After the last scene ended, the screen went black. I remembered Mashima-sensei saying that we will be watching a maximum of six memories per day. The screening must have concluded the viewing for the day. I saw the students waiting for the screen to light up. Were they not listening to the teachers words earlier? It seems so.
Mashima-sensei stood up and walked to the podium. "Okay, students. The viewing today have come to an end. Please walk calmly out of the theater by class. To those students that still have concerns, please wait here until everyone leaves." He instructed softly.
Sakayanagi, Katsuragi, Ryuuen, Ichinose, Kanzaki, and Horikita stayed behind. I don't see any merit in staying with them, clearly, Horikita will inform me later. Not to mention Chabashira-sensei will approach me about her concerns. I can relax and clear my mind to think why the government decided to do this.
I walked behind my classmates. Class D seemed to be composed even some of them are currently deep in thought. What conclusion have they arrived, I wonder? What is their reaction knowing I was behind the class success rather than Horikita? Will they accept it calmly? Shout in anger?
I head out to the top deck, fresh air seems to be good right now. I saw Sudo and the others headed to their rooms. Clearing their mind by sleeping is a good idea too. The amount of information must have overloaded their brain, I can only imagine the pain of thinking about the memories we viewed. Especially as they didn't even have the right amount of intelligence to deduce it to begin with.
I can hear the sound of the waves crashing on the side of the ship, the figure of the seagulls flying in the air in the same direction of the wind. I approach the railing slowly, savoring the feel of the wind hitting my skin, a few splashes of the sea water on my face. How did the sea tasted this salty? Did people tossed salt during the early times? Did God will it? Or is it some scientific experiment that was conducted ages ago? Either way, I appreciate the new feeling against my skin. Sometimes I woke up thinking that this is all a dream, that I'll find myself back to that place, that it's nothing but a fantasy my mind imagined to escape my harsh reality.
Why does this sight, this world are taken by granted by its inhabitants? Do they know how lucky they are to experience this? while some are suffering in different places; wishing to enjoy this kind of things? The way the sun meets the ocean when it's sunset. The bright stars that adorned the night sky. The seemingly endless sight of the ocean? The stunning places and things the world has to offer?
I want to experience it all. But don't misunderstood me. I liked nor hated that place. In fact, I'm grateful. I'm knowledgeable at a young age because of them.
––––––––––––—
The class leaders stayed behind. All of them appeared to have some questions and inquiries about screening set up by the government.
"What are your questions?" Mashima-sensei asked the six students sat in front of the teachers side by side. Hoshinomiya and Chabashira eyed the students before them. They are seated near the podium to avoid any information being leak.
"Why did the government chose to do this experiment? More importantly, why Ayanokoji-kun?" Sakayanagi went straight to the point. Horikita looked over surprised. 'How does she know Ayanokoji-kun? Are they close?'
"Unfortunately, we don't know the answer to that, Sakayanagi." Chabashira sighed, she glanced over her colleagues. "We were also surprised when the box was sent here with the letter. No word from the chairman, higher-ups, or anything to explain the situation."
Sakayanagi smiled nonetheless, "I see. Thank you for answering my question, Chabashira-sensei." She bowed slightly.
Katsuragi prepared to asked next but Ryuuen beat him. "Are the higher-ups okay with this happening? Kukuku, this goes against the principles of the school. All of the future special exams, rules that are only privy to the teachers and the chairman are being shown to the students, you know?"
Mashima answered evenly, "Yes, the staff, teachers here have thought of that, Ryuuen. After all of this, the first-year students are given an advantage to all of the things shown. We might discuss things to the six of you to attain equal ground, so I hope that we all can compromise."
"And what makes you think that I'll agree to whatever compromise that is?" Ryuuen smirk. He crossed his arms challenging him.
Kanzaki frown, "Ryuuen-kun, you might not cooperate with the teachers but remember, the five of us overrule you."
"It's only right to agree to whatever the teachers may asked of us. As Mashima-sensei said, we already have the advantage of knowing the information that are significant to us." Ichinose stood between Kanzaki and Ryuuen, the latter moved up on his spot to approach Kanzaki aggressive.
"If you continue to misbehave Ryuuen, I'll ask of you to leave. The other class leaders have important concerns to discuss with the teachers. You are disturbing us." Katsuragi sternly reprimanded Ryuuen.
