[23rd October]
[Hiyori Pov]
As the class concluded, I felt how my mind was taken aback, sometimes. I was usually never so often immersed in my thoughts, but strangely, today was different.
A certain person in the class noticed this too, as he was one of the few people left who were still present, while everybody else already had left.
"Shiina-san, is everything fine...?" Ishizaki-kun, someone with whom I usually would never speak much, asked.
But ever since the Island Exam, our understanding of each other has grown. Not with simply just him, but with Ryūen-kun, Ibuki-san, Kaneda-kun or Albert-kun in general, too.
The mystery of X, and foremost Y, connected all of us, together.
Currently, no one of us had any idea about these mysterious Existences, but one thing was for certain, they were indeed, very dangerous. It was a mystery I was lately becoming very immersed with, if I did not spend my time with Kaoru.
He's also aware of Y, apparently, through Horikita-san, but like me, he also seems to have no conclusive clues, aside from them being in Ichinose's Class.
Among them, Kanzaki-kun seems to stand out the most, but I'm not quite sure. Was it his tactic to use reverse psychology on us, perhaps...?
But what could he gain from that, then...?
I noticed myself thinking of these questions very often, since recently.
Despite my rather passive attitude regarding the class competitions, I always liked to unveil mysteries, since my early childhood on.
Kaoru, was, in that regard, the same as me.
One of the things I like the most is to discuss with him various kinds of mystery books, listen to his opinion, and in general, I simply want to spend time with him.
Today, I won't be able too, unfortunately, but we spent the last three days, completely together, very happily.
Especially his Birthday on the 20th, which he also shares with Ryūen-kun, what might seem quite strange, but he's from the Kansai Region, while I know from Ryūen-kun that he's from Tokyo, the Kanto Region.
It's not very uncommon, after all.
But... I believe Kaoru, he's the only person in our year from the Kansai Region, better said Kyoto, is he not...?
As for my reason to believe this, it's because Kaoru uses to be the only one I can see to be celebrating various kinds of festivals, like yesterday, where the Jidai-Matsuri is being celebrated in Kyoto.
To celebrate the Festival, Kaoru played flute. There was more to the Festival, but since we're in this school, he's unable to celebrate it accordingly.
So he played flute, to celebrate the festival, somehow, at least, since it's played there, too.
But the melody he was playing on the flute was so beautiful, a melody I never have heard in my entire life before, but just by listening, I felt very comfortable, already.
Even now, just remembering it, makes me feel very comfortable.
Was it because Kaoru was present and was the one who was playing it?
I remember that I never felt like this, whenever I heard flute, from someone else.
But strangely, I did not care, to know about that answer. I felt like these kinds of thoughts were unnecessarily, because of my tendency, to overthink, very often.
I remember having seen or heard him on various other kinds of days, too, doing a few things, he'd normally never do.
Such as on the 15th, May.
One day, he asked, if he could scout and see the Archery Club, practiced a bit, and shoot the arrows perfectly, five from five times in a row.
On that day, I was on the Tea Ceremony Club, and heard of my upperclassmen of the club talking about this.
I did not know why he did it at that time, but now I do...
It's a sad story...
But he used to celebrate these various kinds of Festivals with his family, always, so for him, following these festivals, even for not to long, was of great importance.
I really hope that I can become a pillar of comfort for him, under all that pain he's hiding beneath his public facade...
"Shiina-san...? Shiina-san...? Shiina-san...? Are you still there...?" Ishizaki-kun said, enumerating my name various amount of times.
I seem to have forgotten that this is not the appropriate time to space out.
"I'm sorry, Ishizaki-kun. I was just immersed in my thoughts. Could you repeat your previous question, again?"
From the side, I saw Ibuki-san, speaking. "He's just asking for your well-being, Shiina. After all, you're going to face, Kurushima. Are you sure you can do this...? What if he get's expelled...?"
E-Expelled...?!
Could Kaoru...
No, of course not.
I know him the best, so I'm also aware, that middle school question's, no matter how they're phrased could not even harm him, decently enough, for that case to happen.
"Kuku. Ibuki, you know that won't happen, right...? He's someone who never scored below 100 Points, until now, so do you really think he'd score in this occasion, less than that, too? For simply middle school relating questions...?"
"Yeah... it was a useless question... I think."
I silently agreed with Ryūen-kun.
The average points you needed per subject was 87.5 Points to reach the cumulative score of 700, per person.
Since the Paper Shuffle was an exam where you are partnered up with someone else, the minimum score you'd need with two people is 43.75 points to get through the cumulative score of 700 Points.
However, at least one of two people had to score in each one of the 8 subjects 60 Points, to pass the Exam, successfully, too. In total, it was 16 subjects.
In this Exam, those who excelled academically, were naturally preferred.
Kaoru, the person he was, being academically untouchable in our year, had not one ounce of endangerment from this Paper Shuffle Exam, alone.
Even if the person whom he's partnered up scores 0 Points in every subject, he would easily be able to score between the ranges of 95–100 points, per subject.
I was aware of it, and everyone else, too.
Although, 100 Points are more likely... I can't imagine Kaoru struggling, no matter how hard the questions will be.
"But that does not change that he'll be in the charge of a part of the 400 last questions..."
I nodded, agreeing with her. Partially, at the very least, I suppose.
Kaoru was the best person academically-wise in their class, so him making at least 100 questions or 200 wasn't a far-fetched off scenario.
