Micheal sat in Team A's cafeteria, wondering about the details of the House of Crows, while Tohira ate his pastry.
"Tell me, why did you join this project? After all, don't you know the invitations aren't just random?" Tohira said, mouth full, looking at Micheal.
"It's out of curiosity about the world outside, and the about the randomness... I haven't really thought about that," Micheal answered.
"Really? I guess it's just my opinion then," Tohira said, smiling.
"And about you joining for curiosity... I guess I'm not the only one here for that," Tohira added.
Just then, Micheal's eyes widened as he felt a subtle shift in Tohira's demeanor when he whispered into his ear, "And you do know we're the only ones here out of curiosity, right?"
Micheal, aware of what he meant, looked at the other members of his team. Nishi sat with Starter, looking unfriendly, while Starter ate with his looking as usual. Gin and Bruse sat together, with Gin messing with Bruse's food. Christopher sat with Rodè, who nervously ate with his head down, while Christopher watched them both, his gaze occasionally flicking to Tohira.
"Of course. I'm aware," Micheal thought, looking away from them. It made sense how they had rushed to eliminate him—if it weren't for Tohira interfering and flipping the coin.
"But if we want our team to make it to the final round, then we have to work together as members, don't you think?" Micheal said, looking around at the team.
The room fell silent as no one answered, while Tohira just smiled, watching Micheal address the rest of the crew.
"I second that," Christopher said, gently dropping his spoon.
"Besides, this tension between us should be saved for when we all make it to the end," he added with a friendly smile, his eyes closed.
"What do you know, Mister Male Barbie is smarter than I thought," Tohira commented playfully.
"What's that supposed to mean, sleepy boy?"
Christopher opened his eyes, his gaze turning cold as Tohira crossed the line by insulting his intellect.
"Umm, please, umm stop, I mean no fighting" Rodè began nervously, lacking confidence, but he hated the tension.
Just then, he noticed everyone's eyes on him, which made him want to puke. He hated being the center of attention.
"I should've kept quiet,"
he thought, covering his mouth to prevent himself from vomiting.
"But I'm only trying to make the room more comfortable,"
he said, his voice trembling as he was on the verge of tears.
Then he heard Micheal and Tohira.
"Rodè, you're right. We need to get along,"
Micheal said, aware of Rodè's discomfort and not wanting to make him feel worse or cause him to burst into tears.
"Didn't know Mister Nervous was also quite bold when necessary,"
Tohira teased with a friendly smile.
"But then again, it's cute to watch."
Tohira laughed playfully, laying his head on the dinner table, amused by Rodè's behavior as he fidgeted with his food.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm only here to succeed,"
Starter began, heading out the door.
"Me, myself, and I."
"Come now, dear Starter, don't sound so selfish,"
Gin teased, watching Starter leave.
"He's right, you know. If we want our team to advance to the next stage, we need to work together,"
Tohira added, his gaze turning cold as he looked at Starter.
"And where did you hear this project is all about team building?"
Starter replied, glancing back at Tohira.
The room fell silent as Starter's eyes scanned everyone. After a moment, he turned away.
"Let me know once you figure it out,"
he said, leaving with his final words.
"He's got a point,"
Micheal thought, watching Starter leave.
He turned to look at Tohira, who seemed completely unbothered by Starter's statement, his head resting lazily on the table.
"Uhh?"
Tohira muttered, noticing Micheal's stare, a hint of confusion in his expression.
"Such a strange individual,"
Micheal thought as he averted his gaze from Tohira.
"I wonder why he helped me out and sticking with me"
Micheal thought in skepticism.
"what plans do we have for this House of Crows trial?"
Micheal asked, addressing the group.
"I think we should stick together, and we'll make it through!"
Gin said cheerfully, raising his hand in the air with enthusiasm.
"That sounds nice, Mister Purple," Tohira said, wiping his hands, "but not when other teams will be after us during this trial."
"After all, this trial involves every team in the project. The likelihood of us encountering many opposing teams is high."
"Then what's your idea, damn sleepy boy?"
Nishi interrupted angrily, clearly fed up with Tohira's demeanor.
"Mister head-built-like-a-circus," Tohira shot back with a sharp tone. "I never said Mister Purple Hair's idea was wrong—it's just not detailed enough. Just sticking together and doing nothing? And getting us killed? Tell me, how does that sound to you?"
Before Nishi could respond, Tohira continued, "Let me answer that for you: it doesn't make sense. We need more plans than just that."
Micheal interjected, cutting through the tension.
"All we need to do is establish a defensive position and shift to an offensive one when necessary, all while sticking together and advancing toward our final destination."
"I second that!"
Christopher said firmly.
"M-Me too!"
Rodè added nervously.
"Not bad, Micheal,"
Gin said as he strolled toward Micheal and Tohira, playfully smacking both of them on the back.
Nishi growled under his breath and stormed off, while Bruse lingered, his gaze shifting between Tohira and Micheal. Gin, now seated between the two, appeared unfazed as usual.
"Since two of our team members just left, how can we remain efficient? Especially with Starter, who doesn't even know about this plan,"
Bruse asked, his tone calm but concerned.
"Like we care!"
Tohira replied dismissively.
"The rest of us can carry the team just fine without them,"
Gin added with confidence.
Micheal, watching Bruse, recognized the validity of his point. However, with Gin and Tohira now close to him—friends in a way he hadn't experienced before—he felt less like an outsider than he did in his previous classes despite being wary about them.
"They're right. Two members being out of sync with the plan won't cause much damage to the team's overall efficiency,"
Micheal said, his voice firm and confident.
"Well, if you say so,"
Bruse said, shrugging as he headed out.