"Now, now. No need to fight." Hoshinomiya tried to ease the tension. Sakayanagi only watched amused. Horikita on the other hand, sighed. They will get nowhere here if Ryuuen keeps on attacking the teachers.
"You may remain stubborn all you want Ryuuen, but remember, the school can still change the incoming tests and special exams. After all, only the first and second special exam have been completed. You still have them during your second and third year here, that is unless you aren't expelled by that time." Mashima coolly rebuffed Ryuuen who's smile faded.
Ryuuen remained quiet, Katsuragi who still haven't asked his question quickly step forward. "Mashima-sensei, I understood the importance of watching this memories and the benefits it will bring us—but, why is it mostly focused in Class D? Moreover, Ayanokoji-kun may be a genius of sort, and he may had helped his classmate win the deserted island exam, but I see no connection how that relates to the other classes?"
It is true that the memories can give them enormous advantage, but how far? Does it have more of a disadvantages than advantages? Whose class will even benefit this arrangement? It's possible that it will be the other classes except for D. After all, they're the class who's getting expose in all of this. They at a disadvantage, it also most likely show the things that that are connected to them. For example, the cooperative relationship between them and Class B. That, for sure is a demerit for the latter.
Ichinose and Kanzaki fell quiet. After all, they are in a dangerous position. Class C will most definitely target their class in the future. They are not sure that they can fully defend themselves as Ryuuen uses underhanded tactics. Then there's Class A, Sakayanagi will also surely attack them. Unlike Katsuragi who'll only defend and safeguard their position as Class A, Sakayanagi on the other hand is vicious. She'll attack them relentlessly, beat them to the ground to the point they can never get back up again.
Horikita whose class got the least advantage ponder. It is true that the other class will use the weakness of her and her classmates, but it will show as well the potential and the necessary growth of them. As their leader, she have the responsibility to help improve her class. Especially if they want to graduate from Class A.
"Like you, Katsuragi. Us, the teachers has not been informed of the true purpose of this screening. Nor the reason why Ayanokoji, Class D is the center of this. It is also possible that your year will be more complex than the previous ones. As for your last question, the answer will most likely be shown later on." Mashima explained. Chabashira stood up and began to grab her things. Hoshinomiya also did the same.
"Please observe and instruct your respective class to behave themselves. We are already close to the school, so the screening will resumed after we settled back." Hoshinomiya waved at them grinning widely. "Bye-bye, Honami-chan, Ryuji-kun!"
Horikita headed back first before the other class leaders. She didn't asked a question as the others already did that for her. She's satisfied, for now. She only need to think of the explanation why Ayanokoji told their class that it was her who lead them to victory, and why Ayanokoji is holding back.
'That guy will most likely say that it was my plan all along. If he did that, I'll stab him, I swear.'
—
Kushida closed her eyes. Fist on her sides.
Her life is over. Everyone, including her class found out about her past, her true face.
Why is it affecting her in the first place? Her class, friends, if you can still call them her friends, is probably disgusted with her right now. She only befriended and hang out with them to become well-liked by the student body, and to be trusted. To feel the rushed of emotions knowing that her existence have meaning.
Their thoughts and feelings shouldn't matter at all. Yet, why is she concern to what they think of her now?
Knock, knock!
Kushida sat up on her bed, she glanced over her door. Are that her classmates? No–why would they involve themselves with her? After hearing all the things she said about Horikita, even wishing her to die.
"Kushida-san?" A faint voice was heard outside. It seemed to be Shinohara. Is the others with her too? What are they doing here?
"I think, she's not in." Karuizawa responded.
Kushida stood up and went to her door. She pause when the door handle was being turn. She took a step back and watch as her classmates opened it and stared at her in shock.
"What do you want?" She glared at them, her tone was not definitely what Kushida always used. Instead of the sweet and soft voice that they were accustomed of, it was dark and scary.
Her friends shared a look with each other. "We just want to talk if that's fine with you." Nene uncomfortably shift in her feet. She looked down, afraid of what Kushida may do to her.
Kushida stared at them longer. She opened the door wider, mentioning for them to enter so they can talk.
The girls entered, they all walk over to the bed, some opting to stand or sit on the carpeted floor.
"Before you say anything Kushida-san, we want to know why." Inogashira asked. Kushida stared at them dumbfounded.