But I also knew that he's busier than anybody else, with the Student Council, and he naturally was someone with learn groups, too, so there's a decent possibility of him just doing 1/4 of it, too.
"What are we intending to do...? Create a learning plan...? We have until the 24th November time, exactly one Month..."
The Paper Shuffle is written within the span of two days, four subjects in one day, the other remaining four subjects in the next day.
Between the 24th and 25th November the Paper Shuffle will be concluded, and before the 1st December, we'll be aware of which class won, in the end.
The school was in this regard explicitly fast, when it comes to correcting Exams. This is no ordinary high school, after all. And having two teachers overlooking them, will make it presumably even faster.
"Don't worry, Ibuki. You already know I've got a pawn in their class..."
"Did the traitor agree to help you, again...?"
"They did, kuku."
"The Sports Festival, and now here, too... Unbelievable..." she murmured.
I felt the same way as Ibuki, actually.
That we're getting the help of them once again, despite some people in Kaoru's class to have suspicions regarding it, already...
"Ryūen-san, are we simply going to get their questions and study them?"
"That's the precise plan, Ishizaki."
"But... won't Kurushima-kun be aware of a traitor, then...?"
"Kukuku, he's already, since the events of the Sports Festival, Ishizaki... It's just that he doesn't know who..."
Ryūen-kun smirked, but I simply looked down on the table. I knew what was coming now, since I've heard some things, too.
"... But ironically, some of his defective classmates suspect Kurushima to be the actual Traitor..."
I was aware of this, too, already.
And Kaoru... too...
Although it was not voiced out, rumors among them were still there. Since recently, when we started eating together, I could see some glances of suspicions.
That was one indication already of some of them being suspicious, but there was another one, too.
A week ago, in the cafeteria, on the 16th October, Ryūen-kun asked me for my thoughts regarding the Paper Shuffle Exam so far, which I did not deny, so I accompanied him to the cafeteria.
Although I felt it was rather rude, since I was not eating, actually, because Kaoru had prepared a lunchbox for me, too.
Sometimes, the two of us would be preparing for the other person lunches, since we're from different regions. I never ate from the Kansai Region before, so I was curious how the culinary tastes there.
As for Kaoru, he's not quite accustomed to the food of the Kanto Region yet, so I'd make lunchboxes such as Bento's from how they're here made, while Kaoru is doing the same, too, for the Kansai Region.
But on that day, I heard up to four and more people of his class speaking whether Kaoru might not be the Traitor in their class, because of our... relationship.
Only because of that... did they think like this...
Since it was obvious through our strategy in the Sports Festival...
Ryūen-kun did have, after all... their competition lists.
"And their reason to believe this is because of the relationship he's having with Hiyori, from our class..."
Ryūen slightly laughed, but I felt very sad upon hearing that information. I disliked that some of them could even think like this.
Kaoru was doing so much for them...
He didn't deserve to be suspected, no matter what...
"Poor Kurushima, breaking his ribs for these defectives, participating five hours long regardless of his injured state, to win the Sports Festival, but getting suspected by a some of his classmates, nonetheless, for no apparent reason..."
"Hell, without him, they'd have been in Class D, with 0 Class Points, probably."
"0 Class Points might be too exaggerated, Ryūen-shi, but I agree, mostly."
"Do you really think so, Kaneda? Should we listen to the audio again...?"
"Ryūen-san, everything but that..." Ishizaki-kun pleaded, as I remember him, made to hear to it sometimes.
"Don't worry, I won't. I'm getting annoyed by listening to this audio, too. Why do I even have this shit on my phone, still...?"
Ryūen-kun looked below, laughing. "Kuku, aside from the theory, there's another important thing said."
"Another thing...?" Kaneda-kun murmured.
"The date when Kurushima decides to discuss the theory, the 9th April. It's the time the former D-Class got aware of the S-System..."
"Yes, and what's wrong with it...?" Ibuki-san asks, tilting her head to the side.
"You really don't know, Ibuki...? Well, let's take a look at the results, once again. Former Class D had 593 Class Points left at the start of May, but when Kurushima mentions the theory, only seven official school days passed."
"In other words, they have lost within the span of seven simple days, 407 Class Points. You could even say it's six days, rather, since the seventh seemed to have just started, when Kurushima told them the theory..."
Unexpectedly, the conversation was moving elsewhere, now.
I thought Ryūen-kun would make himself hilarious about this situation and Kaoru being suspected as a Traitor...
But it didn't seem like that, at all, fortunately.
I felt slightly relieved because of that.
"I see... You're right, Ryūen-shi."
"What are you trying to say... really...? There's no way, you among everyone, would compliment Kurushima," Ibuki-san asks.
"Kuku, you know me so well. Sure you don't like me in secret, Ibuki? I'll make sure to bring you to my room, right away."
Bring her to his room...?
For what, exactly...?
"Fucking... bastard..."
Should I ask Ibuki-san...?
No, I suppose, Ryūen-kun just teased her, like Kaoru does with me.
Does Ryūen-kun like Ibuki-san perhaps, then?
They'd surely also make a great couple, I think.
Ryūen-kun slightly smirked, until continuing. "What I'm trying to say is that without Kurushima the only actual threat of Class A will be gone. They're nothing without him and treat him currently like that."
"X has made it clear already, but he has no intention of showing or participating in the class competitions again. It's just Kurushima, in that essence, who's our only actual enemy in their class..."
"Yeah? What are you getting at?" Ibuki-san asks, tilting her head to the side.
