A Liquid Inspiration

Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)

One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.

That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.

For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.

It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:

"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."

This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.

Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!

Vol 2. Chapter 8 - A Well-Deserved Break (Part 1)

Ayanokōji Kiyotaka

The hushed quiet of the Student Council office hung heavy in the air, the ticking of the clock the only sound punctuating the silence. It was Friday, and the afternoon sunlight trickled in through the blinds, casting long, dappled shadows across the paperwork that lay scattered on my desk.

Classes had concluded for the day, and with Horikita-senpai and Tachibana-senpai occupied with class matters, it was only myself and Nagumo-senpai in the office. It was a slow day, a stark contrast to the frenzy of the trial that had concluded a few days ago.

"You work quick, Ayanokōji," Nagumo-senpai broke the silence, his voice reverberating softly against the high ceilings.

He sure did cut to the chase, didn't he? As expected of Nagumo-senpai, I suppose.

"Am I? I'm just working at the same pace as you, senpai," I responded, my gaze flickering towards the towering pile of documents on his desk.

His amused chuckle cut through the silence. "That's not what I meant, kouhai."

The smile that spread across Nagumo-senpai's face held a smug air as he leaned back in his chair, the faint golden sunlight from the window catching on his blonde hair. "I was talking about the trial that happened a couple of days ago," he started, his voice lined with a note of intrigue. "Where... a Class D student got expelled."

"Justice doing its work, senpai," I replied, meeting his eyes briefly before returning to the document in front of me. "You don't think it's unfair, do you?"

His laughter echoed through the room, a triumphant and hearty sound. "Oh, don't get me wrong, Ayanokōji! I'm not judging you for what happened. In fact, I'm praising you for making that move," he clarified, the grin on his face almost predatory. "You're establishing control over your year. It seems like you're following my footsteps instead of Horikita-senpai's, huh?"

"The slightest of similarities do not mean emulation, senpai," I quipped.

Nagumo-senpai was not entirely off the mark with his comparison. The strategy I had employed against Class D was indeed reminiscent of his tactics, not Horikita-senpai's.

But domination wasn't the driving factor in my decision to turn Ryūen's botched ploy of framing Ken against him.

I simply wanted to establish the fact that I wouldn't hesitate to strike back when people attempt to push my buttons, and in this case, Ryūen had to learn that he had overstepped his boundaries.

Nagumo-senpai fixed me with a thoughtful gaze, his keen eyes gleaming with almost predatory interest. "If that's what you think, Ayanokōji," he replied, his tone as smooth as silk, yet laden with an unspoken challenge. "However, Horikita-senpai always believed in keeping the status quo, playing by the rules, textbook approaches... and that's not really your style, is it?"

The blonde-haired boy's words hung in the air, a veiled challenge wrapped in an insidious appraisal. His sly smile suggested he was a predator eyeing an unsuspecting prey. However, I was well aware of his intentions, as transparent as the glass windows of the office.

"Horikita-senpai had his way, you have yours, and I have mine, Nagumo-senpai. We each adapt differently to the situations presented to us," I replied, maintaining a neutral facade.

"Adaptation... yes, a valuable trait," Nagumo-senpai mused, drumming his fingers on his desk in a slow, deliberate rhythm. "A trait I see in you, Ayanokōji. You don't let sentimentality get in your way. And in the many conversations we've had, I can tell that you're a realist, just like me. That's why I believe you'll go far in this school."

"I'm glad that you think so, senpai," I replied.

Nagumo-senpai leaned forward, his elbows propped on his desk, interlacing his fingers. His next words slipped out in a low, conspiratorial whisper. "And I believe you have the potential to rise above the rest, Ayanokōji. Even surpass Horikita-senpai. And that potential... it's wasted if you're not willing to play the game the way it's meant to be played."

His words, while draped in an air of mentorship, held a certain cunning undertone. He was attempting to pull me into his worldview, to mold me into a player who thought like him, moved like him, and acted like him.

His goal was clear: to assert his influence over the first-year students through me.

While he was more than aware of the fact that Horikita Manabu had fully intended for me to eventually clash with him, he also saw the clear sign that I wasn't the carbon copy of the bespectacled boy. Nagumo Miyabi saw that I was more than capable of bending the rules in my favor.

And that, for him, made me a viable candidate for what he was intending to do.

But that wasn't going to happen. After all, my goals in this school directly clashed with one of Nagumo-senpai's goals, and I wasn't going to let him take that from me.

"Every game has different rules, Nagumo-senpai," I countered, "What might have worked for you may not necessarily work for me. Just as how I handle my situations might not sit well with your strategies."

His eyes flashed with a glint of amusement. "Is that so?" he probed, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. "But tell me, Ayanokōji, isn't it satisfying to put someone in their place? Especially when they've been acting high and mighty when they had no right to think that way?"

It was a loaded question, bait that was laid out for me. But, I knew better than to give him the answer he desired. "Satisfaction can be subjective, senpai," I responded, returning his smirk with a mild smile, "What satisfies you may not necessarily satisfy me."

Nagumo-senpai chuckled, his laughter reverberating around the room before dissipating into a satisfied silence. "You're a tough nut to crack, Ayanokōji," he admitted, an edge of admiration creeping into his voice, "But that's what makes our interactions... interesting."

His predatory grin faded, replaced by a more casual, friendly expression. "Ah, before I forget," he interjected, changing the topic with an air of nonchalance. "You and Yuki are free later, right?"

