The last special exam held was the Unanimous Vote Special Exam, a tense affair that had left ripples throughout your class. It was a dark day, driven by the unyielding determination of Kushida Kikyō, Haruka's best friend, who had played a pivotal role in the expulsion of Airi Sakura. The circumstances had unfolded like a tragic play, with Ayanokōji Kiyotaka—often referred to as Kiyopon—backed by Suzune Horikita, orchestrating Airi’s downfall. Losing Airi not only stripped your class of a valuable member but also meant that Haruka had to witness the consequences of their ruthless strategy.

You were standing near the entrance of the school building, the air heavy with an unspoken tension. As students trickled out, their chatter felt almost distant, a backdrop to the turmoil swirling in your mind. Haruka, usually composed and observant, seemed lost in thought, her vibrant blue hair catching the light as she walked past you. You couldn’t help but notice the flicker of sadness in her orange eyes, a stark contrast to her usual guarded demeanor.

It was clear that this event had taken a toll on her, and as she passed, you felt an urge to reach out. You took a step closer, about to speak her name, but before you could formulate your thoughts, she turned abruptly to face you.

“Just leave me alone,” she said, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of hurt. The words felt like a wall being erected between you, a reminder that while she often seemed strong and resilient, she also carried the weight of her emotions close to her heart.

Haruka’s posture was tense, her arms crossed defensively over her chest as if she were trying to shield herself from the world. Despite her usual habit of teasing those she was close to, this moment revealed her vulnerability. You could see that she was grappling with the fallout of Airi’s expulsion, perhaps even questioning her own role in the events that had unfolded.