"How do you think Kurushima feels that some people from his class suspect him to be the potential traitor, despite everything he has done to them?"
"I'd feel... extremely pissed and annoyed, but betrayed, too, I guess, so I think he would feel the same, more or less..."
"Kukuku. That's true. I think everyone would in his position, seeing how much he did for them till now. He must be quite affected by it, won't you agree...?"
Ryūen-kun then looked at me. "You should know it as the best already, Hiyori..."
I did see Kaoru becoming slightly sad... sometimes, lately. It's true, because it must have been something unexpected for him, too.
But I'm not sure if that's his overall reason...
These past days were beautiful, but he told me that it reminds him very often about his family...
I silently nodded, agreeing with Ryūen-kun on this matter.
Kaoru was affected by it, no matter how hard he tries to hide it. Hearing things like these, even if not voiced out properly, must have hurt him badly...
They really don't deserve to have him...
"Yeah? And? Is it not beneficial to you, then...?" Ibuki-san looked at me apologetic, before turning to Ryūen-kun, saying this.
"It is, indeed..."
"We could use this..."
"As a chance to recruit him to our class."
"Recruit him?!" she exclaims in shock.
Alongside her, Kaneda-kun, Albert-kun, and Ishizaki-kun looked in shock, too.
I felt simply happy, because even Ryūen-kun, would take such a chance. While he's often doing question worthy things, he did have the best interest for our class.
"Do you think it's a bad choice or what?"
"No, no, but that's so unexpected coming from you, Ryūen. Did you not want to beat him? What happened to that?"
"Fair enough. But I can always do that, when he's in our class, can't I? Beating him up whenever I like...."
"Besides..."
"There might come a certain time when my strategies won't go up, like against Sakayanagi... Kurushima is different, there, in that regard. He single-handedly promoted his class so far to this point, almost entirely alone..."
Of course, the Uninhabited Island Exam was not being counted, although Kaoru did realize already everything, when he confronted Ibuki-san.
It was by pure luck we won, by any means, with Kaoru's matter, and Y's clues...
"Also... like in the case with X, where he has the audio recording of my intentions regarding the Sports Festival all along, what drawback do you think we could get, if he perchance, thought of submitting it to the school...?"
"And especially mine...?"
"I'm not sure..." Ishizaki-kun murmured.
"Kuku, don't worry, nothing will happen to you guys. As for me... Expulsion could have been in the realms of possibilities..."
"Expulsion?!" Ibuki-san exclaims.
"If we had lost, the audio file would not likely be enough credible evidence, but since we won the Sports Festival as the only class, it is. All of our strategies are discussed here..."
"There are also witnesses of both Class A and D, so it could lead to this very specific outcome, too..."
"Kuku... I was in the danger of expulsion... In that sense, I'm quite lucky, since X does not have the intention to provide it to the school. No, the Student Council, better said..."
"They're the ones who would also manage the case, alongside the school, most likely, since they're in judge of the juridical process here..."
"If you're able to get Kurushima here, you all can do whatever you want, in the late second and third year. Since he'll be the one who will become the Student Council President, most likely..."
"Dirty tactics, underhanded methods, you can do as much as you want..."
"The only reason X did not do anything is that he wanted me to make Suzune feel humiliated, desperate, and extinguish her remaining pride like this..."
"Now that this is over, he could submit it, still."
"The chances of success are very slim, but not quite impossible, currently."
"However, the process would easily go in the way with us refuting their allegations. In short, X would need to reveal themselves, if they thought of submitting it..."
"It's something he does not want... so he's not doing it."
"He precisely knows that all we did in the Sports Festival was in-between a gray area, and the audio recording itself is also refutable... despite its contents. There's no transaction between me and Horikita, so it's a plan that failed."
"The school will not have much success in their investigations at this matter, since all the evidence is already destroyed... and it's past 17 Days, already..."
"But the risk of my expulsion... it was still there. I won't deny that."
"If it ever comes to the case of myself getting expelled, through one of my nearby strategies, get Kurushima to our class. That's what I'm saying. Gather the remaining points from the class, and you'll be fine."
Ryūen-kun looked at me, then. "Neither you or Kaneda like being the leader, nor are meant to be one's. You two are people who support them, indirectly, so our class will be in a doom fall, once that happens."
"Hiyori is here, so bringing him here, is lucrative for him, now too, so he could ponder with the thought, perhaps, very often."
"Especially since some of his classmates doubt him and suspect him... there should be a sense of betrayal he feels, so his feelings of loyalty towards them should go, from now onwards, slowly."
"With that, Class A would be still possible for you guys, if I was gone."
Suddenly Ibuki-san grabbed him by his collar. "Are you giving up or what?"
Ryūen-kun held her wrist, looking at her. "Say that once more and I'll kill you, Ibuki."
"Then what are you saying, Ryūen?"
"I won't change the approach of my strategies for anyone. And if it comes to the case it fails, and people have evidence for my methods, I'll accept my punishment. Just like X has, Sakayanagi could, or Y, in case, too..."
"As for Kurushima... he does not like particularly fighting Hiyori... I could tell it somehow from yesterday, clearly..."
"Satisfied, Ibuki?" Ryūen-kun says, releasing her from his grip.
"Yeah..." she walked back to her seat again.
Ryūen-kun looked again in deep thought.
"X, huh...?"
