As I was got out of the elevator I bumped into Asahina-senpai of Nagumo's class 3-A.
"Oh hey, there Senpai. How are you doing ?", I asked her as I looked around her. Seems like she was alone, probably going back to her dorm.
"Oh hi..."
She seems to be a bit cautious of me for a moment there. Seems the rumor about Nagumo mobilizing the entire first years wasn't wrong.
"It seems that this is not a nice place to talk, so we'll talk later."
"Wait."
"Huh."
"What did you do for Nagumo to be acting like this ?"
"I wonder."
Seeing as I didn't deny her question she continued.
"Look last year all the students who showed "Hostility" against Nagumo had been expelled directly or indirectly in some way or another."
I nodded as she went on about Nagumo's greatness.
"Moreover, he has the entire 3rd year to act as his hands and feet. I thought you were the type who lurked in the shadows wanted to avoid trouble at all cost."
I nodded again.
"So could you stop nodding me and give me a proper answer as to why..."
"Senpai, I'm quite thankful for your advice but I think you have done enough. Most of the things you've said are quite true. I prefer ruling from the shadows living like a normal person without attracting any attention and trouble. But even you know that I can't hide forever. Before things go out of my hand I'll have to step up the game a bit. And besides this time it was Nagumo's fault. I didn't do anything too annoying him."
"Well, you're quite stubborn. I can't do anything about that. A piece of advice. Nagumo isn't picky about his methods when dealing with someone. You do remember how he dealt with Horikita-Senpai last year. It might end up worse for you."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Saying this she went inside the elevator. I walked away and headed straight towards the cafeteria to meet up with my friends. Since I have been busy mostly during the exam, I've been unable to meet up with my friends more often. I entered the cafeteria looking around for them but couldn't find them anywhere. In fact the cafeteria was empty except for one person. Its not like the ship has only one cafeteria/ restaurant but this particular one served cheap and delicious food than the others so it was quite crowed.
Please read cafeteria as restaurants form now on.
However I walked up to that person and stood before him.
"Oh my is isn't it Ayanokoji-boy or should i call you The Sleeping Dragon of Class D."
"Huh what are you talking about."
"Its your nickname people have been calling you. Isn't it nice to be in the center of attention."
"Its quite a pain I must say. I'm the peaceful type of person who prefers to avoid trouble as much as possible so Its quite unpleasant seeing people gazes wherever I go."
"What kind of business do you have with me ?"
"Well-I just wanted to ask you why this restaurant was empty without any students or staff."
"Hmm I'm not sure but half an hour ago some sort of accident occurred in their kitchen and the staff said that they'll be serving the food in the restaurant after a hour."
"Isn't that a bit too much time. Except for this restaurant the other restaurant are quite expensive so most student usually avoid spending money over there."
"Ah you dont have to worry about that the staff will be serving the dishes at a lower price. However if you're still hungry you can buy packaged food from the small convenience store near the entrance."
"I see. Thank-you. Mind if I ask you what are you doing here. I assumed that you're the type to use your time quite generously."
As far as I knew Koenji was the type of person who wouldn't waste his time in an empty restaurant. He would probably eat from one of the expensive restaurants on the second or third floor.
"Ho-oh Of course. I'm waiting here for a certain someone."
"If that the case then i shall take my leave."
"A piece of advice of advice before you go."
It seems like many people want to give me advice. If Its from Koenji, it might be worth something.
"Don't trust everything your see and hear. Even salt looks like sugar if not looked closely."
------
"I'll keep that in mind." I said as I walked away.
An advice from Koenji huh. Well its weird that someone like him is giving me advice. Although i dont know much about him, I know that Koenji wouldn't make a move unless it "profits" him in someway. Being the CEO of a big company at such a young age, his capabilities must be quite extraordinary. However he isn't any enemy not an ally.
Well it seems no one wants to leave me in peace...
I called Akito to confirm where they were dining.
"Well we thought about buying packaged food or a Bento-box and share it with Keisei in the infirmary."
"Sounds like a good idea. But will the nurse allow it."
"Don't worry, since its Keisei's will be discharged soon, the nurse gave us permission to eat in the infirmary for the time being.
"I'll be coming soon after buying the food."
"Okay bye."
I ended the conversation and headed back towards the infirmary.
*****
"Yo. Kiyotaka it seems your work with Horikita was done huh ?." asked Akito who was waiting with Haruka, Airi and Keisei.
"Yeah you could say that."
I could see that everyone has got their own dinner from the convenience store.
"What did you guys buy from the convenience store anyway ?"
"Well we went together to the store to buy different type of foods like Instant ramen, Rice balls, some snacks and Bento boxes."
I spend my chatting with my friends until Keisei dropped a bomb.
"Kiyotaka, recently I heard of the rumors circulating you..."
"Yukimu I thought we weren't going to talk about it." (Haruka)
"Yeah-but I'm just asking him. He has the right to know you know."
"Guys don't start fighting again." (Airi)
"What kind of rumors are you talking about ?"
I was curious so I asked. Even Koenji told me that I was given some sort of weird nickname. I'd prefer to clear up some misunderstanding if I could.
"Uhm there were some pretty disgusting and weird ones too. I'm not sure but I think I heard some Third years talking about it."
So it's Nagumo again. Guess he cant get over the fact that he lost to me in terms of both physical strength and academics. So now he's attacking with full force. In short he considers me to be a "threat".
Then again its his nature. I guess human nature doesn't change whether it is the white room or the rest of the world.
"Now that I think about some third year students have been staring and sometimes even following me wherever I go." said Akito.
"Its same with me too."said Airi and Haruka together.
All of them looked at me the same time.
"Do you really want to know ??"
"I mean - Yeah."
"Well I can tell you its probably because you guys are hanging out with me."
"What ?"
"Listen guys, there are some things that happen behind the scenes of every special exam, some of which might be revealed later or kept a secret.
These things are usually kept under wraps and if leaked out might end out destroying their own class.
There are a few such things I and Horikita know, so its natural for them to seek out more information about me.
But you guys don't have to worry. I apologize for it.
It wont happen anymore, since you guys have no information that can be of use and if it happens then I'll talk to Horikita. "
"Well they are not bothering us. But come on cant you tell us something. ??
"Nope"
"Come on guys. I think we shouldn't discuss this anymore."
"But-"
"Look Around."
Everyone in the hallway was looking for us, until a figure from the crowd approached me and stood in front of me and glared at me.
"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, you're coming with me." said Nagumo...
*********