"Pretty much. Strange how we pretty much conditioned ourselves to be free on Friday evenings," I replied, sighing. The change in conversation was as abrupt as it was welcome, a refreshing break from our usual sparring of words.

"That's just because you want to hang out with your favorite senpai," the blonde-haired boy replied, chuckling. His demeanor was lighter now, almost teasing. "Same place, same time, alright? Nazuna and I will meet you there."

I cast a brief glance towards Nagumo-senpai before returning my focus to the paperwork sprawled across my desk. No matter how many times we'd talk, the undercurrent remained the same— a constant power play masked by casual banter.

As always, our conversation was a complex interplay of words and intentions, a dance where he was the self-appointed choreographer. He attempted to steer me along his chosen path, but his efforts were in vain. I refused to be controlled by anyone but myself.

While I maneuvered within Nagumo-senpai's world of intrigue and manipulation, where control held the highest value, this was simply to take the opportunity to learn from my enemies, to know how they operate, and to take advantage of what they have to offer.

It was a lesson that had been subtly taught to me by my father.

Nagumo Miyabi, as astute as he was, had yet to fully grasp this dichotomy between traversing a specific path and being influenced by its direction.

But for the moment, I allowed him his illusions of control, let him bask in the belief that he held the puppet strings. After all, a game becomes much more riveting when the unexpected occurs.

And in this game of ours, I intended to deliver nothing less than the unexpected.

8.1

Saturday broke with an unseasonably clear sky, contradicting the gloomy forecast of relentless rain. The morning sun hinted at a day well spent as Yuki, Chiaki, and I made our way towards Keyaki Mall.

As we ambled along, Yuki and Chiaki fell into their customary rhythm of conversation. Yuki, with animated gestures and infectious enthusiasm, narrated the events of our Friday dinner with Nagumo-senpai and Asahina-senpai. In a usual contrast to our tension-filled interaction in the Student Council office, our dinner with the older boy and his right-hand woman was easy-going and calming.

In fact, Nagumo-senpai took the role of a "helpful senior" and peppered the night by sharing with us what he referred to as 'school hacks'— his term for insider knowledge about the school. Last night, he'd shared a new revelation: the locations of some underrated food places around campus that only a few students knew about.

However, mid-story, Chiaki interjected with a playful grumble. "You know, Kiyotaka-kun, we should also have a day in the week where it's just the two of us for dinner. It's unfair that Yuki-chan always gets you on Friday, you know?"

"Fufu~!" Yuki's laughter rang out, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "That's your fault, Chiaki-chan. Maybe if you joined us in the Student Council, Kiyotaka and I would let you tag along."

"Eh? I don't really care about that. I want undivided attention, not to be a tag-along," Chiaki countered, grinning playfully at me. "What do you think, Kiyotaka-kun? Don't you think it's a great idea?"

Instead of replying, I merely gave a noncommittal shrug, letting a hint of mirth flash across my face.

Chiaki pouted at my lack of response, but the brown-haired girl quickly recovered and flashed Yuki a triumphant smile. "And as we've been taught, silence typically means yes," she spoke, sticking a tongue out at the blonde, who rolled her eyes in amusement.

"The fact that you even had to ask for it just shows which one of us Kiyotaka favors more," Yuki quipped, her violet orbs showing a challenging look that sought to taunt Chiaki.

"This argument again?" I interjected, sighing. "This is like the 500th time now, both of you. It really doesn't matter which one of you I prefer more. I'll spend time with both of you."

Chiaki pinched me lightly on the shoulder. "Such a shameless two-timer, aren't you, Kiyotaka-kun? But it's almost impressive how open you are about it."

"Should I be ashamed for being honest about my desires?" I countered, turning to face her directly. "I want to spend time with both of you. End of story."

"I don't know which surprises me more... Yuki-chan controlling her jealous streaks or your shameless bluntness," Chiaki mused, giggling.

"I've always been blunt, so I recommend the first option," I suggested, glancing at Yuki, who flashed a smirk in response.

"And as I said a couple of days ago, there's nothing for me to be jealous of anymore," Yuki said confidently, her gaze bouncing between Chiaki and me. "No matter how much you or the other girls try, none of you can make Kiyotaka feel the way I make him feel, Chiaki-chan."

... That's quite presumptuous of you, Yuki.

The banter continued as we approached the entrance of Keyaki Mall, the bustle of shoppers setting a vibrant backdrop for our ongoing conversation. With the way Chiaki and Yuki were acting, you'd think they were enemies, which couldn't be farther from the truth.

That said, some people were already staring at us, the antics of the two girls gaining us unwarranted attention, but that didn't deter them in the slightest. On the contrary, they seemed to thrive on it, as if the eyes of the bystanders were fueling their playful competitiveness.

"Then let's just see who Kiyotaka-kun enjoys being with the most today, shall we?" Chiaki challenged Yuki, a smirk forming on the girl's lips.

"Winner gets to cuddle with him tonight?"

"Oh, that's a good one, Yuki-chan! You're on!"

Did... they just decide on that without consulting me? And how exactly are they going to determine whose company I enjoyed more?

I let out an exasperated sigh... these two were beyond help.

Soon, we spotted Yōsuke and Karuizawa waiting by the entrance. Yōsuke's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight of me flanked by Chiaki and Yuki.

"When I said we were planning on a double date... I really should have expected you'd bring both Tsubaki-san and Matsushita-san with you, Kiyotaka," he said, letting out a wry smile. "Leave it to the Harem Emperor to flaunt his power to mere mortals like us."