"If he wanted to control the class... would Kurushima not be the better solution? Suzune has a good standing in there, but even still, it's not even comparable to that of what Kurushima enjoys, despite few people suspecting him..."
"In terms of usefulness, Kurushima is better, no?" Ryūen-kun asks us.
"You're right, Ryūen-shi..."
"But what if Kurushima-kun was in secret, truly X?"
X...?
Kaoru...?!
That's really more than absurd, Kaneda-kun.
"You're suggesting either Yukimura or Ayanokoji went with the picture of Karuizawa being bullied to Kurushima, huh...? Giving his standing, it's possible, indeed..."
"However, we already have cleared him by long from the list of our suspects, already, Kaneda. The Uninhabited Island Exam, remember?"
"If Kurushima was X... what reason would he have? And why would he be so focused on Suzune, then?"
"Also, X destroyed the camera in secret, in order to aid Kurushima, from the very beginning."
"What you're suggesting is that Kurushima is hiding his abilities, even though he's regarded as one of the best student's in the school's history, Kaneda?"
"It's true he realized my strategy, my initial actual one in the Uninhabited Island Exam and Zodiac Exam, but that's a really absurd thought, itself. Besides, the matter's in the Island Exam speaks for itself."
"He wouldn't have confronted Ibuki to begin with in the matter of the camera."
"The simple thought of Kurushima being X, and him hiding his abilities still, is already absurd, itself."
"Kurushima's tactics and strategies, they're made upon logical deduction and observation. It was in the case with the Island Exam like that, the Zodiac Exam, and as for the Sports Festival, he realized someone helping us, from his class."
"They aren't like that of X's. Not even in the slightest way."
"I see... I didn't think about this well, Ryūen-shi."
Ryūen-kun then looked at us again. "Although, he's aware of X's identity, apparently. X must have done something in secret, with the intention of revealing himself to him..."
"Should I...?"
Ryūen-kun apparently wondered whether he should ask Kaoru regarding X.
"No... that will take my entire thrill away from it..."
"X is someone who thinks like me. I can't have someone else give me his identity, under any costs..."
"I'll figure out who X is, on my own way..."
"The best way of finding out who X is, is Suzune..."
"What is so special about her, X?"
"Is it her looks...?"
"Or do you see something in her...?"
"Her brother, perhaps...?"
"I'm still not coming any closer... kuku..."
"Just what is your agenda behind her, X?"
"But it won't matter, anyway. If Suzune does not intend to tell Kurushima about the traitor in your class, it's better for me."
"It's in that sense, a fight only between me and Suzune."
"I'll make sure she'll crawl back to me this time, without X, saving her."
"Keep everything I discussed with you today, for yourself."
"Especially the thing with Kurushima."
They looked at me, nodding. I felt simply relieved.
Although I was sad because of what happens in Kaoru's class, I also enjoyed the thought of us spending our time together, not as enemies, anymore, in the class competitions, but as one class.
We could do so many new things, then, could we not?
Suddenly, I had the noise of a notification from a phone. It was coming from the front, where Ryūen-kun was sitting, at the podium.
He took the phone out, apparently reading a message.
"Yukimura and Ayanokoji are in a café, huh...? Our classmates did a great job of finding their location..."
Ryūen-kun then looked at us. "How about we confirm whether either Yukimura or Ayanokoji are X, now?"
"Hiyori, I'll need you for a moment. Albert, Ishizaki, you'll come, too."
I did a small nod, agreeing with the proposal, naturally.
It was a mystery I liked to solve, too, likewise with the mystery of the individual called Y.
--
As Ryūen-kun, Ishizaki-kun, Albert-kun and I arrived at the Keyaki Mall, we saw Komiya-kun, who also seemed to be accompanied by Kondo-kun. Apparently, they were the ones who found them in the café at the Keyaki Mall.
Ryūen-kun did a nod signalizing that they were allowed to go now, which these two obliged.
I did a small nod towards them, wishing them farewell, which they returned.
I was never the type of person to talk with them or anyone else in the class much, normally, but since recently, I do find myself often talking with other's.
It's Kaoru's influence on me, which made me like this. Ever since I met him, everything has been going uphill in my life.
I befriended Mei-san from Kaoru's class, I'm talking with Ryūen-kun, Ibuki-san, Albert-kun, Ishizaki-kun, and I'm more open with other people, too. Since my early childhood on, I was never able to make friends.
Nobody shared the same hobbies I did, reading books in their free-time. So I always felt alone, became slowly a loner, who would never initiate myself any kinds of conversations, usually.
It was also the case with Kaoru, normally. I could easily feel his face was more on the side I'd remember, because of his rather distinguished features that I never saw on a boy yet.
To top that off, he had this unique presence, itself, too. If there was anyone I'd remember in the former D-Class, it'd be definitely him.
That changed, when he recognized the book I was carrying on the elevator.
I felt... surprisingly happy, because someone knew this book too, and shared my common hobby of reading.
Instantly, I memorized the name Kurushima Kaoru, and hoped, we'd spent time together, reading, because I was just so happy of meeting someone who likes reading.
I thought people in my class might like reading too, since I met Kaoru, who liked it, on the first day already, but it wasn't the case...
But it was fine, because there was someone who liked it, too.
I wasn't discouraged, by any means.
Rather, the fact that despite his busy schedule he had still time for me, reading at least two to three times a week together, was something I was very happy with. I knew how extraordinary Kaoru was, very well.
That he could take time for me, despite everything, I really appreciated it.
