"It's a trade. We give you our private points, and in return, you secure us positions in your family's company."
I act mildly surprised.
"Sorry, senpai, but I don't see how this benefits me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the school gives us a monthly point allowance. Why would I need your points?"
As if remembering something, the shorter guy, Kansuke, slaps his forehead.
"Nagata, he probably doesn't know the truth about the school's system yet."
"Right, it hasn't even been a month since the term started."
The senpai named Usami chimes in.
"Indeed, that's the case…"
Yoshiki looks pained.
"What's that, senpai? What's this 'truth about the school's system'?"
Yoshiki eyes me for a moment, glances at his colleagues, then back at me.
"Well, normally, we're forbidden from telling you, but since we want to build a cooperative relationship, we'll break the rules as a sign of good faith."
Yoshiki adjusts his glasses before continuing.
"The truth is, they're deliberately hiding information from you first-years."
"What kind of information?"
"There's quite a bit. But the most important is the point system. Believe it or not, those points are far more significant than they seem. Especially since you're in Class D."
I pretend to think for a moment before speaking.
"That's a bit hard to follow, senpai."
"Fair enough. It's our fault for contacting you so early. But trust us, you'll soon need the points we're offering."
"I see. Let's say you're right. Why give up these points if they're so valuable?"
Yoshiki starts to answer, but Usami cuts in.
"It's simple, Kōenji-san. Unlike you, we're at the end of our cycle. These points will be worthless to us in a few months…"
"So it's more profitable to use them to secure your future after graduation."
I finish Usami's reasoning.
'I think that's enough playing dumb.'
"Exactly."
"Alright, I think I get the big picture. What are the terms of the deal, senpai?"
Yoshiki takes the lead again.
"We'll transfer half our monthly private point allowance to you every month until we graduate. In exchange, you guarantee each of us a position in your company. What do you think?"
"I'm not on board."
My response hits them like a sledgehammer.
"What do you mean, Kōenji-san? It's a more than fair offer, trust us."
'You really think you're dealing with a clueless kid? Let me show you who's running this negotiation.'
"How much do you each earn per month, senpai?"
I ask.
"Right now, we get about 50,000 points monthly."
Yoshiki answers for the group.
"Good. Here's my counteroffer, dear senpais. You'll transfer 50,000 points of your monthly allowance to me every month until you graduate. How's that sound?"
"That's absurd!"
Kansuke erupts, outraged by my terms.
Yoshiki signals him to calm down.
"That's too much, Kōenji-san. I just told you that's our full monthly allowance. If we give it all to you, we'll have next to nothing left. Can you lower your demand?"
Yoshiki's pretty good at negotiating—not great, but decent. Problem is, he's not in my league.
My gaze sharpens.
"Aren't I the one being played here?"
"What are you implying, Kōenji-san?"
"Three valuable positions in my company are on the line, and you're telling me to hand them over for free, senpai?"
"It's not for free—we're offering half our monthly allowance."
Kansuke jumps in, full of energy.
"Who decides the value of a position in my company—you or me?"
My question silences Kansuke and the others.
"I assume when you say 'position,' you mean executive roles, right? So, for you, 50,000 points is too much for that? Fine, let's lower the price to 100,000 points."
"Y-you just raised it, Kōenji-san."
Usami says, dismayed.
"Did I? How about 150,000 points then? Should I lower it further?"
"N-no, no, no, Kōenji-san. We get the message. We'll pay 50,000 points. Please forgive our misjudgment."
Yoshiki bows deeply, pleading. Following his lead, Usami bows too. I see Kansuke clenching his fists and teeth before reluctantly joining them.
I'm surprised they're willing to go this far. Honestly, I'm hesitant to seal a deal like this. Points are crucial—the more you have, the better off you are. But if everything I've set up works, I won't need to worry about points later. Sure, having a Plan B or C is smart, but if this deal gets out, it won't reflect the image I want to project. These kinds of tactics aren't the vibe I'm going for…
I've made my decision.
"Please stand, senpais. This isn't befitting of you."
I declare.
"We're just showing our determination and good faith."
"It's pointless, senpai. On the contrary, your gesture only lowers the respect I have for you as my seniors. So, stand if you still want to do business with me."
At my words, they straighten up.
"Does that mean you're agreeing?"
Yoshiki asks with high anticipation.
"No."
"Damn it! What do you want, then?!"
Kansuke snaps again.
It's clear he'd have walked away if not for his two friends.
Yoshiki and Usami are frustrated too, but they manage to stay composed.
"I don't need your points. They'll never be worth an executive position in my company."
My words shatter their hopes like a hammer.
"I told you this was a bad idea."
Realizing their plan failed, Kansuke yells at his teammates.
"Is that really your final word, Kōenji-san?"
Usami asks, but I stay silent, which she takes as a "yes."
Yoshiki stares at me blankly. It takes Kansuke and Usami to snap him back to reality.
The three senpais turn to leave.
"However, there *is* something you can offer me."
My words halt them in their tracks.
"What did you just say, Kōenji-san?"
Yoshiki turns back first, asking.
"Do I need to repeat myself, senpai?"
"N-no, of course not."
Yoshiki replies, a bit reluctantly.
"What can we offer you?"
Kansuke asks this time.
I look at all three, flash a bright smile, and speak again.
"Your lives."
"What?!"
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