Karuizawa rolled her eyes at Yōsuke's comment, but there was a soft smile on her lips as she waved at Chiaki and Yuki. "Did you two manage to keep him in check?" she asked, her gaze flicking towards me with an amused glint.

"Oi, what's up with that question, Karuizawa? If anything, you should be asking me if I managed to keep these two idiots in line," I quipped, turning my head to the girl, who stuck her tongue out as if saying, "Girls stick together!"

With a few final jests, we set off to 'conquer the day,' as Yuki put it.

The mall hummed with activity, alive with the lively conversations of shoppers and the rhythmic footsteps echoing through its halls. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the nearby cafés, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked pastries. But despite the constant noise and movement, it felt almost peaceful in our little group.

As we navigated through the mall, Yōsuke began detailing our schedule for the day. "First, we're going to the café for some quick bites. Then, we can burn off those calories at the arcade, and finally, we'll head to karaoke to embarrass ourselves."

"Are you... projecting, Yōsuke-kun?" Karuizawa asked, giggling. "Last time I checked, you're the only bad singer around here."

"Huh? Of course not!" Yōsuke protested before the boy turned his gaze in my direction. "With how Kiyotaka sounds, I'm pretty sure I won't be the only one."

You'll be surprised, Yōsuke. But I'll keep that to myself for now.

While Yōsuke continued to bicker with Karuizawa, both Yuki and Chiaki moved closer to me, each one taking an arm and wrapping theirs around it. I arched an eyebrow, bemused by their antics, but I didn't object. I had grown accustomed to this, and even if it was a bit troublesome, I didn't find it burdensome.

Karuizawa, noticing what the two girls did, raised her brow in mild surprise but swiftly replaced it with an amused look, shaking her head in disbelief. "You know, Ayanokōji-kun... if not for the fact that we're friends and that I knew the weird relationship between the three of you, I would have chewed you out for being the personification of trash."

"I appreciate your restraint," I retorted, my tone deadpan as I returned her amused gaze.

"Hey, don't be so hard on him, Kei," Yōsuke chimed in, coming to my defense with an amused smile on his face. "Kiyotaka is just the exception to many rules. It is what it is. Emperor privilege."

"I haven't forgotten the fact that you were surrounded by four girls on the first day of class, Yōsuke. You may be tied up now, but I'm pretty sure Wang and Mori still like you," I countered.

Karuizawa arched a brow, her tone dry as she retorted, "Are you seriously going to mention other girls when his girlfriend is right here, Ayanokōji-kun? Mou, you truly lack tact at times."

Fake girlfriend, Karuizawa. There's a big difference, so I don't feel bad at all.

"Robotkōji Kiyobaka?" Chiaki suggested.

Karuizawa giggled. "Robotkōji Kiyobaka," she affirmed.

Hey, that's just uncalled for.

8.2

As we stepped into the café, the rich, tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted into our nostrils, wrapping us in its comforting warmth. Light streamed in through the large glass windows, illuminating the eclectic mix of vintage and modern décor. We nestled into a snug corner booth, a perfect vantage point to observe the café's ambiance, teeming with people immersed in their conversations, their books, or their digital devices.

Yuki and Chiaki continued to clutch my arms possessively, their conversation adding to the symphony of sounds – the clinking of cutlery, the muffled hum of background music, and the bubbling chatter of fellow patrons.

Just as I was getting comfortable, my phone vibrated with an incoming message. It was from Yōsuke. I glanced at the screen, where his text flashed:

"You should have brought Horikita-san as well. You shouldn't let one of your harem girls feel left out, you know?"

... Seriously, Yōsuke?

I shot Yōsuke a dry look from across the table, my expression clearly communicating my annoyance. He grinned back, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

This guy... found amusement in the most absurd things.

I sighed, my eyes shifting from Yōsuke and back to my phone.

So that was how it was going to be, huh?

Well then...

After sending Yōsuke one final look, I typed out a quick reply:

"I'm telling on you. Yuki will kick your ass."

Yōsuke's eyes bulged as he read my message, and he shot a quick, nervous glance towards Yuki. She was deep in a conversation with Chiaki, blissfully unaware of the silent interaction unfolding between us. Yōsuke mouthed a silent apology in my direction, and I responded with a thumbs-up.

He visibly relaxed, thinking he was safe from Yuki's wrath, at least for now.

I had to admit, seeing Yōsuke, as well as Ken, squirm under the threat of Yuki's ire, was funny to me, especially when Yuki herself was oblivious to the effect she had on them.

Our momentary antics were interrupted as a waiter approached, an amiable smile adorning his face. He was dressed in a crisp uniform, a notepad and pen ready in his hand. His polished nametag glinted under the café lighting, revealing his name as 'Seiya.'

"Good morning, and welcome to Café Éclat. My name is Seiya, and I'll be your server today. What can I get you?" His voice was as warm as his smile, contributing to the café's overall welcoming aura.

I turned to my companions, awaiting their choices. Chiaki was the first to speak up. "I'll have a caramel latte, please. And... hm, a slice of the New York cheesecake."

Next, Yuki waved at the waiter and pointed at the menu. "I'll have the Matcha Frappe and three Red Velvet cupcakes."

Karuizawa contemplated for a moment before deciding. "I'll go with the Americano. And I'd like to try the chocolate chip cookies."

