Ayanokoji moved closer, his voice lowering as he spoke. "There are new first-years I want you to observe. I need you to find anyone who stands out—students who might be hiding their true abilities or who seem exceptionally skilled in multiple areas. I want to know everything about them."
Kushida's smile faltered for just a moment, but she quickly recovered. "That's a pretty big request… but I can do it. You know I'm good at getting people to open up."
He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch soft yet calculated. Kushida's cheeks flushed at the contact, and she leaned into his hand. "I'm counting on you, Kikyou. I know you'll do a great job."
Her heart raced at the way he said her first name, and she nodded eagerly. "Leave it to me, Kiyotaka-kun. I won't let you down."
Ayanokoji smiled—an expression that, while rare, was designed to draw her further under his control. He knew Kushida craved his approval, and by giving her this task, he was both satisfying her need to be useful and ensuring she remained unaware of the bigger picture.
Later that afternoon, Ayanokoji made his way to the library where Sakura Airi had agreed to meet him. The once shy and timid girl had undergone a transformation since their first year together. Airi had embraced her idol persona, gaining confidence and using her newfound self-assurance to navigate the school's social landscape. Yet, she remained loyal to Ayanokoji, willing to do whatever it took to support him.
As Ayanokoji entered the quiet library, he spotted Airi at a table near the back, flipping through a book while occasionally glancing around to make sure no one was watching her. When she saw him, her face lit up with a bright smile.
"Kiyotaka-kun!" she whispered, closing her book and standing up to greet him. Her voice held a mix of excitement and warmth, emotions she only displayed around him.
"Airi," Ayanokoji greeted, his tone softening just enough to make her feel special. He took a seat across from her, and she quickly followed suit, her gaze locked on his.
"I need your help with something," he began, wasting no time. "There are first-years who might pose a threat. I need you to observe them, especially the boys. Use your charm, get close to them, and find out if they're hiding anything."
Airi blushed at the mention of her charm, knowing full well that she had become quite adept at using her looks and personality to manipulate others. She nodded, her eyes full of determination. "I'll do whatever you need, Kiyotaka-kun. I'll make sure to find out who they really are."
Ayanokoji reached out, taking her hand in his. Her breath hitched at the contact, her heart pounding in her chest. "Thank you, Airi. I know I can trust you."
Airi's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, and she squeezed his hand in return. "You can always trust me, Kiyotaka-kun… I'll do my best."
With Airi and Kushida now in play, Ayanokoji turned his attention to the third and final piece of his strategy—Ichinose Honami. Honami was a natural leader, kind-hearted and empathetic, but also incredibly perceptive. Ayanokoji knew she was the perfect person to gather information without arousing suspicion.
Later that evening, as the sun began to set, Ayanokoji met Honami in a quiet park near the school. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the park in a warm light, creating an almost serene atmosphere. Honami was sitting on a bench, her expression thoughtful as she watched the sky.
"Ayanokoji-kun," she greeted with a gentle smile as he approached. "It's nice to see you."
"Honami," Ayanokoji said, sitting beside her. "I have something important to ask of you."
Honami turned to him, her eyes full of curiosity. "What is it? You know I'll help in any way I can."
Ayanokoji hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "There are some first-years who might be… dangerous. I need you to observe them, talk to them, and see if you can find out if they're hiding anything. It's important."
Honami's smile faded slightly as she processed his request. "Dangerous? Do you think they might cause trouble?"
"Possibly," Ayanokoji replied. "That's why I need you to be careful, but also thorough. I trust your judgment, Honami."
Honami's heart swelled at his words. She had always admired Ayanokoji, seeing him as someone strong and dependable. Knowing that he trusted her with something so important only deepened her feelings for him. "I'll do it, Ayanokoji-kun. I'll make sure to keep an eye on them."
Ayanokoji smiled, a rare expression that sent a shiver down Honami's spine. "Thank you, Honami. I knew I could count on you."
As the evening grew darker, Ayanokoji leaned in slightly, his proximity making Honami's heart race. She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat as his hand brushed against her cheek. "You're very important to me, Honami," he murmured, his voice low and intimate.
Honami's eyes widened, and she felt her resolve crumble. She had always been drawn to Ayanokoji, but this moment felt different—more real, more intense. She found herself leaning into his touch, her eyes closing as she savored the closeness between them.
Without another word, Ayanokoji closed the gap between them, capturing her lips in a soft, yet deliberate kiss. Honami's mind went blank as she kissed him back, her heart pounding in her chest. The kiss was brief, but it left her breathless, her mind swirling with emotions she couldn't fully comprehend.
When Ayanokoji pulled away, he kept his eyes locked on hers, his expression unreadable. "I'll be counting on you, Honami. Don't let me down."
Honami nodded, still dazed from the kiss. "I won't, Ayanokoji-kun. I promise."
With his three secret girlfriends now set in motion, Ayanokoji knew he had a better chance of identifying the White Room students before they could make their move.
But he also knew that this was just the beginning.
His father's influence was ever-present, and the special exam was only one part of a larger plan designed to push him to his limits.
Over the next few days, Ayanokoji continued to gather information, carefully analyzing every detail that his girlfriends provided.
Kushida used her charm to blend seamlessly into the first-year social circles, easily gaining the trust of those around her.
Airi, with her newfound confidence, manipulated the boys with ease, drawing out their secrets through subtle flirtation and calculated conversations.
Honami, with her natural kindness, connected with the first-years on a deeper level, her perceptiveness allowing her to pick up on the smallest of clues.
As the days passed, Ayanokoji began to piece together a clearer picture of the new students. He identified several individuals who stood out—students who were exceptionally skilled, yet seemed to downplay their abilities.
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