Through these months we spent together, reading, I might have fallen in love, already, but I... truly realized my feelings, at July 1... the day Ryūen-kun filed a complaint against Sudo for violence against Ishizaki-kun, Komiya-kun, and Kondo-kun, to see how much Class Points an expulsion would take.
I felt terrible that my class did this... but I did not expect that this day was even far worse for him...
It was the day, his family died, eight years ago...
I'm feeling sad, again. I shouldn't think about this now...
But that day... it was also the day that made him fall in love with me.
However, perhaps... could he be the same like me, realizing his feelings at that time, too...?
I'm just relieved that I decided on stopping the elevator at that time. I'd have done that regardless... but that single decision... lead to so many precious moments...
I really want to spend more time with him... but him being our enemy currently, does not help with it.
Slowly, I tried to recompense myself again, because we reached the café. Ryūen-kun looked at me, before entering, wherein I nodded.
I'd use my ability to observe other's to see who's X.
Ryūen-kun would try to get a reaction out of them, while I observe both Yukimura-san and Ayanokoji-san.
But as we approached the café, I heard some voices.
"Yoshimoto-kun has been super motivated and says that they're going to get married in the future. The man is a simple idiot."
Yoshimoto-kun...?
Ah... I think I remember, now. He's a classmate of mine...
He has such a forgettable face and presence that I didn't remember him.
I should try my best on at least knowing all of my classmates names and faces, besides those with whom I am, sometimes...
Although, as far as categorizing who the voice was, I could not tell who spoke.
Then suddenly, I hear the voice of a female speaking. Among the fact that you could not hear anyone speaking, these two made me particularly attentive. "Do you think Kurushima-kun would also be like that? Marrying the girl in Class C?"
M-M-Marrying...?!
Kaoru and me...?!
I mean... Kaoru told me... he'd like to be together with me, after school, too...
And I also told him, I'd like to introduce him to my parents...
His parents... they also went to this school together, became a couple... and married...
If so...
No... why do I even think of something like that, currently...?
We're just a few months together... and it's not long, before we had our first kiss, too, even.
I shouldn't think... of things like these... yet...
I stopped abruptly, my cheeks being enormously red, Ryūen-kun looking at me with a smirk, seeing why I was getting so embarrassed.
I remember... how he was the one who told me to wear this Maid Costume, too...
He must have made fun of Kaoru, because of this...
I calmly breathed air, focusing myself again.
We're here for X, I shouldn't lose my composure like this.
If it's not matter's relating Kaoru, I'm usually quite rational...
But now... I'm not... again.
"Can we?" Ryūen-kun asked, wherein I nodded.
We approached the table of these four.
--
[Ayanokoji Pov]
Marriage, huh?
I'm not sure why we're discussing this topic any further, but oddly enough, it has somehow caught my attention now.
To me, marriage symbolizes a social contract woven from the threads of tradition, commitment, and sometimes even affection. It is supposed to be a symbol of love and commitment, a bond forged in the fire of passion and devotion.
Society romanticizes the bond of marriage and portrays it as the pinnacle of human connection, the ultimate declaration of love and commitment. But behind this façade lies a far more complex and nuanced reality.
For some, marriage represents security and stability - a partnership forged in the crucible of shared dreams and hopes.
For others, it is a prison of expectations, a suffocating embrace that stifles individuality and ambition. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between.
Marriage is a multifaceted concept, one that has intrigued philosophers, scholars, and ordinary individuals alike for centuries. It's fascinating how society imbues it with such profound meaning, yet its essence remains elusive, subjective to the experiences and perspectives of those who partake in it.
And yet, despite its complexities, marriage continues to endure as a fundamental institution in society. Perhaps it's because, at its core, marriage represents a fundamental human desire—to connect, to belong, to find companionship in a world that can often feel lonely and uncertain.
But I refuse to be bound by societal norms, to conform to expectations that hold no meaning for me.
If I were ever to even consider marriage, it would be on my terms, under my conditions. A partnership built on mutual respect, mutual benefit—a union of minds rather than hearts.
At least that's what I'd like to say.
If that 'man' ever came up with the idea of setting me up with someone, I would definitely have no say in the matter.
My fate, my life, is already decided as soon as I return to the White Room.
"You're free to talk about who's going out with whom and what the future will be like all you want, but at the very least get your work done while you do."
"I know. We're just chatting while taking a breather."
Hasebe had gotten used to this kind of thing, so she gave no indication of being shaken by Yukimura's words.
"Is that right?"
"Wow, I'm getting sarcastic vibes from you. I'm going to refill my cup."
"You're adding more sugar? I'm surprised you can even drink it that sweet."
"From my point of view, I can't understand people who drink it black. Ah!"
Hasebe tried to stand up with her empty plastic cup, but she stumbled over the backpack at her feet and the cup in her hand fell to the ground.
My eyes unconsciously followed it as it rolled.
The cup stopped at the feet of a student who was walking past.
"Ah, sor—"
Hasebe started to apologize, but the cup was then crushed under foot, so she swallowed the words before they came out.
"You all seem to be having a good time. How about we join in?"
"What are you guys..."
Hasebe immediately strengthened her guard and looked at the group in front of her sharply.
It was a reasonable reaction too because the man who crushed the cup was none other than current Class C's Tyrant, Ryūen.
In a week, they'd be in Class A.
Standing behind him were Ishizaki and Albert.
There was although another person behind him, a lone, but familiar girl, I had seen often.