Yōsuke was quick with his order, likely having thought about it ahead of time. "I'll have the same as her," he began, pointing his thumb at his girlfriend. "But could I get an espresso instead of an Americano?"

Once they had finished, all eyes landed on me. Even Seiya seemed to pause in anticipation. I found their expectancy mildly amusing, yet it did not provoke any undue pressure. I simply gave a small smile before stating my order. "I'll have a cappuccino, and... let's go with a chocolate croissant."

As Seiya nodded and scribbled our orders onto his notepad, Chiaki leaned in closer, her face lit up with a playful grin. "A cappuccino and a chocolate croissant?"

I simply shrugged, responding, "I like what I like."

"And it's not bland black coffee?" She asked again.

"No. Why would it be?"

"Look, he's growing up, Yuki-chan!" Chiaki cheered, swiftly turning her head to the giggling Yuki.

Yuki tried to stifle her giggles, covering her mouth with her hand while her violet orbs twinkled with amusement. "You sound like his mother, Chiaki-chan."

"Or maybe his girlfriend," Chiaki retorted with a wink, causing Yuki to let out a snort.

"Keep dreaming," Yuki replied, sticking a tongue out.

Both Yōsuke and Karuizawa looked at us, their expressions varying from curiosity to amusement. "And they say harems only happen in anime," Yōsuke quipped, letting out a soft chuckle.

"Do you also want one, Yōsuke? What would Karuizawa think?" I countered.

"E-eh?! Kei's enough for me, thank you very much!" Yōsuke responded, flustered at my counterattack.

"Good boy, Yōsuke-kun," Karuizawa joked, patting her boyfriend on his back.

"Whipped."

Yōsuke merely sighed in response, taking a sip of his water.

While this was happening, Seiya left our table, heading back to the staff area to let the baristas and cooks know of our orders.

We chatted comfortably as we waited for our orders, the hum of conversation from nearby tables and the low, jazzy music playing softly in the background filling the space between our words. Chiaki and Yuki took turns teasing me, their banter keeping Yōsuke and Karuizawa entertained.

Glancing around, I took note of the café's interior. Exposed brick walls gave the space a rustic feel, while the various art pieces adorning the walls lent a touch of modernity. Each table was adorned with a simple vase holding a single, vibrant flower—a pleasant touch of color in the otherwise neutral-toned space.

The counter was manned by baristas bustling around, expertly preparing orders, the hissing of the espresso machine blending seamlessly with the ambient sounds. Behind the glass display case, an array of tempting pastries and desserts added to the café's charm, each dish meticulously arranged and as visually appealing as the next.

Just then, I noticed Yōsuke looking towards me with an amused smirk. "What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," he replied, shaking his head with a chuckle. "It's just... observing the three of you is like watching a live-action slice-of-life anime."

My gaze shifted to the two girls flanking me, then back to Yōsuke. "And what genre would this anime fall under, Yōsuke?"

Yōsuke shrugged, chuckling. "Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life. Definitely Romance... but it's the Friendship that stands out. The three of you are almost attached by the hip."

Karuizawa chimed in. "It's safe to say we're all close friends, right? I mean, we've hung out a lot and are comfortable with each other, but still, the three of you... just have your own little universe where it's just the three of you. It is pretty weird, but it somehow works."

I suppose the relationship between Chiaki, Yuki, and me would look strange in the lens of other people, but to be honest, I hadn't put much thought as to why this setup worked— it just did.

However, if one were to ask me, it's probably a combination of the surprising understanding between Yuki and Chiaki, their feelings for me, the existing closeness between the three of us, and my unabashed honesty about my desires.

"I guess it just... works. The three of us, we're used to each other. We understand each other's quirks, we know how to give space when it's needed, and we know how to lend an ear when one of us wants to talk," I explained.

Yōsuke let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. "Even though we talked about this a few days ago, I still can't quite wrap my head around it. I guess it's something unique to the three of you."

Just then, Seiya returned, expertly balancing a tray laden with our drinks and pastries. He began distributing them around the table. The delicious smell of coffee and baked goods filled the air, causing our conversation to momentarily pause as we turned our attention to the incoming refreshments.

"I hope you enjoy your order," Seiya said cheerfully, placing the last chocolate croissant in front of me. He gave us one last friendly smile before retreating, allowing us to enjoy our treats.

Once Seiya had left us, the table was silent as we all looked at our food and drinks, the various aromas teasing our senses. Yuki was the first to break the silence, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she shoved one of her red velvet cupcakes into my mouth. "Eat up, Kiyotaka!"

I blinked in surprise, not quite prepared for the sudden mouthful of sweetness. "Mmff—!" I tried to articulate, but all that came out was a muffled sound. A chuckle erupted from Yōsuke, his hand slapping the table in amusement.

"That's one way to catch him off-guard. Good job, Tsubaki-san!" he snickered, earning a thumbs up from a grinning Yuki.

Chiaki giggled at Yōsuke's comment, her caramel latte halfway to her lips. "Yuki-chan, you're not supposed to feed him like that," she advised teasingly, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

I managed to swallow the bite, grimacing slightly at the sudden sweet overload. With a shake of my head, I turned to Yuki, wiping away a smear of frosting that had clung to my lip. "A little warning next time, maybe?"

Yuki merely laughed, her violet eyes sparkling with mirth. "But where's the fun in that, Kiyotaka? This is a double date, isn't it?"

