As Honami made eye contact with Ryota, a radiant yet enigmatic smile graced her lips. Her presence was both warm and commanding, an invisible pressure subtly filling the room as she made her way towards him. Ryota, perceptive as always, could already feel the weight of her influence, her sheer presence enough to alter the atmosphere in their surroundings.
Finally reaching him, Honami stopped, her smile unwavering as she spoke first.
"Since this is our first real interaction, let me properly introduce myself," she began with a natural confidence. "Ichinose Honami. I was the student council president at my previous school."
There was something in her tone—not arrogance, but the calm assurance of someone used to responsibility, to being in control. Ryota noticed the way her words were carefully measured, each syllable deliberate yet effortlessly spoken.
"And since arriving at this school, I've already heard plenty of impressive things about you," she continued, her eyes scrutinizing his reaction. "You're a genius, aren't you? Your name echoes in academic and scientific circles alike. Your achievements in biology, medical advancements, even sports science—it's no exaggeration to say that you might be the most talked-about young mind in the country. I wouldn't be surprised if half the girls here have already set their sights on you."
Ryota remained composed, unfazed by the praise, though he appreciated the insight her words provided. She wasn't just here to exchange pleasantries. She was testing him, analyzing him, as much as he was analyzing her. He couldn't be surprised of that, after all as someone described as the genius of the generation, Ichinose who doesn't have that instinct of analyzing people will do it in front of him.
"You flatter me," he said with a slight smile, his voice steady. "But genius is nothing without opportunity. If not for my family and allies supporting me, providing resources and pushing me forward, none of my accomplishments would have been possible. I owe much to those who stood by me. And that, Ichinose, is why I always keep my allies close."
Honami's smile faltered for just a fraction of a second—a subtle tell that Ryota did not miss.
"Likewise," she replied smoothly. "I value those around me as well."
"I can say the same thing about you, since I entered the school, I don't stop hearing praises about you and your ability to socialize," Ichinose laughs at the praise given, obviously knowing how the dynamics changed. "Honestly, there's nothing crazy about that, I'm just being myself with the world or maybe it's me who see it as something normal."
"I think it's you, because everybody in this world put a mask on the exterior, hiding their true face from the world, anybody that do the contrary is an anomaly." Ichinose smile at the remark. "Is that so? Then in those moments you putting up a mask in front of me, right?"
At this question, I nod, affirming what she was thinking. She was blank for a good moment, thinking about what she could say next. "You know, you're very odd, anybody would have refused the claim," I looked deeply into her and responded. "I'm very different from the rest."
He decided to switch the conversation to something more pressing.
"As I entered the school, many things has been evident to me but since it's only me, I would like to ask you, what do you think of the liberties this school offers us?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as if studying her reaction.
Honami blinked at the sudden shift but adapted seamlessly, as he expected she would.
"It's interesting, isn't it?" she said, crossing her arms lightly. "We're given a life almost identical to the outside world, just on a smaller scale. But for a globally recognized institution, one that supposedly seeks only the best, it seems too lenient. Too much freedom, too little control. Why allow students such autonomy when their goal is to create the elite of society?"
Ryota noded inwardly. She was sharp—not at his level, perhaps, but far beyond the average student. The fact that she had already begun to question the system meant he couldn't afford to underestimate her.
"If you compare what we see with what we were told on the first day," he continued, "doesn't it feel like something is missing?"
Honami narrowed her eyes slightly, considering his words.
"You mean the clear disparity between the classes?" she guessed. "Students in Class A and B are leagues ahead of those in C and D. More capable, more disciplined. And yet, all students are given the same starting opportunities. If this school truly wants the best of the best, why bring in students who clearly lag behind?"
Ryota nodded approvingly.
"Exactly. It means that our true evaluation isn't just based on what we were before arriving here. This school doesn't just test intelligence or natural talent. It tests how we adapt."
Honami tilted her head slightly, intrigued.
"You've already figured out the S system, haven't you?" she asked, watching him carefully.
Ryota closed his eyes.
"Would you like to be my guest?" he said cryptically.
She let out a small, amused sigh.
"Of course you have," she murmured, shaking her head. "Honestly, with your level of intelligence, I wouldn't be surprised if you knew before even stepping foot in this school."
Ryota's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Not quite," he admitted. "I had opportunities to learn in advance. My brother and sister both attended this school before me. I refused to ask them about it."
Honami blinked in surprise at his admission.
"Why?" she asked curiously.
"Because anyone who seeks to reach the heights of this world must be willing to carve their own path," Ryota said firmly. "To refuse the easy route, to face challenges head-on. That's how I became who I am today. Through hard work, through struggle."
For the first time in the conversation, Honami seemed truly taken aback. The conviction in his words struck a chord, making her reassess the person in front of her. She never met intelligent people of this level, leaders of that calibre, those who combined natural genius with such unwavering discipline.
She had underestimated him.
"That's an admirable philosophy," she admitted, a sincere smile returning to her face. "In that case, I want to hear your thoughts on the S system. Not just its mechanics—I want to know what it means for our class, for all of us."
Ryota leaned back slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes.
"That, Ichinose, is exactly what I planned to discuss with you," he said. "From now on, I'll keep you updated with everything I uncover. After all, the success of this class depends on how well we understand the rules of the game. And I think you and I both know—in a game like this, knowledge is power."
Honami held his gaze for a long moment, then nodded.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Ryota," she said, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible weight.
A silent understanding passed between them. This was the beginning of something far more intricate than just an exchange of information. It was the formation of an alliance—one that could shape the very foundation of Class B's future.