Not personally, but rather in the cafeteria's mostly, since September, with Kurushima, our class leader.
It was Kurushima's girlfriend, Shiina Hiyori.
Since I decided to insinuate her injury, by providing Sakayanagi the list of his girlfriend's competition, I was well-aware of her name.
But... I did not use Manabe for this.
I had no intention of letting Kurushima know that X, alias I, was behind her injury, since if Manabe confesses, Ryūen might tell Kurushima about it, in hope of getting my identity through him.
To prevent this, I had simply done a inference that Ryūen would place her at the last round of the Three-Legged Race of the Girls, where someone with bad physical ability like Sakura and Minami in our class did participate.
The winning chances of Shiina Hiyori and her partner, two people with relatively bad physical ability, too, were the highest, among there, to get the 3rd Place.
Since Ryūen had our competitions, he'd naturally see it this way, too.
All it took was to see whether Sakayanagi would make her move.
But she's also very interested in Kurushima, which is why she complied. She saw my intention behind it, too.
My double-layered intention, in both cases.
I wanted her to see it as a chance to decrease his popularity and leadership, having him questioned by our class, and how she could indirectly spread rumors of how he did not appear later onwards, creating a slow rift between him and our class.
As for me, I simply wanted to see, whether he'd prioritize his girlfriend, or rather, our class, in that situation, where he had to participate ten minutes after her injury.
In the end, he did participate. But he came almost late.
As for why Sakayanagi went along with it, I sent her an audio where Sakura does confirm of being in the last group at the Three-Legged Race for the girls, since I was not able to get a picture, like Kushida.
Through that, but also because of Ryūen, since she knew he had the list of the competitions of our class, as Ryūen provided Kurushima's lists to her, she also believed Ryūen would place her strategically there at the Last Three-Legged Race, to maximize his winning chances.
For her, the placement was logical, and now, with the confirmation of her knowing about the White Room, I can see why she was confident whether I spoke the truth.
She knew my real intention behind it, after all...
But even if she did not believe the audio recording, I suppose she would have done it out of amusement, too, since gaining the opportunity of crushing Kurushima was really quite rare.
Creating a rift between our class by throwing two of her classmates, huh...? I can see why these rumors about her are there, now.
As long as it's for her own amusement, she does not quite care of the well-being of her class.
They'll benefit from her, still, regardless.
"Hey! Why did you step on my cup? It wasn't an accident, was it?"
"It rolled to my feet and I thought you'd tossed it. I stepped on it to save you the effort."
He laughed and returned the crushed cup to Hasebe with a kick.
A little bit of its contents sprinkled across the ground from a hole in the side of it. Miyake, watching in silence, stood up slowly.
"Oi Ryūen. I've wanted to say it for a while now, but that's enough your puckish attitude."
"Huh? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?"
As if to say that Ryūen didn't need to bother with him, Ishizaki went forward and grabbed Miyake by the lapel of his shirt.
"I wasn't talking to you. A henchman should mind his own business, Ishizaki."
Miyake was unmoved and knocked away Ishizaki's hand. "Bastard!"
Ishizaki shouted, who managed to attract attention from our surroundings even in such a noisy environment.
The person who reacted sensitively to this was none other than Ryūen.
"Shut it. Do you really want to make a scene in a place like this, Ishizaki?"
"S-sorry. Because Miyake was so cocky, I just..."
"I don't hate emotionally impulsive idiots, but now you need to behave yourself."
"Yes..."
Ryūen was right. There aren't only first years around, but also senior students, shop assistants, and several surveillance cameras. It's a public place without any blind spots.
If an incident happened here, Class C would clearly be at fault. It's almost certain that they would be subject to punishment based off the testimony and recordings that we would have as evidence.
"I have no business with you. I'm interested in the two people over there."
Ryūen said so as he shifted his line of sight from Miyake over to Yukimura and me.
"Have you received my gift?"
"What the hell are you talking about..."
Naturally, Yukimura couldn't understand what he was talking about. He looked to me as the other person Ryūen referred to. The so-called 'gift' is undoubtedly the time he sent a message with the words [Who are you?]
"How's that? Did you catch onto anything, Hiyori?"
Ryūen took his eyes off us for a moment and asked the girl from his class, Kurushima's girlfriend, for her thoughts.
"How is it? Well, there's no telling at this stage."
A lot of the students working under Ryūen were afraid of him, but the girl named Hiyori remained totally calm in this situation. Her somewhat out-of- focus eyes alternated between the two of us.
What was Ryūen scheming by bringing this student here?
"Both of their faces leave a weak impression, so I'll probably forget them immediately."
"Kukuku, don't say that. They're probably going to be our friends for a long time."
"Yukimura-san... Ayanokoji-san... Kōenji-kun, who was the other person?"
"It's Hirata. Hirata," said Ishizaki.
"That's right, it was Hirata-san. Why are faces and names so hard to remember?"
She was wrapped up in a mysterious atmosphere, and I was rather concerned about Ishizaki's use of honorifics while talking with her. I had seen her often before and knew that she was a student in current Class C.
"As expected, the only other one you'll remember is Kōenji in that class. But remember, not everyone is like Kurushima in that overly pathetic class, Hiyori."
The girl in front of us looked slightly embarrassed, the moment she heard of Kurushima's name. "Don't say things like that, Ryūen-kun. And... Kaoru, he's very special. As for Koenji-kun, well he's very unique, so he's easily to remember."