I shook my head before my hand reached for my cappuccino, letting the warm, slightly bitter beverage counteract the lingering sweetness of the cupcake. "And since this is a date, I would have preferred a surprise kiss, just so you know," I joked, making Yuki choke on her frappe in surprise.

"K-Kiyotaka!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a delightful shade of pink.

Now, why were you even flustered over that? Weren't you the same girl who wanted to get kissed in the hallways simply because you couldn't wait to get to the dorms?

You sure could be confusing, Yuki.

"Let me get this straight. You're fine with a surprise kiss, but not a surprise cupcake?" Yōsuke chimed in, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "That's some weird priorities you got there, man."

"It's just common sense, Yōsuke. I won't choke with the first option," I replied, shrugging before turning my attention back to Yuki. "What's the matter, Yuki? Was it really that surprising? You should have seen it coming."

Yuki huffed, her violet eyes narrowed at me, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "You... You just wait, Kiyotaka!" she threatened, though the tone was more playful than anything else.

Chiaki, on the other hand, was all smiles. "You've heard him, Yuki-chan. Next time, instead of the cupcake, just go for a kiss! Like this," she advised before quickly leaning over, placing a swift peck on my cheek, causing Yuki's eyes to widen in surprise.

The brown-haired girl then winked at Yuki and flashed her a "V" sign, before kissing me on the cheeks again. Yuki sputtered, at a loss for words, causing a round of laughter to ripple across our table.

"Kiyotaka-kun, how dare you embarrass Yuki-chan like that!" Chiaki admonished me playfully, her bright laughter echoing Yuki's stunned silence.

I just shook my head at her words, my fingers softly brushing the spot on my cheek where Chiaki had kissed me. "You're placing the blame on me? You're the one who took advantage of the situation, Chiaki," I replied before I reached for another sip of my cappuccino.

"Ayanokōji-kun's right, Matsushita-san," Karuizawa agreed, a knowing smile on her face. "You're just as guilty as him."

"I know, right?" Yōsuke chimed in, his expression gleefully entertained. "I mean, talk about striking while the iron is hot."

As they continued on with their conversation, I took a bite of my chocolate croissant. The pastry was as perfect as it looked, the flaky layers of the dough and the rich chocolate filling a delight to the senses. I could only offer a content smile as I enjoyed the taste, my gaze shifting between my friends.

This was going to be a fun day.

8.3

At around 1:45 PM, we left Café Éclat and made our way to the arcade. The sounds of video game machines filled the air as we stepped into the brightly lit space. Rows of flashing screens and colorful cabinets lined the walls, with students eagerly engaged in various games, their eyes fixed on the screens, hands swiftly maneuvering joysticks and buttons.

We walked further into the arcade, Yuki and Chiaki still flanking me on either side, their excitement palpable. The flashing lights and energetic atmosphere enveloped us, creating a sense of anticipation and fun.

Karuizawa surveyed the scene with a playful smile. "I haven't been to an arcade in ages. This brings back memories," she remarked, her eyes shining with nostalgia.

Yōsuke grinned mischievously. "Well, today we'll make sure to create some new memories, right?" he suggested, glancing at Karuizawa. "But I hope you'll be fine with them being memories of you losing, Kei."

She raised an eyebrow, her smile turning slightly wicked. "Are you implying that you're going to beat me at every game?" she challenged, her competitive spirit igniting.

Yōsuke feigned innocence, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Who, me? I would never suggest such a thing. But if you insist..."

I watched their banter with mild amusement. They were slowly becoming more comfortable with each other, and their interactions felt more natural and unforced. It was a stark contrast to the initial stages of their setup, which had been noticeably more rigid and awkward.

They might actually fool even the most observant of people into thinking they're in a real relationship, now that I thought about it.

"Kiyotaka-kun, let's get some tokens," Chiaki suggested, pulling my arm towards the brightly lit token machines. The metal clinking of coins echoed throughout the arcade as she inserted our money, and a stream of tokens poured out.

Our small group then spread out to different corners of the arcade. Chiaki immediately headed to the claw machines, her eyes glittering with determination. Yuki, on the other hand, made her way to the rhythm games, her interest piqued by the fast-paced music and the energetic dance moves of the players.

Yōsuke and Karuizawa, meanwhile, had made a beeline for the racing games. Their banter could be heard even from where I was, their loud exclamations and laughter drawing attention from the people around them.

With all of them settled into the games they wanted to play, I decided to follow Yuki, curious to see how she would fare with the rhythm games. She gracefully stepped onto the dance platform, her violet eyes focused on the screen before her. The music started, the beat fast and catchy, and Yuki began to move.

She was pretty good at the game, her movements fluid and in sync with the rhythm. The more she danced, the more her confidence grew, and by the end of the game, she was completely immersed, her body moving with practiced ease.

After watching Yuki play a couple more rounds, I felt a curiosity bubbling within me. This was my first time in an arcade, and I had spent most of it observing.

Perhaps it was time to step into the fray, if only for a moment.

With that thought, I excused myself from Yuki's rhythm game session and walked over to a less crowded section of the arcade. There, I found a simple game of whack-a-mole waiting for me. It looked easy enough - hit the mechanical moles as they popped out of their holes—a game of quick reactions and timing.

I inserted a token and took a deep breath as the game sprang to life. The moles popped up and down erratically, and I swung the mallet in a frenzy, aiming to hit as many as possible. It was pretty easy once I managed to get the hang of the timing, and after a couple more tries, I ended up breaking the high score.