"What do you mean why? Didn't you watched the video?" Kushida harshly stomp her foot. Inogashira and Mei-chan flinched.
Sato steeled herself. "We mean, why put on a fake personality? Isn't it tiring interacting with someone you dislike?" She asked Kushida.
Why does the Class D girls confronting Kushida? Simple, Kushida might have been hiding her true self, and showing a fake personality but, she helped the class more than anyone. During the first special exam, she rally the girls and helped Hirata to unite the class, even though it was mostly unsuccessful. She listened to their problems when no one did, even if it was only for her benefit and satisfaction. They want to understand her more. Why did she think the way she think now? Why does she hate Horikita? As much as possible, they want to understand her, like they want with Ayanokoji.
"Why?" Kushida whispered. "Of course to be popular, you dimwit! I want to be more popular than some half ugly ass girl! If I can't be most beautiful and the most smartest person in the school, why don't I become the most kind, sweetest, and most trusted person? But of course, that fucking Horikita have to ruined everything! Why did she have to enrolled in the same school as I did? I fucking hate how she looked down on me, like she's this amazing person and I am just a filthy dirt on her feet! It's maddening!"
The girls fell quiet during Kushida's rant. It makes sense that she hates Horikita with every fiber of her being, they know how many times Horikita embarrassed her by turning her down and the way she mocked Kushida's effort to bring the boys to the study group by insulting everyone. But, something seems to be missing. What did she meant by ruining her life just because Horikita enrolled in the same school as her? Are they close? Friends? Schoolmates? Whatever that is, they don't know.
"Kushida-san" Nene covered her mouth.
In a way, they somehow understand where Kushida is coming from. Her attitude will never allow her to befriend anyone. So she resulted on making a fake personality to be like by everyone. But that stressed her out, by letting out that stress on the rooftop verbally, Ayanokoji discovered her secret after following her.
Kushida panted, she looked over to then and glared. "Why are you all still here? You got what you came for. Get out!"
Sato and the girls shook their head."No, Kushida-san. We're gonna stay. No matter what is the real you, we're staying by your side. Because that's what's friends for right?" Sato asked the girls.
Matsushita agreed,"What kind of friends are we if we don't accept you at your worst? If we're the first people to turn our backs on you? Not that I'm saying that you're currently at your worst." She giggles nervously.
Kushida looked at them suspiciously. "Whatever, do what you want."
—
"A splendid day, students. Please collect your things neatly. We are nearing the port approximately in thirty minutes. Use this time to secure your things. The screening program will continue tomorrow as schedule, please make yourselves available at the given time that will be later on message to you by the school."
I went back to my room and spotted Hirata and Yukimura inside, Koenji on the other hand is missing.
"Oh, good day, Ayanokoji-kun." Hirata greeted. Yukimura also greeted me quietly. He's still shock by the things he learned today, It seems.
"Hello, Hirata, Yukimura." I greeted them back. I walked over to my bed to fix my things.
"Hey, Ayanokoji-kun. Is it okay for me to ask you something?" Yukimura hesitantly called out to me. Zipping my bag, I turned around and looked at the two. Hirata listened to our conversation, it appears that he want to find out as well.
"Ask away." I shrugged. Seating in front of the two, I opened a bottle of water.
"Why did you held back?" Yukimura directly questioned me.
"I noticed that some of our classmates are struggling academically. So I thought it would be disastrous to go all out in the midterm exam, it will raise our class average resulting in many students like Sudo, Ike, Yamauchi, Sakura and the others to be expelled." I answered him, Hirata seemed to have smile from my thoughtfulness.
"Thank you for being considerate, Ayanokoji-kun. Others like Sudo and Ike who struggle academically are in trouble of getting expelled if you decided to go all out." Hirata thanked me.
"It was nothing. I merely did what I thought was right that time besides, Horikita lowered her score in english test as well, that must have played a important role in Sudo's own english score."
"Why didn't you tell the class about your doubts about the s system?" Yukimura followed up a next question. I inwardly sighed, I hope Hirata will spread this conversation with the class. Its tiring answering the same question over and over again.
"As you said, I may have doubts but I lack proof to prove my claims to the class. Let's say that I did warned you, some of our classmates will only make fun of me and follow their initial plan. It also a fact that I'm shy and have social anxiety. I'm not great at talking to others." Yukimura and Hirata both nodded over my explanation.