I could see Miyake clenching his fists, but like in the case with Ishizaki before, this is not the appropriate place for falling to provocations.
But it seems that Ryūen has also marked Hirata and Kōenji. In the case of Kōenji, his actions were truly incomprehensible, but it's understandable that he would be suspected because of his capability.
As for Kurushima... he did not seem to have any suspicions of him being possibly X, through all these Events, until now.
Especially with the events of the Island Exam...
Besides, Kurushima was openly displaying his abilities, what X would never do in his opinion.
The thought of Kurushima hiding his abilities was quite scary...
He's been acknowledged as one of the best students in his limited time here already, with achievements no one has ever done before, bringing Class D to A, so for him to hide his capabilities...
It'd be certainly scary...
I'm sure Ryūen also thought of the simple absurdity of it, just thinking Kurushima could be X...
Instead of suspecting him, Kōenji was now one of his targets.
But if he had known that he wasn't acting but was instead a legitimate naturally-born oddball he wouldn't come to this conclusion.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Ryūen? We're busy, so if you want to sort something out, let's do it quickly."
Miyake spoke aggressively, conveying all of our feelings across with his words.
"It's nothing. We're just saying hello for today. But I'll tell you right now, I'll be seeing you again in the near future."
"What does that mean?"
Ignoring Miyake's question, Ryūen left the cafe with his entourage.
The cafe, which was briefly enveloped in silence, immediately regained its vitality and returned to its previous state as everyone returned to their studying.
However—The student named Hiyori Shiina remained at the scene, still watching us all this time.
Under such circumstances, there's no way that we could successfully concentrate on our studies.
Irritated, Hasebe spoke up:
"What is it? You're being a distraction by hanging around here."
"Just a moment, please."
"What? What does that even mean? I'm saying you're in the way, so go someplace else, okay?"
Hasebe, who had her cup crushed just earlier, was in a foul mood.
Confronted by the rowdy Hasebe, Hiyori Shiina answered with a slightly goofy smile. She grabbed her bag at her feet and walked over to the cafe's checkout.
"Hasebe, that wasn't very kind of you."
"I know... I'm simply annoyed by Ryūen... I shouldn't lash at Kurushima-kun's girlfriend, especially since she has not done anything..."
Miyake nodded, simply.
"I'm still confused what that all was about, though..."
"Me too..." I murmured.
Yukimura seems to be unable to understand her actions and was temporarily lost in thought. As if he was unable to come to a conclusion, he ended up deciding to ignore the matter altogether.
"I should apologize, shouldn't I, Miyatchi? I was a bit rude, after all..."
"Yeah, it'd be the better choice, even if they were in the wrong..."
Not soon after she placed an order with the cafe's clerk and came back with two cups in hand.
"If you don't mind, please accept this."
"Uhm, why are you giving it to me?" Hasebe confusingly asks.
"You don't have to be wary of me. I was watching what happened earlier, and it's clear that Ryūen-kun was in the wrong. I would like to apologize on the behalf of Class C. I took the liberty of adding sugar to it myself."
She did not regard herself currently as Class A, huh? Well, it's from next month onwards official, actually.
Still a surprise, nonetheless.
"You put in... eh? This is totally delicious! It's like, exactly the same as what I was drinking earlier!"
"The cup that was crushed earlier had a lot of sugar collected in the bottom, so I figured that you like your coffee sweet. I'm glad I didn't make any mistakes."
"But, ah, it feels like it has the exact same amount of sugar that I like added to it... is this a coincidence?"
"I calculated in reverse based on the amount of sugar that hadn't dissolved in your last cup."
"Huh!? You can do that!?"
"I suppose it could be considered surprising. Despite how I look, I have a rather good perception?"
With that, she turned towards me, Yukimura, and Miyake.
"This is- You guys are holding a study session, right?"
"People like her totally drain my energy..."
Hasebe had been irritated until just now, but she had become entirely overwhelmed by Hiyori's inscrutable pace.
From Yukimura's point of view, he didn't want to risk giving her any extra information, so he quickly covered up everyone's notes.
"By any chance, do you think I'm a spy?"
"You don't even need to ask, of course we're suspecting you."
"... So does everyone here present also think I'm using Kaoru for my classes advantage, too...? Since we're in a relationship...?"
"Kaoru...?" Hasebe pondered in thought, thinking of the name for a moment.
"She means Kurushima-kun, Hasebe. Kaoru, it's his first name," Miyake says.
"Ah! I don't think so..." Hasebe murmurs.
But her tone had a slight sense of uncertainty behind it. It's not that easy, after all. Because she was dating our leader, in the end.
No matter what, suspicions were still there, even if only small.
I could see Yukimura deciding to speak up. "Kurushima-kun can differentiate between class affair matters and private affair matters. I trust him in that regard. He's more than capable enough that no one can fool him in that sense."
"I'm agreeing with Yukimura, too."
Like Miyake, I silently agreed, with a small nod.
I knew in particular that Yukimura was one of the people among our class that greatly respected Kurushima for his abilities. And more so, for the thing he did in the Sports Festival.
"I see... I'm relieved to hear that. I would never even think of doing that. Besides, please don't worry, I normally keep my distance from Ryūen-kun and the class competitions."
"But didn't Ryūen-kun intimately call you by your first name?" Yukimura asked.
"I personally requested to accompany them because I'm interested in your class. And no, it's not because of Kaoru..."
She clarified, before any one of us thought the reason of the interest in our class was because of Kurushima.
