Anri Hitomi noticed that Akira, who had originally been unenthusiastic, perked up, and his eyes became like those of the opportunistic businessmen she had seen before.
It was a gaze that could measure the value of all things, including people's worth.
This gaze reminded her of her mother, but unlike her mother, Akira did not make her feel fear.
She knew Akira was reminding her to 're-quote,' but Anri Hitomi deliberately pretended not to understand.
"Didn't I just mention the reward? I think for Kuroba-kun, joining the Literary Club should also be a great opportunity, and you might even encounter some heart-pounding events."
"Class President, I'm a very realistic person; I won't treat reality like a beautiful girl dating game."
And even if it were a GALGAME, placing the word 'heart-pounding' before 'Literary Club' would only cause fear of cardiac arrest.
"That's true. After all, Kuroba-kun doesn't even blush in front of me, and he seems very used to interacting with girls."
"Blush?"
"Hmm, it's not me being boastful, but it's true that very few boys can talk to me without being nervous at all. And boys who aren't nervous often look at me in a way that makes me uncomfortable."
"Because Class President, you're very beautiful."
High School boys are all bundles of desire. When they see pretty and cute girls, they can't help but stare. What's more, with a beautiful girl of the Class President's caliber, they probably wouldn't get tired of looking at her every day.
"Thank you for the compliment, but Kuroba-kun's gaze doesn't give me that feeling."
"Class President, are you roundaboutly calling me a dead fish eye?"
"Hehe, I really like Kuroba-kun's gaze, you know? It feels like I'm being appreciated. This isn't flattery; it's genuine."
"I'm flattered. So, Class President, what are you going to use to buy me?"
Akira was too lazy to beat around the bush and threw a direct question.
The Class President, realizing she could no longer bargain, showed a look of resolve.
"I understand… Please wait for me."
With that, the Class President jogged away.
Akira looked at her back in bewilderment, still wondering where she was going.
Then he thought of what he had just said and realized she might be going to get money.
Wouldn't that turn into blackmail?
"Wait, Class President, I didn't mean…"
She was already out of sight.
Should he chase after her?
Never mind, he'd explain clearly after she came back.
Soon, the Class President returned, but she wasn't jogging like when she left. Instead, both hands were holding her skirt hem, one in front and one behind, her pace very slow, and her steps very small, as if she were shuffling along the ground.
When she walked back to the vending machine, Akira noticed her face had turned very red, perhaps from the heat, or perhaps from embarrassment.
Actually, just by watching her walk, Akira could already guess what she had gone to do.
It was just too absurd, making him reluctant to admit it was reality.
However, in the end, the Class President proved with her actions that a genius's thought process is indeed unique.
She took out something wrapped in a handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to Akira, then thoughtfully added a supplementary explanation.
"Um… because the weather is very hot today, so it smells a bit… If Kuroba-kun wants a clean one, I can wash it and bring it tomorrow, but I heard boys prefer the original scent…"
"Huh? Class President, what are you talking about?"
Akira played dumb directly.
The Class President tilted her head and asked in return.
"Kuroba-kun, isn't 'this' what you wanted?"
"..."
Should he take it?
Is it really okay to take it?
This seems even worse than blackmailing for money…
But Akira hadn't suggested it; she had voluntarily offered her personal item.
Perhaps the previous conversation led the Class President to a strange misunderstanding, thinking Akira was after this.
If this got out, he'd definitely be seen as a pervert.
No, if it got out that this was the summer-limited, sweat-stained original panties of the beautiful girl Class President, the top student in their grade, someone might even pay a high price…
"No! Wait! Let's just forget it after all!"
As he was pondering, the Class President had already taken back the handkerchief and the fabric inside.
"Why are you suddenly giving up? Have you finally regained your shame as a young girl?"
"Because Kuroba-kun, you were planning to sell my underwear, weren't you?"
"Uh…"
It was only a momentary thought, yet she noticed it. Her skill at reading expressions is very high.
"If Kuroba-kun were to use it himself, that would be fine, but if you're going to sell it, I'd feel uncomfortable, so let's just forget it."
"Where do you want me to use it…"
"Hmm… For example, to brew tea? Use as a mask? As a spell component?"
"Class President… you're actually an experienced person, aren't you? Looks like you've been secretly watching a lot of 'learning materials.'"
"I don't understand what Kuroba-kun is saying."
"Okay, if you say so, then it is so."
"It seems I'm also lightheaded from the heat, to think I could buy Kuroba-kun with such a dirty thing… Why don't you name your price, besides this."
"Class President, you've seen my predicament, don't you know what I need most right now?"
Akira made a gesture for money.
Money!
Money!
Give me money!
I'm a student, so give me money!
"Of course I know what Kuroba-kun needs."
Anri Hitomi took the thousand-yen bill that had been returned due to timeout and held it up, displaying it as she spoke.
"It's just that I don't think a thousand yen is enough to buy Kuroba-kun."
"So I'm worth that much. The more you offer, the happier I'll be."
"Although I have more money, I hope to buy Kuroba-kun with my own things, not with money given by my parents."
"Alright, then no cash transactions."
Seeing that Akira accepted it calmly, Anri Hitomi blinked in surprise and asked.
"Kuroba-kun, you agreed? I thought you'd be very disappointed and then stop the transaction."
"I can't help it. It's a matter of principle, isn't it?"
Indeed, one shouldn't casually use money given by parents for such things.
"I see…"
Anri Hitomi felt a bit happy and smiled.
"Then, Kuroba-kun, what do you want? Anything I can offer, I'm willing to trade."
As she said this, another question actually arose in her heart.
What else could she offer?
This was actually a doubt and self-negation that had always lingered deep within Anri Hitomi's heart.
Without relying on her parents or family background, without relying on her innate physical value, what else did she have that she could offer?
Anri Hitomi couldn't think of anything herself.
So she wanted to get the answer from him.
If it's you, who has the same gaze as Mother… you should be able to see it, right?
Please tell me.
Where exactly is my value?