Both of them seemed to be satisfied for the mean time. But how long will that last, I wonder? No matter, I know Horikita, Karuizawa, and Hirata will back me up. Horikita will as she wants to ascend to Class A, Karuizawa used me as her host and for protection. Hirata on the other hand, will most likely side with me to safeguard the unity of the class.
Ping!
I looked over to my phone to see that Horikita messaged me.
«I want to talk later if that's fine with you? I want to discuss our plan for the things the other class and our classmates might find out later on the screening.»
3:14 pm.
I read her message, typing a response. I out my phone after sending it.
«That is reasonable, how about later at my dorm at 5 pm? I have some things to do after that so I cant can't really go any further.»
3:15 pm.
I focused on the conversation in front of me. Yukimura and Hirata is discussing the private matter concerning our class as a whole. They are throwing ideas back and fourth where a place is suitable enough to talk about it.
"How about the a group chat?" I suggested. Outdoor places is a no because the other classes can easily listen in, the same with our classroom. The dorm room is out of the question. It can't fit 40 students.
Yukimura look thoughtful. "That might work."
Hirata nodded, "We'll just have to caution them to respond when they are in a private place, preferably in their rooms."
"Time check; 3:28 pm. Please stand by at the upper deck with your class, in another two minutes, the ship will be docking. The students is requested to be careful when disembarking the ship, as the ground is slippery."
We looked at each other and headed for the door. Hirata went first, followed by Yukimura, and lastly me. We encountered some students chattering with their friends as they make their way to the deck. We saw Kushida with the girls looking irritated for some reason. My eye caught Karuizawa for a minute before she looked away.
I followed her using my eyes as they head up. Sighing, I opened my phone to message her.
«Is something wrong? Are you fine?»
3:31 pm.
It took her two minutes to replied back. I opened it and read.
«It's nothing. I'm just worried that we might be viewing my past.»
3:33 pm.
«That seems to be unlikely, remember, Mashima-sensei said that we will only be viewing the important parts. The ones that have significant impact in our school year. Your past doesn't have any connection to that, unless there's something you didn't tell me?»
3:35 pm.
I closed my phone and looked ahead of me. The three of us walked over to the class, Hirata headed in front while Yukimura stationed himself near the middle. I positioned myself in the end, hoping to find some peace and quietly observe the ocean.
Ping!
I glanced at Karuizawa who's standing next to Hirata.
«Well aren't you rude! I already told you everything, but that's a relief. I'm really worried what our classmates will think if they ever found out.»
3:37 pm.
I blinked. How am I rude?
«Don't worry, even if they found out, I'll protect you.»
3:37 pm.
After that last message. I put away my phone and quietly observed my surroundings.
—
Knock, knock!
I finished putting away my things when someone knocked on my door. Knowing already who is it. I made my to open it.
"Excuse me." Horikita said, putting away her shoes.
She made herself comfortable in my bed, "What do you want? I have some tea, coffee, and cocoa." I offered her.
"I'll the tea, please."
Following her request, I made the green tea quickly. Hoping to finish this meeting as soon as possible.
"Here." I handed her the tea. Taking a seat in front of her, I waited for her to start talking.
She took a sip, "I don't know how far this screening program will show us, but I already can tell that this will become a problem for us." She set the cup down.
"Us? You must be forgetting that the deal is I'll help the class but you'll never investigate me." I reminded her.
She raised an eyebrow at me. "We don't know what they'll us about you. After all, they're using your memories. Any actions you made that never happened might be shown, I can't help you with that."
That's true. You can't defend someone about something that never happened yet, but it is also true that you can't hold something against someone the things the haven't done yet.
"So what are you going to do about it?" Horikita asked me.
I ponder over the thought a few seconds. "I only need you, Hirata, and Karuizawa to act on my signal, we can't expect for Kushida to side with us seeing us she's already been exposed." I played with my phone. Sending a message to the two.
"Other than that, we can only hope that they will not show something drastic."
-x-
Word Count: 3681
Hi guys! Here's the second update for the week! As I said, starting this week. I will only be updating once or twice a week. Classes will resume after January 3, so I will be busy, but I'll try my best to update as much as I can.
At first, I was not gonna post this chapter because I'm not satisfied with what I written in this and resolved to re-write it in the beginning. I changed my mind after being hit by writers block. So sorry if you find this chapter disappointing!
Asteria_Writer