The three of them couldn't understand the reasoning behind her statement and tilted their heads to the side.
Of course, I imitated them, pretending to not understand the situation.
"Don't you know? It's a hot topic in Class C. There's a mastermind in Class A who's hiding their true ability. This person has apparently made next to Kaoru huge contributions to your Class during the uninhabited Island exam, the test on the cruise ship, and during the sports festival."
"We lost the Sports Festival pathetically, though..." Hasebe murmurs, when she simply heard of the two words 'Sport Festival' already.
"Do you really not know?"
Hiyori speaks a truth that most of our class hasn't been able to figure out. Of course, there were question marks hovering over Hasebe and the other's heads.
Until now, there are only three people who know of me being X.
Horikita, whom I used as my scapegoat in the Uninhabited Island Exam, Karuizawa, whom I told of it already, and Kurushima, who deduced it with his deduction capabilities, simply.
I assumed with Kurushima obtaining the victory in the Zodiac Exam, the other people in the classes would pay less attention to me, but it's not that simple.
Ryūen has me still on his radar, and doesn't seem to keep quiet.
Sakayanagi... because of my past...
As for Ichinose's class, there's Y... for unknown reasons...
Hah... if it was just simply Ryūen.
"Aren't you just talking about Horikita, then? After Kurushima was forcefully made to retire by your... class... she took control over the exam and continued with our strategy," Miyake says, with a slight disgusted tone.
He disliked the methods of Ryūen, more than enough. But them making Kurushima to retire was something he did not like in particular.
We all were well-aware of the rules, like the one with the immediate forced retirement, in case of the bite of a snake on your body.
Since everything important about our survival was written in the Manual, the school did also let snakes habituate.
When Kurushima confronted Ibuki because of the underwear theft, with the intention of 'reporting' her to the authorities, she ran away.
Of course, aside from Horikita and I in our class, no one knew of the actual reason. Horikita thought of this method rather, saying that Kurushima wanted to report her to the authorities for the actual reason, the camera.
"Yeah, I'm the same. Although she did say, Kurushima's analysis about the various kinds of other classes helped her, immensely..."
Another point she decided to make up.
Although, I suppose, I can't deny that, actually.
They were indeed useful.
And it also made me asses his abilities better.
"It's apparently someone other than Horikita Suzune-san."
She cut them off from coming to that conclusion.
"Ayanokoji-san, I hear that you spend a lot of time with Horikita-san."
"It hasn't been like that recently, but I guess I've spent a lot of time with her compared to anyone else."
"After all, you do sit right next to her."
"Still, there's hardly anybody smarter than her aside from Kurushima-kun."
"Yeah, essentially all of our Class strategies are things Kurushima-kun or Horikita had come up with."
Hasebe and Miyake conveniently agreed with each other at a good time, adding credibility to my statement.
I wouldn't need to confirm or deny anything about the two of us spending time together.
Not shortly after, she left, upon Yukimura openly admitting her disturbing us.
"I see. You all have the same kind of evaluation of her."
"Can you stop getting in our way by bringing up such inexplicable things? Even if you're Kurushima-kun's girlfriend, I'll have to ask you this."
Yukimura spoke strongly, having been gradually influenced by Hiyori's peculiar atmosphere.
It appears that he's unable to bear the thought of having his study time reduced any further.
".....I'm sorry. It's my fault for disturbing your studies, isn't it?"
"I'm sorry, but that's how it is."
"You really don't have to go that far, Yukimū."
"If you have no complaints about failing and dropping out of school, then by all means, have a good chat. I'm going home."
"Ah, please forgive me a little. Please continue teaching me." Hasebe bowed her head.
"This is it. If you want to talk about strange topics, please do so after the exam."
Yukimura ended the conversation with Hiyori almost by force, so Hiyori apologetically rose from her seat.
"I'm very sorry. It would be dangerous for you to neglect to study desperately for the exam."
Was that a jab towards the students who were at risk of failing?
I feel like she always has a natural temperament, but it's not clear whether she can be trusted.
"I see. Let's talk about it after the end of the final exams. It shouldn't be too late at that point."
Having decided to go home, she picked up her cup.
"Thanks for the coffee, it was a real treat. And I'm sorry for before. I was rude."
"No, no, it was nothing special. And don't worry, I'm fine. Goodbye then."
After this, Hiyori, who had appeared together with Ryūen, also left.
I'm not certain if she's part of Ryūen's plan for finding me, but there's nothing wrong with staying alert.
I'll have to keep an eye on her for the time being.
Later that Day, the Ayanokoji Group, out of me, Hasebe, Miyake, Yukimura, and Sakura was formed.
--
A/N: And this concludes the chapter.
How did you like it?
Ayanokoji explains a couple of things too, like his intentions of giving Sakayanagi the idea where Hiyori would participate, having her do what she did.
She could use it as her chance, after all. Crushing Kurushima, even if she threw two of her classmates away for it.
I'll make sure that the Paper Shuffle will be concluded as fast as possible.
Anyhow, question, do you want Kurushima to change classes?
Tell me your thoughts regarding it.
Also, soon some very interesting things will happen. I did hint them, but you'll see, once the time comes.
If you have any suspicions of what it might be, let me know.
It'll be revealed soon anyway.
Also, probably after this chapter, I'll make the conclusion with the Paper Shuffle. Then December is there, the month everything interesting happens.
Anyhow, that's all.
Have a good day.
Goodbye.