.

**Ichinose:** He thought Ichinose as goody two shoes, so kind that she wouldn't hurt even her enemies. But in V9, she surprised him when she threatened to expel him if he harmed her classmates. Ryuuen paused and thought for a moment that she was even more troublesome than Arisu. Before the year end exam, he told Ayanokoji that Ichinose was becoming tough and she would tear Horikita apart, and he was right. Ryuuen respects Ichinose.

**Horikita:** After 1st uninhabited island exam, Ryuuen became suspicious and he didn't believe Horikita was capable doing such thing and concluded there must be a mastermind. When Ayanokoji is in front, Ryuuen focuses on Ayanokoji, horikita is just puppet for him, someone Ayanokoji used as cover. Because Ayanokoji is responsible for most of class victories and events, Ryuuen focuses solely on him. Ryuuen doesn't respect Horikita like the other three. But things may change in the future because Ayanokoji said Horikita would become a threat. Now that Ayanokoji has transferred classes, Horikita has opportunity to act on her own.

Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/147838149

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2082874932539851029

Galaxy and stars print looks amazing 😍

Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/147645856

In anime, Horikita is depicted landing blows on Hosen, something that never occurs in the light novel. Before fighting her, Hosen easily knocked down Sudo. Ryuuen also fought Hosen and got dominated until Ishizaki and Albert stepped in. Neither Sudo nor Ryuuen could land a proper blow on Hosen but Horikita, who is much inferior than both Ryuuen and Sudo in strength and fighting experience, somehow managed to punch Hosen and bring him to his knees. Anime also removed when she get slapped by Hosen and sent flying 🥀

Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/147471211

Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/147427036

Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/147374084

https://x.com/i/status/2078126398129004932

#Y1V4.5

I shifted my attention from Sakura and looked into the freezer. Honestly, everything looked the same.

“I think I’ll have this.”

I picked up a standard soft-serve ice cream, the kind that coils around and around. Some of the soft serve had chocolate mixed in, but I’d leave that for next time.

“W-well, I’ll have that too, then. It’s delicious,” Sakura replied.

It felt as though I’d forced her to choose that, but if Sakura was satisfied, then it was probably fine. After we paid and left, everyone gathered in front of the store and began to eat. I opened the package and scooped some ice cream, letting it melt in my mouth.

“This is…really good,” I said quietly.

The sweetness and coldness shivered through my body. This could become a habit. It was honestly revelatory. Who knew ice cream would be this delicious? Eating too much of it could be bad for you, though.

“Whoa, you sure are enjoying that. It’s almost like it’s your first time eating ice cream,” observed Ichinose.

“Anyone would think it’s delicious. Especially in this heat,” I replied. That should’ve been obvious.

“Well, I suppose. It’s just…you’re eating it like it’s something you really love. This is the first time I’ve seen you make a face like that.”

“That’s because he has a face like a doll. His expression never changes,” said Horikita, interjecting on my behalf. Well, she was sort of like a doll herself in that regard.

Horikita and Ichinose began to chatter happily about the second semester, which was about to start.

“Hey, Ichinose. Your popsicle looks pretty rough.”

“Gah! You’re seriously right!”

Ichinose’s popsicle was melting in the heat. Flustered, Ichinose licked what was dripping and then stuck the popsicle in her mouth.

“Mmph, famks bery mug,” she muttered through a mouthful of popsicle.

Was she saying, “Thank you very much”? It seemed that way. Even as it melted, the popsicle did look delicious.

***

I really wish this scene had been adapted in the anime. It was one of those rare moments. Masterpiece of the whiteroom experiencing his very first ice cream and Honami watching him. He must have made childish expression without even realizing it. That scene felt special for another reason too, two rival classes, usually clashing and fighting for class A, were simply hanging out together, enjoying vacation, building connections and sharing a moment of joy. It was a beautiful contrast to their usual dynamic.

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2076812201374130390

Source: https://x.com/i/status/2075712313332555997

https://x.com/i/status/2073346527951810923