It was pretty fun.

With my curiosity satiated, I decided to stop right there and headed to the claw machines, where Chiaki was playing. She had a small pile of stuffed toys by her feet, her face flushed with excitement.

She was very good at it, and somehow, I felt like I missed out on a youthful experience.

Plenty of animes did show the male lead character winning stuffed toys for the heroine in the crane game and Chiaki being good at it... flipped the trope on its head.

"Look, Kiyotaka-kun! I won all these!" She held up her prizes, her face lighting up with joy. "Can you hold these for me while I win some more?"

She sure was confident, wasn't she? But considering the small army of plush toys at her feet, I guess it was warranted.

"At this point, we might just have to buy an extra bag to carry all your winnings," I quipped, adjusting the stack of stuffed animals in my arms. She just flashed me a cheeky smile before focusing her attention back on the claw machine.

Meanwhile, the competitive match between Yōsuke and Karuizawa was reaching its climax. The teasing and the taunting they exchanged grew louder by the moment, drawing even more attention. Both of them were so invested in their race you would think they were actually on a high-speed chase on the highway.

This led to some people gathering around them, cheering and clapping every time one of them took the lead. Some of these were girls who took photos of Yōsuke, while the other half of the crowd were avid gamers who simply enjoyed a good show.

Well... I couldn't really tell if it was a good show since I hadn't really played video games myself, but it was probably similar to what people felt towards sports, where rooting for one team just pumped adrenaline into them.

As the afternoon wore on, our group continued to enjoy the vibrant energy of the arcade. Chiaki's plush army had doubled in size, much to the amazement of passersby, and I found myself amused while looking at the growing pile, wondering how she would even handle all of those plushies.

A few moments later, Yuki came over to us, a look of disbelief on her face. "Chiaki-chan, how are you so good at this?" she asked, eyeing the plush mountain I was guarding. "And what are you even going to do with these many plushies?"

Chiaki turned her head in Yuki's direction and developed a thinking pose as she stared at the prizes she had won. "Some of these would obviously go to my room as added decoration. Oh, and I'm giving a couple away to both you and Karuizawa-san... and as for the 'special bundles'..." Chiaki trailed off, her eyes turning to the odd pile she kept close to her.

"It'll go to Kiyotaka-kun's room as decor, of course!" She exclaimed cheerfully, skipping away and letting me see what she wanted to place in my room as decor.

...

What the hell are these things?

Looking at the plushies she had separated, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. They were, well, unusual, to say the least. A small dragon plushie with glittering magenta eyes stared back at me from the pile, along with a variety of other creatures, ranging from a giant octopus to a neon-colored unicorn.

No way this wasn't intentional.

"These are for my room?" I asked, taken aback by her selections.

Chiaki simply nodded, her gaze serious. "Yes, I think they will provide a good contrast to your room's...uh, let's say plain style, Kiyotaka-kun. Don't you agree? And no way I'm letting this go to a debate, just like a few months ago when Yuki-chan and I had to convince you to buy some extra couches. You're keeping these cuties!"

I stared at the assortment of plushies, my expression skeptical. But seeing the way Chiaki's face brightened at the prospect of turning my monotonous room into a colorful den, I didn't have the heart to refuse her.

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to add some color," I said, sighing upon visualizing Chiaki's 'gifts' taking solace in my dorm room.

"Exactly! Your room needs a 'woman's touch'! And who better to provide that than me?" she declared, a triumphant look on her face. She patted the dragon plushie, "And I think this one makes for a good punching bag. Just make sure not to destroy it, okay?"

Before I could voice out my exasperation about the Ryūen-inspired plushie that Chiaki picked up, our attention was drawn back to the racing game area.

Yōsuke and Karuizawa's race had apparently reached its conclusion, with Karuizawa letting out a victorious cheer. Either Yōsuke let her win, or he just flat-out sucked at video games.

That said, Karuizawa hopped out of the racing seat, grinning widely as she held her hand out to Yōsuke, who begrudgingly high-fived her. He wore a mock look of disappointment, which caused a wave of laughter among the onlookers.

"You really suck at this, Yōsuke-kun," Karuizawa snickered, leaning her head against Yōsuke's shoulders.

"Or... I just let you win, Kei. You get really mad when things don't go your way, you know?" Yōsuke quipped.

"Huh? What was that again, Yōsuke-kun? I think I might have misheard..."

From my spot by the claw machines, I shook my head in genuine amusement. Their fake relationship might have been my doing, but they were definitely adding their unique flair to it.

With the racing game over, Yōsuke and Karuizawa joined Yuki and me at the claw machines. Chiaki, however, was already in full concentration mode, her gaze locked on the crane machine's glass panel. The current target? A huge fluffy panda plushie.

As if drawn in by the intense scene, Yuki decided to give it a shot as well. She borrowed a few tokens from Chiaki, who nodded, then proceeded to instruct her on the controls.

"Now, you want to aim the claw directly over the prize you want, Yuki-chan. But remember, you have to consider the machine's perspective, not yours," Chiaki explained, guiding Yuki's hands.

Yuki's face hardened with determination as she tried to follow Chiaki's advice. The first couple of attempts were futile, the claw slipping past the prize or not getting a good grip.

But, instead of showing frustration, Yuki was laughing, "This is actually quite fun!" She exclaimed. "I can see why you enjoy this so much, Chiaki-chan."

