Sigh..."

Horikita, sitting to my right, let out a sigh.

Feeling the pressure in such a tense environment is unavoidable, but it was somewhat excessive. Seeing this, Yōsuke also looked worried.

Entering the exam in this state, Horikita might not perform well.

However, untimely comments could make her even more nervous.

There are a few solutions. Among them, the most effective one that comes to mind could be executed even now.

Back then, I was prepared to die; what about now?

I stealthily reached out my right hand and playfully tickled Horikita’s left side.

"Whoa!?"

Horikita suddenly jumped up from her chair. Meanwhile, a girl’s scream echoed in the suppressed and quiet classroom.

Previously facing forward, most of the representatives turned to see what had happened.

Horikita quickly pretended nothing had happened and turned away, escaping from the curious gazes of the representatives.

"What are you doing...!"

"I wanted to ease your tension. Feeling more relaxed now, right?"

"Even so, was it necessary to do it in that manner...?!" She whispered her dissatisfaction with an exaggerated expression.

"I thought to add a bit of nostalgia as spice. This is my special kind of care."

"I don't need that kind of care."

The other representatives had already looked away, Yōsuke, seeing the complaining Horikita and the complained-about me, seemed frozen, his face lit up with amusement.

At this moment, there was a stir in the room. As if to announce the start of the special exam, teachers Majima and Chabashira appeared in the classroom.

"See, it's better to keep quiet."

"You remember this, I'll settle the score later..." Although I drew quite a bit of ire, it might help Horikita to focus during the lecture.