POV; Ayatsuji Tsukasa

Its been four days since that "work day." It still was in the back of mind the whole time.

"Ayatsuji-san?"

The past two days I have found myself lost in introspection. What was I thinking? What did I just do? Why did I even?

"Ayatsuji-san?"

Why am I attracted to Junichi? What is love? What makes him seem attractive to me? What makes a worthy guy? Appearance? Status? Power?...Money? No it can't be! Junichi doesn't have any of those qualities!

"Ne, Ayatsuji-sannnn."

Role playing? That was your best excuse? D-Did you just declare war with Morishima-senpai over attraction? You...kissed..her boyfriend...

What if...No..He'll never see me in the same way he sees Morishima-senpai?

Well! It doesnt matter! I don't need him! He is only a mere distraction to my success. Yes! You are being ridiculous, this whole thing is ridiculous. Just give up-

Give up? No. I can't! I never have and never will.

Especially when my heart feels like this...

I placed my hand to my chest and could feel the rush.

"Ayatsuji-san!" a finger poked at my cheeks.

Reflexively, I snapped to action and forcefully grabbed the hand of whoever, and pulled sharply, causing none other than Tachibana-kun to fall vulnerable on the desk before us.

Eh?

"Tachibana-kun?" I blinked, "What's going on?"

"Geez, Ayatsuji-san, you zoned out completely for the fifth time this week! It's only Tuesday..."

"Eh?"

I turned my attention forward to catch sight of a long line of students extending from our desk, across the room, out the door and down the hall.

"Oh, please pardon me," I apologized sincerely, "There's been so many things going on..."

This looks bad for me, I can't let this continue, it'll impact my reputation severely!

"Is this for approval stamps?" I asked Tachibana-kun.

"Hai, its all just for the booth location during the Sousetsai Festival," he responded.

"Thank you very much, Tachibana-kun."

I took a hold of the approval stamps and began quickly stamping my approval, mechanically, almost.

"Are you even reading those Ayatsuji-san?" Junichi questioned.

"Yes, of course, I just need a quick glance and mental note!"

"I see." He replied.

"Say, Junichi..."

He flinched at the use of his first name.

"I can call you that from time to time right?"

"Yes, O-Of course!"

"Could you and I, and Morishima-senpai get together again soon?"

"Eh?"

"She likes games right? Competitions?'

"Y-Yes," she replied.

"She seems fun..."

"Yeah isn't she great?" He exclaimed, "she's so adorable, and cute, and-"

I couldn't help but just stare at Tachibana-kun, burning with jealousy and irritation.

"S-Sumimasen..." he replied.

"Anyway, I thought we could get closer in a...friendly game."

"Mm! Sure! She'll love it!"

"I'm sure she will," I closed not being to help but grow a devious smirk.


Sure enough, Tachibana-kun and Morishima-senpai were before me as we all sat on the school roof as the sun set in the background. Morishima-senpai had also brought her close friend, Tsukahara-senpai, who seemed less than interested in the event and seemed to have been dragged along.

"You wanted to challenge me Ayatsuji-san?" Morishima-senpai asked.

Although I am sure she has fully grasped the situation at hand, she still seemed to be genuinely playful and into whatever it is that I would propose we duel over. I couldn't help but smile. To confirm my suspicion, I smiled at this phrase. A meek, humble, warm smile, but behind it I could feel the deviousness. I had her in the palm of my hand, and just like anybody I deal with, well...except for Tachibana-kun, she had no idea what she was getting into. I could read her like an open book.

"Hai, Morishima-senpai," I happily replied, "I want to play a game."

"Okay," Morishima said in English. "What's the game?" she finished in Japanese.

"Well, actually, before we get to it, I want to make things more...exciting? No- daring!"

"Wow!" she exclaimed in english again. "How though?"

"Let's settle the terms first!" I insisted.

Morishima-senpai was in such a high mood she looked as though she would certainly agree. She began to open her mouth when Tsukahara-senpai stepped in and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Haruka," she began, "please do try to stay in the right mindset and consider what else could happen," she passively warned, shooting a quick suspicious glance at me.

I returned the gaze with yet a warm smile, a slight crinkle at the edge of my mouth.

To my surprise, Morishima-senpai did not seem to take heed of this indirect warning.

"Okay, you're on Ayatsuji-san," she went through regardless.

"Hai, if you win, Morishima-senpai, I will...hmm...I will," I gulped at this, "..set aside a room during the Sousetsai, for you and Tachibana-kun to get a isolated view of the fireworks and the tree lighting festival. I will make sure none of my committee staff find you and all teachers stay away from the building."

Morishima-senpai seemed more than happy at this offer.

"Very good!" she exclaimed, "And if I lose?"

I suddenly became nervous at saying it. I cleared my throat.

"If I win...I..I get to...I-I get to 'role play' as Tachibana-kun's girlfriend for a full day."

"EH?!" the couple before me exclaimed.

"That's-"

"Finally found a challenge too steep for you?" I asked in an innocent manner.

She held her tongue.

"What do you plan to get out of it?" Morishima-senpai asked in an attempt to get me to reveal my intentions with Junichi, who sat quietly in between us, his cheeks burning red.

"I-I just want to role play as you do to see how fun it could be, do you actually think I have feelings for him?" I shot back.

She laughed it off, "I guess not," she innocently played.

"So? Agree?"

She finally gave.

"Fine, I agree," she acknowledged. "What's the game?"

From my bag, I puled out a small folded box held together by two latches. Opening this box, revealed a chess board.

"American chess!" I smiled.

Morishima-senpai stared at the board in wonder. It showed she had an idea how to play given her english background, however I could immediately see that she wasnt too good at it. I like games that keeps my mind moving.

The pieces were set up and she had the first move. Tachibana-kun stared at the board in an anxious worried manner, while Tsukahara-senpai seemed to view with disappointment at what her friend had gotten herself into.

She moved her pawn to F4. I had seen this before, it was a commonly read mistake. Not too bad, yet not an amazing move either. I could win this.

Pawn to E6.

She seemed completely absorbed and moved another pawn to G4.

Something was telling me there was some shot to be dealt with here. Then I saw it!

Queen to H4.

Tachibana-kun was the first to notice. Tsukahara-senpai then followed suit shortly after.

Checkmate.