With every failed attempt, Chiaki offered more advice, and Yuki showed improvement. On her sixth try, she almost had it, but at the last moment, the plushie slipped from the claw's grip. Yuki let out a yelp of disappointment, but Chiaki patted her shoulder reassuringly.

"It's okay, Yuki-chan! You're getting the hang of it. Try again!" Chiaki encouraged her.

After a few more tries, Yuki finally managed to win a prize, a medium-sized turtle plushie with an adorable smile. Her squeal of victory echoed through the arcade, drawing attention from people given how her... breasts jiggled as she bounced up and down in joy.

By the way, I wasn't one of those people.

"I did it!" Yuki held up the plushie, a broad grin on her face. Chiaki clapped her hands in delight, and even Yōsuke and Karuizawa joined in, offering Yuki their congratulations.

As Yuki basked in her small victory, Chiaki sidled up to her, a playful glint in her eyes. "Now that you've got the hang of it, Yuki-chan, why don't you help me with these 'special bundles'? We're going to make Kiyotaka-kun's room the most colorful it's ever been!"

With that, the two girls dived back into the game, their giggles mingling with the electronic buzz of the arcade.

Yōsuke, who was now standing beside me, sent me a look of pity.

"Don't worry, Yōsuke. I can take it," I replied, my eyes shifting to the pile of odd-looking plushies that would soon take residence in my dorm room.

Despite my acceptance of the plushie invasion, I couldn't help but cast a longing glance towards the exit of the arcade.

But with the girls still excitedly fishing for more colorful creatures in the claw machines, and Karuizawa itching for another round at the racing games, my hope for a swift escape was quickly dwindling.

Yōsuke, having noticed my glance, clapped a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Hang in there, Kiyotaka. At least we have karaoke to look forward to," he said with a chuckle, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"You're really looking forward to seeing me embarrass myself, aren't you?" I replied dryly.

"I need someone who shares my pain, you know?"

Share your pain of being an off-tune singer? In that case, you should have invited Ken as well, Yōsuke.

But I guess it would be funnier to see him stunned once he found out I could actually sing.

"What a terrible friend you are, Yōsuke," I quipped before I glanced at my watch.

It was nearing 4 PM, a good time to wrap up our arcade adventure and head to our next destination.

Deciding to make the announcement, I cleared my throat to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, we've had our fill of games. How about we cash in our remaining tokens and head out to the karaoke box?" I suggested.

The girls reluctantly pulled away from the claw machines, Chiaki with an impressive amount of stuffed toys in her arms. "But I was just getting the hang of it!" Yuki protested, but she didn't seem too upset about leaving.

Chiaki chuckled, "Don't worry, Yuki-chan. We can always come back another time!"

I looked over at Karuizawa and Yōsuke, who were engaged in a conversation. Karuizawa caught my eye and gave me a nod, signaling that they were ready to go as well.

Before we left, we made a stop at the prize counter to exchange the tickets we had won from various games. Chiaki and Yuki picked out a few more plushies (as if we didn't have enough already), while Karuizawa and Yōsuke decided on a pair of matching keychains, adding another little token to their faux relationship.

As for me, I browsed through the arcade's merchandise section and picked up a novelty mug with the arcade's logo, something simple to remember the day by. Chiaki and Yuki gave me skeptical looks, probably thinking I should have chosen something more 'fun,' but I shrugged it off.

Once we had claimed our prizes and handed in our leftover tokens, we made our way out of the arcade, the sounds of video game machines fading as we stepped back into the calm afternoon.

8.4

"Was that...was that even real...?"

As the hands on the clock approached 7:30 PM, we finally vacated the karaoke box. Yōsuke, however, was a picture of stupefaction, his mind struggling to grapple with the unexpected reality of my singing abilities.

"Maybe if you invited Ken and Kayano, you wouldn't have been disappointed, Yōsuke," I quipped, looking at the slumping boy in amusement.

I was pretty sure Ken was tone-deaf since the only volume that guy knew was "LOUD," so if Yōsuke just wanted a 'comrade in arms,' he really should have invited him as well.

"Why is he taking this so hard?" Yuki asked, her laughter underlining the absurdity of Yōsuke's overblown reaction.

"Just let him process it," Karuizawa interjected with a nonchalant shrug. "He'll bounce back. He's just been fantasizing for three days about having Ayanokōji-kun as his 'partner in crime' for atrocious singing. And... as he had just found out, Ayanokōji-kun's notes weren't as flat as he'd hoped."

"Never underestimate Kiyotaka-kun," Chiaki advised, her arms wrapped tightly around the giant panda plushie she had claimed earlier. "He can do pretty much everything."

"You don't say?" Karuizawa retorted dryly. She shot a quick, teasing look in my direction before heading over to her shell-shocked boyfriend, patting him comfortingly on the back.

I couldn't help but chuckle as the scene unfolded. Yōsuke's bafflement was still etched on his face, even as Karuizawa attempted to bring him back to reality. His eyes met mine, and I flashed him an encouraging smile, to which he responded with a weak grin.

"Don't worry, Yōsuke. Maybe you can try rapping next time instead," I suggested. His face quickly transformed from a look of dejection to one of contemplation. It was amusing to see how quickly he could bounce back.

"Yeah, yeah. Maybe I will. Or better yet, I'll learn to sing!" he stated with newfound determination. "Next time, Kiyotaka, we're having a singing competition!"

"Oh, hell no!" Karuizawa protested. "It's funny in a karaoke setting, but for the love of God, spare our ears, Yōsuke-kun."

"That's some tough love, Karuizawa-san," Yuki chimed in, giggling at Yōsuke's puppy-dog expression of hurt.

"Just a dose of reality," Karuizawa retorted, crossing her arms over her chest. "This guy needs to wake up."

"You're overreacting, Kei. It's not gonna be that bad," Yōsuke said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Trust me, Yōsuke-kun, when it comes to singing, you're as coordinated as a baby giraffe learning to walk," Karuizawa said, her words hitting Yōsuke like a swift, merciless jab. Yet, there was an undeniable affection in her teasing.

"Hey, everyone starts somewhere, right?" Yōsuke retorted, forcing a sheepish smile, even as his eyes conveyed his resolve to prove Karuizawa wrong. It seemed my suggestion had somehow ignited a fire in him.

"You're 15. I doubt there's much room for you to grow," I quipped, adding to the invisible arrows that had pierced the boy's body. "Sticking to football is a better idea."

"He's got a point, Hirata-kun," Yuki chimed in. "At least with football, you have a natural talent."

"The two of you... are just too blunt," Chiaki said, patting the panda plushie's head.

"It's not like they're wrong," Karuizawa giggled.

"I won't give up that easily," Yōsuke asserted, straightening up as he spoke. "You guys may think it's funny now, but just you wait. I'll prove to you all that I can be just as good as Kiyotaka...uh... maybe not as good. Just not tone-deaf. That has to count, right?"

Chiaki chuckled softly, the panda plushie in her arms bouncing slightly. "At least his spirits aren't dampened," she remarked, a fond smile playing on her lips. "It's admirable, isn't it?"

"I think it's more worrying than admirable," Karuizawa murmured, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "But I suppose that's just how he is."

"It's fine. Everyone prefers this version of him that allows himself to let loose. Most of the guys did dislike him before some of them warmed up to him," I commented, glancing at Yōsuke, who was now fiddling with his phone.

"That doesn't really mean much," Karuizawa countered. "The boys in our class, aside from like four... or maybe five... are idiots. Most of them are just perverted idiots who are jealous of Yōsuke's popularity."

"They can't even think for themselves," she added, scoffing at the thought of our male classmates.

Karuizawa's words stoked a thought that had been flickering in my mind ever since I figured out the S-System and the sorting of students—the odd addition of Yōsuke in our class of defectives.

The "defectives" in our class, like Yamauchi, for example, were known for their lack of logical thinking and their tendency to succumb to baser instincts. Yōsuke, in contrast, was academically inclined, athletically gifted, and unlike Horikita, who was also sorted into Class D despite hitting the previous two criteria, Yōsuke was also socially competent and outgoing.

To add to this, there was another student with a similar profile to Yōsuke— Shibata Sō.

And Shibata, despite being inferior to Yōsuke in every other aspect sans athletic abilities, was initially sorted into the then-Class B (now Class C).

This begged two questions: Why was Yōsuke sorted in Class D instead? Was his placement a mistake?

Of course, there were two obvious and general answers to those questions. One, he had a deep-seated defect that was just not obvious. Two, it wasn't a mistake.

Because ANHS rarely commits glaring mistakes. In fact, the school was pretty thorough and meticulous with its sorting process.

Thus, the real question now was: What exactly did he go through for him to be initially labeled as a defective student?

As I mused, my gaze unknowingly lingered on Yōsuke, who seemed oblivious to my silent analysis. Karuizawa had moved closer to him, her laughter punctuating the evening air as Yōsuke animatedly recounted a story. Their growing connection was a sight to behold, but my mind was occupied by the mystery of Yōsuke's place among 'defectives.'

But for the moment, I chose to put this puzzle aside. It was not of immediate importance, after all. However, I had a feeling that sooner or later, the truth would make its way to the surface, one that would solve the puzzle that was Hirata Yōsuke.

And whatever the reasons for his initial sorting in Class D, I had a feeling they were as complex as the boy himself.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, jolting me from my introspection. Pulling it out, I saw a new notification from the "Ayanokōji Group" group chat, a message from Airi. She rarely started conversations, making this an odd occurrence.

"Hello, everyone! Could you all meet me in my after class on Monday? There's just something I want to share with you." Her message read, with a follow-up, "It's nothing urgent, so if you guys are busy, it's okay. But if you can make it, I'd really appreciate it."

"Just a moment, everyone," I announced before halting in my steps and thumbing a quick reply.

"Sure thing, Airi. I'm free then." I sent my response, then, one by one, responses started rolling in from the others.

Haruka: Ooh? This sounds intriguing, Ai-chan! Okay, I'll be there! See ya~!

Baka Kenchin: I'm free as well

Akito: Count me in.

Akito: By the way, nice nickname Ken. Suits you.

Baka Kenchin: What the fuck?!

Baka Kenchin: HARUKA!

Haruka: It's fitting! No complaints, baka Kenchin!

Sudo Ken cleared his own nickname.

Haruka: Spoilsport!

...

I chuckled softly to myself. The chaos of the group chat was a welcome distraction from my earlier thoughts. I almost feel bad for Ken, almost.

"Are you done?" Karuizawa asked, bringing my attention back to the present.

"Yeah. Thanks for waiting," I nodded my head at the girl before pocketing my phone. "Let's go."

End of Chapter

A/N: This is a two-part chapter.

This one basically captures the nature of Kiyotaka's relationship with his core friend group. And the next one?

You'll have to read to find out.